Croatia run out of gas in extra time against Spain after scoring two miracle goals in the last 5 minutes of the match to tie it up 3-3. Spain win 5-3 in what will be the EURO 2020 ‘Match of the Tournament’.
The boys have to hold their heads up high after that match. Imagine if Kramarić bags that goal in extra time.
Was this Luka’s last match in checkers?
HRVATSKA XI: Livaković – Juranović, Vida, Ćaleta-Car, Gvardiol – Modrić, Brozović, Kovačić – Vlašić, Petković, Rebić
With Ivan Perišić and Dejan Lovren out, there are some changes vs. Spain Monday night in Copenhagen. DCC returns to the defense for the first time since the England match. Juranović played well at right-back against Scotland and will keep that spot in lieu of Vrsaljko. The 3-man pivot midfield of Broz, Modrić, and Kovačić will remain intact. Wings will be Rebić (in his natural position) with Vlašić on the right side. Petković will be the point man up top.
It will be a battle for possession but the Vatreni will have their world class midfield going against the La Liga All-Star team.
Spain are heavy -350 favorites in Vegas to progress to the EURO quarterfinals. What does Vegas know that we don’t?
I’ll repeat what I already said in a previous post. The Croatia-Spain match was by far the most entertaining so far in the tournament. All major news portals agree on that. We could have won with a bit more precision from Kramarić. Unfortunately we’ll have to wait for the next championship. But the future of Croatian football looks very good with all that talent pouring in from our young players. The coach really needs to let them play more. This was the second time we (almost) beat Spain with our B-team.
The Croatian team needs better defenders, or else they will never go all the way. They are conceding too many goals. The Swiss played much better against France, so maybe some lessons could be learned?
A game of fine margins. If we score on those early extra time chances we win the game-Spain would’ve been demoralized, played more frantically and opened up more. So close.
We have a team on the lower end of the elite in terms of skill and on the high end in terms of heart and pride.
Combine those two elements and we can go far again, maybe even win.
This outcome sucks for now but it will free up our coach (whoever he might be) to use more players and rotate the squad from game to game.
Overall, I’m proud of our boys…we always put on a good show and are one of the best teams, if not the best team to watch in big games. Never a dull moment and never without high drama. The football equivalent of a roller coaster….just awesome!
Dalic made some questionable choices, namely Rebic(who looks either injured or has some psychological issue) playing Petkovic v. Spain (he’s ok against Scotland, but against Spain we needed someone who would run his butt off), and Budimir should have seen more playing time.
I think this Spain team will be in the final and most likely play Germany.
Ajmo dečki (prvo na more za sunčanje)
i poslje tega idemo u Katar do finale!!!
Napred Hrvati!!!
S’Bogom
At least we went out in a very entertaining match. And although Pasalic and Orsic may not be proven starters, sometimes you need chemistry to win, not just great proven players. This team was utterly lacking in chemistry the whole tournament and that is the responsibility of the coach and his selection. He should have kept a few veterans, like Modric and Perisic, and prepared the youth to take stage over the past two years.
In all but one game we were an absurdly static, watching and waiting for things to happen which is just the wrong attitude. Our style has always been quite static with bursts of skill to compensate, but this took it too far. You can’t be at the Euros and stand around like you are waiting for an eclipse to start. The resulting lack of possession against Spain was frankly embarrassing, it was like when we play the Faroe Islands.
Some general observations and feel free to disagree:
Rebic is so touted by some, but to me he is a low skill brute, all aspiration and no substance. As he ages, the energy will wane. He killed us in the Spain game. Orsic should have started the game.
Kovacic played well, but his game seems incomplete. I hardly saw him against Spain. Brozovic was a much greater presence. In fact, I don’t know where our midfield disappeared too. Modric against Spain should have reverted to deep positioning in our end. He was there at times, at others not. That is needed because our back end for as along as I can remember are uncomfortable holding and passing the ball. This never changes and remains a liability.
In terms of coaching, it was insane introducing players like Gvardiol at the actual tournament. I find him slow. He made too many mistakes, has the build of a water polo player, and I’m not as convinced as others that he is sure thing in the future.
It was the first time I saw Budimir and frankly, it is an outrage Petkovic played over him. Budimir seemed an imposing physical presence with skill on the ball.
In the end Dalic has to be replaced. As others have mentioned, the fact that Dalic had Brekalo was playing defense after we tied was ridiculous and it cost us the game.
Moratta, what a shameless whining child.
Anyway, it is sad that it is over.
As always, proud to be Croatian. Looking forward to the next euros.
So back to the usual “what could have been” experience of being Croatian, add 2021 to the list: 2008, 2012, 2014 and, in particular, 2016 – all tourneys where we could have achieved much more than we did.
Nah.
We needed to use this past year to bring new players into the fold. We didn’t do that.
We only ‘started’ to integrate new players DURING the tournament, and we figured some things out by the time we played Scotland…but not enough to truly know what many of the players on our squad are capable of doing.
Then we got hit with the PCR test on Perisic (which set us further back).
Well yeah, exactly. And France losing meant it opened up for us, JUST like the last Euros, our draw had opened up had we gotten past the R16 hurdle, and on both occasions we didn’t. I think Perisic could have made a big diff but just more bad luck like we are accustomed to getting.
