Croatia defeat Slovenia 2-1 in final World Cup friendly. Modrić scores beauty from outside the box and Mario Pašalić rips a 93’ half volley off the bottom of the crossbar!
Biggest takeaway: The first 15 minutes of the 2nd half was the most attractive football Croatia played. Marco Pašalić and Petar Sučić must start at the World Cup. Kovačić slows down the build up.
Baturina added the right energy but will be crucified for the errant back pass that lead to Slovenia’s goal. Will Dalić forgive him?
Lots of lessons learned from this match in Varaždin. Off to the World Cup we go! 🔜🇺🇸
93′ GOOOAL!!!! Mario Pašalić rips a half-volley off the bottom of the crossbar to beat Oblak. Croatia head to the United States with a 2-1 friendly win over Slovenia in Varaždin!
83′ Slovenia goal. 1-1. Baturina with an errant back pass that was supposed to reach maybe Livaković. A gift for Slovenia as Livaković was left on an island. Complete blunder.
75′ Baturina whips in a near perfect free kick from the sideline and it whips just outside the far post.
64′ SUBs. Perišić and Marco Pašalić come off. Vlašić and Luka Sučić come on.
60′ HUGE save by Livaković! Slovenia with a point-blank chance in the box but Livi makes himself big for the save.
58′ SUB. Modrić comes off to a standing ovation in Varaždin in what could be his last match on Croatian soil. Mario Pašalić comes on.
54′ Pašalić rockets a shot from outside the box but it deflects out for a corner. Much more energy from the team in the 2nd half!
53′ Croatia playing much more attractive football since Baturina and Sučić came onto the pitch.
50′ GOOOOOALLL!!!! 1-0 Croatia. Perišić slides the ball to Modrić at the top of the box and the Croatian captain cooly places the ball inside the right post to beat Oblak. Complete finesse over power on that shot. Class!
47′ Slovenia player left all alone in the middle of the box and half volleys the ball towards net but Livaković makes another wonderful save to keep it 0-0.
SUBS: Budimir, Kovačič, Kramarić come off. Matanović, Petar Sučić, Baturina come on.
HT: 0-0. Budimir with the best chance of the game so far. He should have buried the header. Marco Pašalić Croatia’s best player of the half on the right wing with his crosses. Livaković with a nice save. Kovačić disappointing with two shots from the top of the box the sailed over the crossbar. Needs to do better. Perišić lively but his crosses aren’t connecting in the box. Great bicycle attempt!
38′ Croatia sloppy in the back giving the ball away in their own box. Livaković gets down to make the save though. Awful pass by Kova.
35′ Modrić will a perfect low-pass to Kova at the top of the box but Kova once again hits high and does not get a look on frame.
34′ Stanišić back on the pitch after a slight scare.
31′ Stanišić down and grabbing his right ankle in pain. Doesn’t look good initially on first look for the Bayern man.
25′ Budimir gets a great cross int he box but heads it right at Oblak. Should have been a goal.
21′ Perišić climbs the ladder for a bicycle kick in the box but doesn’t get enough on it. Would have been spectacular if he got more power on the shot.
11′ Slovenia gets a shot on goal from inside the box. The low-shot looks to be heading towards the post put Livaković makes the save nonetheless for a corner.
10′ Modrić steals the ball at midfield and makes a run, however his short pass to Kramarić in the box is off target. Should have done better.
1′ Budimir sees a cross come into the box but heads over the bar. Decent first look so early. Budimir is most dangerous with crosses in the box. The more crosses he receives int he box, the more chances he gets heading the ball home.
The Vatreni play their final friendly before taking off for the United States Sunday night versus Slovenia in Varaždin. Dalić is rumored to put out a 4-2-3-1 lineup which is the ideal formation for CroatianSports as long as right winger Marco Pašalić starts opposite Perišić.
We need to assume the Slovenia starting XI is how Dalić wants to start vs. England June 17th in Dallas.
