Photo: Jutarnji There's little to say after the Croatia-Spain match Monday night. Slaven Bilić managed a tactically perfect game against the world's best. He brought in defensive minded Domagoj Vida, taking out striker Nikica Jelavić. Spain had few real opportunities on goal, and as well as could be expected, both teams entered their locker rooms tied 0-0. It was then … [Read more...] about Croatia Bow Out in Proud Fashion
Croatia
What’s in a Game?
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On Monday, Croatia will take on reigning Euro title holders and current World Cup Champions, Spain, with a Euro 2012 quarterfinal berth on the line. Croatia control their own fate as a win or 2-2 (or higher) draw against Spain will see the Vatreni into the knockout stages no matter what Italy does against Ireland. Both matches kickoff simultaneously at 2:45PM (ET). Croatia also … [Read more...] about What’s in a Game?
FAN ZONE: Poznan, Poland
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Photo: Kacper Pempel/Reuters CroatianSports.com's own Rob Uvanović is currently in Poland following the Croatian national team throughout their Euro 2012 group stage matches. Here's a look before the Croatia/Italy match on Thursday. Rob will be in Gdansk, Poland for the Group C finale between Croatia and Spain. What questions would you like him to ask Croatians attending … [Read more...] about FAN ZONE: Poznan, Poland
Croatian Comeback Kids Force 1-1 Draw with Italy
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Croatia could have been the first team to book a spot in the Euro 2012 quarterfinals, but at the end of the day, they will have to be happy with a 1-1 draw against Italy. Italy dominated the first half and Croatia were lucky not to be down by multiple goals at halftime. Referee Howard Webb missed an obvious penalty call as Nikica Jelavić was pulled down in the box. Italy … [Read more...] about Croatian Comeback Kids Force 1-1 Draw with Italy
Mandžukić Showing his Worth
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Photo: SkySports.com Written by Vedran Ćavara There he was, heading two beautiful goals into the net against Ireland, putting a dagger into their hopes of winning the game. The 'he' I speak of, is of course, Mario Mandžukić. Mandžukić was a doubt to start the EURO's at forward for Croatia, with most pundits believing that Bilić would instead start Ivica Olić at … [Read more...] about Mandžukić Showing his Worth
THE ITALIAN JOB
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Photo: AP Croatia did what they were supposed to against the Irish, and with a win over Italy on Thursday, will clinch a quarterfinal berth at Euro 2012. However, Italy is no Ireland and adjustments must be made to ensure victory. Or do they? Coach Slaven Bilić opted to slot captain Darijo Srna at right back for the Ireland game, opening up a spot in the midfield for … [Read more...] about THE ITALIAN JOB
EURO 2012: It’s Time
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Illustration: ESPN EURO 2012 has finally arrived; and for Croatians, it's been a bumpy road getting this far under charismatic coach Slaven Bilić. The roller coaster ride started on a high note in 2007 when the Vatreni not only prevented England from qualifying for Euro '08, but also went perfect in group stage, defeating Germany on the way to the quarterfinals. With … [Read more...] about EURO 2012: It’s Time
Norway Force 1-1 Draw at the Death
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Photo: AP It was a lackluster first half in Oslo as Norway and Croatia played a scoreless affair in a friendly match. There was little offense by the Vatreni with Ivan Perišić replacing an ill Luka Modrić in the midfield. The attacking duo of Mario Mandžukić and Nikica Jelavić had few touches, and even fewer scoring chances. Without a creative midfielder to dictate the … [Read more...] about Norway Force 1-1 Draw at the Death
Croatia Deny Estonia 3-1 in Pula
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Photo: Jutarnji Starting XI vs. Estonia: Subašić-Strinić-Schildenfeld-Ćorluka(c)-Vida-Perišić-Badelj-Dujmović-Iličević-Eduardo-Kalinić Croatia v Estonia Match Highlights --------------------------------------- Croatia open up their summer account on Friday as they host Estonia in the first of two friendlies before Euro 2012 kicks off against Ireland on … [Read more...] about Croatia Deny Estonia 3-1 in Pula
