The 2034 World Cup was awarded to Saudi Arabia this week. The Athletic put together a tight, yet semi-objective article following the announcement. (It's a decent and short read) So how the hell did we get here with Qatar, another Middle East nation just hosting the 2022 World Cup? Unfortunately, we live in a world where bottom line will always trump tradition, and FIFA … [Read more...] about 2034 Saudi Arabia World Cup: Clever, Clever FIFA
Dalić Shuffles Squad For Final 2 Euro Qualifiers In November
By 43 CommentsIvanuśec, Moro, Kramarić, Sučić, Pjaca, Budimir have all been called up to play against Latvia and Armenia in Croatia's final two Euro 2024 qualifiers in November. That means somebody has to be left off the squad. Vlašić, Barišić, Brekalo, Musa, and Beljo have all been cut from the November squad list. I'm a bit surprised Beljo got the knife as Croatia are still thin in the … [Read more...] about Dalić Shuffles Squad For Final 2 Euro Qualifiers In November
Croatians Around Europe 9: Modrić Assists Winner In 500th Real Madrid Match, Ivanušec Returns
By 77 CommentsLuka Modrić made a huge difference in El Clasico Saturday, whether he wanted to or not. Modrić came off the bench in the 63rd and would "accidentally" assist Bellingham in injury time to steal all three points from Barcelona in El Clasico. Modrić received a 7.0 rating from Goal.com as he was "Part of a double-substitution with Joselu, coming on in place of Kroos, and played a … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe 9: Modrić Assists Winner In 500th Real Madrid Match, Ivanušec Returns
Dinamo Lose 2nd Straight Conference League Match
By 26 CommentsFull transparency: I was only able to watch five minutes of this match so I can't comment, but I was shocked to see Dinamo Zagreb, the reigning Croatian champions, losing to a mid-level Czech side after losing to Ballkani (Kosovo) in their previous European match. Dinamo had 64% ball possession and five total shots against Viktoria Plzen Thursday night at Maksimir but … [Read more...] about Dinamo Lose 2nd Straight Conference League Match
Modrić MOTM In 2-1 Real Madrid Win Over Braga, Šimić With Hockey Assist vs. Inter Milan
By 45 CommentsLuka Modrić showed up big Tuesday night in Real Madrid's 2-1 Champions League victory over Braga. He played the full match and was awarded MOTM honors from FOTMOB with an 8.2 rating. He didn't make it to the score sheet but he did supply the following stats. Not too shabby after a disastrous international break. Both Roko Šimić and Luka Sučić got the start for Red Bull … [Read more...] about Modrić MOTM In 2-1 Real Madrid Win Over Braga, Šimić With Hockey Assist vs. Inter Milan
Croatians Around Europe 8: Budimir Brace, Sosa Bags 2 Phenomenal Assists For Ajax
By 48 CommentsAnte Budimir scored two goals for Osasuna Friday night and received a 9.0 FOTMOB rating in a 2-0 victory over Granada. The first goal came in the 11th minute when Budimir stayed just onside with the last defender, called for the ball, and chipped the ball into the far corner of the net with his left foot for a cheeky finish. Budimir would then convert a penalty kick in the 2nd … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe 8: Budimir Brace, Sosa Bags 2 Phenomenal Assists For Ajax
PSA: Wales Will Not Pick Up 6 Points In November
By 2 CommentsThis will be the last I speak of this shit international break for our beloved Vatreni. As I said on the podcast, I am "stone cold lead pipe locking" that Wales will not win their final two matches of Euro 2024 qualifying next month versus Armenia (on the road) and at home against Turkey. Armenia's Euro 2024 hopes are more than alive and a win versus Wales on home soil will … [Read more...] about PSA: Wales Will Not Pick Up 6 Points In November
Episode 11: Losses To Turkey & Wales
By 70 CommentsAPPLE PODCAST LINK Ante, Zorić, and Novaković talk about Croatia’s two losses to Turkey and Wales this week and what’s next for the team in Euro qualifying. Who’s most to blame? What changes need to be made? … [Read more...] about Episode 11: Losses To Turkey & Wales
Cryptic Message From Dalić: “I Will Now Call Up New Players”
By 46 CommentsCroatiaWeek translated Zlatko Dalić's post-match press conference following the 2-1 loss to Wales Sunday. In the press conference, Dalić says: "The fact is that what we played is unacceptable, and we need to seek better and more quality solutions. I said earlier, in the last 30 matches since the Euros, we’ve only lost two, and now two in three days. I had my ideas, thoughts … [Read more...] about Cryptic Message From Dalić: “I Will Now Call Up New Players”