BBC Sport has reported that QPR midfielder Niko Kranjčar will miss the World Cup after injuring his hamstring in the first half versus Derby County this past Saturday in the Championship playoff game. Although Kranjčar will return to the Premiership next season (if he stays with QPR), at age 29, this very well may have been his last World Cup.
Kranjčar would not have started in Brazil, he could have been utilized as a super sub in the last 20 minutes of a match. Now with Ivan Strinić and Ivo Iličević ruled out as well, the Croatian bench is beginning to look thin.
90 + Min. NOT 85 ! Bog !!
@Slavonac:
I have been a Kranjcar apologist over the years, but regardless of his recent injury IMHO he has declined.
Perhaps it is a personality thing or personal distractions, but he was more impressive when at Portsmouth and Tottenham.
“Also i am hoping for at least one or 2 injuries to the Mexico team as they have like 3 more friendlies left”
I prefer we play them while they have no injuries…and I hope we beat them by 3 goals…
Who cares about Kranjcar, HE IS NOT GOING TO BRAZIL. End of story guys wasting too much time on this weak topic 😀
Also i am hoping for at least one or 2 injuries to the Mexico team as they have like 3 more friendlies left 🙂 fingers crossed
nepoznat- you are arguing a point you should not, that’s the truth! you are not someone I enjoy insulting, over the past year or more I see you are a good guy…the issue I have is that although you may have some knowledge, you make some very poor comments that do not add up and I think you are not qualified to to say someone is in “worse shape” today than he was 4 years ago…at 29?
I have been involved in soccer my entire life, I saw first hand how sophisticated and professional the trainings are, I am still involved in the sport as a coach and take the courses…I read a ton, speak to people and have friends involved at the professional level today….your comments were off and painted a picture that Kranjcar has dropped in fitness and he’s not suitable to play because he’s “declined”…and “downward slide, and you get in worse shape and slower as you age”…this statement is true but not at his age and not at his level, you said “it’s no surprise that you can’t play a position that you used to be able to”…again, at 29?
all these statements are false….you can be stubborn and choose to not admit you are wrong…I’m standing firm because of what I know, you are standing firm because you are stubborn and can’t handle being wrong!
Slavonac arguing with you is like arguing with a brick wall, although at least a brick wall will echo my points back to me correctly!
World Cup 2014: Croatia are the most in-form team of any going to Brazil – they could match 1998 generation
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10862413/World-Cup-2014-Croatia-are-the-most-in-form-team-of-any-going-to-Brazil-they-could-match-1998-generation.html
Aside from a couple of minor issues, Croatia are fortunate to have no real injury or stamina concerns going into the World Cup
…
nepoznat-first I’ll address this: “Also you seem to admit he is in decline when you said ‘don’t think I want him as a starter, but I would put him on the field for 30 minutes or less anytime’. This is a former starter who we would count on for 60-90 minutes each and every game, right?? Now even you are saying he’s only good for 30 min or less. IN WHAT WORLD IS THAT NOT CLEAR EVIDENCE OF DECLINE?!?” – you’re so incredibly lost, I can’t imagine you’ve ever played a sport in your life…I’ll take a page from your book…when have I ever said he was a starter? you seem to think a substitute is such a bad thing but players like Antonio Cassano, Van der Vaart, Tevez….have all been subs on their National team. learn something dude…accept the fact you don’t know anything about soccer, being a sub is just as important as being a starter…you have no clue what you are saying!
” @Slavonac that was like 4 years ago with Kranjcar at LM for Spurs, and that’s right when his decline really started and he’s fallen quite a ways since then” – look, I’ll explain this to you…4 years ago Kranjcar was 25, almost 26…players are in their prime 27-30. he could have chosen to go to Getafe, Granada, Levante…or some lower team in Germany…France….and been a starter but he chose to play in Portsmouth and Tottenham where its EXTREMELY competitive, EXTREMELY FAST PACED…and EXTREMELY PHYSICAL. the majority of players nowadays couldn’t make it to a team in England…and a few years back it was the “best league in Europe”…QPR train at the exact same level…if you think they do not, you are confused
“and you get in worse shape and slower as you age and continue/accelerate in your downward slide it’s no surprise that you can’t play a position that you used to be able to, saying nothing about the mental aspect” – WORSE SHAPE? SAYS WHO? AT 29? SHOW ME WHERE THERE IS A STAT THAT HE IS IN WORSE SHAPE? this is your ignorance here…ignorance in sport and ignorance in soccer…you are an internet guru that’s never played at any level so you have no comprehension of what “shape” means! how could you possibly for a second think a team like Dynamo Kiev, Tottenham or QPR would allow any 1 single player to be on their roster at any age…never mind 26-29 and be in a “downward slide”? are you nuts? there are players waiting to take your position…you can never just rest and think “oh, I made the team for this year so I’ll just relax and not worry about my fitness”! tier 2 division does not = less fitness, if anything they are all striving to get to the 1st div!
with regards to Niko being sold and then playing in England with QPR…a players career path doesn’t always go as expected, if you recall, I defended Luka Modric for his performance at Real last year…he could have very easily been sold to a lesser team and forever he would have been considered a flop! Kranjcar is a technical player, he’s very very talented…he’s never been quick…EVER….his style suits a league where the play is technical but for whatever reason that none of us know he chose England…IMO, bad mistake! this may shock you but I’m going to give you an analogy of the comparison between England Championship and Premier League. several years ago Luka Modric was loaned out to Zrinjski Mostar…that league is EXTREMELY tough…how do I know? I played there (not Zrinjski)! there is no such thing as second league conditioning vs first league…those guys train just as hard, if not maybe even harder…they all want to make it to the better teams in better leagues and the worst part is….they will break your legs in a heartbeat….now ask yourself…what league is tougher…Championship in England or Premier League of Bosna Hercegovina? QPR will receive almost $200 million USD for their promotion…you think that they’re filled with guys that “can’t play a position that you used to be able to, saying nothing about the mental aspect”…thats only in your head…because of the lack of soccer knowledge “you have”!
do not make the mistake of thinking a player is better or worse based on where he plays, you have absolutely no idea why he ends up in one team or another…there are tons of examples where players were awesome with one team and a coach just didn’t see them fit into their squad at another
“btw my 5 year old son argues better than you”- I can imagine your conversations are on par…you are both at the level of a 5 year old when it comes to the topic of soccer…
btw my 5 year old son argues better than you, at least he keeps his points relevant to what I actually said to him and doesn’t make up straw men arguments to shoot down
I wish I was joking here!