Dalic is out – he accepted 1 year deal at Taverna Bullet in Gospic, Lika server and part time kitchen help- he feels good to be back with a job he understands
@Slavonac
LOL, I just read your posts.
So, you’re upset that people called Mandzo and Raketa names for retiring, and are confused that these same people want guys like Lovren and Vida to retire?
Are you seriously comparing Lovren and Vida to Rakitic and Mandzukic? Ha!
First of all, I don’t believe in ‘retiring’ from the national team. You play until your last breath.
I also don’t believe Vida or Lovren should retire. They are at least useful backups.
I think Caleta-Car is better than either of them (as evidenced by his performance at these Euros) and he should be starting ahead of both of them.
I know you think that Lovren is “solid”…but he’s not. He’s a headcase who had a mediocre to bad tournament…and almost everyone here would agree that Duje is better than him.
Also…I see that you’re upset that I don’t hate Bruno Petkovic?
He’s a useful player when we have possession. Proof is how well he played in qualifying, and when we had possession in the Scotland game, it was his work in the box that led to Modric’s goal. He got the hockey assist on that goal, after doing what he does in the box.
Obviously, we didn’t have possession today, and struggled to hold the ball…so he becomes useless in a game like this.
So…now anyone that thinks Bruno is a useful player must admit to your blanket assessment of him being crap? LOL
We will dominate possession against most of the teams we play against (especially in our qualifiers), so he will always be useful for us. But for games that we want to play a counter attacking game…then obviously the coach needs to put two and two together. Dalic didn’t do that today.
LOL, I see that you probably blew your load over Mario Pasalic scoring a goal, and now anyone that didn’t give Pasalic previous praise must apologize? LOL
Pasalic is what he is. He’s a decent BACKUP player. He’s not a starter, and never will be. He is a terrible defender and he makes A LOT of mistakes with the ball at his feet. but he does move well without the ball.
He is definitely just a backup, and backups sometimes play well, and sometimes they score goals. Pasalic did that today, and I’m glad he did.
He scored the game tying goal at 3-3 and he deserves praise for that, because he moved well without the ball.
HOWEVER, did you see what Pasalic did when the score was 3-1 when all he had to do was tap it in over the goal line?
Did you see that? When Pasalic actually should have scored our second goal? (but Orsic picked up the pieces and scored it instead)
I recommend that you go to your TV replay and see that Orsic goal again. Mario Pasalic running toward the ball…one yard from the net…ball at his feet…nobody in front of him…and he tripped over the ball and fell INTO THE FUCKING NET!!!
If Orsic wasn’t standing behind him to pick up the ball and put it into the goal (while Pasalic was lying face-first in the goal line) he would have been on Shaq-tin a Fool!
So, is Pasalic some awesome player that should start every game, or deserve heaps of praise from everyone constantly? No.
Pasalic has played A LOT for us in these past three years, and we have a good enough sample size to show us that he is NOT (nor ever will be) better than Vlasic, and should not be played in the pivot or on the wing or anywhere else (just so he can start). He’s fine as a direct backup, and nothing more.
He’s good at getting into position and moving WITHOUT the ball, and he did that today.
Pasalic played good in our friendly against the Swiss, and he played good today (despite the horrible mistake he made lol). He had several bad games in these past three years as well. He is what he is.
I wouldn’t try to give him more minutes than he gets already. I would still rather put more stock into our younger players (like Ivanusec) who seem to be more talented.
Not sure why you need some sort of stupid validation implying that you were right about something. You’re not.
Lovren and Vida are not better than Caleta-Car, and neither of them should start over him.
Petkovic may be ‘lazy’…but he’s definitely a player that should be on the squad.
Pasalic is nothing more than a backup player for us, and we have plently of younger players in that position who also deserve a shot for some minutes too.
Brekalo had a bad tournament, but he literally played less than 90 minutes in this entire tournament, and not on his favored left side. He’s still a part of our future (like many intriguing young players we have) and will continue to get chances behind our more established players.
Eh Camera is good yes but he cost the third goal as he was drinking water and not paying attention to play restart. Why the Lovren hate? He had a solid tournament. One bad free kick yes and a bullshit head to elbow call. They both cost a goal. I’d say their even but Lovren’s got the silver medal and an epl cup to his name.
Damn google, Camera is Caleta
Maminjo, I WAS REFERRING TO THE FACT THAT YOU CONSTANTLY POINT OUT LOVREN AND VIDA…AND CONSTANTLY GIVE PLAYERS LIKE PETKOVIC A FREE PASS!
I remember you blaming Melnjak for everything…looking for any reason to hate on him.
MY POINT IN ALL THIS. YOU TEND TO BEAR DOWN AND STAY CONSISTENT WITH WHO YOU LIKE VS WHO YOU DON’T LIKE. Not because of how they played, it seems its because thats the decision you took and you’re hell bent on holding your ground.
I never said Caleta car isn’t the better option in any of my comments anywhere…I kept saying he should play…BUT I’m also not looking for a reason to criticize a decent player just because I don’t like him.
I’m not sure how you expect any coach to play Petkovic? Like I said yesterday, if he’s only good in one type of setting and in only one role….he’s not a reliable REGULAR solution. I’ve always agreed he’s extremely skillful but that means shit when your team is under pressure and you barely put pressure on defenders….basically faking you are pressing!
Our strength is our midfield, and having a Lovren/Vida CB partnership hurts our strength.
