Soccer

With all attention on Croatia vs. Portugal on Tuesday, the U-21 qualification to EURO 2021 next year was overshadowed. It's great to see such a talented group of Croatian young guns qualify for the tournament, but it's how they qualified is what we should be talking about. The Mladi Vatreni did not control their own destiny starting the day Tuesday and not only … [Read more...] about Mladi Vatreni Backdoor Qualify To U-21 EURO 2021

A much better performance from the Vatreni today compared to the Sweden match on Saturday. The boys looked determined not to lay up another goose egg, and it showed. Even though this was a friendly match for Portugal, as they could not top the group, they played their 'Big 4' of Ronaldo, Fernandes, Jota, and Felix against Croatia in Split. Mateo Kovačić would score … [Read more...] about Kovačić Scores Twice As Lucky Portugal Beats Croatia 3-2 At Poljud

Maminjo is my "POTW", Poster of the Week. He's been on fire and is looking through his 'logical lens' rather than taking an emotional approach. Should Croatian fans be in 'panic mode' after the 2-1 loss to Sweden on Saturday? Absolutely not! Don't even spend one ounce of your energy thinking about it. The Vatreni are fine and by the time EURO … [Read more...] about Relax, Breathe, Don’t Worry…Repeat

It will be interesting to see who Dalić puts out there against Sweden. Modrić and Perišić are automatic. You can also add Brekalo and Vlašić to that list as Ante Rebić hasn't gone 90 minutes in over a month. Marcelo Brozović tested positive for COVID and will not be playing. Would Dalić try out Kovačić as the CDM behind Modrić? I would be completely fine with that rather than … [Read more...] about Vatreni Sleep Walk Through 2-1 Loss To Sweden

This will be a trivia question in the future to which you will know the answer to: Which country topped the only qualifying group in UEFA history to send four teams to an international tournament? And of course - the answer is - CROATIA! Although Croatia and Wales qualified for EURO 2020 exactly 12 months ago, the four extra teams that would qualify … [Read more...] about Croatia Top “Fantastic 4” Euro Qualifying Group

Scotland are going to the Big Dance! The Scots defeated Serbia in penalties after playing out a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time, and are now headed to EURO 2021, to join Croatia, England, and the Czech Republic. Scotland dominated the entire first 90 minutes as the Serbs looked like they were sleep walking before grabbing the equalizer from a corner kick in the … [Read more...] about Scotland Defeat Serbia In Penalties, Book Their Ticket To EURO 2021

Croatia Starting XI vs. Turkey: Sluga - Juranović, Vida, Pongračić, Melnjak; Rog - Badelj, Brekalo, Pašalić, Oršić; Budimir MATCH HIGHLIGHTS Croatia and Turkey have had some epic battles over the years. Wednesday night in Istanbul, the two will meet again in a friendly match before closing up shop on Nations League over the weekend. The match kicks off at … [Read more...] about Croatia Play Out Entertaining 3-3 Draw With Turkey, Vida Tests Positive

2020: The Ugly, The Better, (Hopefully) The Good The Vatreni started out 2020 with 4-1 and 4-2 losses in September to Portugal and France. Two great teams. Luka Modrić didn't play. But as reigning World Cup finalists, you simply have to do better. In October, Croatia did much better, defeating Switzerland in a friendly and Sweden in Nations League before … [Read more...] about Vatreni Begin Last International Break Of Year With Friendly vs. Turkey