Photo: Cropix Slaven Bilić promised a win for Croatia against a (weak) Irish side on Sunday. His promise came through in a 3-1 victory. There was something different about this Croatia squad on a rainy night in Poznan and it showed immediately after their national anthem, Lijepa Naša. Players didn't just unzip their warmup jackets and trot to their positions as they did … [Read more...] about CROATIA CRUISE BY IRELAND IN EURO OPENER
Soccer
EURO 2012: It’s Time
By 58 Comments
Illustration: ESPN EURO 2012 has finally arrived; and for Croatians, it's been a bumpy road getting this far under charismatic coach Slaven Bilić. The roller coaster ride started on a high note in 2007 when the Vatreni not only prevented England from qualifying for Euro '08, but also went perfect in group stage, defeating Germany on the way to the quarterfinals. With … [Read more...] about EURO 2012: It’s Time
Norway Force 1-1 Draw at the Death
By 365 Comments
Photo: AP It was a lackluster first half in Oslo as Norway and Croatia played a scoreless affair in a friendly match. There was little offense by the Vatreni with Ivan Perišić replacing an ill Luka Modrić in the midfield. The attacking duo of Mario Mandžukić and Nikica Jelavić had few touches, and even fewer scoring chances. Without a creative midfielder to dictate the … [Read more...] about Norway Force 1-1 Draw at the Death
Croatia Deny Estonia 3-1 in Pula
By 129 Comments
Photo: Jutarnji Starting XI vs. Estonia: Subašić-Strinić-Schildenfeld-Ćorluka(c)-Vida-Perišić-Badelj-Dujmović-Iličević-Eduardo-Kalinić Croatia v Estonia Match Highlights --------------------------------------- Croatia open up their summer account on Friday as they host Estonia in the first of two friendlies before Euro 2012 kicks off against Ireland on … [Read more...] about Croatia Deny Estonia 3-1 in Pula
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL: COAST TO COAST (Updated)
By 227 Comments
Photo: Sportige.com In Ivica Olić's last match as a Bayern Munich player, the Croatian striker was inserted into the Champions League Final during extra time in the 97'. Two minutes prior, Dutchman Arjen Robben had his penalty kick blocked by Chelsea keeper Petr Cech, which would have given Bayern a 2-1 lead with 15 minutes to go. Olić pressured the Chelsea backline, and … [Read more...] about CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL: COAST TO COAST (Updated)
CROATIANS AROUND EUROPE *XXXIV* (Season Finale)
By 35 Comments
ENGLAND Photo: EuroSport After going scoreless in his past two games for Everton, Nikica Jelavić ended the season on a high note, scoring in the 27th minute against a tough Newcastle United team in a 3-1 win. Jela made the run down field and had the ball put over the top to him. He appeared to handle the ball with his arm before he fired strong towards net. … [Read more...] about CROATIANS AROUND EUROPE *XXXIV* (Season Finale)
Weekend Soccer Talk
By 51 Comments
Headlines: Ivan Perišić plays last six minutes of the DFB Pokal Final as Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund defeat Bayern Munich 5-2 Saturday to claim the German double. Ivica Olić, Danijel Pranjić did not feature for Bayern Munich. Nikica Jelavić closes out the season with a goal as Everton defeat Newcastle 3-1 on the final day Ivan Klasnić, Bolton … [Read more...] about Weekend Soccer Talk
SHAKHTAR CROWNED UKRAINIAN CHAMPIONS
By 18 Comments
Photo: Shakhtar Darijo Srna and Shakhtar Donetsk completed the Ukrainian double Thursday night as they defeated Oleksandria 3-0 to capture the domestic league title on the last day of the season. The championship is Shakhtar's third in a row and will once again see them play Champions League football next season. Srna played the full match and sent a beautiful … [Read more...] about SHAKHTAR CROWNED UKRAINIAN CHAMPIONS
PRANJIĆ OFF TO THE ORIENT?
By 125 Comments
Photo: U-Gett 30 year-old Croatian utility man Danijel Pranjić is being wooed by a first division Chinese club. The current Bayern Munich man has seen little first team football this season and is more than interested in the cash this unnamed club would like to throw at him. He signed with Bayern Munich in 2009 but never got a true chance with all the talent around him. … [Read more...] about PRANJIĆ OFF TO THE ORIENT?