PROS: 4-2-3-1 is our best formation. Playing with two true wingers in Perišić and Pašalić.
CONS: Dalić is starting Erlić and Pongračić together one match before the World Cup begins?! Would rather see Petar Sučić alongside Modrić rather than Kova. If Vušković is going to play at the World Cup, he should be starting in this friendly.
Who’s going to Dallas??? Where are we all meeting for a true Hrvati party???
Here’s my take on the game vs Slovenia.
– Marco P was the MOTM
– Liva was co-MOTM.
-Perisic outstanding. He still has it.
– Kova is not in form and should not start vs England.
– Krama….SLOW AF. Only good as a sub for the entire tournament.
– Gvardi not in form and was not very good defensively. I would not start him at LB. He should be CB with Vusko. Gvardi will be a liability defensively at LB and ENG, Ghana & Panama will attack him on that flank.
– Modric should not take corners….they were horrible. Let Marco P take them.
– Erlic, Pong & DCC all garbage. Why are all 3 going to the WC?
-Buda….complete garbage. I don’t care how many goals he scored in La Liga.
-Why isn’t Jakic getting any playing time. He was Cro’s best player during
qualifying. He would be my choice for RB.
– P Susic, Bati guaranteed starters.
– Whoever ends up starting this team will have trouble scoring. Buda, Musa & Matano are shitty versions of each other. None one of them can create chances on their own and rely the the ball to be on a platter 5 yrds from the goal in order to score (or miss). Matano is the least shitty of the 3. I would have taken Ivanovic….he can create chances for himself.
– I would play Bati as a false 9.
Liva
Jak – Vusko – Gvardi – Stani
Modric – P. Susic – L Susic
Bati
Marco P – Perisic
This game showed you nothing. We are ten days from the World Cup. The main goal of the veteran players was don’t get hurt
Croatia lives on controlling the center of the pitch. But if you’re trying to avoid all contact, you can’t do that as effectively. Even that kovacic back pass i thought looked like a quarterback in the pocket releasing early and recklessly so he doesn’t get hit
I thought budimir has been fine. He’s gotten a few great chances. Always remember, it is largely about expected goals and not actual goals. Even the best players barely deviate from expected goals over time, which means that a high expected goal shot from budimir is a tremendous outcome whether it goes in or not
It is underappreciated that the battle was already largely won by the player by just getting the shot off
Did Kova and Baturina play for Slovenia? Nothing new for Kova the most overrated [^#T to ever wear the kockice.
Livakovic our best player with some great saves.
I’m a big fan of Kovacic but on current form he cannot be in the starting 11.
On paper our defence looks strong, but this was not evident in the two matches in March and the two friendlies just played.
Baturina despite the back pass needs to be starting.
Upfront Budimir has missed two great opportunities in the two matches with his head and not sure who will start upfront against England? Marco Pasalic has impressed on the right wing and should get the nod from Dalic.
Not sure why we are not in the USA already to acclimatise, imo this match should have been played in the USA if not against Slovenia, then against some South American country.
I think Marco and Musa will start against England as their season just started in the MLS and they are FRESH and used to playing during the summer months and can give 90 minutes (especially Musa as he plays in Dallas) – they are the only players that are fresh – the rest are at the end of the season or just coming back from injury so not fit
Marco and Musa start vs. England – mark it
100% agree on Bati and add Pero to that – so that’s 4
Modric will need to start – to organize the kids on field and Liva – that’s 6
Gvardiol and Stanisic too – so that’s 8
So that’s only 3 positions that are left up for discussion – two CBs/defenders and the Perisic at LW position – Dalic doesn’t have too many choices left if we think about that way – it’s 3 positions and formation
My comment below is in moderation.
I was basically saying that Kovačić is definitely out of form (no surprise there), and I don’t think he played well in either match. I do like the guy as a player, but I just don’t think picking him at this stage was smart. He hasn’t kicked a ball in over two years.
