Slaven Bilić has officially named his FIRST Croatia squad…and one thing is already clear:
This team will have far more attacking options to choose from versus defenders. Bilić is going heavy up front, bringing in Beljo and Ivanović alongside Budimir, Musa and Matanović.
But to make room, he’s going lighter at center back. Duje Ćaleta-Car is OUT, while Marin Pongračić drops to the standby list.
One of the biggest additions? Dinamo’s Josip Mišić gets the call and could give Croatia a true number six sitting behind the midfield. We shall see if he is even used though. And for everyone asking about Portsmouth youngster Adrian Segečić…not yet. Bilić is leaving some of Croatia’s young guns with the U21s for now.
Guys, this already looks like a MUCH more attack-minded Croatia than what we saw under Dalić.
Now the BIG question: What will Bilić’s first starting XI look like September 26th vs. Czechia in Prague?
That will likely be a must-win match for us as England and Spain are the other two teams in our nations league group. Top-2 make quarterfinals.
Luka usually plays behind the striker in a central role for real. Sometimes he plays on the right but he usually moves to the middle and the fullback moves up. Rarely does he carry the ball on the line, he’s not as shifty or quick in tight corners like Baturina I do t like him in the wing.
I would like to see 4-2-3-1
September 11
Stanisic luka V sutalo gvardiol
I would bank in 2 years that perisic can play in a tournament.
Kova P sucic would be my two DM
Baturina Lsucic and segecic
With matanovic as striker
Baturina is shifty he’s not a pure winger but can play the left. I would like to see segecic on right and L sucic in the middle.
Guys kramaric can’t run he’s done.
Modric kramaric and budimir need to go.
I get perisic cause he can be play LB but he should go to.
1- We don’t need budimir doesn’t matter how many goals guys scores.
2- Modric can’t run and the central position we are ok. Kova p. Sucic baturina and L. Sucic.
3- Kramaric has been replaced by so many take your pick. Again L sucic, Stojkovic baturina all guys who can shot pass and RUN!!
Right now the core is already established
Guys who should be you’re 2028 gurantee 11
Stanisic
Luka V
Gvardiol
P sucic
Baturina
Kova
Matanovic
Now let’s say Luka S is ready to step in that’s 8 players with the goalie 9.
So we need two players. Speed on wing and another defender.
Stojkovic, segecic, frigan , Ivanovic, Jaga , soticek, skafar zuzic, Crnac , some kid we don’t know ?
Sutalo , erlic mlacic pavic etc
Point being the core needs to start now make this team there’s and Bilic just needs to find some sprinkles to put it together.
Also if Bilic is so bent on a proper #6 how do you not call Nejasmic that makes again zero sense.
Our forwards and midfielders seem to be playing regularly and the forwards in particular are scoring goals at the moment.
I’m a bit worried about our defence with Gvardiol and Vuskovic the only once that are playing regularly. If one of them gets injured, we are up the creek as they say.
We play Czechia first and also last, these are the crucial matches. I do not expect us to come first or second ?, but it is crucial that we come third.
Third place will guarantee that you will be seeded for the EURO 2028 qualifying draw ( to be held in Dec 2026) and also a play-off spot to stay in NL Group A.
Luka Sucic with the game winner today for Real Sociedad.
Glad to see him having a good start to the season. Moreso happy that he is doing this as a RW player in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Gives Bilic a good option on that right side opposite Baturina, who has been playing in the same role on the left side.
Hopefully we roll with a Baturina/Sucic/Sucic trio behind Matanovic.
Luka Sucic actually had two goals today, but had one cancelled by VAR.
Wow. That goal that counted, the game winner, was a fantastic move, quick shift to the left and it was a rocket, the goalie never had a chance.
Big winning goal for Sucic, and has to be a huge confidence builder.
8.5 Fotmob, second best player on the field
8.5 Sofascore, second best player on field.
Looks like the season is starting on a different path than the disastrous start last season . . .
Exactly what was needed, and he has to keep rolling . . .
Now Ivanovic has to recover from his bad last season, and regain his form from 2024-25 . . . Add to that Sutalo. On the Eredivisie all star team in 2024-25, looked superb, and inexplicably it falls apart in 2025-26.
Ivanovic, Sutalo, and Sucic . . . all need to bounce back this season, and at least one of them appears to be on the way . . .
