Croatians Around Europe

It was an easy stroll in the park for FC Barcelona, who will be playing for the Champions League crown June 6th in Berlin. Bayern had to overcome a 3-0 first leg deficit, and even with the Bavarian side scoring inside 10 minutes, Neymar's two first half goals would end the tie to put the Spanish champions-elect through to the final. Bayern would win 3-2, but it was not enough … [Read more...] about Rakitić, Barca Through To CL Final

Barcelona are all but through to the Champions League Final after their 3-0 drubbing of Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp Wednesday night. Ivan Rakitić got the start and played 82 minutes, assisting on Lionel Messi's second goal of the night. Barring a complete collapse in Germany next week, expect Barcelona to play either Juventus or Real Madrid in the Champions League Final, … [Read more...] about Rakitić Assists Messi Wundergol, Barca Win 3-0

The Champions League semifinals are upon us. Ivan Rakitić and Barcelona are in. Luka Modrić is out (injury). But Wednesday night puts the other two Croatian nationals in action in extremely tight matches. 'Super' Mario Mandžukić will look for revenge on city rivals Real Madrid after being bloodied and beaten in their scoreless first leg match last week. … [Read more...] about Mandžukić, Subašić Crash Out Of Champions League

Emotions ran high Tuesday night in Madrid as the city's two football clubs, Real and Atletico, met at the Estadio Vicente Calderdon in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal clash. And it was a night to forget for Croatian star striker Mario Mandžukić, as he nearly drew two automatic red cards from Real Madrid players. Mandza finished all 90 minutes of … [Read more...] about Mandžukić Mauled In Madrid Derby

SPAIN Ivan Rakitić will be disappointed in his first return to the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán since last summer's transfer to Barcelona as his side blew a two-goal lead versus Sevilla. The former Sevilla captain played 90 minutes in a 2-2 draw against the Andalucian club, shrinking their lead to only two points ahead of Real Madrid atop the La Liga table. … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *XXXIII*

Two weeks ago, Alen Halilović was criticized by some for his poor attitude when being substituted from a match in the first half in order to replace his goalkeeper following a red card. This week the 18 year-old Croatian prospect is being praised for his play for Barcelona B. Halilović can easily be compared to Dutchman Arjen Robben with his quick dribbling on the … [Read more...] about Halilović Showing His Worth

Slaven Bilić is a fun guy. He's animated. He's energetic. He's in a band. And he's just about got his coaching career back in control. After leading Croatia to the Euro 2008 quarterfinals after an improbable 3-2 win over England at Wembley, denying the Three Lions Euro qualification, Bilić was on top of the world. He was untouchable. The players loved him. The … [Read more...] about Bilić’s Boys (Besiktas Edition)

At 32 years and 10 months old, Croatia/Shakhtar Donetsk captain Darijo Srna may very well play the last significant match of his career Wednesday night (3:45PM ET) in Germany. After a scoreless affair in Donetsk three weeks ago, Shakhtar will take on German champions Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 showdown. Although heavy … [Read more...] about Srna’s Last Stand