I would have preferred Petar Sučić or Moro over him at this stage to play. And maybe even Majer despite a disappointing season.
While Baturina had a glaring mistake, he is very lively and moved the ball well.
Marco Pašalić was great. Provided us with one of the few goal scoring opportunities we had through Budimir in the first half.
I am not a huge fan of Budimir for us, but to be fair I am not sure what options we have. Would Beljo have been better??? I dunno.
Matanović and Musa can’t seem to find their rhythm or put the ball away. We seem to have that issue ongoing in the final third. This problem is sticking out like a sore thumb at this point it is very depressing. We just don’t have that Eduardo / Šuker type player to put the ball in the net or create something.
Sadly Budimir has the Alen Boksic curse. Not sure if you or these kids remember how he was the most dominant striker in Seira A but total dud for Hrvatska.
The 98 team was so amazing, filled with talent but he was invisible.
Mind you was severely injured by 1996 and most likely was not in his prime by the time we had national representation.
For Budimir looks like a clumsy putz for us but an aerial assassin for the La Liga.
Either it’s lack of service or a curse but as it stands now he can’t be our first choice.
Sorry gents just got home and started watching the game at 6pm
Looks like Super Slav is right again, balls in the box to win and defeat the BUNKER.
Basic football tactics kids. I was glad to be here and save the day by starting the GoFundMe earlier to pay off Dalic to increase the crosses, insert Marco and change tactics.
Baturina with the masterpiece pass back but the best part was him pulling a classic Epicless Broz finger pointing tantrum.
All Bat needs to do, is learn to suck it up and move on.
Lastly, sorry Ante but your thoughts that Vuskovic should play is a terrible take. I don’t think any starter should have played and risked injury for a nothing burger game.
If Dalic doesn’t already have the team in stone by now then we are in big trouble.
We almost lost Stanic due to injury, that field was overly wet for no reason, players falling all over the place for a final Friendly with Slovenia was ridiculous and careless.
At times we look a mess at the back. The positives from the last two games are that Livakovic is looking good, but in reality, he should have been invisible against Slovenia. Baturina is looking much better over these last two matches, so hopefully we never see a back-pass like that for the Checkers again. Budimir absolutely has to start, especially after scoring 17 goals in the Spanish league, Musa sub on for engergy or Matanavic for Stability. We really should have brought Segecic along to swap him and Marco Pašalić when needed around the 60-minute mark. Plenty of World Cup winners have had poor results in pre World Cup friendlies like Italy, but I still think Livaković will have his work cut out for him and Spain or Portugal ect. will easily capitalize on our mistakes if we take this kind of form into the cup and face them in the next round if we finish second.
—————————Mario.P.——————————
———————————————————————
———Perisic———Vlasic———Marco.P.——
———————Modric——P.Sucic——————
Gvardiol——————————————Stanisic
——————Pograncic—Vuskovic—————
I watched the game again and I must say I have also mentioned before why not try Pasalic Mario as our CF he does it all he is as complete player you could have there (fluid for big guy/aerial threat/defends/presses/assists/and as seen a great finisher time and time again… like most say here everything looked better in second half agreed…
I think Perisic can go hardcore 60-70 min along with Modric where they will need to be changed ….Baturina(if he does not start instead of Marco.P.)and Kovacic should be the coming on for them… the other should be for Mario P if he miraculously starts(Dalic would look like a jackass if he did this but it should have been tried before really heck even Perisic but this would then mean he would have to bring Stojkovic and Segecic… well enough said.. really hope things come together but we can stay the options were not there.. that’s a discussion post World Cup and once we integrate the Stojkovic’s Segecics Durdovs etc…
Check out this Jaga skill from the game vs Greece a days ago
Better than anything Messi has ever done
X.com/pana__x/status/2061705905020760408?s=46
Here’s a 6 minute comp of every skill and touch from the same game
x.com/pana__x/status/2061705913463984351?s=46
I think that Kovačić is not in form. The dude should not have been called up. We could have easily had another striker or winger with his spot. I like the guy but he hasn’t played in 18 months. I am sorry but that give away would have been costly against another team. I know Baturina had an issue there but at least he produces something while on the field, he is lovely and moved the ball well.