The longer we stick with two guys that need both Modric and Brozovic to run back (because neither of them can string a decent pass forward) the longer we hurt our offense.
It is in our best interest to move away from players like that, the moment we gain some talented replacement.
Lovren/Vida are no longer rocks in defense. They are no better than any of our other defenders in that area…plus they are both 32.
Petkovic is not the same thing.
He’s a lot younger, and still very useful in the majority of our games (against weaker midfields where we dominate possession) but yes, he’s not useful against a team like Spain. He also doesn’t play nearly as much as either Vida or Lovren. He’s been largely on the bench for us these past three years, whereas those guys are our unquestionable starters (unless they are injured or suspended).
I’m not giving Petkovic a free pass. I’m just saying that Lovren and Vida should not get to start until they decide to retire (which is EXACTLY what is happening here).
Right now, they are fine as stop gaps (like Strinic and Pivaric were in 2018) but they should not be starters anymore.
I like Rebic, but we’re also now starting to see something similar with him. He hurt our possession game a lot yesterday, and we have a lot of intriguing players who can play on the wing.
Rebic, now, should no longer be our unquestionable starter anymore.
We have Orsic, Ivanusec and Vlasic all showing they can play on the wing. We will likely be capping Majer and possibly Biuk soon (plus we still have the young Brekalo who should get better).
If Dalic stays on as coach (doubtful) and continues to start Rebic, and Rebic continues to hurt our possession game…then you will hear the same thing from me again.
I don’t bear down and stubbornly stick to my opinion.
For example, I’ve criticized Rebic in the past, then he got better and made me eat my words (and I gave him credit for it)…and now he’s playing alot worse (so in my opinion, he should lose his starting role).
I only stick to my opinion with Melnjak. He sucks and that will never change.
🙂
Maminjo – is Pongracic your uncle or something?
He sucks – you are wrong about him.
You are also wrong about Pasalic.
If trying to prove your point about him is all based on one fast paced situation in the penalty box, that is sad.
I can point to at least 5 mistakes Modric made yesterday – it doesn’t mean he is just a good sub.
You have pretty good knowledge of Croatian culture and heritage, but, I’ve been reading your posts for awhile – your judge of soccer talent sucks.
You must be talking about a different Maminjo
😉
“new Yugoslavia FC”? I don’t think so.
The 2 highest scoring games in Euro history now feature Croatia and the Croats when they were Yugoslavia, Croats will always be the real/true Yugoslavs.
Did any other coach happen to mention to Dalic that to start extra time we were short one defender?
…that you had Brekalo in at right back for the next 30 minutes?
….that Brekalo is not a RB?
….that you could have put in Vrsaljko even Barisic?
Did I mention Brekalo is not RB?
Un- fucking-believable
A high school coach doesn’t make this mistake.
Again. the only experiment he should have tried is Pasalic as striker – said this for two years and will say this until we get a true striker.
The dark web is calling this Swiss team the new Yugoslavia FC.
@Fedup… Actually, no. It’s a Bosnian Croat coach. A Croatian forward Gavranović. Plus a couple of Bosnians (originally Croats who changed their religion during Middle Ages). So no yugo team at all. Pure Croatian driving force.
Well young fan it’s a lot like marriage…pouring everything you have into it then being utterly disappointed.
Don’t give up the fight and in your marriage there shall be many instances where events are over “in the blink of an eye!” They generally occur late at night though!
Can you guys help me out cause I’m feeling really down. I really started following the croatia team intensely over the past two years
I’m really struggling now with watching the qualifiers for two years and then you just see the euros be done in a blink of an eye
I also worry that i look at this team going forward and realize I’m just going to be constantly in store for disappointment. Why should i invest so much heart and energy in inevitable disappointment?
Nah…. you just a plastic fan +
go support your national team instead |
This team with a stupid manager – will only get a plastic fan for a few moments then gone I_+ you need more heart to support this NT _
by blasting for the manager – one of our tradition –
we also have a mental midget problem }{ here }
@young fan AKA Frenchman AKA the truth… Simple answer, just follow your chetnik half-Turk inbred team of Beogradski Pašaluk instead. Tell us more about the next time they choke and don’t reach a tournament.
@Istarski Prsut
To! Mentality was to blame. Sitting back to absorb and counter was a big mistake. That’s on Dalic.
Rebic and Gvardiol mental errors were bigger mistakes.
Makes you wonder by playing someone these players that have something to prove Orsic, Pasalic, Budimir along with players who play with heart Modric and Perisic and we have a team.
With my rant out of the way – all is not lost for the future – I saw some good things from some youngsters. Kovacic improved. Keeper is good (as are all of our keepers by the way…) so I am hopeful for the future… under the right coach
I already told you ->
1) Petkovic won’t do anything but keep in suspense for our rhythm
2) Brekalo -> I insist rather choose The God of Halilovic |{ not hype for his performance | I am fine with him on his position – but hey RB?? far worse than Pranjic)
3) Orsic and Budimir could do something |l why you put them – nicely on the bench i0
this is rather -> Stupid Dalic Fault )I
I don’t want to see him again – and goodbye _o)
but He is one of the Top HNS managers so far –
with Miroslav Blažević (true tactician) and Slaven Bilic (friendly with the NT)
He can sub anyone – right away – compare to the worst Ante Cacic )L(
just get this lines up _o for the WC-QC
………………… Budimir ……………………..