Slavonac please try again! And this time find something that I actually SAID that was untrue
“It’s untrue he is in less shape today than he was even 2 years ago when he hardly played”
– Show me where I said anything about his shape 2 years ago, you are mis-quoting me to find something false! nice try
“it’s untrue he plays less now than 2 or 4 years ago, it’s untrue he has been in steady decline”
-Again you are misquoting me, I never said he plays less now than 2 or 4 years ago! Yes he was loaned out this year and played more than in past 3 years, BUT it’s in 2nd division and only a 1 year loan. Not exactly a valid 1 to 1 comparison! The decline bit look at his appearances from say 2006-2010 and then 2010-2014. You don’t see a major drop-off in appearances? You don’t notice the level of competition he plays against is significantly less than playing CL ball with Spurs? etc
“how could they be true if he plays more now than a year ago?”
-More words in my mouth that I did not say, and again he was finally loaned out and got some playing time in 2nd division whoop dee doo
“Decline means less…am I wrong?”
-Decline means not as good, not just less appearances. Also you seem to admit he is in decline when you said ‘don’t think I want him as a starter, but I would put him on the field for 30 minutes or less anytime’. This is a former starter who we would count on for 60-90 minutes each and every game, right?? Now even you are saying he’s only good for 30 min or less. IN WHAT WORLD IS THAT NOT CLEAR EVIDENCE OF DECLINE?!?
Slavonac if I’m so wrong this should not be this hard for you to prove it! However in order to do so you have to use quotes of shit I ACTUALLY said, not stuff Ivica said, not stuff you wanted/thought I said, but use the ACTUAL verbatim quote of what I said. Find something wrong with one of those ACTUAL quotes
or you should admit you were wrong and misunderstood my quotes which are all factually correct!!!
*Gulp*
After the recent string of injuries, plus watching the U21 game I’m beginning to think Hajduk Split (@XtraTime.org) is right and Sammir makes the 23 man squad.
Recent Injuries to players who can play/sub in the MF:
Ilicevic, Kranjcar and now Badelj & Pranjic (Pranjic looks like he will recover at least)
U21 game:
Both Brozovic and Pasalic did not play very well IMHO and it’s hard to see them as better / above Sammir (who I don’t rate) at this point in their careers (Yes Slavonac this is from watching the match not what I read)
At this point I really think HS (@XtraTime.org) is on to something and I think there is now a good chance he makes the 23 man squad
options are slim since we lost strinic…
maybe bubnjic could slot in there, and we could have the biggest defense.
Bubnjic (6’2)- Lovren (6’3)- Schildenfeld (6’3)- Corluka (6-4)
with Perisic, and Mandza we would be a very good team on set pieces.
It sure is interesting, but pranjic at LB? come on what are we going to do give him a white flag to wave at this opponent and direct him to goal? 😀
At least Mali will have some sprinters. We can see how guys like Schifo and Ćorluka can handle that.
But yea, our friendly match selections weren’t much better.
heres an interesting lineup vs Brazil
——————-Olic——————
—Perisic——Kovacic——–Srna-
———–Modric–Rakitic———
-Pranjic-Lovren-Schildenfeld-Corluka
——————Pletikosa————–
Strong attacking left side to fix in on Brazil weak link in defense (Dani Alves), and a strong right sighted defense with Srna dropping back to help cover Neymar.
mexico i believe plays 3 more friendlys till the world cup
True Blaz!
This game wasn’t in place for any tactical reason, they pick up a bit of confidence as they head to brasil and everyone feels good for a few days…
Playing with a successful lineup in a tournament where most of the changes were between the forwards doesn’t equal Kranjcar was bad….you make changes when required to do so…you don’t just throw in a player if it isn’t necessary.
Tactics 101!
I am arguing him playing 30 minutes or less, you are saying he wasn’t utilized so he must be shit! Tactics don’t work that way…several great players don’t get playing time in big games and tourneys…it’s part of being in a game where only 11 can play and changes are made for necessity or tactical reasons.
Mali was a bad choice, almost as has as the US playing Azerbajain yesterday. Playing side that offers little competition and plays behind the ball does not prepare you for the WC. Would have been better of playing the HNL all stars.
@ivica and who does mali compare to?
Id rather we got Israel than mali
Why did Mexico choose to play Israel of all teams?
Israel’s style is probably the opposite of every team in this group. I’m sure they could have set something up with at least some African team or Southeastern European team.
I was the one who said Kranjcar wouldn’t be a loss because he wasn’t going to play anyway.
He played a total of 18 minutes over three games in Euro 2012, with almost all of it against Ireland after we were up by two goals already. Before his injury this week, I expected him to be called up and receive similar garbage minutes in WC2014.
He only started for us in two games since Euro2012:
the 2-0 Scotland loss and the 2-0 Serbia win…and he was the first player taken off in both those games. He only made three other appearances and it didn’t even amount to half an hour TOTAL in all three games combined.
We can all have our opinion on Crunchie, but my point is that he does not play regularly for Croatia at all. This wasn’t going to suddenly change for WC2014.
How is Mexico looking against an opponent they should handle? I watched a few minutes of it tonight, but most of my time was split watching the hockey and basketball games here in the fortified confines.
mexico playing a 5-3-2…
4-5-1 vs 5-3-2 points to a 0-0 draw imo.
we usually struggle when trying to break down a team. Hopefully Perisic, Kovacic, and Rakitic can do something about this.
Mexico* Israel*
Jesus corona, medicos keeper, carted off with a neck injury in their izreal friendly
everybody needs to chill.
Nobody is going to look through all your comments to find something untrue, for you to then argue and say it is true…
but who cares, imocan rebic will bring croatia to prosperity!
Ziva-I actually lost $140 while my oldest kid (12) liked a pretty horse and asked me to put some money on it, she won!
Nepoznat- your entire argument is about how little he played, how low his value is, how he is in a steady decline, talking about his conditioning and you haven’t watched him play in how long? Two weeks ago they were raving about him in the news….