I would have preferred to see Moro/Petar Sucic who have way more defensive composure next to Modric.
We have so many options to choose from in the midfield it seems like a wasted spot to me to have Kova included this time around.
Lay off the ganja, Kovacic is one of the best midfielders in the world. He could walk on to any country’s midfield. He’s a must start.
Not saying he isn’t good but those two games paint a different picture.
He hasn’t played in a long time bud, with back passes like that one he isn’t a good choice. He offered nothing in those two games. Neither in offense or in defense. Sure he is a great ball carrier, but even that came into question in the past two friendlies. What’s the point of carrying the ball if you do nothing with it or worse give it away?
Leaving Adrian Segecic out of the final squad was a big mistake, I don’t see where the goals are going to come from, I’ve seen highlights of that guy and he was in blazing form for Portsmouth in the final weeks of championship, I just don’t get it, u gotta have him on the bench, not saying he had to be a starter but at least the bench as a super sub, I feel like he had a lot to prove considering he chose croatia over Australia and difected
Yeah, i would definitely have included him.
I don’t think you guys are remembering the circumstances we are dealing with or who this team is. We have so multiple guys coming back from injuries and are rusty. Not to mention, when has Croatia ever finished a game with ease and we never had to look away? I can only count on my fingers. Argentina 2018, Canada 2022, Czech Republic 2025 or Greece 4-1 in 2017? All of which were key games. We scrap by and get the job done. This isn’t going to be some changed team that starts with a new identity. Dalić has been here nearly a decade so we know what to expect. The lineup against England will not be a surprise. If we start Kramarić, Perisic, Modric and Kovacic then it will be a long ugly game. If we start Sucic and Baturina etc then it will improve. Don’t hold your breath. I can already assume we will concede first cause that’s what we tend to do and I hope I’m wrong. England will come out fast with fresh legs. Keep in mind…we have a good chunk our squad coming back from long term injuries or recent. Have a pivo and shove a cevapi on your mouth. All bets are off once the whistle blows at the centre field.
Dalic has a tough job with so many second guessing his every move. Expectations are so high given his many successes against soccer powerhouses. His strength has been his principled leadership and fostering a culture of team unity. He needs to be strong now and not let the criticisms get to him. Put it aside and trust his instincts. This comes from someone who believes it was a terrible mistake not to take Majer. More support, less criticism. Idamo!
Well said. Many things are coming together as the team gets ready to leave for World Cup.
Among a number of positive takeaways, Livakovic looked sharp. He will take some confidence into World Cup after this performance, and the additional benefit of his 2022 experience.
We perhaps forget just how many of us were concerned, only months ago, when Livakovic was not playing at all.
I hope Baturina didn’t work his way out of the starting lineup with that back pass. Possibility he wasn’t going to start anyway, but that doesn’t help.
Meanwhile Kovacic did the same thing but Livakovic saved it. I doubt that puts his starting spot in jeopardy.
Livakovic with a couple of highlight reel saves. Hope that continues and the overall sloppiness was a result of a lot of guys playing at 70-80% level trying to avoid injuries.
Yes Kovacic has been a part of many wins and won many trophies/medals for club and country. Baturina not so much.
Past performance does not mean that he’s better than Baturina is now.
This coming from someone that loves Kovacic.
Baturina almost cost the W.
I watched the England and New Zealand highlights. Nothing special from that performance at a glance.
The only two players that stood out were Kane and Spence. A fair amount of their starters were on too. They are experimenting with new formations in terms with the defence. We can’t be so quick to judgment and assume they aren’t nervous too like us.
We won today and that’s all that matters. A fluke goal caused by a Baturina mistake is nothing to panic about it.
Let’s stay positive and believe for the England game. We will be just fine.
