This will be the most complicated lineup Dalić ever puts out against Portugal on Thursday in Nations League. Not only is the national team in a bit of a "transitional phase" with Brozović retiring, Modrić turning 39 next week, and Perišić clubless -- but the team has been hit HARD with the injury bug. Majer, Vlašić, Erlić, Stanišić, Juranović have all been ruled out for this … [Read more...] about Dalić Must Start Baturina, Pjaca vs. Portugal As Injury Bug Demolishes Croatian Squad
Croatia
2 Things Dalić Must Change For Nations League
By 21 CommentsWith a new Nations League campaign upon us this week against Portugal and Poland; this will be the opportune time Dalić can start experimenting with new players and new tactics. But will he? Brozović and Vida have officially retired from international football. Stanišić, Majer, Erlić and Vlašić are all out for this month's matches with injuries which will open the doors for … [Read more...] about 2 Things Dalić Must Change For Nations League
Remember, Dalić Didn’t Call Up Pašalić Or Pjaca
By 14 CommentsWhat does the Croatian national side need most on their "wish list" is 2024? Wingers! What did Dalić do for UEFA Nations League squad call-ups in September for the Portugal and Poland matches? Not call up one natural winger. The only natural winger on the squad for Croatia is 35 year-old Ivan Perišić, who is currently without a club and coming off a major knee surgery. … [Read more...] about Remember, Dalić Didn’t Call Up Pašalić Or Pjaca
What is Dalić Doing???
By 41 CommentsDalić named his Croatia squad for September Nation League matches vs. Portugal & Poland Monday evening in Zagreb. In the past he has said he "will live and die by the veterans who got him his success." But this is getting ridiculous. Croatia's current "Achilles Heel" are wingers. He has played guys out of position to fill both he left and right wing for well over a year … [Read more...] about What is Dalić Doing???
Perišić, Modrić, Brozović: Who Had The Most Relevant Headline This Week?
By 19 CommentsOutside of the HNL, domestic leagues across Europe have yet to kick off. However, there were three major headlines this week in Croatian football. But whose was most relevant? -Perišić and Hajduk part ways -Modrić became the most decorated player in Real Madrid history with his 27th trophy (2-0 UEFA SuperCup win over Atalanta) -Brozović retired from international duty … [Read more...] about Perišić, Modrić, Brozović: Who Had The Most Relevant Headline This Week?
Top 10 Croatian Prospects To Keep An Eye On
By 57 CommentsWritten by Marc Sabljo As the HNS enters a transitional phase in the upcoming months, it's an opportune moment to spotlight our emerging talents across Europe. Presented below are ten U21 players to keep an eye on in the 2024-2025 season, listed in no particular order. To be eligible for this list, these players must be born after 2002 and not yet represented the Croatian … [Read more...] about Top 10 Croatian Prospects To Keep An Eye On
How Unlucky Has Croatia Been At Euros? 1-10
By 21 CommentsThis post is not to make excuses or play the "victim" card. I promise. Croatia did not play good football in Germany this summer. However, I'm taking a look at some Euro tournaments our beloved Vatreni have played in from a macro POV. And my question to you all: is Croatia the unluckiest nation to ever play in the Euros? Croatia has three World Cup medals but has yet to win … [Read more...] about How Unlucky Has Croatia Been At Euros? 1-10
Dalić To Stay On As Coach Until 2026 After Euro Exit
By 98 CommentsAfter Croatia's surprise exit from Euro, rumors started to swirl regarding the future of Zlatko Dalić's position as head coach of the Croatian national team. Dalić took the position nearly seven years ago in 2017 during a do-or-die bid to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. As everyone knows, from there, the rest was history. Despite winning three international medals (2nd WC 2018, … [Read more...] about Dalić To Stay On As Coach Until 2026 After Euro Exit
Euro 2024: Murphy’s Law For Croatia
By 72 CommentsEverything that could go wrong for the Vatreni at Euro 2024, did go wrong. -2.5XG vs. Spain (0 goals) -concede 95th minute equalizer to Albania -concede 98th minute equalizer to Italy -miss 2 penalty kicks in the tournament -Petković scores off missed penalty, Perišić called for encroachment Were the tactics and starting XI that put in place a recipe for … [Read more...] about Euro 2024: Murphy’s Law For Croatia