SPAIN Luka Modrić played the second half for Real Madrid as they suffered a crucial defeat to Real Betis. With Madrid down 1-0 at halftime, Jose Mourinho took off Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil for Kaka and Modrić as they put more emphasis on the attacking side of the game. Modrić completed 36 passes with 83% accuracy, crossing the ball four times and created one chance, … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *XII*
Croatians Around Europe
Fair or foul from Shakhtar?
By 23 CommentsPhoto: theTimes.co.uk Darijo Srna and Shakhtar Donetsk are through to the Champions League knockout round; but at what cost? With Danish champions Nordsjaelland up 1-0 in the 26th minute, play was whistled down due to an injury at midfield. Common fair play protocol calls for the team defending at the time of the foul to kick the ball back to the opposing club's goalie … [Read more...] about Fair or foul from Shakhtar?
Croatians Around Europe *XI*
By 24 CommentsGermany Photo: index.hr Bayern Munich looked uninterested on Saturday in a 1-1 draw at Nurnberg. The Bavarian Giants look to have Valencia and Champions League on their minds and didn't give their usual effort at Stadion Nürnberg. "Super" Mario Mandžukić started and played 77 minutes in the draw. The Croatian international scored another Ivica Olić-like goal in … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *XI*
Srna assist not enough vs. Chelsea
By 22 CommentsIt took until November, but Shakhtar have finally lost their first competitive match of the season; to reigning Champions League holders Chelsea FC at the death. Captain Darijo Srna led his undefeated Ukrainian champions into Stamford Bridge Wednesday night knowing that another victory against Chelsea would put them into the knockout stages of Europe's elite club competition. … [Read more...] about Srna assist not enough vs. Chelsea
Croatians Around Europe *IX*
By 27 CommentsSPAIN Luka Modric recieved his 3rd consecutive La Liga start and scored his first goal for Real Madrid in stoppage time of their 4-0 victory over Real Zaragoza. In the 93rd minute the ball deflected out of the box and found Luka who finished impressively with his left foot. Modric had 4 shots and also picked up his third yellow card in his last four appearances. Luka … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *IX*
Srna’s Shakhtar remain hot
By 8 CommentsPhoto: Reuters Is this team for real? Shakhtar Donetsk have already won the Ukrainian Super Cup this season, kicked hated rivals Dynamo Kiev out of the Ukrainian Cup and have won their first 12 matches of the domestic season; scoring an astounding 38 goals while only conceding six. Some may say this is anything but impressive in a water-downed Ukrainian Premier … [Read more...] about Srna’s Shakhtar remain hot
Croatians Around Europe *VII*
By 49 CommentsENGLAND Photo: EvertonFC.com Nikica Jelavić received the start for Everton on Sunday after returning from the international break. With QPR's David Hoilett scoring off a deflection in just the second minute of play, Jelavić and company needed to come back to win this one to keep their fine early season form up. It didn't happen. Everton equalized in the 33' when a … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *VII*
Croatians Around Europe *VI*
By 169 CommentsENGLAND Photo: Action Images Nikica Jelavić continued his scoring form going into the international break, heading home a difficult Steven Pienaar deflected shot from a tight angle to equalize for Everton in the 11th minute Saturday for Everton. The goal came only seconds after Wigan's Arouna Koné scored to give Wigan the early lead, with replay showing he was well … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *VI*
Kalinić, Livaja net in Europa League
By 34 CommentsBoth Nikola Kalinić and Ivan Strinić played the full 90 minutes for Dnipro Thursday night in their 3-2 come from behind victory versus AIK Stockholm. With Dnipro down early, Kalinić received a long down-field pass from Rotan in the 41st minute, took the ball down with a 360-degree trap and then slotted home for the equalizer. It was a well composed goal, one of only few for … [Read more...] about Kalinić, Livaja net in Europa League