Sto je tu je
I was just imagining if I was discussing with Bilic what the squad would be. I would say: “ok let’s start: Stojko”
Bilic would say “come on, let’s build the team sensibly”
I would say “ok let’s be logical. The most likely formation you will use. The one best suited to our players and our style, is 4231. So when you build a squad you need two options for each position”
Slaven: “yes but it’s 4 games in 10 days we need 26”
Crnkovic: “yes but first let’s make the squad so that is complete with 23, then we will see”
Slaven: “ok, I mean, you know…why not”
Crnko: “three goalkeepers. Easy choice. Now back 4. We need 4 central defenders. Who are our best 4 central defenders? Luka V, Joško, sutalo is talented but not always on the right frame of mind so let’s pick erlic he is like the opposite of sutalo. Solid reliable. That’s the central defenders….and so on.
Right back: stanisic and smolcic
Left back: Perisic and JJ
Central midfield: modric, Kovacic, Peter sucic and for the last one someone more defensive. For balance. Misic
Right wing. Marco P and Luka sucic or segecic? Luka sucic higher level and experience. Ok
Left wing: vlasic and Franjo
Number 10: Baturina and kramaric
Striker: matanovic and Budimir
Done. Now there are 3 places left. What do we want to do with those 3 extra players? The squad is complete. 2 players for each position. Logical squad. Do we want to just put 3 extra guys in the squad who probably won’t play a game but are solid? Or shall we use those 3 spots to begin giving the next generation a chance. Add a little spark?
Slaven “ok but 2 strikers is not enough we need a third to cover the situation”
Crnko: ok choose. Musa or Beljo?
Slaven: Musa s such a good all around striker he deserves to be in the squad, but I think it’s time to see what Beljo can do.
Crnko: ok fine. Two more spots. What about some creativity? Something new. A player who can shoot and create. A young player with no fear.
Slaven: are you talking about segecic or stojko?
Crnko: pick one.
Slaven: Stojko is the key man for Dinamo. Did you see his volley last season?? The ball was droooing from space and he knuckle balled it into the top corner.
Crnko: I know. He can do things that not only no other Croatian can do, maybe jagusic will eventually, but no other player IN THE WORLD can do. A unique talent. A Croatian genius.
Slaven: but i don’t know if he is ready you know. He is not the best on defensive transition, still a bit light weight physically.
Crnko: slaven the squad is complete. We are looking for something EXTRA.
Slaven: ok ok. Stojko
Crnko: ok one more spot.
Slaven: listen we can’t drop Mario pasalic. I was reading Croatia sports.com and this guy anonymous was saying not to forget the beautiful pass against England. Also he can cover any position on midfield or attack. And he is goal threat especially against tired legs. From crosses. He crashes the box late like Lampard used to do…
Crnko: sounds like a no brainer. There is the squad
So in the end it’s Stojkovic for Musa. The rest is the same
Logic. 🙏🏻
Crnko’s Republic . . . aka The Dialogues of Crnko . . .
So? has Bilic done a whole lot different than people thought he would? seems to me there’s been marginal change so lets see if the teams functions any better.
I guess it really depends on what the starting eleven will look like.
It’s interesting to note that we have a young duo in Baturina and Luka Sucic playing very well at LW and RW for their respective clubs (in top leagues).
With Matanovic as our best young in-form striker (also playing as a lone striker in a top league) then I think it’s a no-brainer that we play Matanovic up top, and try out a 4-2-3-1 with Baturina and Luka Sucic at LW and RW.
The #10 can be Petar Sucic in the middle Modric and Kovacic (assuming he’s in form) playing in the pivot behind them.
This is a very young team despite there being little change in the overall 23-man squad.
What I’m trying to say that…
If we are now suddenly starting Matanovic, Petar Sucic, Luka Sucic and Luka Vuskovic…that’s a massive change from our WC2026 team already.
Yes, they were always on the 23-man squad, but they were not guaranteed starters (and some were barely used if at all).
Re Segecic
For those pounding the table for his inclusion
The U21 play Hungary U21 first
Guess how many of Hungary’s best under 21 players already with the Senior team.
Guess !!!
Now look !!!!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungary_national_football_team
EIGHT !!!!!!!!!!!
BahahahahahahahahahahagggGgGa
Olic cries and needs all the under 21 players to face Hungary U21 b team
So so unreal
So so pathetic
@Maminjo plz start the petition for Olic’s immediate removal I’ll sign first !
PS Segecic has been a bit slow start this season – he really needs to produce a G or A every other game in the Championship – needs to be consistent and produce – he’s on the right track but needs to prove to t this year
remind me the last time Hungary qualified for a World Cup?!
