Soccer

There was a small chance both Luka Modrić and striker Ante Budimir could have been available for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier between Croatia and Slovenia in Split, CroatiaWeek.com reports. However, both La Liga players have been officially ruled out with injury and will miss all three September World Cup qualifiers. The Vatreni drew Russia 0-0 in Moscow on Wednesday … [Read more...] about Modrić, Budimir Officially Ruled Out For Slovenia Clash Tuesday

Things we learned vs. Slovakia: The Croatian offense is in shambles. No pace or urgency. Very slow in build up. There is no "go to" guy Croatia can count on. Vatreni have scored five goals in as many games and three of those came against Malta. The goalkeeper competition is officially open for business! Osijek's Ivica Ivušić had a wonderful first match for Croatia and was my … [Read more...] about Brozović Volley Rescues Croatia In 1-0 Win Over Slovakia

The Mladi Vatreni play their first game of the qualification campaign against Azerbaijan U21 today at 1:00pm EST. The only surprise selection is starting 17 year old Salzburg talent Roko Šimić over 19 year old established Hajduk striker Marin Ljubičić. Either it's because he has impressed more in training or because Ljubičić is being rested (we are playing Azerbaijan, after … [Read more...] about Croatia U21 Begin Their Qualifying Campaign With a 2-0 Triumph Over Azerbaijan

Here's the quick scoop. Croatia dominated possession at 59% but had absolutely nothing going on offensively in the final third. Borna Sosa is good! We are in good shape moving forward with him at left-back. Mateo Kovačić also looked great in the midfield without Modrić. We will be fine with Kova after Modrić retires based off of today's display. However, Andrej Kramarić … [Read more...] about Croatia Play Out 0-0 Draw In Russia, Stay Top Of Group

This is an absolutely crucial week for Croatia. The Vatreni have their toughest string of games in 2022 World Cup qualifying, and they have to play them all without captain, Luka Modrić. It all starts in Moscow Wednesday night when Croatia face Russia in a rematch of the World Cup quarterfinal. Russia had anything but a great EURO 2020 but two straight games on the road to … [Read more...] about Croatia Begin Toughest Stretch Of WC Qualifying vs. Mother Russia

The next year is going to be weird for Croatians around the globe. Why? Luka Modrić - arguably Croatia's best football player of all time - roughly has 14 months left wearing the red and white checkers. But will he stay full fit? Modrić turns 36 years old on September 9th and has already started the season on the injury list with Real Madrid. Modrić is currently out with … [Read more...] about Modrić Out For September WC Qualifiers, Time For Kovačić To Shine