It's no secret Croatia has been plagued with injuries as of late, and with Petković and Kovačić missing this international window, there are two open spots on Dalić's starting eleven this time around. Yes, it's just Latvia and Armenia, but any little slip up can be costly at this stage in qualification as Croatia MUST secure all six points. How does Dalić line up? Here are some … [Read more...] about Does Dalić Field A ‘New Look’ Against Latvia, Armenia?
Croatia
Dalić: Kovačić Staying Home, Gvardiol Moving To Left-Back
By 54 CommentsLots of moving parts this week since Dalić's initial squad call-up list a few weeks ago for the final two Euro 2024 qualifiers against Latvia (away) and Armenia (home) this week, Croatia Week reports. -Kovačić and Petković are staying home with injuries -Gvardiol will be moving to left-back -Vlašić is getting called back up to the squad Look, at the end of the … [Read more...] about Dalić: Kovačić Staying Home, Gvardiol Moving To Left-Back
Why Not Roko Šimić?
By 17 CommentsWith Croatia's current problem at the #9 position, why didn't Dalić call up 20 year-old Red Bull Salzburg striker Roko Šimić for November's Euro 2024 qualifiers against Latvia and Armenia? I'm not asking for the kid to start or even get any minutes with the senior side in either match, but why not let him hang with Modrić and company and get groomed properly? Šimić is … [Read more...] about Why Not Roko Šimić?
Dalić Shuffles Squad For Final 2 Euro Qualifiers In November
By 43 CommentsIvanuśec, Moro, Kramarić, Sučić, Pjaca, Budimir have all been called up to play against Latvia and Armenia in Croatia's final two Euro 2024 qualifiers in November. That means somebody has to be left off the squad. Vlašić, Barišić, Brekalo, Musa, and Beljo have all been cut from the November squad list. I'm a bit surprised Beljo got the knife as Croatia are still thin in the … [Read more...] about Dalić Shuffles Squad For Final 2 Euro Qualifiers In November
PSA: Wales Will Not Pick Up 6 Points In November
By 2 CommentsThis will be the last I speak of this shit international break for our beloved Vatreni. As I said on the podcast, I am "stone cold lead pipe locking" that Wales will not win their final two matches of Euro 2024 qualifying next month versus Armenia (on the road) and at home against Turkey. Armenia's Euro 2024 hopes are more than alive and a win versus Wales on home soil will … [Read more...] about PSA: Wales Will Not Pick Up 6 Points In November
Episode 11: Losses To Turkey & Wales
By 70 CommentsAPPLE PODCAST LINK Ante, Zorić, and Novaković talk about Croatia’s two losses to Turkey and Wales this week and what’s next for the team in Euro qualifying. Who’s most to blame? What changes need to be made? … [Read more...] about Episode 11: Losses To Turkey & Wales
Cryptic Message From Dalić: “I Will Now Call Up New Players”
By 46 CommentsCroatiaWeek translated Zlatko Dalić's post-match press conference following the 2-1 loss to Wales Sunday. In the press conference, Dalić says: "The fact is that what we played is unacceptable, and we need to seek better and more quality solutions. I said earlier, in the last 30 matches since the Euros, we’ve only lost two, and now two in three days. I had my ideas, thoughts … [Read more...] about Cryptic Message From Dalić: “I Will Now Call Up New Players”
Things We Learned This Week…
By 141 CommentsAfter two disastrous losses to Turkey and Wales this week, I feel Dalić's Wednesday night speech to the team in Osijek went something like this: "Guys, we have a lot of veterans out with injuries and you younger players will get a shot to play this week. Take it easy. Nobody needs to be a hero. We will most likely get a draw or two and still be in control of qualifying going … [Read more...] about Things We Learned This Week…
Lifeless Croatia Lose 2nd Game This Week, Fall To 3rd In Group Endangering Euro 2024 Qualification
By 180 CommentsFINAL: Wales beat Croatia 2-1 in Cardiff to take control of 2nd place in group. If Wales win out (matches vs. Armenia and Turkey) Croatia will have to qualify for Euro 2024 through a Nations League playoff. 77': Beljo nearly equalizes but his header in the box from a tight angle goes wide. Croatia finally playing with urgency. Will they find the equalizer? 75': PAŠALIĆ … [Read more...] about Lifeless Croatia Lose 2nd Game This Week, Fall To 3rd In Group Endangering Euro 2024 Qualification