Perisic….Vlasic….Modric…. Ivanusec
………..Kovacic………Brozovic…………..
…..Gvardiol..Pogracic..Bos Sutalo……
………………..Livakovic……………………..
People saying “there is no shame to losing to Spain” need to give their head a shake. Come on. Any team in the knock out stage is vulnerable as was clearly demonstrated by the Swiss. We mentally checked out with one player changing shoes and another drinking water… in addition we decided to sit back and absorb Spain’s pressure – but notice when desperation kicked in we scored a couple? Come on – mentality, Rebic, and Dalic cost us this… we can choose to say “nice try” or keep pressuring for better results because we have talent… I prefer the latter
So are you saying there IS shame in losing to Spain?
They were the better team. They pressed us the entire game.
We made mistakes, but it was largely the fault of our coach.
Gvardiol is a rookie, who makes rookie mistakes…but it was our coach who chose not to bring him in earlier, then throw him into the fire, all three games, while playing slightly injured and out of position. He did this with multiple players.
We scored a couple of goals at the end not just out of desperation…but because we FINALLY subbed out Ante Rebic who kept turning the ball over. The moment he was subbed out, we could finally string some passes together. That’s when the goals came. We almost won this had Krama just been a bit better in front of goal.
Nobody is saying that we should be satisfied with what happened.
We are all pretty much in agreement that the coach was the problem, and he’s pretty much guaranteed to be gone.
Also, a big shame we had no Perisic. Such a double loss too, since him playing would have meant Rebic being on the bench.
Shit like this happens, and it’s already happened to other teams in the tournament.
The good news in all this is that it looks like we definitely have some depth in defense and midfield, and we just need a new coach who can properly assess and play the right players and formations moving forward.
As much as Dalic was at fault for many bad tactical decisions some of this absolutely goes on the players.
Rebic was awful and Krama just couldn’t do the job for us.
As much as I’m a Gvardiol fan (and yes I realize he’s only 19) he really cost us today. I hope this experience he gained helps.
A coaching change will bring fresh ideas as we are very stale right now.
Given our lack of creativity on offense, I’d like to see if Sosa could offer us something as a wingback.
Even go out on a limb and try some
of these other great prospects like Sucic.
We also must incorporate younger talent and stop catering to the
U21 coaches etc. A fresh start
is needed.
The positives…Kovacic might be turning the corner. Perisic always shows up for us and is world class…as is Luka. Sigh.
I hope it’s not the end of watching him in the checkers.
To be fair to Krama, he was played all over the place this tournament.
Dalic never figured out where to use him, but kept putting him in wherever it ‘might’ work. Too risky to experiment like this during the actual tournament.
If Krama scored that goal in extra time, then nobody would be bashing him. If Unai didn’t reach his hand up with those good reflexes, that’s a goal and we would all be praising Krama right now and completely forgetting his neutered performance at the Euros.
As pissed off as I am about Rebic, he too was used foolishly those first two games. He’s normally good for us, but had a bad tournament. We needed him to step up against Spain, and he didn’t.
Now, his starting spot is gone with guys like Vlasic, Ivanusec and others capable of playing at RW. He’ll have to earn it back.
Gvardiol also almost scored too. Very nice accurate shot to the bottom corner that Unai somehow managed to save. If Gvardiol scores that, then he’s a hero and all is forgotten.
Let’s face it. He’s a very talented player who is only 19. He takes risks in his own half, which sometimes results in turnovers…but he is so strong and fast that he wins back many of his lost balls.
His defense in the offensive half is good too, and wins balls in the opponent’s third all the time.
He’s also not afraid. While the rest of our team was giving too much respect to our opponents…he was giving little respect to England and Spain. Took the ball and went at them in tight spaces, while many of our players would just pass it back to Livakovic for a 50/50 clearance ball.
The kid is a huge talent and I would continue to call him up and give him regular playing time.
He just needs to be 100% and needs more coaching/discipline.
Yes, one of the biggest positives is Kovacic, who finally looks like he can play for us.
Other positives are Gvardiol, Caleta-Car, Vlasic, Ivanusec, Juranovic, Orsic, Budimir…all looking like solid players for us.
We also have guys like Bradaric, Sosa, Majer, Moro, Pongracic who we have yet to call up or play regularly.
Lots of good young players who can play.
Coaching search will be interesting.
Hey, all you tin foil hat wearing nerds – why was Switzerland “allowed” to win today? Why did the illuminati allow it? When having France in the tournament is the bigger money maker? Does FIFA and TV execs just have it out for Croatia? Waiting patiently for the explanation on this.
“You are a special kind of idiot. But then again, your user name is Frenchman. You are gullible enough to believe that France legitimately won the World Cup, and it wasn’t handed to them by FIFA. Let’s put a loser Argentine ref in charge of a World Cup final between two European teams. Got to have a patsy ref instead of a seasoned European ref. Too much money to be lost by Croatia winning.”
– Mile
“Agree. Conspiracy theories are eaten up by people that are of lower intelligence and those that lack critical thinking skills. They need to have everything they disagree with explained away by nonsense. The world is a big eyeroll right now.”
– Mile
I’ll just leave this here.
Don’t expect any explanations from this guy.
