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Croatia returns to Nations League action at 12:00pm EST Saturday October 12th, as they welcome the Scots in Zagreb. Dalić looks to gain three points from a recently struggling Scottish side, and will most likely field a back three due to Stanišić and Juranović injuries. It is an exciting time in Croatian football with Gvardiol, Kovačić, Sučić 1 and 2, and Baturina all in superb … [Read more...] about How Croatia Should Line Up Against Scotland Saturday

Here are my 'Player Ratings' for the 1-0 Croatia victory over Poland in Osijek Sunday night: Livaković - 7. A solid display once again as Livaković has truly grown into a reliable starter for Croatia. Made a crucial save to keep the clean sheet as well. Šutalo - 8. Both DCC and Šutalo are truly proving that this 3-5-2 formation with them anchoring the back is solid (so … [Read more...] about Croatia vs. Poland: Player Ratings

Croatia's 2-1 loss to Portugal on Thursday certainly brought up loads of talking points, whether positive or negative. Dalić fielded a new formation and used fresh faces in the start of his Nations League campaign upon facing crucial National Team retirements and injuries. The 3-5-2 formation caused a lack of defensive cohesion in the first half but certainly utilizes the … [Read more...] about What Changes Will Dalić Make Against Poland?

This will be the most complicated lineup Dalić ever puts out against Portugal on Thursday in Nations League. Not only is the national team in a bit of a "transitional phase" with Brozović retiring, Modrić turning 39 next week, and Perišić clubless -- but the team has been hit HARD with the injury bug. Majer, Vlašić, Erlić, Stanišić, Juranović have all been ruled out for this … [Read more...] about Dalić Must Start Baturina, Pjaca vs. Portugal As Injury Bug Demolishes Croatian Squad

Croatia's first knockout match comes early this time around as 3 points against Italy is the bare minimum for the Vatreni to advance in 2nd place from Group B. What changes is Dalić rumoured to make in order to improve the squad from the lacklustre Albania match? Dalić is rumoured to start a defensive pairing of Martin Erlić and Josip Šutalo while moving Gvardiol back to … [Read more...] about This Is How Dalić Should Start vs. Italy

Marcelo Brozović has definitely not enjoyed great performances at the 2024 European Championship against Spain and Albania. His role as the central defensive midfielder in Croatia's iconic, and six-year long, 4-3-3 formation seems to have come to an end and fans of the Vatreni are calling for a change of identity on the pitch. An attacking midfielder, of which Croatia have … [Read more...] about Brozović Starting Against Italy?! Dalić With CONCERNING Remarks In Post-Albania Press Conference

What a disaster start for Croatia's Euro 2024 campaign. However, the Vatreni look to keep their historically solid record in the second match day of tournaments against weaker opposition in Albania. With that being said, the boys can NOT afford to take the Albanians lightly as they showed some quality in keeping a tight score line against reigning European champions Italy in … [Read more...] about How Dalić Should Line Up Against Albania

Zlatko Dalić's men take on three-time European champions Spain to kick off their Euro campaign in Berlin on Saturday June 15th at 12pm EST. The Vatreni will look to avenge their Nations League Final loss and start the tournament off with three points in the bag. Much discussion is taking place on how Croatia will line up, especially in the attacking department as all three … [Read more...] about How Croatia Should Start vs. Spain In Berlin

My main concern (and hole to fill) for Euro 2024 is the two winger positions. It used to be striker, however, with Budimir hot in La Liga, we can only assume the #9 role is his to lose this summer in Germany. We have to anticipate Perišić will not be ready for Euro in three months and Dalić will have to find other solutions. If Perišić is ready, great! But we are less than 90 … [Read more...] about Which Wingers Will Step Up For Croatia In 2024 With Perišić Likely Out?