Marin Cilic faced a ranked Frenchman for the second straight match of his US Open title defense, and once again came out on top, dropping #19 Jo Wilfried Tsonga 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(3), 6-4 to advance to the semifinals. Cilic relied on his big serve throughout the match, and despite a somewhat worrisome final three sets, the Croat advances to the semifinals of a Grand … [Read more...] about Cilic Marches Into US Open Semifinals, Faces Djokovic
Feature
Niko Kovac’s tactical and management debacle has led to unnecessary uncertainty
By 205 Comments
Another qualifying campaign for Croatia has hit a major setback. The ability to win big games, particularly away from home has become an unattainable task. During the 2014 World Cup qualification stage, Croatia produced a meager two wins, two draws, and one loss. The 2012 Euro Cup qualification stage wasn’t much better, as they recorded three wins and two losses that featured a … [Read more...] about Niko Kovac’s tactical and management debacle has led to unnecessary uncertainty
Meltdown In Oslo
By 328 Comments
Croatia no longer control their own destiny to qualify for Euro 2016 directly. After a goal-less draw against Azerbaijan on Thursday and a 2-0 defeat in Norway, Croatia fall to third place in Group H, which would put them into a two-legged playoff in November. So what happened? -Croatia couldn't score one goal against Azerbaijan or Norway in 180 … [Read more...] about Meltdown In Oslo
Mario Mandzukic and Niko Kovac face immense pressure going into Sunday.
By 33 Comments
The idea of coasting through an easy win during yesterday’s game seemed highly unlikely. With the inclusion of Croatian legend Robert Prosinecki as manager, Azerbaijan has looked more cohesive. The positive results from beating Malta at home and drawing Norway in Oslo were encouraging. They haven’t conceded a goal in 180 minutes under Prosinecki’s tenure. Should these … [Read more...] about Mario Mandzukic and Niko Kovac face immense pressure going into Sunday.
US Open Round 2: Cilic into final 32
By 3 Comments
Marin Cilic breezed to victory once again in New York, taking under two hours to defeat #139 Evgeny Donskoy 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. Cilic got the job done thanks to 19 aces and five break points. He avoided having to face #17 Grigor Dimitrov in the third round, and will instead face #56 Mikhail Kukushkin on Friday, who upset Dimitrov in five sets. Ivo Karlovic fell in … [Read more...] about US Open Round 2: Cilic into final 32
Lethargic Croatians Draw 0-0 In Azerbaijan
By 306 Comments
When 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
US Open Round 1: Cilic, Karlovic, Konjuh Advance
By 15 Comments
Marin Cilic's US Open title defense is up and running after the world #9 picked up a three set win over #94 Guido Pella on Monday. Cilic needed tiebreakers in the second and third sets to come out on top, but turned up the intensity in the crucial moments, taking the match 6-3, 7-6 (3), 7-6(3). Cilic will play #139 Evgeny Donskoy in the second round, and will expect an easy … [Read more...] about US Open Round 1: Cilic, Karlovic, Konjuh Advance
Jelavic to West Ham: 2 years – £3M
By 31 Comments
Remember 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
HNL Week 8 – Transfer Window Closes
By 9 Comments
Dinamo performed a flawless routine victory of visiting Slaven Belupo this weekend and routed the Pharmacists 3-0 at Maksimir. It did not take long for the Modri to go ahead, due in part to Slaven’s midfielder Goran Parački. Parački was struck with a low hard cross from Domagoj Antolić and indadvertedly deflected the ball into his own goal. Parački’s own … [Read more...] about HNL Week 8 – Transfer Window Closes
