Photo: AP Croatia did what they were supposed to against the Irish, and with a win over Italy on Thursday, will clinch a quarterfinal berth at Euro 2012. However, Italy is no Ireland and adjustments must be made to ensure victory. Or do they? Coach Slaven Bilić opted to slot captain Darijo Srna at right back for the Ireland game, opening up a spot in the midfield for … [Read more...] about THE ITALIAN JOB
Croatia
EURO 2012: It’s Time
By 58 CommentsIllustration: ESPN EURO 2012 has finally arrived; and for Croatians, it's been a bumpy road getting this far under charismatic coach Slaven Bilić. The roller coaster ride started on a high note in 2007 when the Vatreni not only prevented England from qualifying for Euro '08, but also went perfect in group stage, defeating Germany on the way to the quarterfinals. With … [Read more...] about EURO 2012: It’s Time
Norway Force 1-1 Draw at the Death
By 365 CommentsPhoto: AP It was a lackluster first half in Oslo as Norway and Croatia played a scoreless affair in a friendly match. There was little offense by the Vatreni with Ivan Perišić replacing an ill Luka Modrić in the midfield. The attacking duo of Mario Mandžukić and Nikica Jelavić had few touches, and even fewer scoring chances. Without a creative midfielder to dictate the … [Read more...] about Norway Force 1-1 Draw at the Death
Croatia Deny Estonia 3-1 in Pula
By 129 CommentsPhoto: Jutarnji Starting XI vs. Estonia: Subašić-Strinić-Schildenfeld-Ćorluka(c)-Vida-Perišić-Badelj-Dujmović-Iličević-Eduardo-Kalinić Croatia v Estonia Match Highlights --------------------------------------- Croatia open up their summer account on Friday as they host Estonia in the first of two friendlies before Euro 2012 kicks off against Ireland on … [Read more...] about Croatia Deny Estonia 3-1 in Pula
Trouble in Paradise?
By 21 CommentsPhoto: Schalke Is all right with Ivan Rakitić in Sevilla? The 24 year-old Croatian midfielder got in a fist fight with Sevilla FC teammate and youth system player Deivid Rodriguez Thursday during training. It is reported by Madrid newspaper Marca that Rakitić threw something towards the young Spaniard, which was quickly followed by a Rodriguez punch. Both players exchanged … [Read more...] about Trouble in Paradise?
Lovren Injury Update
By 55 CommentsPhoto: The Offside Lyon Croatian defenseman Dejan Lovren suffered a right foot injury during Lyon's 1-0 Coupe de France final victory on Saturday and had to be stretchered off the field in the 18th minute of play. The severity of the injury is still unknown and may be linked to Lovren's achilles. The French Press Agency (AFP) has reported that Lovren is doubtful for … [Read more...] about Lovren Injury Update
The Italian Job
By 63 CommentsPhoto: FootballJustice.com Looking forward to Euro 2012 Group C, involving Spain, Italy, Croatia and Ireland, a majority of the world consensus has already given top spot to reigning Euro champions and current World Cup winners Spain. With that said, second place is up for grabs and is a virtual coin-flip between Italy and Croatia. With less than two months before kick … [Read more...] about The Italian Job
Euro 2012 Home Kit Released (Updated)
By 50 CommentsPhotos: Marko Lukunić/Pixsell The new Croatian home kits were released Monday in Zagreb. Minor but noticeable changes include red number and name along with a smaller pattern of red checkers on the sleeves. We go over this every time a new kit is released; there's only so much you can do with Croatia's signature checker design. New design: Love it, hate it or gotta … [Read more...] about Euro 2012 Home Kit Released (Updated)
Nash: “Spurs Not In Top 4 Without Modrić”
By 37 CommentsPhoto:AP CroatianSports.com caught up with lifelong Tottenham Hotspur fan and 2-time NBA MVP Steve Nash after the Phoenix Suns 103-86 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday night at Staples Center. Nash stated that he would be happy with acquiring current Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho for the same position at Tottenham if Harry Redknapp left for the England … [Read more...] about Nash: “Spurs Not In Top 4 Without Modrić”