It’s untrue he is in less shape today than he was even 2 years ago when he hardly played, it’s untrue he plays less now than 2 or 4 years ago, it’s untrue he has been in steady decline….you said those things and they are all false…..how could they be true if he plays more now than a year ago? Decline means less…am I wrong?
Arguing a player is worse, less than, declining while you haven’t watched him just doesn’t cut the mustard for me. He no longer plays for a more reputable team but that doesn’t mean much…
Read my posts again, please find where I said losing Kranjcar was “no loss”, I’m getting the sense you haven’t read what I actually wrote
And when you actually read my posts this time, try to find ONE THING I said about Niko that was untrue… I’m still waiting for that!!!
with you on Kranjcar
Hey man, $140 bucks is a lot of money to some people. In Kranjcar currency that can buy 30 Big Macs.
In Corluka currency that can buy 20 minutes of fun (hopefully tested and STD-free)
And in Croatiansports.com currency, its about the amount of donated money from 6 or 7 guys to fund a fine for a millionaire athlete.
All jokes aside (are they really jokes if real), I do agree with on Kranjcar
I went to the horse track last week, I know nothing about horses. I quickly got ahold of a guide to the horses, saw their recent records and read the expert comments…it was a mo brainer, a 100% synch! I proceeded to buy my bets, I easily could pick horses that were highly touted, they had a great record and the experts said these were the picks!
I spent $140 over 5 races, not much in the world of Ziva Istina but I knew I would make money based on what I had read from the experts, the stats from the last 3 races and based on what several regulars that know the stats that support their opinions!
I fucking lost!
Nepoznat, how could I have been wrong? The stats were there, I read the expert opinions and the regulars knew all the sure bets!!!!
Nepoznat- let’s drop this dude! I’d never argue football, baseball or basketball….maybe not even hockey…but you’re way off on this topic and especially with regards to Kranjcar.
Your entire argument is based off of stats that you think result in Kranjcar being “no loss” to this team! If I were you I wouldn’t even turn on your tv, let the stats tell you who will win each game. Transfermarket could most likely help you choose the winning teams through each round and maybe you could call Kovac and give him some tips….according to your theory, he foolishly named Kranjcar in his top 18 while Sammir and others get more minutes at their clubs!
Not only are you wrong, you are illogical if you think I can form an opinion on a sport or player based on what I read…like I said, don’t even bother watching the games, you should consider giving Ziva betting odds based on what you can dig up on websites!
You’re a great guy nepoznat, maybe one day I’ll meet you and explain the game to you, help you see things in the way it should be viewed and not devalue players because of something you see on the internet!
if dudu were to play against brazil, and score, would he celebrate?
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=5/news=eduardo-if-only-i-had-the-chance-to-sing-both-anthems-2345408.html?intcmp=fifacom_hp_module_news
Just watched the game. I’ll give you guys my analysis since you love it so much 😉
Re: Bubnjic…
Bubnjic is big and imposing, kind of a poor passer, a little clumsy, and seemed to have a poor touch. Looked like he was playing out of position at LB, and is probably more comfortable in a CB role. But once in a while he will make a very decent pass and a shockingly good cross (can someone be a bad passer but an excellent crosser?). Dude put in like five dangerous crosses. He was very active, but it was still hard to gauge him defensively as Ukraine didn’t really have anyone attacking him on that right wing. Not sure how he’d do against a Brazilian running at him. Bubnjic is 50/50 for me. Reminds me A LOT of Marko Babic in the way he runs and the fact he is not a natural talent when it comes to his touch, but is a hard worker. But it’s very unlikely that we go with him as a starter at LB though (unless we see something in these next couple of friendlies).
Vrsaljko, on the other hand is a natural. He has a wonderful touch, calm under pressure, and gives us options on that right side. Kovacic made a few killer passes too. These two are ‘A’ reprezentacija material. I loved how they were both passing and weaving through the crowded areas like it was nothing. It would’ve been nice if Vrsaljko started on the right side in that first Iceland match. It would’ve given us an idea of what he could do in a real game with the ‘A’ squad. Who knows, we just might see him as the starter on that RM side. Personally, I’d rather have him (or Kovacic) there than having to force one of Olic or Perisic to play there.
Rebic was good (our third best player out there behind Kovacic and Vrsaljko). He did trek back and play some defense a bit which was nice to see. Did a good job using his physicality on a few plays to take the ball away from Ukraine. He’s also a good passer (when he decides to pass). He made a good pass through a defender’s legs that could’ve easily lead to a goal early in the first half, not to mention that lovely pass to Perica that Perica hit the crossbar on. Rebic is very hot headed though. I could see him losing it on a Meksikanac. He’s definitely worth a good 20 minutes off the bench as he looks like he’s in great form.
Re: the rest of the team…
Perica and Pasalic were invisible. Jozinovic could’ve done better on that Ukraine goal. Pjaca wasn’t too noticible, but made some very nice technical moves (deked out a guy completely to free himself up, that eventually lead to the Rebic goal). Brozovic played DM and was scrappy defensively, but completely deferred to Kovacic on the offensive end. Jedvaj was a boss defensively and was probably the next best player on the field behind Vrsaljko, Kovacic, and Rebic. Jedvaj is a natural, just like Vrsaljko. Those two are going to make a good RB and RCB tandem for us. Both are extremely fast, athletic, and technically sound.
Overall, we completely dominated on possession and outchanced Ukraine. But Ukraine are a very talented and well organized team. They tied it up on the only real on-target shot they had, but it was from a quick throw-in into the box when our defense fell asleep not expecting that Ukraine would take that throw-in so quickly. Cro was pretty unlucky to hit the post and crossbar on some surefire goals. Probably should’ve been a 3-1 game. Oh well.
