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 no injuries in the game and the 1-1 draw with Slovenia ensures Croatia will now be seeded in Pot 2 of the April 1st World Cup draw, making their group path that much easier.
CROATIA vs. SLOVENIA MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
However, we need to talk about the elephant in the room. Dominik Livaković is NOT a confident keeper. The Dinamo Zagreb #1 had little to do for 85 minutes against Slovenia in Doha, but unraveled quickly in the dying minutes. With five minutes remaining in the match, Livaković looked lost in the box when a corner kick rocketed sky high and he couldn’t find his mark to punch it out. Sometimes it looks like he’s asking for permission in his own box to get to the ball. Then in injury time, a Slovenien header following a corner barely crossed the line to air up the game a force a 1-1 draw. A better goalie would have gotten to the ball on what was Slovenia’s only shot on goal.
I won’t be too critical on the result because it was a mere mid-season friendly, but there’s enough evidence here to show that Livaković does not have the confidence or goods to be the Croatian national goalkeeper.
I have to admit I was hoping Livaja would prove something with such a scoreline in HNL but he is not able to translate it in big games it seems. I am really happy to see Kramaric breaking out of his shell tho. 3 great seasons in Bundesliga, with one 20 goal season was big for him. Hopefully he can do the same in bigger games during Nations League and World Cup. This might be a one off for Pasalic I would still keep him on, Perisic and Modric have always shown why they should still be called up I don’t think there should be any doubters at this point.
Happy to see Ivusic did well, we will need a stronger starting goalie.
I guess we will see what happens.
Or take it up a notch and thank god were not evil chetniks who caused all the hurt for our hrvats back home.Never forget what those hopeless useless ilk turds did..never they still think their innocent in their own twisted way.Fuck that land lock garb sherbshit makes me sick..godbless our cros back home and of course our vatreni.🍺
In reality, our spot in pot 2 was secured the day before when Senegal lost to Egypt.
Let’s first thank God that we are Croatian!!
Then for Chrissakes why do we have a peder as our golman?
Next to Oblak, Livakovic looks like he is 15 years old in there?!
We are a ZDS people and our golman can’t defend his 6 yard box, plus he has no foot skills.
We have an open audition starting Tuesday.
We got 6 months to get this position filled.
If we don’t have a world class #9 (Kramaric played well off of Budimir), then we have to have golman that can provide some sort of presence. Particularly has D looks more solid these days.
I like the 3-5-2 look.
I think ivusic in his limited time showed he had the zds mentality in goal
I’d rather livakovic get booked for smashing some cunt(the cunt is for iggy) then sit back on the line
This ain’t hockey. The goal is massive dude
Another note I kept hearing someone tell luka to close In on guys
Wonder if it was gvardiol or something? Anyone else hear it
I really feel he will grab the team and run with it later
It is weird tho, you watch some YouTube videos of Livakovic and he seems decent on the highlight real, but then you watch
him in a game like this one, or the ones against Sevilla and you think…why are you not making these saves?… The ball is literally so close to the guy, even if he showed the effort and the goal still happened then fine. But in some of these instances it’s like he’s giving in. It would seem that his instincts are not always there or his head is not in the right place. Is it maybe pressure or something else?? I just really don’t get it. He is not consistent, I am not suggesting that goalie needs to save everything but one shot in an entire game, unless it is the picture perfect ball with no chance of being saved than the guy needs to make it happen and make that save!
He just doesn’t seem the like the guy to tow us to the finishing line…
Exactly you don’t need to be oblak for Slovenia. We don’t need a goalie to win us a game just give us a chance. Cause If we get firing three goals going forward is not out of the realm of possibility
I couldn’t watch the game so I won’t comment on it. I have watched the highlights of the goal though. So sad. Why are we so weak on set pieces? The coverage was awful. But, and I’m on the record saying this for a lot longer than most here, Livakovic is a turd. Saving a sharply headed ball off a corner is not an easy thing to do, but when it comes almost straight at you, you HAVE to save it. Also, I’m assuming that there was no VAR or goal line technology being used. Based on what I saw, I’d bet that the entire ball did not cross the line. I guess that’s just the Refs reffin’ us as usual.