Well said Armada. Reminds me of similar comments when incompetent reffing and an apparently injured Subasic led to the loss in the WC final. If there was corruption, it would have occurred with Perisic’s tying goal, which could have been called back with a high foot. Would have given a France v England final, which all the sports marketing types would have died to see.
It’s just a bizarre juxtaposition with the Swiss today.
They come back from 2 goals down late the second half and their coach pulls all the right strings. They BEAT France.
Dalić leaves us out to dry with Brekalo at RB.
We lose to a weak Spain squad who were on the ropes.
Modrić deserves more.
France has better players than us, a better coach than ours…and they lost to a team that is much worse than Spain.
Does this mean that the French Football Association is corrupt? Do they need to clean house?
Deschamps messed up, and France fucked up. It happens.
None of us would have fired Dalic during those Nations League losses, because he sold everyone on the idea that he was experimenting and planning for the Euros.
It was frustrating to see us lose so much, and drop our ranking…but we all still sort of trusted him enough to take his word for it.
After those March qualifiers, that’s when we kinda knew this guy didn’t really have a plan, and that’s all she wrote.
We broke away from our tradition of changing our coach on the eve of a tournament. We should have kept our tradition going.
😉
Can you imagine how this game would have turned out if we had 70 minutes of Perisic, instead of 70 minutes of Rebic losing possession and changing his shoes?
One thing like this impacts so much in the game. Just a shame we couldn’t go at Spain at full strength.
Croatia is the Tottenham of world football.
I wonder what the commentary would be here if we lost to Switzerland in penalties like France just did.
What’s France’s excuse?
Let’s face it. Nobody is better than Spain in the possession game, and we were still experimenting with our lineup (and we are a very possession dependent team).
On top of this, we lost our most impactful player (Perisic) to a bullshit PCR test…along with making a couple of big coaching mistakes (leaving Rebic in too long, and not subbing in a fourth defender for extra time).
If we had Perisic for this game, or simply not made one of those two obvious coaching mistakes, we probably win the game.
It’s not the end of the world. There is no shame in losing to Spain, especially when the two extra time winners were created by a Croatian product (Olmo).
We have good players. We made the mistake of trusting Dalic will all those Nations League losses, and gave him too much of a leash due to his World Cup success.
It happens. Now we just need to ensure we get a half-decent coach in his place and focus on the World Cup.
Your spot on with your entire answer! I’m presuming negativity would be in the air if we lost to the Swiss. But truthfully I wouldn’t be mad. Switzerland have been so close to making to the quarters in a major tournament in the last 20 years and finally gave. They have an abundance of talent and smart manager. I like how you added in Olmo being a Croatian product! He was trained, coached and taught by Dinamo. Too bad he picked Spain over us but can’t blame him. As for Switzerland winning today. It was a Croat scoring the equalizer, a Bosnian scoring a pair and a Bosnian coach getting the big win. After all this, a somewhat Balkan team beats France. Just can’t be us beating the African colonies. Oh well. Hoping Swiss beat Spain. It will be a great game.
Bosnian Croat coach.
Petkovic is die hard Catholic.
Let’s get Zidane, Ranieri, Del Bosque. Any one please! for a different mentality.
Swiss beats France
Austria almost beats Italy
Czech beats the Dutch
Soo what’s our excuse? Shitty defence, stubborn coach, poor selection in the formation??
This loss is on Dalic’ head. We have the players to win. But farmer Dalic keeps playing the same system of useless players ( Rebic, Petkovic most prominantly)
Definition of insanity, keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result.
How stupid do you have to be.? What a waste of an opportunity. Dalic get the fuck out!
And to lose heavily again to THE most ARROGANT football nation.
Frothing MAD AS HELL!
Where do I start…..
First off some great comments here and some idiotic ones.
We have talent to compete and beat most teams on any given day.
I think it came down to a few things.
First, we didn’t have the fire that other countries had. It seemed to be missing this tourney. Once Orsic, Budimir and Pasalic came on it seemed to change. This is on Dalic. I am a fan but it’s his time to go. He was outcoached and tactically effed this game up. This counter game does not work for us. We rely on some ball possession which we had none of for the first 75 minutes.
Why not sub out Brekalo in the OT?!? Huge tactical error.
Rebic was awful this tourney. Not sure if there’s something wrong but he was a major disappointment. Krama just doesn’t play as well for us as he does for Hoffenheim. As for Petkovic ugh…not good.
Budimir showed more in the short time he played…really too bad.
I’m not a Pasalic fan but starting to become one. He’s very effective and finds a way to score.
Yeah right in your dreams..Petkovic has achieved heights with Switzerland. Four consecutive tournaments, beat France, drew Brazil. Thankfully beat Serbia. They are a unit and strong. Fun to dream but his win percentage is above 500 and he’s been coach since 2014. He ain’t going anywhere. Convince another international. Anyone but Dalic please. Stop with this…only Croatian coach. Why? Petkovic has worked for Switzerland, Santos worked for Greece, Martinez had done well with Belgium. Quit being homers and stubborn.
100% – been saying this on this site for years – it won’t happen- it’s a business at HNS- the guy who gets hired puts in his Croatian homies and the circle of patronage carries on
I’m still waiting for those of you who kept insisting on Petkovic, Brekalo, Kramaric…. Say something…acknowledge you were wrong…they are not our future.
In the meantime and while you’re at it, acknowledge Vida and Lovren were solid. Acknowledge Kovacic was good and acknowledge Brozovic isn’t crap like many said he was for having one bad game.
