Croatians Around Europe

Mateo Kovačić. When will he arrive? Has he arrived? Where is he going? After riding the bench behind 2018 Ballon D'or winner Luka Modrić - both at Real Madrid and the Croatian national team for the past three years - Kovačić finally got his chance to shine as Real Madrid loaned him out to Chelsea this past summer. It was a move that was intended to give Kova … [Read more...] about The Kovačić Conundrum

After signing for English Championship side Aston Villa on the first day of the winter transfer window, Croatia's #1 goalkeeper Lovre Kalinić, had a rough day at the office in his debut match Saturday as his Villa side took on Premiership club Swansea City in the FA Cup. Swansea dominated the match and won 3-0 with Kalinić conceding all three goals with little help from his … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe XVIII

It took 21 matches but Liverpool's unbeaten run to start the season is finally over. Reigning champions Manchester City defeated Liverpool 2-1 Thursday night to tighten the gap between them and leaders Liverpool to only four points. The Reds could have taken a commanding lead in the Premiership table with a victory but will now need to battle it out down the final 17-game … [Read more...] about Liverpool Slip Opens Up Premiership Race

It was an extremely slow weekend in Europe as La Liga and Bundesliga are currently on winter break.  However, Inter Milan's Šime Vrsaljko got on the stat sheet Saturday with an assist in a 1-0 victory over Empoli. Vrsaljko swung in a low cross from the sideline and Keita Balde volleyed home for the game's lone goal. With the win, Inter Milan five points behind second-place … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe XVII

In case you missed it while still going strong with Christmas activities on Wednesday, Dejan Lovren scored a fantastic half-volley to put Liverpool on the board in the 11th minute versus Newcastle United in a 4-0 victory. Lovren wound up and struck hard in the box to beat the Newcastle keeper high. With the win and a Manchester City loss on Boxing Day, the Reds are now six … [Read more...] about Lovren Scores On Boxing Day, Liverpool Remain In 1st

A Ronaldo-less Real Madrid won their third straight FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday, beating hosts - and Zoran Mamić managed Al Ain - 4-1. Luka Modrić opened up the scoring in the 14th minute with a  wonderful left-footed curler from outside the box and added an assist later in the match during the victory. Modrić fittingly ends his 2018 with more silverware in a year in which … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe XVI

Luka Modrić is on top of the football world after a dream 2018. With that comes trophies, recognition, and of course, cartoons. BleacherReportFootball's "The Champions" series brought us satire humor at its finest this Champions League season. In the finale, Modrić goes up against Lionel Messi and tells him that he (Modrić) is the best in La Liga and that Messi … [Read more...] about Modrić To Messi: “I’m The Best In La Liga…Pay Your Taxes!”

The Champions League Round of 16 is set! And just in case you forgot, Croatian players have quite the impressive streak to defend. Since Mario Mandžukić lifted the Champions League Cup with Bayern Munich in 2013, a Croatian player has lifted it in six straight years. Modrić in 2014. Rakitić in 2015. Modrić 2016-18. This year's tournament could make it … [Read more...] about 3 3/4 Croatians To Play In Champions League Knockout Round

Don't look now, but Croatia's favorite villain from the World Cup is on a hot streak. Nikola Kalinić scored his third goal in his last four matches (all competitions) in Atletico Madrid's 3-2 victory over Real Valladolid. Atletico currently sit competitively in third place and will be a force to reckon with doen the La Liga final stretch. Kalinić is playing well and Croatia … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe XV