Ya it didn’t look like it crossed
Whatever it’s not a big deal at the end of the day
But ya I don’t think there is really a single person now saying livakovic deserves more time
Kalinic had a much shorter leash and actually did have some better performances arguably over liva
I’m not saying kalinic is teh answer I’m just saying we basically just gifted liva the starting job for a top 20 team in the world and he has not run with it
Let’s stop trying…
When vida came in that formation definitely didn’t work so well
I quite liked how composed that starting three looked
Sure it’s a friendly sure it’s Slovenia but hey they still looked good
We should look like that against these teams plain and simple
Gvardiol should be In the top 10 defenders in the world and that’s not that far from now
No one has had more repka chances then kovacic and now livakovic
At least with kova we could let him grow slowly in the midfield
Everyone can see livakovics blunders
Not that he was so at fault for the goal as others have stated time and time again. He just has no presence
Gvardiol saved his ass on that one play
We don’t need him to be Jan oblak. We just need him to be close to a subasic in quality
Maybe livakovic couid be that guy but he should be getting better, he should be in a stronger league and he just isn’t performing
This was another chance that dalic sort of owed him I guess
Let’s hope ivusic can run with it now
Forgot to mention, Modric with the lash out and the kick after the whistle. Unlike him but let’s say that’s against a Brazil or France and VAR is involved. How does FIFA handle mighty Croatia than. Red, yellow, or nothing? In his defense, he has a good reputation but we all know what FIFA thinks of us.
Major bright spot was the back 3. Was impressed with all 3 and had my doubts about Pongracic, but like what I see. Looks like a scrapper too. A couple of times, where it looked like he may get beat, used his arns and body well to gain leverage back. Stuff like that can’t be taught. Seems to read things well. Lovren would’ve made a mess of those few situations l.
Typical result, dominate possession and then in final minute give up goal? We need to address this heading into WC, we won’t be playing slouch Slovenia..I know it’s friendly and we ultimately got result but lots of work to be done, Marcelo was missed today… obviously
Now all we need is for Ivusic to have a good game against Bulgaria, and hope for Lovren/Vida (if they play) to make a lot of mistakes.
Incorrectly awarded corner kick for Slovenia led to the goal. Pasalic, Orsic, Sosa should start. Main thing is that the point Croatia earned today secured the last awarded spot in Group B for next Friday’s World Cup draw.
I’m so happy for those last few minutes of the game (even though it cost us the win).
Livakovic had nothing to do all game, and all he really did was make some poor crosses and clearances in the first half.
But once Benjamin Sesko was subbed in, I fucking knew that Livakovic would have to deal with at least some bit of offence.
Sesko’s cross exposed how hesitant and weak Livakovic is. Livakovic always takes a step forward, and pauses…then tracks back.
Luckily there was no dangerous player near him on that cross…but it resulted in a corner.
For anyone that didn’t already know/…that corner exposed Livakovic for everyone to see.
The punchout attempt on that corner kick by Livakovic has got to be the worst one I’ve ever seen from him.
He hesitates (again) then decides (when it’s already too late) to get in there and punch it.
He didn’t jump (because his hesitation prevented him from doing so)….
and he just reached forward with a fist like he was trying to punch a bee while not getting stung, lol!
The last goal wasn’t really his fault (other than never seeming to be in the middle of things whenever there is a cross)…but I’m glad he got exposed in this important game.
Other notes…
I love the back trio of Pongracic, Duje and Gvardiol.
Someone said it already. The passing and long balls were awesome.
Fuck Lovren and Vida.
I hope Dalic has eyeballs and saw what a technically capable backline can do.