Bog i Hrvati
Players that have to start (based on these friendlies): Livaković, Stanišić, Gvardiol, Perišić, Petar Sučić, Modrić, Marco Pašalić. It’s unclear which CBs, which #9, and which CAM should start. Maybe Vušković/Pongračić, with Baturina as CAM. Vlašić and Mario Pašalić both looked very sharp today, but they are great off the bench. I think Kovačić and Kramarić also have to come off the bench, which maybe means Budimir starts, with Musa off the bench. These friendlies actually showed a lot, but only Dalić can decide what it all means.
We are in a lot of trouble. Loss loss tie. We may experience a long period of decline . Luka is holding the team together and when he goes watch out . Dalic has no idea what he is doing and the savez is clueless and has hindered its self for years
As seen totally agree that Modric Perisic Kramaric and Budimir can’t be on the field at the same time… too slow
Who to inject well I think Dalic has mixed it up enough (aside Fruk or Car) but he better have a vision who he wants to start.. I think we can see by now who brings us the pace control we need.. Still think it was a mistake not calling Stojkovic especially while Segecic I could understand somewhat.. anyways In any form of play Modric and P.Sucic need to be CM pairing Perisic has to start and be paired along with Baturina or Vlasic and I still think Musa or Matanovic may be the better option to start but it’s a wild card between them 3 really…
Gvardiol is either at 80percent or just protecting himself I think it’s the latter… otherwise the picture overall should be crystal clear oh and Pograncic is a better ball mover then DCC and or Erlic… I think I’ve said that many times before although DCC is also better then Erlic in that space as well.. Erlic is a destructor pure big strong but does not bring anything forward… Mario Pasalic it’s so hard not to give this guy a starting spot as he shines so much off the bench…
Off we go fingers crossed
Van Hecke sign the Luka v team papers
So they have him and Senesi as CBs
100-% Luka gets sold after the WC – no pressure Luka – only Barca on that he line 🤣
As much as Dalic doesn’t want to play super Mario- he won’t have a choice – Luka will make the call
Phew at least we got a win in our last game. Just hope that carries some confidence over cos it was looking like it was gonna be 3 games with no wins, 2 goals scored and 6 conceded until that last minute goal from Mario.
Dalic said everyone gets minutes
Pandur, Fruk and DCC haven’t
Dalic is a LIAR !!!!
DCC has not practiced back injury. Do you read jutarnji or vecernji at all lol
All I can say Super Mario bails is again
Pure laziness
to quote the commentator on the Baturina gifted goal: “that should not be happening”. Le sigh.
Dear Brother IGGY Baturina did that on purpose that was no accident. As the commentator said very strange
lol Baturina and Livakovic
HNS should be down a goal or two, Slovenia couldn’t put a ball in the Adriatic if they were on the shore
Lol, Crotown! That was the funniest comment I have heard in a long time.
😂
Older than the Dinaric mountains. I fear a repeat of 2002.
——————————Musa——————————
——Baturina———————————Vlasic——
—————P.Sucic—————Modric—————
—————————Vuskovic—————————
Perisic———————————————Stanišić
————-—Gvardiol————Šutalo—————
Where is Vlasic? He used him during both games previous Brazil and Columbia…
Kovacic definately rusty maybe throw a curveball in and put Vušković in a stopper /CDM role where we can utilize his prowess to win high balls in midfield without getting killed on the counter.. also more freedom on set plays and corners
If anything Vuskovic will play as a sweeper.
The wild card is if Dalic puts him at RB in a back 4 – it’s “safer” as further away from goal (like why Pep played Josko as LB first) – u get his passing and ability to charge forward – probably not for England (as unfair he needs to face Rashford or Gordon 1 on 1) but maybe for other 2 games
Well, nice finish from Luka anyway. Not that we really need to see what he can do but maybe our sedate team can get some confidence finally.
I just woke up so i’ll get to see the second half but i see yet again zero goals to us, sigh. We’re gonna be lucky to beat Panama at this rate, never mind England.