I’m still pissed off we looked lackadaisical for the first 60 minutes but I’m even more pissed off Kramaric couldn’t hit the ocean off the dock for us and yet he’s an amazing scorer for his club! An attacker has to score in those positions and fuck, he misses the easiest chance we will ever get.
Once again people are saying some of the older guys need to retire but when Mandzukic and Rakitic retired, people shit all over them…soo weird!
I have no idea how we lacked any possession for the first 60 + minutes. We looked really inexperienced and less than average. Every time we got possession, we stupidly have it back!
I highly agree. They are not valuable nor reliable. Petkovic isn’t going to ever step up. Especially in the Croatian league. Kramaric is a penalty and tap in scorer. Similar to Harry Kane. Then there’s Rebic who can’t control balls if his life depended on it. He’s only good when playing with Ibrahimovic. Nobody really shit on those two for retiring. I didn’t and thought it was time. They all left at the right time. Subasic, Corluka, Mandzukic and others. It’s time for Modric & Perisic to leave too. I don’t know about you. But you have to have a rebuild now. Enough with this mixing youth with vets in the lineup. It doesn’t work and it will never work. We got a new starter, the defence needs improving, the mid will be strong even when Modric leaves. But gotta clean up the forwards. Orsic, Budimir, Vlasic are our guys to invest in. The rest are useless.
I read most of Maminjo’s comments. He called Mandzukic and Rakitic names for retiring…he’s also said Petkovic needs to play..I haven’t seen him respond for those comments
Although we lost we Never gave up. We fought to the end and tied the game. We had two chances that we blew that would off broken Spain and sealed the deal. In the end it came to Quality. Our legs were dying which was a concern of mine. Thank you Luka ! You were a warrior tonight. I am sad to say that the Savez let you and your generation down. You should off been a Euro 2008 Champ and Wolrd cup Champion. In order for us to progress we need to understand our history. Ask the question why we lost at Euro 2008 and why did we not go to South Africa 2010?. What happened in Brazil Russia and now Euro? We have talented skilled players. We have a issue with our Savez. To much dirty dealings and politics. We had players over the years that had no place on the team . We had coaches who were not qualified fo the job. Today we could off won. When we had the game tied we should off went out on all out offensive. We allowed Spain to get back in the game. Dalic Choices are questionable on how he managed the game in injury time. Luka is gone. We will not be able to play anymore.By Qatar he will be too old. For us to advance we need a better coach and need out best players to play in clubs in Spain Germany Italy England Holland. All the bet leagues and hope they perform well. We also need to develop A Strong youth program of recruitment and molding young talent.
Oh please would have should have now you blame the savez. Fact is this is a sport and we have a population of just over 4 million we are super talented in many sports, we play in most tournaments played in a world cup final we definitely set the bar very high and yes it happens we get eliminated so did France so did Portugal yesterday and every team that doesn’t win will be disappointed. We have to be happy with all of our achievements regardless of today’s result.
Amazing what a difference orsic made opposed to Rebic…class on the ball opposed to bailing on class.
Someone said months ago “ final 16 is as far as we go with a patchwork defense!”
Top teams have a veteran presence who have played together for years.
It was inevitable we would get our chops busted by youth and lack of experience but I thought it would be juranovic not gvardiol.
Josko really needs to learn from today and maybe the bundesliga can teach him proper defensive positioning,and the proper time to take water breaks.
They gave everything they had,and we are bummed but we should also be proud of their effort.
The future Looks bright with a bunch of young studs coming up the ranks.
Dalić = pedestrian
What team on planet earth has as much talent and is coached by such an inexperienced manager?
The game plan is run into our own penalty box like scared children?
Budala.
You get 3-3 into extra time you bring on Vrsaljko for Brekalo (no heart).
Who cares if he was subbed on.
He can’t play RB.
Petković simply cannot run AT ALL.
Budimir did more in his minutes then all of our forwards combined for the entire tournament.
Kramaric had two chances in extra time to put it away.
Full credit to the boys as they competed their hearts again and did not get any support from their coach or HNS.
We lacked two things today.
1/ Quality. I’ve read comments like “they are stars at Hoffenheim and Ac Milan”. Those two teams are not even top 40 in the world. France got eliminated by Swiss today with an attack Mbappe-Griezman-Benzema. Which Croatian striker would play one of them out of the French team? The only one who would come close is Perisic.
2/ Confidence. At some points it was like watching Spain-Belarus today. They were all over us. I realize Spain is better than us but we should at least have played like Switzerland (a team with the same kind of quality that we have): not being overplayed. Against England and Spain, we were completely dominated.
One point, you can’t blame Dalic.
“The lack of confidence?” is something else.
If we hire a new coach, it should be someone who thinks he can make Croatia play like a real contender at the World Cup. As much as I like Bjelica, he doesn’t know a lot about top football. I’d go for Slaven Bilic.
The main problem (lack of quality) is something our youth formation should take care of. At this point, we produce a whole lot of excellent professional players. Great, but we’re gonna need some world stars if we ever wanna win something.
great post!
Dalit should have put in defender ant right back when it went to overnight. Petko is useless. Budimir at leaf shoots the fucking ball. I think one if not two Spanish goals could have been called offside and we should have had 1 if not 2 penalty kicks.