Also, we need to somehow get Orsic more minutes.
Nobody shakes defenders better than him.
We struggled to create clear chances in the first half, and this guy comes on and creates several for himself.
Even with three guys on him, you know he’s gonna shake them and get that right foot shot off. It’s just a matter of whether he strikes it into the top corner, or if it sails slightly higher over the bar. 50/50 chance he scores.
PROS:
– The formation looks like it could work for us
– The Pongracic/Duje/Gvardiol backline proving to be a success
– Livakovic was exposed (increasing his chances of being benched)
– The backups (lead by Orsic) proving again that they could change the game
– Kovacic continuing to play in a more offensive way and make runs forward
– Gvardiol further stakes his claim of being the best defender in the World
CONS:
– No Sosa (I wish we tried him a bit to see how he looks with this group)
– Budimir was only okay (didn’t seem like a keeper in the starting eleven)
– We struggled to create clear cut chances in the first half (though Slovenia played very well)
– Jakic’s Eminem haircut should get him nailed to the bench
Extra Note: Gvardiol’s next transfer is going to be 90+ million Euro.
Thanks for the thorough summary which is good for ppl like me who couldnt watch the game live. Also Krama’s goal was well taken, i did see the highlights for that. We really ought to be winning v Slovenia on neutral ground. I just can’t see us winning anything with Liva there at all man, i would almost rather gamble on anyone else.
Gvardiol lives up to the hype. He is way beyond his age in maturity.
Its very clear too me and of course your all welcomed to disagree but Livakovic is not the man for the job. Was not all bad some positive things but still a lot of work to do . And I really don’t believe our coach is the man for the job either . This is getting old but I should not be surprised . Same old operating procedure when it comes to this team its leadership and over all direction. Yes this is a just a friendly game. But we should treat it as an opener of a world cup where a win is imperative. A loss or a draw puts our backs against the wall .
The difference between a keeper that is confident and commands his box and what we have was on full display today. Im all for trying things out, but I thought the last couple of qualifiers was some of the best football we’ve played in a while and seemed to have figured things out. Was this the right time to tinker with formations? Or was it just a matter of getting the right guys on the field? Hard to take away anything from these friendlies as most sleep walk through them, but one thing stood out and that is our problem between the pipes.
And……..that’s why Livakovic shouldn’t make this team. He’s just not good enough.
Just be happy if this team gets out if the group stage at the WC. No finishers, inexperienced back line, no goalie and aging stars. I think getting to the QF would be a major success. Don’t see it happening though.
Well, yeah, getting to the QF of a world of course would be a success. It’s not an easy thing to do.
Bench sitting GRBIC > Deer 🦌 in Headlights LIVAKOVIC
LIVAKOVIC SHOULDN’T EVEN MAKE 3rd keeper for QATAR …
L KALINIC for Qatar Bench
100%
Livakovic has to be the worst goalie Croatia has ever had
Shitty to conceive that goal
The first half was much nicer to watch then the second
But I like we had some good chances overall
Take the tie we needed and keep trying these formations and guys now… not at the start of the World Cup
And as ante says no injuries
Well at least LIVAKOVIC can be CROSSED OFF for Qatar Starting 11 … DEER IN HEADLIGHTS
Omg did you guys just see livakovic lol we’re in trouble if we start this guy at Qatar
I don’t understand why Livakovic is our goalie, if he is the best we have we are in for a difficult tournament.
No way he can start or even be on the bench . He is a good guy but I don’t believe he is cut out for the big time . a German Brazil Argentine side would off given 5 goals easy today on set pieces alone .
