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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

FINAL: Croatia win 1-0 to take 2nd place in their Nations League group behind Portugal! A nice rebound from the 2-1 loss to Portugal on Thursday with some fresh blood in the lineup. Pjaca didn't impress much on the wing but it wasn't for lack of trying. It looks like the early yellow card took him out of the match a bit. But who is the world would have thought Modrić could … [Read more...] about Croatia Defeats Poland 1-0 Through Pristine Modrić Free Kick One Day Before His 39th Birthday

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?

I don't care that we lost to a better Portugal side on the road Thursday night in Lisbon. I don't. But I do care about certain deficiencies in the team that are not being addressed. These are three questions I would ask Dalić directly after the Portugal loss: 1.Why are you not playing true wingers in your Starting XI? Croatia has lacked speed and 1v1 capability for years … [Read more...] about 3 Burning Questions For Dalić After The Portugal Loss

Positives: Baturina got the start. Both Matanović & Petar Sučić were capped by Croatia for the first time. Negatives: Dalić basically employed a 5-5-0 formation. He needs to add speed on the flanks with natural wingers. That did not happen this game. Why won’t he play Pjaca? Both wings are Croatia’s Achilles Heel and Dalić can’t/won’t address it. … [Read more...] about Croatia Fall 2-1 To Portugal In Nations League Opener

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

With a new Nations League campaign upon us this week against Portugal and Poland; this will be the opportune time Dalić can start experimenting with new players and new tactics. But will he? Brozović and Vida have officially retired from international football. Stanišić, Majer, Erlić and Vlašić are all out for this month's matches with injuries which will open the doors for … [Read more...] about 2 Things Dalić Must Change For Nations League