Croatia could have been the first team to book a spot in the Euro 2012 quarterfinals, but at the end of the day, they will have to be happy with a 1-1 draw against Italy. Italy dominated the first half and Croatia were lucky not to be down by multiple goals at halftime. Referee Howard Webb missed an obvious penalty call as Nikica Jelavić was pulled down in the box. Italy … [Read more...] about Croatian Comeback Kids Force 1-1 Draw with Italy
Soccer
Mandžukić Showing his Worth
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Photo: SkySports.com Written by Vedran Ćavara There he was, heading two beautiful goals into the net against Ireland, putting a dagger into their hopes of winning the game. The 'he' I speak of, is of course, Mario Mandžukić. Mandžukić was a doubt to start the EURO's at forward for Croatia, with most pundits believing that Bilić would instead start Ivica Olić at … [Read more...] about Mandžukić Showing his Worth
THE ITALIAN JOB
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Photo: AP Croatia did what they were supposed to against the Irish, and with a win over Italy on Thursday, will clinch a quarterfinal berth at Euro 2012. However, Italy is no Ireland and adjustments must be made to ensure victory. Or do they? Coach Slaven Bilić opted to slot captain Darijo Srna at right back for the Ireland game, opening up a spot in the midfield for … [Read more...] about THE ITALIAN JOB
CROATIA CRUISE BY IRELAND IN EURO OPENER
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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
EURO 2012: It’s Time
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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
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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
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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)
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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)
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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)