@Slavonac am I correct in saying that you were unable to find anything I said that was untrue? That seems to be the case after reading your reply
@AnyoneWhoDoesntKnowDifferenceBetweenWikipediaAndTransfermarkt #LMAO #Internet101FAIL #ComeOnBrate
Lol ok tipster
Anyways …
Krpan legenda haha
http://www.index.hr/mobile/clanak.aspx?category=sport&id=750153
CROATIA VS BRAZIL EVERYONE BEAT TIE OR CROATIA WIN
SPAIN TIE OR HOLLAND WIN
ITALY TIE OR ITLAY WIN
PROLINE
Highlights from the U21 game today (the goals) vs Ukraine. Rebic scored.
http://www.footytube.com/video/croatia-u21-ukraine-u21-may28-276890?ref=lchan_vidgrid
Kranjcar is a huge loss for us as he is the first man off of the bench usually in a game that we need to keep possession better or a game we are looking to add another goal. Anyone who is knocking Kranjcar obviously is knocking him without having watched the youth players or understanding why depth and experience is so important to your team.
Kranjcar may have already passed “his” prime days but he is still a valuable asset to this team because he has played in big games and knows how to keep his cool. While I’m excited about our youth getting a chance it’s not exciting for them to get a shot at the expense of an injury and not them actually being more deserving. A lot of you I doubt have tuned in to a QPR match on BEIN Sports this year or let alone streamed a Rijeka, Hajduk, or Dinamo match on a regular basis. You cannot compare HNL to Championship and you cannot compare Kranjcar and any of the young players who have not even hit the level Kranjcar is currently past his prime.
Rebic looked good today but he has played well at most matches I have seen him play. His awareness and defensive work I think still need to improve a little bit. He has a ticket to Brazil and while I don’t see him starting I think he may have a role in this side. He has pace to play a wing role on the left or right but it’s a risk and only Kovac really knows if it will be something worth taking.
Pasalic probably was one of the guys who wasn’t going to make it to Brazil anyway but today I thought he didn’t show much to prove a point. Unless there is something in training that has stuck out Sammir is miles ahead of him as a useful resource for us at this point in time. Maybe in Euro campaign he’ll be more ready.
Brozovic was not to bad today and Bubnjic was all over the place for me. Bubnjic showed what he can be good and why he can be cut off of the list very easily.
Vrsaljko was probably most impressive with his overall skills. He has slowly taken and added to his game. He will maybe see some time at the WC. I imagine he will soon see time at RB or RM and he gives us the option for the 3-5-2.
So long as Olic doesn’t play on the right side, he’ll do fine.
He’ll start at CF against Brazil, and if he does well, he will probably start on the left side for us once Mandzo is placed back into the starting lineup.
indeed, no need to have to defend Olic he has put his time in and battled manfully, his lack of goals aren’t an indictment on him but rather on the coaches because they have never set up the right style to fully utilise his arsenal. At club level he scores close to 1 goal every 2 matches which and this comes down to the fact that other coaches and teams have learned to utilise him to the best of his abilities, something th NT has failed to do. Either way he is a great and deserves the respect he has earned, hopefully Brazil will be a good outing for him
Dalmo- that was my point exactly, you made your point well! I never once insinuated Kranjcar is a starter, bet he has his role as I have often said…role’s are important to every team!
Olic is a totally different type of player, I’ve spent years defending him and to my amazement, still have to on the odd occasion. Olic brings work rate to the game that few can, he puts fear in the opposing defense for one simple fact…when he’s around, they can never feel relaxed and have time on the ball…this is a very important part of the game that few put value in. Olic also has the knack of knowing where to be, an instinct for the 3 yards off the line type goals…which is fine by me!
every player is different, many have certain strengths that are not necessarily a visible skill, its the coaches job to utilize those strengths within the team!
I never imagined I’d have to defend a player like Kranjcar…some guys rate him as “done”… and attack his “fitness level”…in 30 minutes on the field he could do more than many can in 90…it all depends on how you use him!
I just want to see Rebić play the last 20 minutes and pull off that Rebić “lažnjak” at least once in the game
@ Slavonac from Canada, im a fan of Kranjcars but you cant expect to win this argument because the basic facts are his playing time has been limited for some time, though what you are right about is that it wouldnt affect his ability to produce. Don’t forget that without Kranjcar we never make 2012 and Bilic showed him no respect with that bullshit injury time injection into the game against italy where in a minute on the pitch he managed to fire a shot, this is his quality with limited opportunity he can make things happen.
At tottenham the issue was with levy, but in those last couple years there when he got the occasional game he made the most of a few of those bagging some sweet goals, at dynamo the moment Blokhin was made coach my dad said thats it for Kranjcar, he saw Blokhin as a player and said he was explosive and would want a faster playing style and Niko wouldn’t fit in with his vision. Throw in some injuries and thats all she wrote for Kranjcar, so some will say no great loss i am of the opinion that it is a loss because he could have given us valuable minutes.
Niko Kranjcar 81 games 16 goals
Ivica Olic 90 games 18 goals
Now this is in no way to offend Olic, Olic is a gun that was never utilised properly by the NT so he could never really give us his all, either thats cos coaches saw him as a means to tire the opposition so they didn’t set a good style to get the best from him, or they plain and simple dont know how to set the play to get the most from him. I have watched him at club level a lot and know he makes it happen so i will put it on the coaches for never fully utilising him. But as you can see the facts are a “fat” slow midfielder has bagged at a similar rate with less game time(not sure about the game time). Niko has done his bit for us and i wish he was going to Brazil but life is a bitch and he has missed out, if you think its no big loss then each to his own
@ earnest
you are speaking some truth
olic will start at center forward without a doubt as long as healthy
the focus on the brazil game is defense. which makes rebic very unlikely to start
This is from my limited exposure to Rebic and it just seems he favors the left side. Also, Ive watched Perisic for a few years now and for the life of me I cant figure out what this guys dominant foot is. He seems to spray shots all over the place with both. Does anyone know lol? Usually its pretty apparent even with pros.
Who knew Niko Kranjcar would become such a lightning rod for debate hahhaa
TransferMarkt = Wikipedia
He likes to play on the left and cut inside and can also play through the middle. IMO this makes him a natural sub for Perisic. A right wing is kind of what we are missing and you may see Kova pushed out right helping srna if there isnt a srna vrsaljko combo.
never saw Rebic on the right before…but I’ve only seen him play a few times!
which is why I fear for Pranjic…he’s great getting forward but I’m not so sure how he’ll handle a guy like Neymar attacking on his side?
Can Rebic play the right side? he is mostly on the left, no?
