Croatia

A tale of two halves. Croatia dominated the 1st half but couldn't find the back of the net. Petar Sučić picked up his 2nd yellow card just before halftime to kill all Croatian momentum. The Vatreni will now need a draw or better vs. Portugal Monday in Split OR a Scottish draw/loss to Poland to qualify for the quarterfinals. We just can’t ever do things the easy way, can … [Read more...] about 10-Man Croatia Concede Late In Glasgow, Lose 1-0 To Scotland

The international break is back, and that means more Vatreni footy! Croatia travels to Glasgow to face the Scots on Friday, at 2:45pm EST. Last month, Croatia won a gritty come-from-behind match by the score of 2 to 1, with a last minute Scottish equalizer saved by VAR. With a win, Croatia is through to the quarterfinals of the Nations League, but a draw will do should Poland … [Read more...] about How Croatia Should Lineup vs. Scotland Friday

Without going into tactics or starting XI (we will do that later in the week), Croatia can lock up a Nations League quarterfinal berth this Friday in Glasgow under the following two scenarios: Should be easy enough, right? Croatia just beat Scotland in Zagreb but needed to come-from-behind with goals from Matanović and Kramarić. And don't forget Scotland's last second … [Read more...] about Scotland: Win And Croatia Is In

I don't understand the logic here. What is Dalić doing? For November's final two UEFA Nations League matches versus Scotland and Portugal, Dalić has called up four goalkeepers but only two pure center-backs: DCC and Šutalo. (For sake of conversation, let's assume Gvardiol will play the left-back position as he has been even though we know he can be slotted as a CB for … [Read more...] about What Is Dalić Doing Calling 4 Keepers, Only 2 CBs?

The Croatian U21 will have to go through Georgia in order to book their ticket to the Euro 2025 tournament in Slovakia next summer. The Mladi Vatreni defeated Greece 3-2 Tuesday to finish second in group; Portugal had already locked up top spot for automatic qualification. However, the win was not enough to get Croatia into the top-3 2nd place teams (goal differential), which … [Read more...] about Croatia U21s To Play Georgia In Euro 2025 Playoff

Croatia escape Poland with 3-3 draw after having 2-goal lead. Sosa scores wunder-volley! Petar Sučić and Baturina assist each other for 1st Croatian senior goals! How is that a straight red card on Livaković?!?! Such a weird week of events for Croatian football between Scotland and Poland matches. However, a draw does the trick tonight to keep Croatia top-2 in group, … [Read more...] about Croatia Escape Warsaw With 3-3 Draw After Blowing 2-Goal Lead, Sosa Scores Wunder-Volley, Baturina & Petar Sučić Score 1st Senior Goals For The Vatreni! Defense Was Atrocious!

What changes should Dalić make for the Nations League match against Poland in Warsaw Tuesday? Not many. The "3 in the back" defensive line should remain the same. DCC and Šutalo had good games against Scotland and were not at fault for the lone Scottish goal. Although Gvardiol had a disaster of a match, he is our best defender and will rebound quickly. There is never a … [Read more...] about How Croatia Should Line Up Against Poland Tuesday

Croatia edge the Scots at home with the help of VAR after that frustrating equalizer in the 90+5'. After being down 1-0 in the first half, the Vatreni banded together for an equalizer just three minutes later, and a solid second half provided the necessary victory. This game had its ups and downs, but who were Croatia's stand-outs, and disappointments? Dominik Livaković - … [Read more...] about Croatia vs. Scotland — Player Ratings

Croatia wins a weird one vs. Scotland in Nations League! -Luka Sučić defensive blunder gives Scotland opening goal -Matanović equalizes minutes later for his 1st Croatian senior goal -Luka Sučić rockets a goal into the back of the net but the referee prematurely whistles the play dead. No reason was given on a play that looked onside -Kramarić cooly places a header … [Read more...] about Croatia Luckily Skate By Scotland 2-1, 94′ Scottish Equalizer Called Offside By VAR