I don’t need to watch the game to analyze. As soon as I see budimir, kramaric, perisic and modric and Kova on field not much to say.
Budimir how many great crosses you gonna waste
I’ll repeat this again. Budimir can score 80 goals in Spain but he is not compatible with us.
Enough of his crap
Dalic playing dumb / possum so England can’t use these 2 games as scouting
Suspect Igor (or Musa) Baturina and Petar Sucic will start vs England (came on for 2nd half)
While the 3 that came off at HT Budimir Krama and Kova don’t
Dalic have them a chance to show him why he is wrong and doubt they did
Mark it
usually there’s not a lot to take away from these friendly games, but yikes. A lot of our guys look like they haven’t touched a ball in a couple months.
Pongracic and Erlic starting the game before the World Cup is baffling.
Pongračić and Erlić both showed today that they’re in form and care about what they do on the field. I don’t know the stats on aerial duels won and interceptions and clearances, but both of them were very solid. Pongračić also made things interesting in the first half with some of his runs forward. He’s fast, can dribble, and can cross. Erlić is a wall in the back. The fact that Ćaleta-Car, a regular starter for Real Sociedad, did not see a minute in these friendlies tells you just how valuable Pongračić and Erlić are. Croatia’s defensive problems are giveaways in the midfield, not Erlić and Pongračić.
Fair enough, they didn’t play bad. I guess I’m more confused as to why, two games before the World Cup, we haven’t seen the best XI start together.
DCC picked up a small injury, which is why he didn’t play. Otherwise he certainly would’ve seen the field.
I hope i eat my words but we suck boring slow outdated football.
3 and out is likely this summer just like euro 2024.
Modric kovacic together hell no no more need fresh blood.
You can tell gvardiol is not in form
Livakovic was best player in 45 mins
Kramaric Budimir Modric and Kovacic together cant be in the 11 i am sorry
We need fresh players Baturina Sucic Musa/ Matanović need to be in the 11
Vuskovic should be playing to see how he does with one cb partner
I know Dalic has 3 medals but come on man
Wow what’s happening we look so bad lol
Ffs Erlic and Pongracic??? Hope Dalic is just resting Vuskovic because if he’s really planning on starting those 2 against England it would really be malpractice…
In Dalić’s defense, if the rest of the team does their job, Erlić and Pongračić won’t have too much work to do.
Lovro Majer couldn’t beat out a player with a complete f’ed heart – he just collapsed again on the field for Denmark – and u guys want him on the NT – get a grip
Marco Pasalic starting behind the striker…I am intrigued to see how this will work out. we keep asking for speed and I think this could be interesting since he is very quick…I am curious to see how he handles receiving the ball in the middle of the field compared to the outside/wing area where there is more room.
ooops, my bad…he’s on the right side!
A couple of great crosses in from him. Budimir should have done better with one of them.
I really like when we play an actual RWer at RW.
yep, I totally agree!
Don’t really understand this lineup
Oh nice. Stanisic needs a rest. Apart from that it’s good
Livaković
Stanišić
Erlić
Pongračić
Gvardiol
Modrić
Kovačić
Marco Pašalić
Kramarić
Perišić
Budimir
Lineup livi stanisic Erlic pongracic gvardiol Modrić kova pasalic krama perisic Budimir
Any news on lineups?