Those same guys that want rebic out there to start and were calling for halilovic to play need to understand that defending is the priority for the brazil match. Otherwise you could be looking at a debacle and next thing you know the team is home before you ever realized they were in brazil.
First and foremost you need a right wing that will defend and double up their lb lw combo. If that is rebic then so be it but I would assume even vrsaljko would be better in that role with srna behind him because he is more defensively aware.
as of right now, I see Rebic as a sub…he’s explosive and loves to take guys on but I also don’t think he’s ready for the start.
I would be surprised if Rebic started the Brazil game. I don’t question his speed or his offensive ability, what I do question is his defensive abilities and off the ball awareness. Is he mature enough to understand where he needs to be positioned when we don’t have the ball. That is the thing that always worries me with younger players. Know your role and what to do.
Olic is your CF against brazil and anyone who thinks its someone else is dillusional. Rebic might play and might even start on the right wing. But there is no way in hell he is the CF that game. Book that.
The Championship (or EPL2) is still better than the HNL.
nepoznat-many players have ridden the pine…Kranjcar was Harry’s solution until Modric showed up…its what happens in sport, maybe the part you don’t understand is that just because a player is resorted to the pine it does not 100% reflect on him being poor.
Kovacic didn’t play much until the last 6 games with Inter…Fernando Torres lost his form with Chelsea but was a beast with Liverpool…Jelavic was awesome in Scotland and then Everton and then lost his form….
a sub is used to change the game in one respect or the other…30 minutes is not 90…I’m curious to know how an American or Mexican player playing in the US can be called a credible player but one that plays in EPL 2 cannot? The top half of EPL 2 teams are for the most part better than MSL…better players, better coaches, better quality!
you keep saying “you showed”…you only provide internet info, not knowledgeable info that comes from a perspective of what you observe yourself…and its obvious why…because you can’t identify his strengths and weaknesses other than to recite from the web!
soccer isn’t played on paper, its played on the field!
“So far everything I’ve said about the player appears to be 100% true” – actually, everything you’ve said is what somebody else said or you’ve collected through statistics…you made no personal argument based on your knowledge or lack-thereof.
“So I ask you what did I say that was untrue about Kranjcar?” – when you actually watch him play and make your assessment on here about his performance then we can talk about it, as of right now, you are just making opinions based on statistics…base you opinions on his play…then let’s talk!
I Dont care where at which club a player plays aslong as hes good for CROATIA! Rapaic never played alway gave 100% Niko Kovac wasnt a starter for Club always gave 100% its how you feel when you put the Sahovnica on play with heart and fire.
Rebic needs to come down to earth and stop thinking he is Ronaldo and pass when needed. Jedvaj is going to be euro 2016 q roster so will imo Pjaca Perica Brozovic looked good.
Pjaca is a true winger and is only 18. Left back id try Vrslajko he looked great today on RB if hes a good player he can do it
Using TransferMarkt to make your point is kind of like using Wikipedia to make your point. Both are flawed and not very accurate.
That said………there would have been room for Kranjcar on this roster and there would have been playing time for him, depending on the status of the game and cards/injuries at the World Cup.
@ Armada i Slavonic i svima
Homie appreciate the positive acknowledgement.
Rebić is 20 years old not 18 or 16.
We have the best midfield in the world and need his dynamic self to do him. He is not carrying the entire spear, just providing the sharp point.
He scored today and he is now healthy.
He starts against Brazil upfront and on the wing when Mandžukić comes back.
He is the X factor to our counter attack.
U boj !
Call me fickle, but whenever a player that is in a 2nd division team gets called to the roster I can’t help but hate the decision. Maybe I hold the repka in a higher regard? It’s odd because guys like Schifo played great at the euros 2 years ago despite playing in 2nd division bundesliga. Niko has always come up big when called upon, yet i didn’t like idea of him being on the roster
croatia brazil tie or croatia win
tie or lose to cameroon
win mexico
what’s untrue that I said about him?
About your claim how well he played LM at Spurs, I correctly pointed out that was 4 years ago and that is right as his decline started. Since then he has gone on to basically ride the bench for 3 years, and then get loaned out to Championship League (EPL2) and highly respected TransferMarkt link also shows his value cratering starting 4 years ago this August. So my first statement appears to be 100% true no? Here it is:
“that was like 4 years ago with Kranjcar at LM for Spurs, and that’s right when his decline really started and he’s fallen quite a ways since then”
Then I said:
“no but if you are slow to begin with and beginning the downward slide, and you get in worse shape and slower as you age and continue/accelerate in your downward slide it’s no surprise that you can’t play a position that you used to be able to, saying nothing about the mental aspect”
was Niko slow to begin with? yes more truth from Nepoznat. Has he gotten even slower and less in shape? yes, anyone who has seen him play over the last 10 years can attest to that so more true commentary right?
So far everything I’ve said about the player appears to be 100% true
Next:
“Kranjcar rotting on the bench for years when combining Spurs and then Kiev and only getting finally playing time in the EPL2 isn’t proof to you that he is in a sure decline? You can not honestly compare his career and trajectory to that of Ivica or Darijo’s, can you?!?”
If you having been reading “Croatians Around Europe” here at CSR then the TransferMarkt link should be enough for you to confirm that he spent 3 years rotting on the bench. Good luck trying to only watch someone rot on the bench, kinda have to read about that one if they’re not on the pitch LOL. And being a bench player and then loaned out to low league is proof that a former starting player in major league ball is in decline no?? So still have not found any evidence that anything I said was untrue or inaccurate, BUT lots of evidence to back up my opinion/argument as true/correct
So I ask you what did I say that was untrue about Kranjcar? or inaccurate? Do you have any objective proof that any of my statements about him are false? Or are you only going by what your lying eyes are telling you and not what reality/facts SHOW you??
“denigrate people who don’t agree with your subjective opinion”
I don’t like people criticizing Kranjcar, so I defend him! he’s better than you both make him out to be!
