Photo: AP WHAT WE LEARNED: -We could very well be witnessing the greatest team in football history...and Spain can make that official, without a doubt, with a win at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil -Ronaldo can carry Portugal by himself (the non-penalty take will only make him stronger) -Teams that have the talent, but also mental blockage, that prevent … [Read more...] about EURO 2012: After the Dust has Settled
Croatia
Good Showing at Euros Brings Big Deals for Vatreni
By 30 CommentsIt didn't take long for somebody to snatch up the 26 year old after his inspiring performance at Euro2012. A price has not been put on Mario Mandžukić's head, but we know the deal will last until 2016. Many Hrvati were expecting a Crottenham Hotspur in Wolfsburg, but the trade frees up space for Lakic and Olic to play side by side for a struggling Wolfsburg … [Read more...] about Good Showing at Euros Brings Big Deals for Vatreni
EURO 2012: What We Learned
By 83 CommentsPhoto: Mirror Written by Vedran Ćavara Something funny happened during Croatia's 2012 EURO campaign: our expectations were suddenly raised, and the team made us proud. Here are a few observations I've made. Feel free to disagree. -Slaven Bilić made this team into a bona fide unit that played within themselves. They worked hard for each other and defended as a … [Read more...] about EURO 2012: What We Learned
What Could Have Been
By 92 CommentsPhoto: Facebook.com/priznajem.HRVATsam Croatia was one Ivan Rakitić header away from not only clinching a spot in the Euro 2012 quarterfinals, but dethroning the current Euro and World Cup champions, Spain, all in the blink of an eye. With Italy expected to win against the Irish, Croatia knew they needed a result and had to play a near flawless game against the Spaniards … [Read more...] about What Could Have Been
Croatia Bow Out in Proud Fashion
By 305 CommentsPhoto: Jutarnji There's little to say after the Croatia-Spain match Monday night. Slaven Bilić managed a tactically perfect game against the world's best. He brought in defensive minded Domagoj Vida, taking out striker Nikica Jelavić. Spain had few real opportunities on goal, and as well as could be expected, both teams entered their locker rooms tied 0-0. It was then … [Read more...] about Croatia Bow Out in Proud Fashion
What’s in a Game?
By 147 CommentsOn Monday, Croatia will take on reigning Euro title holders and current World Cup Champions, Spain, with a Euro 2012 quarterfinal berth on the line. Croatia control their own fate as a win or 2-2 (or higher) draw against Spain will see the Vatreni into the knockout stages no matter what Italy does against Ireland. Both matches kickoff simultaneously at 2:45PM (ET). Croatia also … [Read more...] about What’s in a Game?
FAN ZONE: Poznan, Poland
By 48 CommentsPhoto: Kacper Pempel/Reuters CroatianSports.com's own Rob Uvanović is currently in Poland following the Croatian national team throughout their Euro 2012 group stage matches. Here's a look before the Croatia/Italy match on Thursday. Rob will be in Gdansk, Poland for the Group C finale between Croatia and Spain. What questions would you like him to ask Croatians attending … [Read more...] about FAN ZONE: Poznan, Poland
Croatian Comeback Kids Force 1-1 Draw with Italy
By 323 CommentsCroatia could have been the first team to book a spot in the Euro 2012 quarterfinals, but at the end of the day, they will have to be happy with a 1-1 draw against Italy. Italy dominated the first half and Croatia were lucky not to be down by multiple goals at halftime. Referee Howard Webb missed an obvious penalty call as Nikica Jelavić was pulled down in the box. Italy … [Read more...] about Croatian Comeback Kids Force 1-1 Draw with Italy
Mandžukić Showing his Worth
By 56 CommentsPhoto: SkySports.com Written by Vedran Ćavara There he was, heading two beautiful goals into the net against Ireland, putting a dagger into their hopes of winning the game. The 'he' I speak of, is of course, Mario Mandžukić. Mandžukić was a doubt to start the EURO's at forward for Croatia, with most pundits believing that Bilić would instead start Ivica Olić at … [Read more...] about Mandžukić Showing his Worth