Finished watching Belgium
U guys are all way to reactionary and negative (hopefully that’s not how you live your lives)
It wasn’t that bad
Luka V was 100% tanking to hide his ability – light jogging so he seems slow (like on the 2nd goal), not heading any ball in the defensive box the whole game, not even marking anyone on defensive corners, 1st goal he didn’t step up fast enough and block, etc etc
Not surprised none of u MORONS picked it up – it’s pretty obvious
Did u see at the 70th min subs (there was probably a water-break then too anyways) but Luka ran over to Corluka and they had a several minute 1-on-1 discussion – Luka was waving his arms trying to figure out what he should have done better and what he needs to do (of course not – as none of u pay attention)
Moro – he’s like Pauhlino – pure 6 – but actually has a nice passing range – like that switch of play to Marco on the right side – not even sure he gave away the ball on the 2nd goal – looked like he was fouled – he was responsible defensively and tracked back and broke up a couple of plays – he’s a good pure 6
Did u all see Luka Sucic SPRINT BACK FULL SPEED on 4th minute of extra-time and take the ball away from Lukaku ? WOW WOW WOW – I checked 5 times to make sure the # on back of jersey that it was actually him – couldn’t believe it – now if THIS is how he is able and willing to play there is an argument that the starting midfield for England should be Pero, Bati and Luka Sucic and of course Modric (one of them has to go to “RW” or whatever) – was so nice to see it – and the boy is VERY FAST – incredible – this is the BEST thing I’ve seen him do on the NT – and he got rid of that negative body language maybe he’s grown out of his petulance
None of u MORONS picked up that b/w the 60th and 70th minute subs – we played a back 4 with Sutalo moving to RB (until Jakic came on) ? U guys are mostly helpless u don’t pay attention – Luka V was tanking anyways – but we had a back 4 for at least 10 minutes
Think Dalic brought on Budimir and Krama – to confirm – they shouldn’t start against England – Budimir is a complete disaster – he is so clumsy like Bambi – he body-checks people needlessly if he even bothers pressing (Musa is a bit guilty of the needless contact too but he’s smarter about it) – he goes looking to be fouled and flops – he missed all those headers (in a real game Luka V would have stepped in and called to take the header that Budimir rattled off the cross-bar) – he’s not fast enough or seemingly willing enough to press England – we need FAST and ENERGETIC and PHYSICAL front 3 (or whatever) to press England – Musa and/or Igor will start vs England – mark it
Krama – as others have said – is just a poacher – and likes his little moves on the ball – but offers nothing else – he is a luxury player – he can’t start vs. England – we will be a man down from the get go – u need YOUNG and ENERGETIC players
Nobody mentioning Croatia midfield – I mean the pundits – if Pero, Bati and Luka Sucic – are ready – I say start the three of them – they all have something to prove on the international stage – all three are being under-appreciated – of course you have Modric on there to manage the game and instruct the kids – give them the stage and let they run it again England
I really hope Croatia ends up with a 4 in the back for the WC. The LWB/RWB positions are really hard to fill and we just don’t have someone on the right who’s going to be both dangerous going forward and reliable defensively.
Today’s predicted lineup (Livaković – Stanišić, Šutalo, Vušković, Gvardiol – P. Sučić, Kovačić – Marco Pašalić, Modrić, Perišić – Budimir) is probably our best starting XI at the moment. Kramarić/Baturina are also really good CAM options if Modrić drops back.
I said it before that majer is a worthwhile nt player
I felt against Belgium he could’ve been needed off the bench as Croatia looked devoid of offensive ideas when the subs came on
Completely agree.
Hrvatska za Sloveniju (4-2-3-1):
Livaković – Stanišić, Erlić, Šutalo, Gvardiol – Modrić, Kovačić – P. Sučić, Kramarić, Perišić – Budimir.
I’d like to start a GoFundMe to payoff Dalic to play Marco on the right and call up Majer on the bench.
I think one person here or a few had said Majer is too slow but that’s only when Dalic inserts him in a false position on the wing.
I also would like to start a separate GoFundMe to have Dalic instruct players to add at least 3-5 crosses in the box per half.
Besides that let’s hope and pray that Dalic’s magic run goes out with a bang.
https://croatiansports.com/croatia-take-on-belgium-in-world-cup-friendly-tuesday-12pm-et-kickoff/#comments/527721
@A Tin U
Hmm I believe Dalic is going with four at the back versus Slovenia. Hope Vuskovic will start again so we can catch a glimpse of how he does in a four-man backline. I would probably go with Sutalo too as his CB partner (despite the recent errors)… c’mon that Sutalo of season 2024–25 must still be somewhere waiting to be summoned by Bog for our party this month!
