Gone are the days of rotating mediocre right-backs like Tin Jedvaj, Karlo Bartolec, and Filip Uremović, praying one of them doesn't produce a costly mistake in an important match. Now Croatia has TWO in-form right-backs at two of the top three German clubs that are dropping elite performances in European competition week in and week out. Josip Stanišić has beat out … [Read more...] about What Was Once A Weakness Is Now A Strength
Soccer
4/4 Croatians Make It To CL Quarters This Week
By 25 CommentsChampions League Rule #1 over the past decade: You can't win unless you have a Croatian on the squad! And that very well may still stand true for an unprecedented 11th straight season as the trend started with the 2013 Final when Mario Mandžukić and Bayern Munich slayed Borussia Dortmund in the 89'. Croatians could not have asked for a better week as 4/4 Vatreni (or … [Read more...] about 4/4 Croatians Make It To CL Quarters This Week
Dalić Names Squad For EURO 2024 Qualifiers vs. Wales/Turkey
By 60 CommentsThe first two Croatian matches of 2023 will take place at the end of this month when the Vatreni open up their EURO 2024 qualifying campaign against Wales in Split on the 25th and against Turkey in Bursa three days later. On Monday afternoon, manager Zlatko Dalić named his 25-man squad for these matches. There wasn't much change from the World Cup squad in Qatar outside … [Read more...] about Dalić Names Squad For EURO 2024 Qualifiers vs. Wales/Turkey
Croatians Around Europe Weekend #22: Beljo Scores 1st Bundesliga Goal; Real Madrid Drop Points Without Modrić
By 45 Comments21 year-old former Istra and Osijek striker, Dion Drena Beljo, scored his first Bundesliga goal for Augsburg on Saturday...and boy was it a pretty one! In the 6th minute of the match, Augsburg defender Robert Gumny sent a high, looping clearance into the Werder Bremen half. Beljo would bring it down and turn on the jets. He made a run towards goal with two Bremen players … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe Weekend #22: Beljo Scores 1st Bundesliga Goal; Real Madrid Drop Points Without Modrić
Oršić, Southampton Bounced From FA Cup By 4th Division Side Grimsby Town, DCC Scores
By 14 CommentsThe Croatians at Southampton have been having a disastrous 2023 in England...and it only got worse Wednesday night in the FA Cup 5th Round. It was supposed to be an easy day at the office as Premiership club Southampton hosted 4th division side Grimsby Town. A spot in the FA Cup quarterfinal round was on the line and Southampton expected to be there, even with their Premier … [Read more...] about Oršić, Southampton Bounced From FA Cup By 4th Division Side Grimsby Town, DCC Scores
Zlatko Dalić Refuses To Participate In The Vote For The Best Award
By 49 CommentsLionel Messi wins this year's Best Men's Player in Paris yesterday as Luka Modrić takes the fourth position at 37 years of age! He was also included in the World's Best XI. There is just nothing left to say about Luka Modrić's greatness. Croatian NT manager Zlatko Dalić had some very interesting thoughts about the award as he outlines why he refused to cast his vote for this … [Read more...] about Zlatko Dalić Refuses To Participate In The Vote For The Best Award
Croatians Around Europe Weekend #21: Modrić Assists In Madrid Stalemate, Sosa Scores Again
By 46 CommentsLuka Modrić came off the bench in the 63rd minute Saturday and supplied an assist (off a corner) to help force a 1-1 draw against city rivals Atletico Madrid. Atletico played with 10 men from the 69' on. It wasn't the result Real were looking for in the La Liga title race, however, in a shock result on Sunday, Barcelona lost 1-0 to Almeria. That means the gap between the two … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe Weekend #21: Modrić Assists In Madrid Stalemate, Sosa Scores Again
Juranović MOTM As Union Berlin Move Onto Europa League Round Of 16
By 16 CommentsWhat a sensational move by Croatian defender Josip Juranović this January transfer window; moving from the Scottish Premier League to the German Bundesliga. He's currently starting for the 3rd place team in the Bundesliga (Bayern, Dortmund, Union Berlin all tied on 43 points) and has now notched his first goal for Berlin Thursday night vs. Ajax in Europa League action. In the … [Read more...] about Juranović MOTM As Union Berlin Move Onto Europa League Round Of 16
Lovren Retires From Croatian National Team
By 28 CommentsDejan Lovren is calling it quits. After 78 matches for Croatia, which includes five goals and a 2nd & 3rd place finish at consecutive World Cups, the 33 year-old Lyon defender is hanging up his red and white checkers for good. Lovren was instrumental for Croatia in 2018 and defied every critic (including me) in 2022. He will go down as a Croatian quasi-legend with a … [Read more...] about Lovren Retires From Croatian National Team