I agree with your comments. But that just one of many reasons why we lost
Tough loss. I think a better coach is what Croatia currently needs and has needed for a long time. Dalic could barely be trusted to cook cevapi at the pevecs on the weekends.
Does anyone know how he got the job? I mean even Ukraine gets Shevshenko and we get Dalic. We need to rebuild from the top down, starting with the coach. Our guys showed heart and talent for future. Lets not disappoint them with another mediocre coach. We deserve better. Honestly.
Like anything else its who you know. If I knew you personally and you needed work and I can help you have the job. Same applies here. Need to understand the savez will never hire a foreigner. All theses coaches come cheap. Second the are able to pull the strings behind the scenes . Mamic at Brazil 2014 put that cannot remember his name the black guy he might off been Brazilian, he put on the team. Not Eduardo the other guy, He played in the Cameroon game. he had no business on the team. Lost the ball every time he touched it . Prancic played no business on the team. I can go on
We had some ticker to take the game to extra time. Just in disbelief how dominated our midfield was by the Spaniards for most of std time.
“The saddest thing in life is wasted talent, and the choices that you make will shape your life forever.”
I guess Dalić never saw “A Bronx Tale.”
Petković – Gavranović just gave you lesson on how to maximize your talent.
I hope Switzerland put Spain in the place this Friday.
Spain had better quality than us but not to win the Euro. Had we been 7 years younger we would off won. Hell had Persic been there we just might off.
We really need Bilic back. Can’t be having Rebic changing his boot for one goal and Gvardiol grabbing a drink for the other. Cmon seriously.. Small details that screwed us.
Ante your pretty quiet haha
What happened to the big scoop of news after the tournament haha ?
Honestly just wondering what changes will take place. If ya know, fill us in!
And we’d be playing the Swiss for a shot at the Semifinals if our coach didn’t have his head up his ass.
*** I FOUND OUR NEW COACH ***
Vladimir Petković
He’s not going anywhere. Been doing a good job with the Swiss for years.
Switzerland is doing good against France.
versus russia in september:
………………………Budimir………………………
Orsic……………….Vlasic…………..Ivanusec
………………..Kova……….Brozo……………….
Sosa…………Gvard…..Caleta…..Juranovic
………………………..Liva…………………………..
I like this. Sub Modric for Broz if he’s still around. Also if Perisic is available they gotta somehow fit him in. Maybe on the right but switches it up to the left with Orsic.
Lets give Modric a proper send off. He’s our greatest player ever, but we can’t be relying on a player that will be 37 in 2021… I’m sure he would prove me wrong, but we have to plan for life without Modric, eventually.
These last two games showed us that it’s obvious we have the talent. We just need a better selektor.
Dalic came unprepared and experimented throughout the tournament. Many of the guys he played, had less than a handful of caps between them.
It was pretty obvious that we should have brought in some of these guys (like Ivanusec, Orsic, Gvardiol, Caleta-Car, Juranovic) much sooner.
It seemed like a lot of our guys were just learning on the job, playing with unfamiliar teammates, formations, and our first half in every game was just a waste.
Dalic’s original plan was to copy & paste the Russia 2018 lineup, with maybe a ‘Barisic for Strinic’ swap and a ‘Petkovic/Krama for Mandzo’ swap.
The World Cup qualifiers in March and the friendlies leading up to the tournament made him panic, so he was trying different things that he kept doing well into this tournament.
He pulled a Sampaioli move.
The good news is that Kovacic showed up this tournament, and most of our young guys showed us that they can already take over.
We probably could have made a decent run in this tournament, but it would have required a better coach to make those key decisions and selections.
Waiting to sub out Rebic in the 70th minute, and not putting back our fourth defender (Vrsaljko) after we tied it up…were honestly, both very terrible coaching decisions.
The moment Rebic was subbed out, our possession game improved and we scored two goals!
We almost even scored one early in extra time (but Krama botched it)…but then our lack of a fourth defender really hurt us, as it left us wide open at the back.
The exhaustion took its toll (as we spent a lot of time chasing balls) and that’s all she wrote.
Coaching errors cost us in this tournament more than the players themselves.
Again, we have a good crop of players to choose from at every position now.
We can’t botch our coaching selection. If we pick the right coach, he will be able to pull off qualification and a solid World Cup showing with this group.
3 years of experimentation and we still were trying people out for the first time in this tournament and playing them in pivotal roles. Good thing our U21s got to the QFs.
Agree with every single word in your analysis!
Not our style to sit back and give away possession. Was asking for trouble and Livakovic really stepped up with some huge saves to keep us in the game. What a difference in this tournament to have a goalkeeper in form not letting in softies. We were gifted a goal against the run of play and but seemed too content to sit back when we had that lead. It was asking for trouble. It’s a shame that we wasted a tournament with an in form keeper.
Rebic looked like crap. Even though I wanted Orsic to start, I couldn’t fault the decision to start Rebic in his natural position . But I do fault Dalic for not recognizing it sooner that Rebic was not working. I would have preferred Rebic being switched at the half instead of Petkovic/Kramaric.
I’m as big a Gvardiol fan as they come and he’s going to be a huge part of our future. But Dalic should of seen like the rest of us that most Spanish attack was directed towards him. He needed to be subbed out. Especially for extra time.