I’m looking forward to World Cup too and boy, do I love your mantra— Modest expectations but high hopes 🙂
I said this before the goal of Sutola’s was ping ponged and was a fluke but this what happens when you throw balls in the box.
It’s doesn’t have to be pretty. As well I find all our defenders super talented but overly confident.
They tend to be to arrogant and goof around with ball when sometimes you just need to blast the ball into the stratosphere and not take chances.
They always think they can dribble and pass their way out of the zone.
Maybe another GoFundMe is required on basic clearance tactics, lol.
Looking forward to today’s game!
Hopefully we’ll learn a little more.
We’ll probably see Matanovic at some point. In a perfect world, it would be nice to have at least one of the strikers catch fire and even pop a couple of goals today before leaving to WC. . . maybe it will be Igor.
Modric, Kovacic, and Gvardiol, who have not played as much as usual at their clubs, will have another opportunity to fine tune their game.
Baturina is ready to go. Looked solid against Belgium. Petar Sucic should be clutch and give us a Broz level performance at WC. I am not too worried about those two.
Hopefully Sutalo has a good game today and plays with confidence. Yeah, we definitely need the 2024-25 Sutalo . . .
Another WC wild card is Luka Sucic. After a disappointing season, at least in the early going, he certainly ended on a high note with the cup win at Real Sociedad, and scoring that big goal when it went to kicks and everything was on the line. He has the ability to be an offensive threat, has a good foot when he unloads it, which is something we need. He has travelled a bit of a rocky road with the NT in the lead up, maybe a little more time for L Sucic today to see where he is at and what he might bring to the table for us.
@Bartolec, I will be interested in reading the post-game insights and commentary here as always.
Bog i Hrvati!
Should be interesting to see if Dalic goes back to 4231 formation.
For confidence it is important that we depart for the USA on a winning note and hopefully no injuries.
Some people on here (previous topic) were stating that our women’s team was about to qualify for the women’s WC in 2027. There is just about NO Chance of that happening.
Yes, we top our group but in League C. Even if we were to win the group ahead of Kosovo or come out as one of the best runners up, we then have to play countries that are runners up or third placed teams from League A and following that there is another play-off match.
The best we can do is win the group and move up into League B but qualifying for the women’s WC with the current standard of our players is only a dream.
Watching the match against Kosovo we did have one player Galic from Australia playing for us. I think that is what HNS needs to do like in men’s recruit players from diaspora, but the only problem is I don’t think enough Croatian girls play soccer in diaspora at a high level.
It’s really not important how good the opposition are. That is nothing croatia can control. If a team is amazing and plays incredible and beats us then you just have to accept it. But the guys must make sure we play to our strengths. That we are confident and positive and do what we do well. We are also be of the best in the world at feeling the spaces and rhythm of a game. We beat England in the World Cup semi final before, first 30 minutes England completely dominated. Then we found the space and slowly began to control the rhythm. By the end England had nothing and we could have scored more. Teams will try to hurt us early the way Spain did. We must start very strong and professional. If we are focused and sharp and organised the game will begin to go our way. Football is like chess. Every match is a completely unique story.
Hoping Modric puts together the lineup and does his coaching as he has done for the last 8 years. Dalic will be at mass praying for a raise
England New Zealand
1-0
Apparently a pretty piss poor performance by England
Let’s not hit the panic button yet guys
I watched it, it was a sedate game with a lot of England second and third stringers I think so that puts it in some context.
Panama 1 – 1 Bosnia again has me thinking Panama are not as bad as I first thought 🤔
thats their team England thats not 2nd or 3rd stringers.They changed half out at 1st half.
Panama are very organized and will try to score on the counterattack and on set plays. They work very hard and will battle for every ball. They scored against Bosnia in injury time after a corner kick.