Mario Mandžukić scored a 'right place-right time' insurance goal for Juventus Wednesday night in the 80th minute of their match with Olympiakos. He was on a Juve rush when a defender cleared the ball off the line right onto Mario's head. It was in typical Ivica Olić-like fashion and gave the Italian champions a 2-0 win and their first points in Champions League this season. … [Read more...] about Champions League Day 2: Mandza Scores
Soccer
HNL Week 10
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After a short hiatus due to power and internet outages caused by a storm that shall not be named, HNL report is back, bringing you the excitement you inevitably missed. Dinamo Zagreb coach Mario Cvitanović was assaulted outside his apartment last week by two unknown assailants. The assault came only weeks after an attempt on Zdravko Mamić’s life, who was also assaulted … [Read more...] about HNL Week 10
Croatians Around Europe *V*
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You know it was a slow week when Ivan Santini is leading off Croatians Around Europe. The 28 year-old Zadar native slotted home a well thought out penalty in a 1-0 Caen win over Amiens on Saturday. The win puts Caen in 8th place in the French Ligue 1. Historically, Croatians have been awful in the penalty kick department. Santini looked confident up there but he's so … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *V*
What’s Up With Real Madrid?
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On Wednesday, Real Madrid lost 1-0 at home to Real Betis on an injury time goal. It was Madrid's first loss of the season but the third time in their past four La Liga matches where they dropped points. So what's the deal? And how will it affect Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić in the future? Teams have slumps. It's a normal part of sports; no matter how good … [Read more...] about What’s Up With Real Madrid?
Persistence: The Ivan Rakitić Story
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(Thank you to CroatianSports.com member Idemo for posting this article) per·sist·ence (noun): firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. A good friend of mine in Croatia once told me, "Money and good looks don't win over a woman, persistence does." Women like to be chased. They want to be wanted. Now, … [Read more...] about Persistence: The Ivan Rakitić Story
Croatians Around Europe *IV*
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Nikola Kalinić got on the board for the first time for new club AC Milan; scoring twice in a 2-1 win over Udinese Sunday. Both goals were essentially tap-ins in front of the Udinese net but it's good to see Kalinić getting the start and breaking the ice in Milan. His 22nd and 31st minute goals was enough for the win as AC Milan remain in the thick of things early in the season; … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *IV*
Kovačić Out, Subašić Questionable For October Qualifiers
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From bad to worse. With an essential "must win" game against Finland in Osijek on October 6th and potential group decider versus Ukraine in Kiev three days later, Croatia will be without one (maybe even two) of its starters for these key World Cup qualifiers. Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovačić is likely out 6-8 weeks with a partial abductor tear he … [Read more...] about Kovačić Out, Subašić Questionable For October Qualifiers
Rijeka Fall 2-1 To AEK In Europa Opener
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Rijeka fell short of the Champions League group stage after their duel with Olympiakos, but were given a fortunate draw in Europa League. The Croatian champions were paired with AC Milan, AEK Athens and Rapid Wien in group stage. The top-2 clubs will make the Round of 32 knockout stage in February. And although AC Milan is primed to top the group, second place is … [Read more...] about Rijeka Fall 2-1 To AEK In Europa Opener
Champions League Day 1: Rakitić Scores, Kovačić Injured
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On the first night of Champions League, Barcelona easily dismissed last year's runners-up Juventus 3-0 at Camp Nou. Messi would score in the 45th minute with Ivan Rakitić picking up the trash in front of the net to beat an out of position Gigi Buffon in the 56th minute. Messi would add one more later in the second half. Barcelona are perfect to start the La Liga season and … [Read more...] about Champions League Day 1: Rakitić Scores, Kovačić Injured