@anon. You just have to be patient. If only there was a way to bottle your passion and drip feed it into Croatian football. But there isn’t. There is not much we can do but pray and maybe hope occasionally Bilic reads Croatian sports.com, we haven’t even seen Bilic first lineup. I’m excited for that. The problem with playing the game on paper. Football is played on the pitch. Yesterday I played first match of the new season. We played against last seasons champions. They are a good team. But we finished 4th last year. So we are not bad ourselves. We had 3 players out injured. We started the game bad. Our centre back, second best player in the team after crnkovic, slipped and they scored 1-0, halftime score was 8-0. EIGHT. Lmao. Half time i spoke to the coach. Put the centre back in midfield. Put the left winger as a 6. Put me on the left. Let the slow guy with good touch play as a false 9. Final score? 9-0. Much better second half, completely dominated the game. Crnkovic missed TWO easy chances. But that’s football. Small changes can have a big effect. Making the right subs at the right time can have a big effect. Players being mentally prepared can have a big effect. If Bilic finds a way to get the best out of vuskovic, gvardiol and stanisic on defence. Just that will make us much better than we saw in the World Cup. Details
Wedding Boy scores in the 90th to win the game – best goal of his career
He played 90’
They played 32’ with 10 men
This the best goal I’ve seen him score – not because of the movement and finish in the box which was very good – but when the play started he RODE / BROKE FREE of the challenge/contact and kept going and fought throw the contact and wanted the win (rather than flop like Budimir would have done) – excellent mentality on this play – NT player mentality on this play
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CGwY-AJRZOc&ra=m
His called back goal was better.
Deliberately putting it through the goalkeeper’s legs. Too bad there was a handball several plays earlier that cancelled his great goal.
Once Bilic confirmed he’s announcing the squad 12 days before every other country and sticking with a standby list AND Modric said he’s not going anywhere – it was obvious there would be no real change on personnel and the 5 geriatrics would remain
FI – Pong and Duje not cut – it’s just they didn’t have teams/played – they’ll be back he says once they start playing – as such no clue why Sutalo is called as he’s been on the bench twice for Lazio (including today) and he’s not playing there – none of them should be called up or on a silly standby list
The one change is Bilic said blackline is Stanisic Vuskovic Gvardiol Perisic (LB) – so Bilic is moving Josko to CB and letting Luka run with it – so that’s two changes – so at least the back 4 is set until we find an actual LB (Perisic vs. Yamal lol)
I’m very concerned v-a-v the precedents of incentivizing Croatian players to fail outside of the HNL – run back to DZ (or Hajduk in case of Soticek) – start playing – and getting called up to the NT – this applies to Kotarski, Misic (Sporting, etc) and Beljo (he is the worse of the bunch as he ran away from the Bundesliga bc he didn’t want to fight for a position lol) – by this logic if Jaga went to DZ last year and was playing he would presumably be on the NT by now like Stojko – it’s illogical as the struggle and fight he is facing at PAO is very very important for his development/being out of his comfort zone and Stojko hasn’t proved himself outside of the HNL
Vlasic – don’t understand the hate – he was great vs. Ghana and also vs. Portugal tag-teaming Rafa Laeo with Stanisic and shutting him down – as soon as he went off the next minute Laeo got that cross off to go ahead in the game – for what he lacks in pure talent – he makes up in elite mentality and physicality – he’s captain of Torino (none of the other NT players are captain of they clubs) he complements the other more technical midfielders we have – any saying he should be dropped is crazy
Mario Pasalic – he’s a jack-of-all-trades – does everything at a very good level – are we forgetting that world-class elite disguised pass vs. England against the low block where he found Perisic who headed to Musa for the goal ? And he’s versatile can play multiple positions including the #9 which would be a better idea than run-back-to-HNL Beljo (remember Franko scoring a billion goals in Slovenia last year – the most of any player in any league ? He’s rotting on the bench in Hungary now)
Marco – no play MLS, no get called up to the NT, kind of simple
Misic over Najmastic (5 years younger + better league) – barf
Perisic LB 1st choice – JJ is LB 2nd choice
Wedding Boy – still being called on potential, rather than delivering for club (no playing is not enough)
Some genuinely good points here, players shouldn’t be awarded for crawling back to the HNL which is constantly being hit with embarrassing financial issues and European performances. Then again, who scored and got the assist for the winning goal against Brazil in 2022? Two HNL players; so it’s tough to say.