I’d rather read AND watch and analyze all available data (be it video or stats or words/match reports) and then come up with my own opinions which can be backed up and proven as correct (see TransferMarkt link which coincides with my valuation of the player and which I did not read until after we started this discussion!)
vs
Your approach which is to watch matches and form subjective opinions and then denigrate people who don’t agree with your subjective opinion if they god forbid utilize all relevant data when forming their own opinions
😀
@slavonac
same could be said about Ivica, his opinions are based on nothing more than reading 🙂
nepoznat- I will just leave this with you buddy…I’ve mentioned this before…you’re a nice guy but your opinions are based on nothing more than reading! I respect Kranjcar for what he can contribute and also understand his BIG limitations…but he is a lot better than you make him out to be!
German-styled Croatia aim to stun Brazil
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/fifa-world-cup-2014/top-stories/German-styled-Croatia-aim-to-stun-Brazil/articleshow/35688580.cms
Oh yeah?
Kranjčar sucks.
/debate
Ivica- you first said:
“Kranjčar isn’t a loss because he wasn’t going to play anyway”-but was immediately named in the first 18…interesting!
“We don’t need someone coming off the bench to slow us down”-we don’t? ever hear of tactics? umiri igru…kill the play…slow it down…especially against a home team so they don’t continue with momentum!
“he could shoot the ball (a long long time ago) and he can out dribble 18 year old B-level prospects in the English Championship” – this one is telling…you have no clue what the hell you are talking about…zero! one thing at this level is for sure…they are hungry, fit and fast…its not easy to beat anyone…they’ll chop your legs!
@JM, it ended 1 – 1, Ukraine got lucking my opinion our boys fell asleep one time and they capitalized with a shot that 99% of the time wouldn’t have gone in.
Slavonac has a valid point here. Kranjcar as a sub is worth it and will be missed. We lack depth and need him. Sure he won’t start but he still can contribute coming off the bench.
u21 lost? that;’d be quite disapopinting given that line up they fielded
Slavonac wow Harry took on a team’s bench player, who he has a long history with mind you, on a 1 year loan who had barely played in years for his clubs, for Kiev (13 appearances in 2012 season) or Spurs (12 apps in 2011, 13 apps in 2010). It’s not exactly easy to sign good players to come play in a lesser league so you have to take what you can get, even if it’s a loan for a player like a Kranjcar
Look at Transfermrkt’s valuation (OMG the horror you will have to read a link!) of Niko as a player, and just like I said it has him in steady decline for the past 4 years:
http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/niko-kranjcar/profil/spieler/16746
BTW I’m watching the France v Spain qualifying from 2013 also, and my god France looks like a team straight out of deep ass Africa.
I never said he was washed up.
But he is definitely worse than he was three or four years ago. I don’t think you will find anyone that disagrees with that. Niko included.
Jesus, the boys are kicking field goals.
…”why pay Niko Kranjcar to play in EPL 2 where the speed of the game is incredibly high…if he can’t run?”
I guess both you guys (Ivica and nepoznat) are smarter than Harry Redknapp…he took a player from Ukraine and brought him into one of the fastest and toughest leagues (yes, I meant that…its hell playing faced paced soccer when the average player is very fast, fit and strong and is dying to get to the EPL) to play in…starts him in the majority of games…and yet you two think he’s washed up and past his time!
nice logic boys!
Man, I was hoping for a win today from our U21 side to boost their confidence prior to the World Cup.
Good to see Rebić score and maintain his 1 goal per game average for both club and country 🙂
why pay Niko Kranjcar to play in EPL 2 where the speed of the game is incredibly high…if he can’t run?
hahaha….its funny to say a player cannot play on the left….and because he’s older now and yet he plays in a league where the tempo of the game is played at a far higher pace than in most countries in the world!
@ IvicA
They go to McD’s together and eat there Big Mac’s with each other.
😉 just busting some jaje Slavonac!
@Slavonac what does QPR’s ridiculously high spend to get back to EPL compared to Atleti have anything to do with the decline of Niko Kranjcar?
If anything I would say their budget and only getting to the playoff spot and not automatic promotion shows they didn’t live up to what should have been expected of them.
I’m going to assume that Slavonac is related to Niko Kranjčar or something
Croatia pouring on the chances now, Pjaca’s attempt parried away but only as far as Rebic who hits the left upright
Mother bitch. Another post hit by the boys. Have they been watching Jelavic videos or something?
.
@Armada ok I went a little overboard with that line but in my defense Darijo has always been one of my favorite players so I do tend to rave about him
before you respond to this, think about it!
QPR is a more expensive team than Atletico Madrid…did you know that? do you think Kranjcar would be a starter on a shit team trying to be promoted?
for the goal Pjaca and Vrsaljko did well to close down Ukraine on our right flank near halfway line. they came up with the ball and Pjaca fed Vrsaljko deep to right where the 18 yard box hits the goal line where Vrsaljko sending in a low bouncing cross right into Rebic’s path who fired it away
Later, Rebic could’ve likely had an assist but failed to dump off a pass to his right on a Croatian break. I think it may have been Perica who was wide open and with the way he has taken his 2 chances so far I don’t quite blaming Rebic if he didn’t have the confidence in Stipe and that’s why he kept the ball and looked more to his left
yes, on HRT2.
Srna was one of the best RB’s in Europe 3-4 years ago, not anymore.
He’s lost a step, his thru balls/set pieces aren’t what they use to be and he is and has been a world class diver/actor. He’s a legend in his own right, but let’s slip off the homer glasses at times people.
He’s our first choice RB without question now and still might be for Euro 2016. But I think post WC, we really need to take a hard look at Vrsajlko and see if he’s ready (i.e. getting consistent play at his club) to be groomed for the starting RB role.
Ukraine just scored, nice goal actually.
.
Is HRT covering this U21 match?
I wanna catch it on SaaN later tonight.
GOAL Hrvatska.
GOAL HRVASTKA!!! Ante Rebic 1-0
Perica again has another decent chance, gets into 18 yard box and flops in some weak attempt to get a penalty. He looked kinda slow on that break and didn’t do much with the chance he was given
@Nepoznat, I got it working. I updated my Java, to the latest and it started to work.
