Soccer

Croatia have concluded their relaxed international break in Qatar with a 2-1 victory over Bulgaria, following a 1-1 draw against Slovenia. Manager Zlatko Dalić experimented with a 3-5-2 formation in both matches, sparking a debate amongst Croatians about the Vatreni's tactics going into the 2022 World Cup. Should Croatia continue with this new setup, or revert back to a classic … [Read more...] about 3-5-2 vs. 4-3-3: How Should Croatia Line Up For The 2022 World Cup?

The Croatian U21 team could have all but booked their ticket to the 2023 Euro tournament with a win in Varaždin versus Finland Tuesday night. After an uneventful 0-0 draw against Austria on Saturday, we all thought the Finland game on home soil would have been an automatic three points; especially with the Mladi Vatreni already beating the Fins at their house 2-0 this campaign. … [Read more...] about Murphy’s Law 1st Half Sees Croatia U21s Lose 3-2 To Finland

What did we learn this week? Ivica Ivušić is a much better goalie than Dominik Livaković and should be Dalić's first choice at the moment. Ivušić shows a confidence in the box Livaković simply does not have right now. There was nothing Ivušić could do on the Bulgarian goal as he was left high and dry on a break away. Andrej Kramarić is still Croatia's best striking option. … [Read more...] about Modrić, Kramarić Lift Croatia In 2-1 Friendly Victory Over Bulgaria

Expect tons of changes for the Bulgaria friendly on Tuesday, per Sportske Novosti. Croatia manager, Zlatko Dalić, has already said that many key starters from the Slovenia match will sit in lieu of a B-squad. Modrić, Perišić, Kovačić, Livaković will all see the bench for the following Starting XI: Ivušič will be in goal. Dalić looks to play another 3-5-2 formation with … [Read more...] about Modrić And Other Key Starters To Rest Versus Bulgaria

Croatia have secured Pot 2 seeding in the 2022 World Cup draw after drawing Slovenia 1-1 in Qatar on Saturday. Andrej Kramarić opened the scoring in the 39th minute for the Vatreni, finishing a beautiful long ball from center-back Duje Ćaleta-Car. Slovenia answered in the 91st minute of the match, as Jaka Bijol's set-piece header barely crept over the line (but did it really?). … [Read more...] about 5 Takeaways From Croatia vs. Slovenia: Vatreni Are In Good Shape, But Livaković Needs To Go

The late Slovenia equalizer will put a sour taste in Croatian mouths, but at the end of the day, mission accomplished for the Vatreni outside of goalkeeper Dominik Livaković. Croatia dominated the match for 90 minutes and held the ball for 66% of the game. Modrić, Perišić, Ćaleta-Car all shined and Andre Kramarić got a much needed goal in red and white checkers. There were … [Read more...] about Croatia Secure Pot 2 World Cup Seeding With 1-1 Result vs. Slovenia, Livaković Struggles Again

The Croatian U21 team had a perfect six wins, zero losses and zero draws up until today. In a match against statistically inferior Austria, Bišćan decided to field five center-backs, a defensive midfielder and no wingers. This mistake showed on the pitch as Croatia had trouble spreading their game out and clogged the middle of the pitch. Not to mention, Bišćan made only 2 out … [Read more...] about Bišćan At Fault For Mladi Vatreni Draw

Macedonia have knocked Italy out of World Cup qualifying. Italy have now missed two straight World Cup tournaments but are reigning European champions.  Would you rather be in Italy’s situation: 2 straight missed World Cups with a Euro championship  OR Croatia’s situation: 6 straight tournament berths (3 WC/3 Euro) with a World Cup Final match…but no … [Read more...] about Macedonia Knocks Italy Out Of World Cup Qualifying, But Which Situation Would You Rather Have?

After many months of club football, the Vatreni are back in action on Saturday, March 26th as they take on Slovenia in Qatar to prepare for the 2022 World Cup. Croatia hosted Slovenia at Stadion Poljud the last time these two sides met, where they demolished them by a score of 3-0. The stadium was absolutely electric as all three goalscorers - Marko Livaja, Mario Pašalić, and … [Read more...] about How The Vatreni Should Line Up Against Slovenia