Also, anyone who watches Vlasic semi-consistently in Serie A will tell you he’s an amazing player so I couldn’t agree more with his analysis here. Stats don’t tell the whole story
The latest is Luka Ivanusec
Failed in Netherlands – failed in Greece – Feynoord and him agree to cancel his contract (despite 2 years left) and he runs back to DZ
Do you understand how bad a player has to be that a club that paid 8M to buy him would rather not pay his wages for two more years and let him leave for free – that means there was not even one club in the world willing to pay anything to buy him from the Dutch
But good enough for DZ – I’m sure he’ll be back on the NT in 12 months
On Stojko – let him go to Slaven and carry them on his back like Jaga did – tben we can talk – not that hard to play for DZ against Slaven (sans Jaga) and Rudes where every player on the team is the best in their position in the HNL – but not even good enough to qualify for the CL
Reading people comments and Ante’s article one can’t laugh. The Bilić era starts with a big fail! How is this much better lol cause of juranovic and Smolcic ?
The most important thing for Bilic was to transition and we didn’t do that that’s as simple as it gets we don’t need long comment defending Bilić.
Modric has reportedly committed for the year that is a fail. We haven’t really made any transition , no need for kramaric budimir makes no sense. Not calling Segecic because he’s young and only playing in championship makes no sense.
Championship league is def a step above HNL and Bilić just called two guys from HNL so to say Segecic is unproven is a wesk argument I can easily say based on Mišić play in Europe he is unproven and I love Dinamo but keep it real.
Also cutting pong duje jakic amd Moro takes zero guts those are the easiest people to cut and proved Modrić is still running the show.
Guys juranovic is nothing special not saying he shouldn’t get called but he’s average and Smolcic is average guys doesn’t start for como those call ups don’t move the needle.
If modric kramaric budimir and perisic are still in squad and options nothing changes.
There is no reason for Budimir to be called, Matanovic is the guy and should be handed the keys. Musa and Beljo can battle for backup role. In 2 years next tournament budimir is almost 40 years old just move on now.
Baturina gvardiol p. Sucic etc aren’t little kids that need to be watched like toddlers. They are men who are around 23 years old time to move on let these guy breath without the old vets lurking, this excuse of having seniors for whatever reason is so weak and stupid.
Budimir is there because he has 4 goals in 4 La Liga games. Perisic is there because we don’t have a better LW/LWB.
You say Smolcic and Juranovic “don’t move the needle”, and maybe that’s fair. But who does right now? I also want to see young Croatian players start making the step towards the NT, but Croatia will never have the squad depth to “cleanly” replace the last generation. Who else should be there instead of Smolcic and Juranovic right now? Hrgovic? Valincic? They’re not ready and not better options right now.
There’s arguments to be made about the squad, but a “big fail” is a huge over-exaggeration. Out of Croatia’s top 30 players right now, how many are left off this list? It’s pretty much what’s to be expected given Croatia’s talent pool
To me in my opinion it’s a big fail because you haven’t moved on. The whole point of dalic leaving is so we can move on!
If we don’t move on the. What’s the point of Bilic ?
I’m not critical of Bilic calling juranovic and Smolcic. I’m critical of people applauding Bilic like he did something good.
Bilic need to move on from old guard amen
Absolutely 💯
Same lineup as dalic would bring
Another 23rd place incoming
I don’t mind these veterans like Perisic, Budimir and Modric being called up if they are performing at club level AND they are willing to take smaller roles on the National Team.
Callups like Kramaric and Mario Pasalic make little sense though, as they are not playing at club level.
I agree that Bilic needs to start planning for two years out though.
The starting lineup should include Matanovic with Baturina, P.Sucic and L.Sucic playing behind him. I don’t mind Modric and Kova starting behind them in the pivot, but I would be quick to sub them out and slide back P.Sucic and bring in Ivanovic, Segecic or some other youngster into the lineup.
We need to build for two years out, and we can’t do that if these older guys are playing 90+ minutes per game.
I think those are some fair points, which is why Misic being there is a bit of a head-scratcher. I also agree that Mario Pasalic and Kramaric specifically don’t have much to offer at this stage is their careers.