Things we learned today
Most likely gvardiol is a better keeper than livakovic
rather would see orsic then livaja even though not he’s not a striker …
I hope Sosa gonna be starter come Qatar (maintaining form and fitness) though a lot can happen by then and depending on our formation(s)
have no idea how to line this team up sometimes with the mid as well, strikers, goalie situation lol
better to have multiple choices and depth then not I suppose 😉
Let’s see some
subs majer, orsic, sosa, pasalic
Let’s go boys ! Keep it goin bang in a few more…
https://www.the-sun.com/sport/4966579/paige-spiranac-masters-green-jacket-augusta/amp/
Check out this link boys lol some nice lubenica !
Also was feeling good till someone mentioned vida and lovren
Again, Thank you for the service but they should not be on together for us again
I was thinking if luka had some of these young kids to play with 4-5 years ago we would have been even better
Solid first half. We controlled it very well. I know it’s a friendly.
Defenders moved the ball well
Gvardiol is like another midfielder getting involved with some of our tiki taka then the nice deep balls from our defenders like on the nice one for the goal from DCC
Perisic as always looks dangerous I hope he can keep his form another two years
Kovacic with a nice back heel to him
They look free flowing and dangerous
To think we have broz, sosa, pasalic and others not playing
We have the boys to go far FIFA owes us a call or two
Just have to get good coaching and some luck
All kidding aside I don’t believe Fifa allows us to win . You heard what happened with Peru Uruguay? that penalty vs France at Russia cost us the game . To be fair we did make mistakes that played a part. But that ref did not want to give that penalty . After he saw that the first time on var he walked away said no. They called him back and pressured him look at here! look at again.! he saw it and said no. Then the protesters storming on to the field . that don’t happen in Russia. they stormed the filed just as Ivan had the break away which may have led to a goal . our goalie should not have played as he was hurt and those shots could off been saved. But some calls did change the tide . Not to be a conspiracy buff alot of games have been questionable . And I am not talking about us . Funny how Argentina made it to the World Cup in Russia . I don’t believe they will allows us to win . My brothers wife says then why watch ? good question
So far the back three have looked solid. Such a difference when you have three CBS that can pass the ball. Even though our goal was as a result of mistake by the Slovenian defender, it was a good ball by CC that created the goal.
You have to love Perisic. He is great as a wingback/left winger. I wonder if he would be as effective on the right side instead of Juranovic so we can get Sosa on the left? Budimir hasn’t done much..should have Pasalic in his place.
Kramaric playing good.
Big defensive mistake by Slovenian defender, but nice finish by Kramaric.
Any streams guys? please. Hesgoal is showing me golf!!
Hesgoal good now
Thank you Mishko. Great link to the game.
Love the back 3. That’s the future back line for the next 5-8 years. Interested to see how Jakic plays as Brozo’s understudy. Should see a goal or two out of Krama today depending on how long they leave him in. He always plays better with a strike partner. Overall, I’m liking the line-up but Liva is gonna be the big question mark. We need a goalie that can bail us out when we make the inevitable mistakes that come from learning a 3 back system.
According to NOVA TV reporter at the ground it is 28 deg.with air conditioning ON.
I can’t seem to find one either hopefully someone can help us out with a stream. Thanks in advance
Anyone know of any online streams for this match?
Any good streams to the game?
Under 19 Euro Qualifier FT Croatia 1 – Romania 2.
We were a lot better technically than Romania and had a lot more chances but poor finishing in front of goal cost us big time. Also the Federation and the coaching staff made a big mistake in playing the matches in Karlovac on a shocking pitch which hindered our passing game. We need a miracle now to qualify i.e. Iceland to beat Romania and for us to thump Georgia by some margin on Tuesday. The team has some talented players, but unfortunately they have been let down by poor administration.
To be honest vida lovren should never paly together again in starting 11. As lockroom guys ok but i feel when healthy gvardiol cc pongracic both sutalos erlic if uremovic gets playing time even the forgotten jedvaj stanisic should be cb options. Backs juranovic vrsaljko barisic vrsaljko sosa. Majer needs to be in team as well it should ve good friendly game just get a win no injurys and practice tactics for world cup.
