For two straight seasons, a Croatian has lifted the Champions League trophy. In 2013, Mario Mandžukić did it with Bayern while Luka Modrić helped Real Madrid gain their record 10th title in 2014. The 2014-15 rendition of the tournament begins Tuesday. This season, there will be a total of eight Croatians vying for the Champions League crown. Here's a breakdown of all … [Read more...] about Croatians look to repeat in Champions League
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Repka to Šuker: “No more games in Zagreb!”
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Following the 2-0 victory over Malta in Zagreb Tuesday night, Croatian players lashed out at HNS president Davor Šuker, saying that games should no longer be played at Maksimir due to the low fan turnout. Only 8,000 Croatian supporters came out to the opening Euro 2016 qualifier. Veteran Ivan Rakitić said that he wished Croatia played home games in Zagreb that … [Read more...] about Repka to Šuker: “No more games in Zagreb!”
Outraged Observations: More of the Same Complaints
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Written by Allen "Outraged" Strk How do I remain outraged? It’s usually when I have to endure ninety minutes of Croatia playing against an inferior opponent. The lack of fire and innovation of ball movement is usually evident. They tend to struggle against teams that crowd the box with midfielders and look to not concede a goal. We’ve seen that against … [Read more...] about Outraged Observations: More of the Same Complaints
Croatia defeat Malta 2-0 to open Euro qualifying
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Goals from Modrić and Kramarić got Croatia past 10-man Malta Tuesday night in Zagreb to open up Euro 2016 qualifying. But shouldn't we expect more from a team that fields players from the best teams in Europe? Let's look at the numbers. Croatia controlled ball possession for 70% of the match, had 23 shots on goal, but could only score twice against a … [Read more...] about Croatia defeat Malta 2-0 to open Euro qualifying
Čilić vs. Nishikori: 1st Grand Slam in reach
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In the most surprising Grand Slam final of the past decade, #14 ranked Croatian Marin Čilić will take on Japan's Kei Nishikori in New York City for the right to lift their first major title at the U.S. Open Monday night. The match will begin approximately at 5pm (ET). VATRENI WISH ČILIĆ LUCK DAYS BEFORE THEY TAKE ON MALTA IN EURO 2016 QUALIFYING Čilić has been … [Read more...] about Čilić vs. Nishikori: 1st Grand Slam in reach
Čilić defeats Federer in straight sets to reach 1st Grand Slam Final
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Marin Čilić defeated world #2 and 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer in straight sets Saturday 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 evening to lay in his very first Grand Slam final. With an extremely pro-Federer crowd in New York City, Čilić kept his cool and played his game. On Monday, he will face Kei Nishikori, who stunned Novak Djoković in the other … [Read more...] about Čilić defeats Federer in straight sets to reach 1st Grand Slam Final
Čilić books spot in U.S. Open semis vs. Federer
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Marin Čilić won in straight sets (6-2, 6-4, 7-7) against #6 seed Tomas Berdych at the US Open on Thursday to secure a place in the semifinals of a Grand Slam for the second time in his career. Čilić will play Roger Federer, arguably the best tennis player that has ever lived, in the semifinals on Saturday. This is the farthest Čilić has ever ventured in a Grand Slam … [Read more...] about Čilić books spot in U.S. Open semis vs. Federer
Onto the Knockout Stage as Croatia Send Puerto Rico Packing
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Needing a win to clinch a berth in the knockout round, Croatia got the job done and did it easily, leading from wire to wire as they beat Puerto Rico 103-82. After consecutive lackluster performances, Croatia were firing on all cylinders, just in time for the must-win games. Croatia got off to a perfect start, leading 20-7 after just over six minutes. They would have … [Read more...] about Onto the Knockout Stage as Croatia Send Puerto Rico Packing
Mandza double gets Croatia past Cyprus 2-0 in friendly
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The Croatian national football team begin their Euro 2016 run on Thursday in Pula with a friendly against Cyprus. It's a warmup match for the opening qualifier against Malta on Tuesday. The Cyprus friendly, which kicks off at 2:15PM (ET), is expected to pit some of Croatia's new young blood with stone cold starting XI locks such as Mario Mandžukić and Luka Modrić. … [Read more...] about Mandza double gets Croatia past Cyprus 2-0 in friendly
