Dinamo Zagreb handily defeated Romanian club Astra Giurgiu in the opening week of the Europa League group stages with a score of 5-1. The victory leaves them leading the group after Celtic FC and Red Bull Salzburg drew 2-2 in their match today. Dinamo’s scored five goals in the match on the heels of a hat trick scored by El Arbi Hillel Soudani, who scored all three of … [Read more...] about Dinamo Top Group After Victory, Rijeka Struggle in Group Stage Opener
Croatia
Repka to Šuker: “No more games in Zagreb!”
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Following the 2-0 victory over Malta in Zagreb Tuesday night, Croatian players lashed out at HNS president Davor Šuker, saying that games should no longer be played at Maksimir due to the low fan turnout. Only 8,000 Croatian supporters came out to the opening Euro 2016 qualifier. Veteran Ivan Rakitić said that he wished Croatia played home games in Zagreb that … [Read more...] about Repka to Šuker: “No more games in Zagreb!”
Outraged Observations: More of the Same Complaints
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Written by Allen "Outraged" Strk How do I remain outraged? It’s usually when I have to endure ninety minutes of Croatia playing against an inferior opponent. The lack of fire and innovation of ball movement is usually evident. They tend to struggle against teams that crowd the box with midfielders and look to not concede a goal. We’ve seen that against … [Read more...] about Outraged Observations: More of the Same Complaints
Croatia defeat Malta 2-0 to open Euro qualifying
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Goals from Modrić and Kramarić got Croatia past 10-man Malta Tuesday night in Zagreb to open up Euro 2016 qualifying. But shouldn't we expect more from a team that fields players from the best teams in Europe? Let's look at the numbers. Croatia controlled ball possession for 70% of the match, had 23 shots on goal, but could only score twice against a … [Read more...] about Croatia defeat Malta 2-0 to open Euro qualifying
Čilić books spot in U.S. Open semis vs. Federer
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Marin Čilić won in straight sets (6-2, 6-4, 7-7) against #6 seed Tomas Berdych at the US Open on Thursday to secure a place in the semifinals of a Grand Slam for the second time in his career. Čilić will play Roger Federer, arguably the best tennis player that has ever lived, in the semifinals on Saturday. This is the farthest Čilić has ever ventured in a Grand Slam … [Read more...] about Čilić books spot in U.S. Open semis vs. Federer
Onto the Knockout Stage as Croatia Send Puerto Rico Packing
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Needing a win to clinch a berth in the knockout round, Croatia got the job done and did it easily, leading from wire to wire as they beat Puerto Rico 103-82. After consecutive lackluster performances, Croatia were firing on all cylinders, just in time for the must-win games. Croatia got off to a perfect start, leading 20-7 after just over six minutes. They would have … [Read more...] about Onto the Knockout Stage as Croatia Send Puerto Rico Packing
Mandza double gets Croatia past Cyprus 2-0 in friendly
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The Croatian national football team begin their Euro 2016 run on Thursday in Pula with a friendly against Cyprus. It's a warmup match for the opening qualifier against Malta on Tuesday. The Cyprus friendly, which kicks off at 2:15PM (ET), is expected to pit some of Croatia's new young blood with stone cold starting XI locks such as Mario Mandžukić and Luka Modrić. … [Read more...] about Mandza double gets Croatia past Cyprus 2-0 in friendly
Croatia Upset by Senegal, Move to 2-1 at FIBA World Cup
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Coming off a big win against Argentina, it was Croatia's turn to be upset and lose a close game. Senegal used their size and athleticism to good effect, beating Croatia 77-75, as Croatia's knockout round hopes took a hit. 19 year old potential lottery pick Mario Hezonja got an unexpected start for Croatia as Bojan Bogdanovic began the game on the bench, and the … [Read more...] about Croatia Upset by Senegal, Move to 2-1 at FIBA World Cup
Croatia Takes Down World #3 Argentina 90-85
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After struggling to win against one of the worst teams in the tournament on Saturday, Croatia turned it all around a day later, beating one of the pre-tournament favorites Argentina 90-85. Croatia shot 56% from the field, allowing them to overcome Luis Scola's 28 point performance for Argentina. Croatia got off to a hot start for the second game in a row, surging out to … [Read more...] about Croatia Takes Down World #3 Argentina 90-85