But between Modric, Perisic, Mario Pasalic, Kramaric and Budimir; who’s there to fill all those roles? As I mentioned, our talent pool just isn’t there. Even if we’re planning two years from now, I don’t think we currently have the depth to fill those positions. Guys like Ivanovic, Stojkovic, and Segecic have potential for sure. But has Ivanovic shown enough to be playing even 30 minutes/game for a team that’s reached two world cup semi-finals in the past 10 years? Stojkovic? Segecic?
And that’s not to say there aren’t amazing young Croatian players out there, there 100% are. Baturina, Sucic, Vuskovic; these guys will be world-class. There’s no reason to be pessimistic about the NT’s future, but I still think the veterans are necessary at this point
No, we needed to let 9 10,14,17 go after ’22.
Now the pain will just continue until those guys leave finally
Bang on 💯
@vlad, you’ve made some really good points there. I for one understand your frustration. Definitely a lot of truth in what you say. On the other hand it’s a slight over reaction. Let’s not forget these guys are good players. A coach job isn’t only selection. It’s tactics and motivation. Maybe Bilic feels he can get more from these guys and wants to give them a chance to prove it. They’ve worked hard to be where they are. Maybe they have some more to show. When bilic built his team around those young guys modric eduardo etc. they were world class talents. Much much better than the guys they replaced. We still don’t know if the current next generation are that. Stojkovic I believe is ready. The others no. Bilic has said “the ONLY criteria for the national team is quality” that means he will pick who he thinks the best players are today.
My (way too long) thoughts on the list:
– I think Bilic got the defenders exactly right. Juranovic is getting back into form and Smolcic had a very solid season in Serie A last year.
– Fruk and Moro being on stand-by was a good call, they don’t deserve to be in the squad. You could argue Moro never really deserved a call-up in the first place.
– Misic shouldn’t be here at all, including standby. I know that a lot of great Croatian players end up breaking into the team pretty late in their careers, but this spot belonged to Nejasmic. Nejasmic is younger, in a better league, and in better form. At 32 and having a poor start to his season, I don’t understand the thinking here.
– 5 strikers is obviously a lot. Bilic has already said there won’t be this many in the squad next time. I don’t see Musa or Budimir losing their spots, and it’ll be very difficult for Beljo to make his case long-term by staying at Dinamo. Ivanovic and Matanovic are challenging themselves in high-quality leagues. The discrepancy between Dinamo and who Beljo’s scoring against (Rudes, Slaven Belupo, etc.) makes it really hard to take his numbers seriously. With that said, Ivanovic is coming off of a tough year in Portugal and still has a lot to prove. Matanovic, Musa and Budimir are probably the best picks right now.
– Once again, the squad is lacking wingers. That has less to do with Bilic and more to do with a lack of options. Even Marco Pasalic, who’s called up, is having an underwhelming season. It’ll be interesting to see if Bilic works around it (like Dalic) or forces in guys like Segecic who maybe aren’t ready for the first team. Worth mentioning that Pjaca is on fire right now.
– Overall, it’s a pretty good list in my opinion. Misic is the only big question mark and maybe a striker could’ve made way for a winger.
– I’m hoping we see Stojkovic, Segecic, Jagusic, Soticek, etc. really make their case this season. Out of all of Croatia’s youngsters who aren’t yet in the NT, I have the highest hopes for Jagusic. Hopefully he gets out of Greece and goes somewhere where he can show his talent.
Agree with Jo on Nejasmic v Misic for reasons set out by Jo.
Everything else aside, Nejasmic has never been capped and I believe Misic has . . . would be good to see Nejasmic have the opportunity given his current form and his leadership at NEC. He is by far and away the best player on NEC right now, and they finished an impressive third in the Eredivisie last season.
As for Marco, he has started once for Orlando in the last five games in MLS. I am not sure it makes a whole ton of sense.
But as Crnkovic says, Bilic is not in an easy position, difficult choices. . . . he is thinking 5-6 moves down the chess board, and we can’t exactly see his plan and how he expects it to unfold as we move towards Euro 2028 and WC 2030.
I’m not entirely sure what’s happening with Marco at Orlando either. He’s a super interesting player and despite not being a ‘youngster’ could still take his career in a lot of interesting places. Maybe a move to a ‘weaker’ European league like Turkey would actually be decent for him? It’s tough to say
A return to a European league would, I agree, be the best move for Marco . . . Not the Premier League. All this talk of him going to Hull just seemed a bad idea, he would not get a good opportunity in the Premier League . . . glad it did not happen.
Maybe the Eredivisie, Turkey is another possibility. . . The right Bundesliga team in the right circumstance at the right time might work . . .