Soccer

Croatia Starting XI: Subašić - Strinić, Lovren, Vida, Vrsaljko - Modrić, Rakitić - Perišić, Kramarić, Rebić - Mandžukić Croatia was the better team in the first half against Nigeria and it showed in the 32nd minute when Luka Modrić whipped in a corner kick that got lost in the box; which led to an own goal. Mandžukić got the last head on it and the Vatreni went into … [Read more...] about Croatia Defeat Nigeria 2-0 In World Cup Opener

Are you ready? Because they are. The day is finally upon us. Croatia will open up the 2018 World Cup against Nigeria in Kaliningrad at 3PM (ET). Manager Zlatko Dalić has said his piece on the projected lineup; but will he change anything up in the next 24 hours? Three points out of the gate is a "must" if the Vatreni want a comfortable ride through group … [Read more...] about T-Minus: NOW

Has Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić made up his mind or is he playing psychological warfare? Sportske Novosti is reporting the above starting lineup for Croatia on Saturday as they face Nigeria in their World Cup opener (3PM ET). Based on the two latest friendlies against Brazil and Senegal, it appeared Dalić would deploy Badelj and Rakitić in the CDM roles … [Read more...] about Potential Starting XI vs. Nigeria

In anticipation of Croatia’s 5th World Cup, we are counting down the top 5 goals Croatia has ever scored at the tournament. #1 The Goal That Put Croatia On The Map In Croatia's first World Cup, the Vatreni got through group stage with wins over Jamaica and Japan; and needed a penalty shot in the Round of 16 to thwart Romania. Sure it was Croatia's first … [Read more...] about #1 The Goal That Put Croatia On The Map

The tribes have spoken. On the eve of the World Cup in Russia, the 2026 tournament hosts were announced, and it will be the North American trifecta of Canada, Mexico and the United States. The North American bid beat out Morocco with a 67% vote on the first ballot. Dijaspora Croatians in North America will be ecstatic with the news … [Read more...] about 2026 World Cup Goes To North America!

In anticipation of Croatia’s 5th World Cup, we are counting down the top 5 goals Croatia has ever scored at the tournament. #2 The Dutch Delight After a disappointing finish in their semifinal against France, which cost Croatia a shot at the World Cup title game, Davor Šuker rallied the troops to score his sixth goal of the tournament, cementing his name in … [Read more...] about #2 The Dutch Delight

In anticipation of Croatia's 5th World Cup, we are counting down the top 5 goals Croatia has ever scored at the tournament. #3 The One That Got Away In 1998, Croatia made it all the way to the semifinals versus hosts France. After a scoreless 1st Half, eventual Golden Boot winner Davor Šuker put the Vatreni 45 minutes away from the World Cup Final! But it wasn't … [Read more...] about #3 The One That Got Away

The boys have successfully landed in Russia and had their first training session Monday. During the training, manager Zlatko Dalić spit the the squad into two 11-man squads for a little scrimmage. And the vets smoked the younger generation 7-0. The "starci" consisted of Vida, Lovren, Subašić, Perišić, Rakitić, Mandžukić, Strinić, Modrić, Badelj, Ćorluka … [Read more...] about Old Guys Beat The Young Guns In 1st Russian Training

In anticipation of Croatia's 5th World Cup, we are counting down the top 5 goals Croatia has ever scored at the tournament. #4 The Italian Job In 2002, Croatia tried to replicate what they did in France, but 1-0 losses to Mexico and Ecuador quickly stopped that. However, when Ivica Olić and Milan Rapaić scored within three minutes of each other to beat mighty … [Read more...] about #4 The Italian Job