Goalkeers livi and ivusic start a piece. Hopefully budimir livaja or krama can get a goal. Really hope if musa stays in form gets a call for nations leauge we do need all the cf help we can get. Ajmo vaterni
Josip Šutalo is a stud. Boško is trash, not even good enough for U21s. Lovren and Vida are certainly better than he is.
as long as Lovren is not there…
I am Oke with this ]
In terms of tactics and lineups dalic is the worst coach we’ve had this decade. Unfortunately, the krama/budimir combo is comming 3 years too late. where was dalics big brain when these two were in peak form? They’re both now having below average seasons and on the decline. We should now be trying out guys like Musa, Pasalic, Majer, etc.
For the years 2020-2021; kramaric, budimir, sosa should have all been starting every single game for us. Petkovic and Vlasic up top helped us get past the shitty teams when we had injuries, but kramaric and budimir uptop was always the answer for the repka.
Rebic is a wide player, playing him centrally will end in disaster 95% of the time. Dalics inability to understand basic football tactics cost us big games. when a target man isn’t on the field rebic plays horrible. when rebic plays great at frankfurt 6’4 haller was striker, during WC it was 6’3 mandzukic, at ac milan its 6’4 ibra, and during the 2021 euro cup it should have been 6’3 budimir.
19/20 season budimir has 13 goals and rebic has 11, 20/21 season budimir has 11, rebic 11, kramaric 20 goals, and sosa has 9 assists. these players are red hot shitting goals and assists out their ass right before euro 2021 yet NOT A SINGLE ONE of those players started in their position during the tournament. WUT THE FUK!?!?! its jawdropping how dalic can fuk up so badly but its even more astounding how no one seems to notice.
its been downhill ever since dalic was finally exposed during the first slovenia game. remember trying to cross the ball to midgets like vlasic kramaric and brekalo hahaha. having a target man adds another dimension to our attack, without one we look clueless in the attacking third. basic football concept which dalic cannot grasp; target man draws in defenders which creates space for wingers to make runs. Kramaric, petkovic, and rebic are NOT target men! budimir was the only target man we had, sad cuz he was the only one who didnt get a proper chance (until the last 10 minutes of the euros lol).
dalics playing players out of position and various experiments have all ended in disaster causing us long term problems. the bradaric/melnjak/petkovic/vlasic/invanusec and now maybe even livakovic experiment fucked us up. investing so much time in these useless physically weak players. these guys look good in the hnl and against other kids, but when they play against the big boys they get bossed.
central players create space, wide players take space. striker drops deep to receive the ball, defending fullbacks tuck in, attacking wingers run into space. everything falls into place when everything is balanced and players are playing their correct positions. the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. playing modric and kovacic at the same time is not optimal if brozo is already playing, vlasic and kramaric playing at the same time will never work.
I like this lineup. It’s clear that Dalić has a system worked out. Sosa is the sub for Perisić, and he will be called upon for sure, given the fitness demands of that position. Brekalo or Stanisic can be subbed for Juranović depending on the need for more offense or defense. Budimir and Kramarić are likely the players who have looked the best in training from the striker group and should complement each other well. The midfield trio is obvious. No need to comment, except that we have great depth off the bench in Majer and Pasalić. On defense, Pongračić must have shown that he is ready for the starting role. He does play for Borussia Dortmund, so it makes sense that he should be ready to start.
Swap Perisic for Kramaric and put Sosa as a wingback on the left hand side.
I agree
I always thought perisic could morph into a pseudo striker but I guess coaches don’t think so
I think In the future we have to find ways to have Perisic and sosa on together on that left side
Perisic would be wasted as a striker. He’s at his best when running at defenders full tilt with other teammates in front of him. It destabilizes the opposing defenders as they have to choose between covering their man or attacking Perisic with the ball…it opens up a lot of space.
Wouldn’t a 3-4-3 work here? Sosa as left wingback and Perisic as left winger in a flat front three.