Croatia and Turkey kick off the 2018 FIFA World Cup UEFA qualifiers Group I at an empty Stadion Maksimir in Zagreb on Monday night. Croatia has been sanctioned by FIFA to play two home games behind closed doors after two cases of "discriminatory chants by fans" were filed against them to the sports governing body, which took place during exhibition games against Israel and … [Read more...] about Croatia – Turkey 2018 World Cup Qualifier 1-1
Croatia
Remaining invested in the Croatia national team
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Separating the beautiful game from politics can be challenging. Between 2012-2013, I stopped watching the sport and closely following the national team. Former manager Igor Stimac changed the formation for every qualifying match. Inserting Sammir into the squad was an insult. The inclusion of Davor Suker as president only increased poor morale surrounding a once-exciting … [Read more...] about Remaining invested in the Croatia national team
Why Does Croatia Underachieve In Major Soccer Tournaments?
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Written by Branko "King Bronk" Tomasović Why does the Croatian National Soccer team always seem to underachieve at major soccer tournaments? Some casual observers may attribute it to the "mental weakness" of the team during big games, poor coaching, and at times, "bad luck." However, when one examines this situation more closely, it becomes evident that Croatia has also … [Read more...] about Why Does Croatia Underachieve In Major Soccer Tournaments?
Evaluating Croatia’s national team following Euro 2016
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After two weeks of processing Croatia’s harsh exit from Euro 2016, it’s time to evaluate the entire squad’s performance and future. This was a very productive tournament for almost every player on the national team. With only one player expected to retire, they should carry the positive momentum going into 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Here is my brief evaluation for every … [Read more...] about Evaluating Croatia’s national team following Euro 2016
Another major tournament, another cruel ending
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There were a fair amount of groans about Croatia drawing Portugal in the round of 16. A somewhat favorable matchup against Iceland seemed to be on the cards. That notion ended when they scored on a last-second counter attack against Austria, which resulted in one of the greatest commentary moments ever. It also meant that Croatia was going to face an underachieving Portugal … [Read more...] about Another major tournament, another cruel ending
Croatia vs Portugal – Breaking A Curse
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After a magnificent performance on Tuesday, Croatian fans’ hopes are sky high. Along with the fans, it looks like every major media outlet in Europe has labeled Croatia as a favorite to make it to the final. From dark horse, to possible expulsion, to the top team in the tournament, this has been one hell of a ride in such a small amount of time. That rollercoaster of … [Read more...] about Croatia vs Portugal – Breaking A Curse
An improbable victory showcases quality of depth and young talent
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When it comes to mentalities, Croatians tend to have an “us against the world” mindset. In the past two major tournaments, they’ve played against both tournament finalists and host nation. They’ve been on the receiving end of terrible decisions favoring the biggest nations. From Vedran Corluka’s jersey being torn apart in the box against Spain to Fred falling down as if Dejan … [Read more...] about An improbable victory showcases quality of depth and young talent
Croatia To Face Ronaldo, Portugal In Round of 16
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Luka Modrić looks to return to the Croatia starting XI on Saturday when he will square off against Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe in the Round of 16. The match will be in Lens, in the north of France, and will kick off June 25th at 3PM (ET). With Croatia defeating Spain last night and taking first in the group, the Vatreni were moved to the top half … [Read more...] about Croatia To Face Ronaldo, Portugal In Round of 16
CROATIA DEFEAT SPAIN – TOP GROUP D
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Never in my life would I have thought to see such a turn around. As history has told us, this game is where we should have crumbled. Mentally, the flares and the news swirling around the federation should have had fans and players not excited for what was to come. But something remarkable happened today. A group of young talent and the old guard put up a performance that will … [Read more...] about CROATIA DEFEAT SPAIN – TOP GROUP D
