The 7-1 victory over Malta went perfectly to plan. Croatia went up early to make it 4-1 at half. That enabled Dalić to sub out Brozović and Perišić (both on yellows) to preserve them for the Russia match. Luka Modrić got his reps in and played 54 minutes in this match. Ivo Grbić got his first cap in net for the Vatreni and should have had a clean sheet if it wasn't for … [Read more...] about Croatia Crush Malta 7-1 To Set Up A ‘Win Or Go To Playoff’ Match vs. Russia On Sunday
Croatia
Has Lovro Majer Earned His Spot Against The Russians?
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The recent injuries of Mateo Kovačić and Josip Brekalo have troubled the selection process for the upcoming two matches. Nikola Vlašić’s poor run of form has opened up the lineup even more, leaving a spot in midfield and the right-wing, open for the taking. One young star who has stepped into the limelight is Stade Rennais’ midfielder, Lovro Majer. Coming off a recent … [Read more...] about Has Lovro Majer Earned His Spot Against The Russians?
Why Does Nikola Vlašić Have A Larger Role In The National Team Than Lovro Majer?
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Due to star midfielder Mateo Kovačić’s recent injury, a spot has just been opened in Croatia’s midfield. The obvious replacements are Nikola Vlašić or Mario Pašalić in an attacking midfield role, with the likes of Josip Brekalo or Nikola Vlašić on the right side. I’d like to propose an alternative. His name is Lovro Majer. We’ve all heard his name and know him as a talented … [Read more...] about Why Does Nikola Vlašić Have A Larger Role In The National Team Than Lovro Majer?
UPDATED: Kovačić Out For 1 Month With Hamstring Injury, Will Miss Russia Match
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Mateo Kovačić is trending upward and is on a trajectory to become the player we were all taught he would become. Looming in the shadows of Luka Modrić - both at Real Madrid and the Croatian national team - Kovačić is perfectly timing his climb up the football ladder as Modrić throttles down at age 36. Kovačić has cemented his place in the Chelsea midfield and is playing … [Read more...] about UPDATED: Kovačić Out For 1 Month With Hamstring Injury, Will Miss Russia Match
Zlatko Dalić Announces 24-Man Squad To Face Malta, Russia
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No real changes from manager Zlatko Dalić for the crucial November matches away to Malta and against first-placed Russia in Split. Ivica Ivušić misses out due to injury, meaning Dominik Livaković will almost certainly remain the starting goalkeeper moving forward. Mateo Kovačić is once again available after missing out against Slovakia due to a yellow card suspension. Duje … [Read more...] about Zlatko Dalić Announces 24-Man Squad To Face Malta, Russia
HNL Week 12: Dinamo Draws Rijeka In Dramatic Fashion, Hajduk Falls Short To Šibenik
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Another exciting weekend of the Prva Liga is in the books! Round 12 of the 2021-22 season gave us 16 goals and an instant classic between Dinamo Zagreb and Rijeka. The weekend saw two surprising comebacks from Dinamo and Hrvatski Dragovoljac, and a surprising result in the Dalmatinski Derbi between Hajduk Split and Šibenik. Last-placed Hrvatski Dragovoljac hosted … [Read more...] about HNL Week 12: Dinamo Draws Rijeka In Dramatic Fashion, Hajduk Falls Short To Šibenik
EXCLUSIVE | Roko Šimić Interview: “I’m Ready”
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CroatianSports.com caught up with 18 year-old Croatia U21/Liefering striker, Roko Šimić, this week for a Q&A over Instagram. Roko is the son of Croatian football legend, Dario Šimić, who is one of only nine Croatia players all-time to be capped 100 times. Roko has been on an absolute tear the past six matches; scoring 10 goals in that span and cementing a hat trick vs. the … [Read more...] about EXCLUSIVE | Roko Šimić Interview: “I’m Ready”
Mladi Vatreni Win Again; Roko Šimić On Absolute Fire!
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Croatia’s STACKED Under-21 side crushed Azerbaijan 5-1 in U21 Euro Qualifiers Tuesday night, led by a hat-trick from 18 year-old wunderkind Roko Šimić. Croatia remains perfect in Group A of the qualifying campaign, sitting in 1st place with 12 points from a perfect record of 4-0-0. The Mladi Vatreni also have an outstanding goal differential of +9 in their four matches … [Read more...] about Mladi Vatreni Win Again; Roko Šimić On Absolute Fire!
Croatia Draw Slovakia 2-2 In Osijek, Fall To 2nd Place In Group
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Super disappointing that Croatia couldn't beat Slovakia at home. Now, we absolutely must beat Russia in our last game at Poljud next month. I'll write more later. I'm annoyed now. The Vatreni play a pivotal World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in Osijek Monday night with only three matches remaining in the campaign. Croatia are currently tied atop the group with Russia … [Read more...] about Croatia Draw Slovakia 2-2 In Osijek, Fall To 2nd Place In Group