Thanks
.
no my argument was not that he is getting older it was:
“no but if you are slow to begin with and beginning the downward slide, and you get in worse shape and slower as you age and continue/accelerate in your downward slide it’s no surprise that you can’t play a position that you used to be able to, saying nothing about the mental aspect”
I didn’t say age, I said 4 years ago he played that position and since then he has been in serious decline, was slow to begin with and is now even slower. You can look at him and see he is not in the same shape as he was when he was younger (neither am I lol). I also showed that he spent a couple years rotting on the bench at both Spurs and Kiev and the only way he could play was getting loaned out to a lesser league like EPL2. Not sure why you would bring up Jelavic to help further your point as that guy is pretty bad and slow himself
doh sorry Mishko! did you try restarting your browser? maybe that will work
@JM no I don’t think it will be posted the youth teams don’t get much love on the torrent sites
I never said slow…read the rational you’ve made….he’s getting older…that was your argument!
dude…seriously…you need to stop when you have no clue! Kranjcar is still playing at a very high level…he still trains twice per day and still has a lot more than you think he does! if you think for a second he has rotted…and the EPL 2 is an easy task, you’ve got some real challenges in your theories…Jelavic came from Scotland…an absolute SHIT league…
I was comparing AGE…isn’t that what you said…didn’t you say “and you get in worse shape and slower as you age and continue/accelerate in your downward slide it’s no surprise that you can’t play a position that you used to be able to”…
you think EPL 2 they eat chips at practice and smoke 2 pack of Marlboro a day? that league is no joke…if it sucks in technical quality I assure you it excels in fitness…I bet you never thought of that! Those teams are dying to get up to EPL…its no picnic!
WHOA I got it to work.
🙂
@ nepoznat
will you have the link to the game for replay later on that site you use?
@Nepoznat, it’s not working for me 🙁
my take on the u21 match so far (yes Slavonac this is from watching not reading lol):
we’ve had most of the possession, and usually it’s been in their half of the field. We’ve had the best chance of the match by far and while they haven’t had any shots on goal, they did have 2 that were semi close but from long range and the poor marking by Vrsaljko on the one cross that Ukraine’s #10 headed over the bar
huh? Srna nor Olic were ever slow, and Srna is at 33 still one of the best RBs in Europe
Kranjcar rotting on the bench for years when combining Spurs and then Kiev and only getting finally playing time in the EPL2 isn’t proof to you that he is in a sure decline? You can not honestly compare his career and trajectory to that of Ivica or Darijo’s, can you?!?
here Mishko:
nepoznat says:
WORKING STREAM:
http://sportska-tv.org/hrv-ukr/
May 28, 2014 at 9:55 am
ohhh God!
ok, I’m gonna forget this topic and let you think what you want!
Kranjcar has barely ever been, IMO, a fit player to play in England or anywhere else BUT he has always performed the same when he’s played…his form hasn’t dropped, he’s the same as he was always! nobody is saying he is a full time solution but off the bench he is better than most of what we have….do you have first hand knowledge to dispute that? have you watched him play this year or is this your opinion based on what your read from others on the internet?
I won’t argue this topic anymore…he won’t be in Brazil anyways but he would have been a good option as a sub…its a shame you just can’t use your own discretion and have to confirm your opinions based on what you read…or in this case…haven’t read but came up with some theory! if we took your theory, Srna should be dead…so should Corluka…Olic should be on life support!!!
Nepoznat where are you watching it because I got nothing.
Thanks,
Mishko
.
Rebic on the break away (after a good physical steal of the ball) with a great through ball to Perica who hits the cross bar on his attempt
no but if you are slow to begin with and beginning the downward slide, and you get in worse shape and slower as you age and continue/accelerate in your downward slide it’s no surprise that you can’t play a position that you used to be able to, saying nothing about the mental aspect
nepoznat- you don’t just forget how to play a position!
@Slavonac that was like 4 years ago with Kranjcar at LM for Spurs, and that’s right when his decline really started and he’s fallen quite a ways since then
I watched Kranjcar play on the left at Tottenham and thought he did well, I agree Perisic is apparently HOT but we haven’t seen that for the NT just yet. If he does well, I will support him 100%…until then, I’m not on the bandwagon but still do think he is a starter.
@Slavonac
Yes, both Perišić and Kranjčar have done very little for us these past few years.
However, Perišić plays in a position of need. Kranjčar plays in the central midfield where we have the most depth. Perišić is also red hot right now, playing in one of the best teams in the Bundesliga, and still relatively young with potential to get better. Kranjčar is 30, on a downhill slide, and lost his starting spot on a second division club.
Don’t get me wrong, I still think Kranjčar is worthy to make our squad..but there are others who I would put ahead of him in central midfield. His injury doesn’t concern me too much as a result. Losing Strinić (a potential starter in a position of need) is a greater impact.
WORKING STREAM:
http://sportska-tv.org/hrv-ukr/
That’s one hell of a strong team at this level
if no streams work you can follow the match here:
http://www.uefa.com/under21/season=2015/matches/live/index.html?day=30&session=2&match=2011480
a third potential stream:
http://sportska-tv.org/hrvhrt2/
another potential one:
http://www.rojadirecta.me/goto/xl-it.org/modules.php?name=content&pa=showpage&pid=1
This is all I’ve got so far.
http://gofirstrowus.eu/watch/262632/1/watch-croatia-vs-ukraine,-u21.html
Anyone have a link for todays u-21?
Mishko that lineup looks amazing! Radosevic is on the bench even!
Maybe something like this 4-2-3-1
Zelenika
Vrsaljko — Jedvaj — Simunovic — Bubnjic
Brozovic — Kovacic
Pjaca — Pasalic — Rebic
Perica
MISHKO, Imate link?????
As for the Cameroon spies. That guy was around the training session for a few days before he was outed. Not much to worry about.
regarding Kranjcar……..anytime you lose depth, it is an issue. A slight concern for this team is going to be the amount of minutes our key MF players (Modric and Rakitic) going into the WC played this season, plus the amount of travel in Brazil and having to play in the Amazon at a very unfavorable time of the day. To think we are going to be able to use the same starting line up for all three group games could be an issue. You need guys to come in and contribute, especially at MF. Kranjcar at this point in his career is a guy who can play 55-60 as a spot starter or come off the bench for the final half hour. Losing Strinic and Kranjcar hurts the depth. These two are guys who would be in our first 18 and who would have received some playing time.
Hvala ivica
BTW U21’s Croatia vs Ukraine in 30 minutes.
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Cameroonian spies!
