Starting XI: Hrvatska: Subašić - Srna (kap.), Ćorluka, Vida, Pivarić - Modrić, Kovačić - Perišić, Rakitić, Pjaca - Kalinić In case you didn't catch the match, here's what you missed (Cliff Notes version): The match was played behind closed doors at Maksimir. It rained. Ivan Perišić scored inside two minutes. Ivan Rakitić scored off a nice give-n-go from Kalinić … [Read more...] about Croatia Cruise By Bulgaria 3-0
Croatia
Are You An Optimist?
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You're Croatian. So probably not. But I'm a realist. So let me tell you how this weekend's last round of Euro qualifying is going to go for our beloved Vatreni. It will save you the stress and scoreboard watching that usually comes with following the 'cardiac Croatians.' First off, let's start by talking about Croatia's position in Euro qualifying. Croatia … [Read more...] about Are You An Optimist?
Čačić’s First Order of Business
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Ante Čaćić's duties start immediately at his new job. The new boss of the Repka has just released the line up that is scheduled to face Bulgaria and Malta on Oct. 10 and 13 respectively. Čačić called up a combination of seasoned vets such as Dario Srna and Danijel Pranić, but has also added the the next generation of players to the roster with the likes of Mateo Kovačić, … [Read more...] about Čačić’s First Order of Business
HNL Week 10 – Goalless draws; Ante Čaćić Takes Over Vatreni
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Ten teams, five matches, one goal. Only one goal was scored this weekend, the fewest ever scored in a match week in HNL history. The lone goal was ruled an own goal by RNK Split’s Branko Vrgoć during their 1-0 loss to NK Lokomotiva. Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split played to a scoreless draw at Poljud on Saturday, but all eyes were on referee Bruno Marić after … [Read more...] about HNL Week 10 – Goalless draws; Ante Čaćić Takes Over Vatreni
Niko Kovac’s tactical and management debacle has led to unnecessary uncertainty
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Another qualifying campaign for Croatia has hit a major setback. The ability to win big games, particularly away from home has become an unattainable task. During the 2014 World Cup qualification stage, Croatia produced a meager two wins, two draws, and one loss. The 2012 Euro Cup qualification stage wasn’t much better, as they recorded three wins and two losses that featured a … [Read more...] about Niko Kovac’s tactical and management debacle has led to unnecessary uncertainty
Meltdown In Oslo
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Croatia no longer control their own destiny to qualify for Euro 2016 directly. After a goal-less draw against Azerbaijan on Thursday and a 2-0 defeat in Norway, Croatia fall to third place in Group H, which would put them into a two-legged playoff in November. So what happened? -Croatia couldn't score one goal against Azerbaijan or Norway in 180 … [Read more...] about Meltdown In Oslo
Mario Mandzukic and Niko Kovac face immense pressure going into Sunday.
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The idea of coasting through an easy win during yesterday’s game seemed highly unlikely. With the inclusion of Croatian legend Robert Prosinecki as manager, Azerbaijan has looked more cohesive. The positive results from beating Malta at home and drawing Norway in Oslo were encouraging. They haven’t conceded a goal in 180 minutes under Prosinecki’s tenure. Should these … [Read more...] about Mario Mandzukic and Niko Kovac face immense pressure going into Sunday.
Lethargic Croatians Draw 0-0 In Azerbaijan
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When Croatia and Azerbaijan met last October in Osijek, the Vatreni easily dismantled their competition 6-0 in front of 15,000 happy fans. They meet again in Baku Thursday with only four matches remaining in Euro qualifying. The question is: will the real Croatia show up who can score goals with ease against a lesser talented Azerbaijan side or will Croatia's Jekyl … [Read more...] about Lethargic Croatians Draw 0-0 In Azerbaijan
The Rise (And Fall) Of Slaven Bilić
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On July 21st, I ventured out to Pasadena, California (well out of San Pedro range) to catch the friendly match between Barcelona and L.A. Galaxy at the Rose Bowl. I was looking to speak with both Ivan Rakitić and Alen Halilović (Croatian national team players) on the upcoming season. Unfortunately, they declined to give any type of formal interview. However, during … [Read more...] about The Rise (And Fall) Of Slaven Bilić
