Croatia

Croatia head to Faro to face off against Gibraltar in their first game of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Behind the Czechs and Montenegrins by six points, Croatia have some catching up to do, and three points are an absolute necessity coming from this match. Kickoff is Friday June 6th at 2:45pm EST. Zlatko Dalić is looking to qualify the Vatreni to their third … [Read more...] about How Does Croatia Kickstart Their WC Qualifying Campaign vs. Gibraltar?

Zlatko Dalić has released his squad for the Vatreni's upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Gibraltar and Czechia in June. Dalić absolutely nailed it with this roster. The head coach features a solid mix of young and old, and June should see 18-year-old defensive phenomenon Luka Vušković make his debut with the senior National Team. Rijeka standout Toni Fruk also made … [Read more...] about Dalić Releases Squad For Upcoming Qualifiers, Vušković Included

Sorry, how in the hell are Belgium still ranked so high? They have done nothing in football the past 7 years that Croatia has not surpassed. Please. (insert eyeroll) Vatreni are currently on par with Netherlands and Italy. Everyone else in top-10 are better than us. But let's talk about this Belgium at #8 sham. Why does FIFA have such a hard-on for them? I understand they … [Read more...] about Croatia Ranked #11 By FIFA, How The Hell Is Belgium 8???

This is my personal "Wish List" for the Vatreni in 2025 as they move through World Cup qualifying in a group comprised of Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands and Gibraltar. This is not something I think Dalić will ever move towards as his contract with the HNS ends in 2026, it's just something I would absolutely love for him to do. But I know it's not going to happen. Croatia … [Read more...] about 2025 Wish List: A Right Winger

Nothing to worry about here. Croatia will be completely fine heading into World Cup qualifiers. We lost to a better French side in Paris via shoot out. We had zero business in that match playing a "soft bunker" with zero shots on goal. At this point in time, Croatia is not a top-4 European side. Spain, Germany, France, Portugal and England are all better because they have … [Read more...] about Croatia vs. France Reaction: We’re Fine.

Full time: France full back 2 goals to level the tie on aggregate. Croatia could not withstand the pressure for an entire match. Dalić really took off Modrić and Kova for Jakić and Moro with 10 minutes left??? Talk about mailing it in. Halftime: 0-0 in Paris. A near perfect defensive half from the Croatians. We knew France would be on the front foot and it showed with their … [Read more...] about France Level With 2 Goals In 2nd Half, Defeat Croatia In 7th Round Of Penalty Kick Shootout

Dalić put together a perfect starting XI vs. France in Split. I couldn't have done it better myself. Neither could our very own Markus. :) With that said, Dalić should run back the exact same lineup this Sunday in Paris. -4 in the back is here to stay. With Gvardiol at LB and a healthy Stanišić at RB, Croatia is in good shape defensively while having the ability to push … [Read more...] about PSA To Dalić: No Changes Needed For 2nd Leg In Paris

FINAL: 2-0 Croatia! Perišić MOTM with a goal and assist. Budimir with a header goal. Kramarić missed a penalty in the opening 5 minutes. Both nations will play again Sunday in Paris. Winner moves on to play Spain/Netherlands in the June semifinal. After a horrendous 2024 for the Vatreni, they are off to a near perfect start in 2025!  85': SUB. Krama comes … [Read more...] about Croatia Too Much For France In 2-0 Nations League Victory At Poljud, Perišić MOTM With G&A