With the group stage of Champions League commencing next week, I wanted to share some revelations I had about Europe's greatest football tournament with you fine folks. Bottom line: It's dead. (well, until the quarterfinals at least) I pondered for weeks after the World Cup ended how this Croatia side could possibly bow out of the tournament in such weak … [Read more...] about What’s wrong with Champions League
Croatia
Torcida vs. HNS
By 54 CommentsMore than 30,000 members of Torcida, citizens of Split and supporters of other Croatian clubs gathered on the Splitska Riva Saturday afternoon in protest of the HNS (Croatian Soccer Federation). Maybe the Croatian flare throwing in Milan was just the beginning of having their voices heard. We've known for years how bad the HNL and HNS have been run, but now Croatian … [Read more...] about Torcida vs. HNS
HNL Week 16
By 8 CommentsCroatia’s marquee match was scheduled for this Saturday, but was called off due to HNK Hajduk Split’s refusal to take the field. After many conflicting reports, it has been officially stated that the police submitted a list of 92 members of Torcida to the Dinamo Zagreb management stating they have been “black listed” due to behavioral concerns. These fans had no prior … [Read more...] about HNL Week 16
Modrić out 3 months
By 30 CommentsLuka Modrić has been ruled out for a minimum of three months after tearing a tendon his his thigh Sunday against Italy. We all saw the 29 year-old Real Madrid midfielder pull up short twice halfway through the first half, but it's not as bad as it originally looked. So what does this mean? Absolutely nothing. Croatia's next qualifier is March … [Read more...] about Modrić out 3 months
MNK Dinamo Helps Honor Vukovar
By 8 CommentsWhether you agree with the tactics or not, protests are abound in Croatian soccer. We all saw the display put on by fans during the most recent match featuring Croatia and Italy, where fans stopped the match by throwing flares onto the field, almost handing Italy an automatic 3-0 lead. The actions are not exclusive to international matches. Fan behavior like this … [Read more...] about MNK Dinamo Helps Honor Vukovar
Croatia, Italy end 1-1 after Croatian fans nearly abandon match
By 405 CommentsCroatia will have to be happy to leave Milan with a 1-1 draw after nearly having to abandon the match in the second half. Croatian fans threw flares onto the pitch with the Dutch referee suspending the match for over 10 minutes. It looked as if the Vatreni would have to take a 3-0 loss, but the match was eventually restarted, ending 1-1. Italy looked like nothing … [Read more...] about Croatia, Italy end 1-1 after Croatian fans nearly abandon match
Croatian B squad can’t hang with Argentina in 2nd half, lose 2-1
By 180 CommentsHRVATSKA Starting XI: Kalinić - Vrsaljko, Lešković, Jedvaj, Leovac - Badelj, Antolić, Milić, Sharbini, Kovačić - Čop 1st Half: Croatia's "B" team held there own in the first half against Argentina, heading into the locker room at halftime up 1-0. A team full of up and coming stars including Mateo Kovacic, Sime Vrsaljko, Duje Cop and Tin Jedvaj held Lionel … [Read more...] about Croatian B squad can’t hang with Argentina in 2nd half, lose 2-1
What To Expect This Week
By 56 CommentsThe Croatian national side has a huge week in front of them. On Wednesday, they face Lionel Messi and World Cup finalists Argentina in a friendly from London, England. Four days later, the Vatreni take on Italy at the San Siro in Milan in Euro 2016 qualifying. After a World Cup we would all like to forget, Croatia have been perfect since returning from summer break. … [Read more...] about What To Expect This Week
HNL Week 15 – Kramarić Has Historical Night
By 12 CommentsDinamo Zagreb played to a lack luster scoreless draw on Sunday when the visited NK Zagreb at Kranjčevićeva. Coach Zoran Mamić shifted the line up a little by benching regular starter Duje Čop and instead, starting Angelo Henriquez in his place. Henriquez was the lone goal scorer in Dinamo’s embarrassing 5-1 Europa League loss against Salzburg on Thursday, but was … [Read more...] about HNL Week 15 – Kramarić Has Historical Night