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/story?storyId=1834493&src=desktop
Any update on Pranjic injury?? I am on vacation and out of the loop… This is the worst injury so far because it impacts a starter
Flourishing Modric out to end Croatia string of heartbreaks
Read more: http://www.thenational.ae/sport/world-cup-2014/flourishing-modric-out-to-end-croatia-string-of-heartbreaks#ixzz331jjEnpR
Olic and Kranjcar bring different things…Olic creates because he pressures defenders, he is fast and he is constantly running…at minimum of 9km’s per game….Kranjcar DOES still have the ability to create, especially within 25 yards…and in saying that I would go out on a limb and say he is superior to Perisic and Olic within that range. Kranjcar has issues with his overall quickness…his first 3-5 yards, which in soccer is very important…but that’s why you have to ensure he is aware of his surroundings and that he doesn’t get caught committing forward and can’t get back!
I have not suggested Kranjcar as a defensive change, don’t misinterpret what I said earlier…don’t think I want him as a starter, but I would put him on the field for 30 minutes or less anytime…
you said ” I cannot recall the last time Kranjčar has had any positive impact for us”…when was the last time Perisic has done anything for us…or Rakitic…at least in this case I think he can provide 30 minutes of offense and not like 90 minutes of nothing from Perisic…what has that guy done in the last 2 years?
Maybe I amy being a bit harsh, but I cannot recall the last time Kranjčar has had any positive impact for us, let alone actually turning a game in an instant.
Yes, he is technically very gifted, but what’s the point when the guy you just out dribbled catches up to you in less than half a step later? I’m sure Kranjčar can put in a good cross, but I wouldn’t put him on the wing and we already have better dead ball kick takers. I also wouldn’t put him in the game to hold a result either. I recognize that he has talent, but it’s just become ineffective for us with our less talented players actually far surpassing him (ie. Olić) because of what they can bring.
Ilicevic, Strinic and Kranjcar all got hurt with their club teams…the other 3 are not hurt!
the number of injuries is getting worrisome and strange.
the team was fully fit heading into the wc preparations
now we have these guys totally out: ilicevic, kranjcar, strinic
and these guys injured: pranjic, badelj, even perisic
Ivica-Kovac had Kranjcar in his top 18, I think you are wrong on this one. from a coaches perspective, bench players are very crucial…they are usually put in the game to hold a result or change the game and create more offense…regardless of if Kranjcar is slower, he has a better touch, a better cross and a better shot than any other sub on the Croatian team…hands down…100%! He finds opportunities…even if he’s slow he still has the abilities to turn a game in an instant…I think you are wayyyy off on your assessment!
@Adame
The Brazil game is at 4:00pm EST (New York time).
Just go on FIFA.com for the dates and times. You can change it to your timezone.
Armada, I hope that if Perisic doesn’t perform Kovac doesn’t wait long before he puts Rebic in the lineup, the kid is very offensively minded and from what I’ve seen…he loves the ball and always goes forward, something we will need. In the past, Perisic has always seemed to make the simple play (which isn’t a bad thing) but if we want to play offensive and create chances, we need guys that will take matters into their own hands, use their speed and force defenders to commit and not just hold them.
Rebić is an arrogant bull.
This is why he is awesome, and I would love to see him play against Brazil.
Kranjčar isn’t a loss because he wasn’t going to play anyway. Kovač places a premium on fitness, and Kranjčar ain’t that. We don’t need someone coming off the bench to slow us down. Yea, he could shoot the ball (a long long time ago) and he can out dribble 18 year old B-level prospects in the English Championship, but this dude would bring nothing to the table against teams like Brazil, Mexico, or Spain. I’d rather take the top scoring midfielder from the U21 Euro qualifications (Marcelo Brozović) over Kranjčar any day.
@ Slavonac
Well said, agree with all your points – I think Kovacic has more of a chance to make an impression in Brazil but I’m all for throwing Rebic on the big stage and seeing what he can do.
Hey can anyone confirm the time of kick off for the Brazil match? I’m hearing 3pm, 5pm, 8pm (NYC time).
Armada-regarding Rebic
I’ve mentioned this quite a few times in the past and believe it to be true…there are personalities and traits that some younger players have…its almost like being oblivious and arrogant (without the arrogant attitude)….and these guys seem to be oblivious to the pressure and arrogant enough to take players on and go for it where in the same situation a different younger guy would feel the intimidation of fucking up and being selfish….
In my opinion and from what I saw from him, I think Rebic is a very interesting player…he’s very agile, quick and can transition from dribbling to a quick shot with incredible speed…he runs at players and makes them give space because he is dangerous…they know if they play him to close he can “skin” them!
we need both Rebic and Kovacic, two players that are hard to man mark and they will keep defenders on their toes…I haven’t seen players like them on our team for a long time!
@ Soul Champ
you crack me up dude, you’re like mr. motivation/mr. positivity on EVERY post haha
In tuning back to reality, I think Rebic will contribute and I like what he brings to the repka, but do you honestly think he’ll be “a force to be reckoned with”? I mean the kid has all of 3 caps for us… I like the positivity, but I think we have to look at him with a realistic lens too… I see Rebic playing a big role post WC, when he gets more time at Viola and when guys like Olic, Srna and others potentially might retire from international play.
Kovač is probably running the most effective pre WC camp in the history of nogomet.
@ Riječanin
Robo Rebić will be a force to be reckoned with.
I say up top against Brazil running their CB’s into the ground.
I agree with article that we have not seen that type of dynamic running since Bokšić !
@ Svima
Spinning our way boys.
Kovač will go with his u21 studs for the 23 man squad and we will have young legs off the bench.
T-3 days to Mali.
We will see who of the old guard can compete in Brazil.
U boj !
More like “Another one bites a hamburger” Am I right guys ?!?
Can anyone legitimately confirm the kick off for the Croatia – Australia game on June 6th? Various sources have various kick off times all relatively close to each other. I’m getting a time between 00:00 and 02:00 GMT (incidentally this becomes 7th June).
http://sportske.jutarnji.hr/odlicna-atmosfera-na-treningu–bravo-filho–bravo-pleti–duje–daj-mu-po-usima–/1194622/
Some pictures
Rebic Article
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2077766-could-croatias-ante-rebic-be-a-revelation-at-the-world-cup