For the third time in four years, Davor Šuker is bringing the HNS back to the United States. Previous rumors had the Vatreni coming back for friendlies in March, but instead of showing off talent, he and his staff plan to LOOK for talent. Last month, Šuker announced the HNS will be launching a Los Angeles camp this summer to look for promising diaspora talent. While some fans … [Read more...] about Šuker & HNS Making Moves In Los Angeles
World Cup Playoffs – How Does It Work?
By 96 CommentsTwo Games Away After beating Ukraine in Kiev yesterday, Croatia are two games away from qualifying for the World Cup in Russia. While many thought we should have finished 1st in our group, this is no new territory for the Vatreni. Other Times Croatia Were In a WC Playoff? 1998 The Golden Generation didn't qualify first in their group. They had … [Read more...] about World Cup Playoffs – How Does It Work?
Who To Watch – Croatia vs Mexico
By 4 CommentsTin Jedvaj (Bayer Leverkusen) & Duje Čop (Sporting Gijon) We are less than 24 hours away from the Croatia vs Mexico game. Some fans have voiced their frustration over the lack of top tier players, but what many people fail to realize is that all of the players on the current roster are fighting for a spot on the senior team's roster. That means a team full of … [Read more...] about Who To Watch – Croatia vs Mexico
Mandžukić: A New Man
By 14 Comments"He isn't good enough." "He can't create his own shot." "He can't score outside of 8 feet." Mandza's critics may be loud, but there is a reason he's always starting for the best teams in the world. Mario Mandžukić was a pivotal piece of Bayern Munich's Champions League title run in 2013, where the German giants took the European treble, before being … [Read more...] about Mandžukić: A New Man
Croatia vs Portugal – Breaking A Curse
By 82 CommentsAfter a magnificent performance on Tuesday, Croatian fans’ hopes are sky high. Along with the fans, it looks like every major media outlet in Europe has labeled Croatia as a favorite to make it to the final. From dark horse, to possible expulsion, to the top team in the tournament, this has been one hell of a ride in such a small amount of time. That rollercoaster of … [Read more...] about Croatia vs Portugal – Breaking A Curse
CROATIA DEFEAT SPAIN – TOP GROUP D
By 438 CommentsNever in my life would I have thought to see such a turn around. As history has told us, this game is where we should have crumbled. Mentally, the flares and the news swirling around the federation should have had fans and players not excited for what was to come. But something remarkable happened today. A group of young talent and the old guard put up a performance that will … [Read more...] about CROATIA DEFEAT SPAIN – TOP GROUP D
UEFA Sanctions Announced for Croatia – Euro 2016
By 93 CommentsJust after 17:00 CET, UEFA announced their disciplinary sanctions for Croatia. Sanctions are as follows A fine of $100,000 Euros Prohibit the HNS from selling tickets to certain fans (identified by the HNS and Croatian authorities as hooligans) for the remainder of UEFA EURO 2016. This sanction is deferred under a prohibitionary period until the end of the … [Read more...] about UEFA Sanctions Announced for Croatia – Euro 2016
Lethargic Croatians Draw 0-0 In Azerbaijan
By 306 CommentsWhen Croatia and Azerbaijan met last October in Osijek, the Vatreni easily dismantled their competition 6-0 in front of 15,000 happy fans. They meet again in Baku Thursday with only four matches remaining in Euro qualifying. The question is: will the real Croatia show up who can score goals with ease against a lesser talented Azerbaijan side or will Croatia's Jekyl … [Read more...] about Lethargic Croatians Draw 0-0 In Azerbaijan
Jelavic to West Ham: 2 years – £3M
By 31 CommentsRemember our first piece on Bilic, where we talked about his need for a striker at West Ham? That need has been fulfilled by the greatest striker Croatia has ever seen play, in Scotland, for the Rangers, between 2010- 2012. Nikica Jelavic signed a 2 year - £3M deal with the Hammers. Not only did Bilic pick up a striker, he also managed to get Victor Moses (Chelsea) and Alex … [Read more...] about Jelavic to West Ham: 2 years – £3M