I’m trying to figure out if we were trying a 3-5-2 towards the end and Brekalo was helping out at RWB? We had Vrsalko on the bench who is purportedly better than Juranovic defensively. I get going all out on offense, but once we tied it up we should of shored up the tired legs in the back. I would have been fine playing for penalties at that point but choosing our opportunities more wisely instead of going for more Hail Mary. We hit the Hail Mary when we scored twice in several minutes.
Bilic our Splicanin to take the young guys to the top!
Whoever the coach is:
How much do you prioritize winning wc qualifiers vs youth integration with WC 22 on the horizon.
Should we win at all costs and then integrate the youth once already clinched? How should we handle this
I honestly think Dalic might stay because no decent club team will want him at this point …
Nah.
Suker is gone now too.
The Livno crew no longer has HNS protection anymore.
Never count out the Hercegovci. You chop the head off and 2 heads grow back. 😀
Boys done well. Perisic may have edged it our way. I’m happy we went out with a bang!! I wish VAR was used after the game to look at players play acting, few Spain players went down pretending they coped one in the face. We had 26 fouls commited, I honestly feel the ref fell for Spain’s bullshit.
Somebody tell Kramaric number 9 puts ball in back of net.
Rebic looked like he was still playing friendlies.
Brekalo can’t defend
When that ref didn’t have a small Spanish dick in his mouth he was blowing a whistle in their favor
I want Bilic. Our hero that set up this team today. We’re winning the World Cup! No other man who can get the youth to beat top teams.
I like how everyone advocating to get rid of these vets and play the youth
Meanwhile 19 years old gvardiol caught asleep on the first goal letting the Spanish player get in front of him
And then doing his best camel impression mid game gushing water on the opposite side line
Made one almost miss lovren
Give the Dalmatinac a break.
He was making himself a bevanda on the sidelines. We’ve all been there.
To be fair, the stretcher was brought to the sidelines and it make everyone think that there was going to be a delay.
I would’ve went for a water break myself too. I couldn’t believe the ref just blew the whistle and allowed for the play to resume right away.
I actually agree that it seemed a bit messed up they were bringing in a stretcher and then they suddenly resume play
Yeah, I’d go bevanda over gemist in that scenario too. More hydration. More refreshing.
@the truth Newsflash for you half-Turk gypsy serb, nobody here gives a fuck what you think. Tell us more about your own chetnik team, how they always choke and never reach a championship, and the only time they do they get whacked 6-0 by Argentina and 6-1 by Netherlands. Now stfu
If you guys want Dalic out. Fine, but who’s his replacement? Imagine Zidane signed..that’d be insane. Maybe get an international manager. I keep hearing Bilic or Kovac but these guys aren’t the answer. Need a structural and shirt in the team identity. In terms of players and moving forward. The squad in the remaining qualifiers should be: Livakovic, Grbic, Pandur, Sosa, Josko, CC, Bradaric, Jurnaovic, Pongracic. Kovacic, Brozovic, Vlasic, Pasalic, Orsic, Moro, Basic, Budimir and hopefully Perisic stays. The rest goes. Modric will retire. Lovren and Vida should retire. It’s time to drop Petkovic, Rebic and Kramaric. All useless af. Start introducing the youth to the team. I feel like we’ve overused the vets. I kept telling people to start Orsic, Budimir and Pasalic. Never ever bring up Rebic or Petkovic. Both can piss in the wind. Rebic won’t do anything on Milan once Zlatan retires. I’m excited for the future and what’s ahead. Under 21 team looks promising. It sucks how Spain knocked the national team and under 21. Anything can happen in 2 and a bit months. Looking forward to the future. We need a locker clean up and coaching change. Even the assistants. Don’t have this cheerleaders who have played on the bench. Useless…hire experienced coaches.
It will be Bilic
Are you going to tell us now what you know about the locker room drama?
Ante if I may ask you ? Why do you think after after a strong performance at Euro 2008 did Bilic fail in World Cup Quailfiers 2010 what went wrong ?
You have my vote for the job. I agree 1000 percent cent with everything you said
Forget all these HNS homeboy coaches- we need an Italian guy who knows how to coach defense and finally get away from our recycled coaches – Bilic, Prosnecki, the whole lot of them is a loss cause- foreign coach- Italian , German -it’s time we move to the new world and not the dinosaur age that we are in- that field management by Dalic was a complete shamble.
Not sure how the dynamic would be in bringing in a non Croatian coach.
But yea wouldn’t be opposed to it forsure.
Potter from Brighton
Pellegrino Matarazzo from Stuggart
I agree, I wonder what Croatian media would think of that.
OK so… We all saw how much more attacking our play got when Pašalić, Oršić and Budimir came on. Even neutral commentators where I watched enjoyed the much more attacking football which Croatia played in the second half. God damn that Petković dude should never ever start again what a total dud of a loser. We looked 120% more dangerous without him. The future of Croatian football doesn’t look too bleak actually.
Read a lot the posts. I agree on Rebic and Kramaric having horrible games. I said long ago Rebic has plexi-glass feet and Kramaric can’t score on an open net… so sad Perisic wasn’t there BUT…
We need to build up attacking players. I trust that Gvardiol, Caleta-Car, Juranovic, can all grow into solid defenders… And, Kovacic, Brozo, they can probably marshall a decent midfield…
We need a coach who see’s, can coach, develops, motivates… attacking quality players.
Prosinecki gets my vote… he of all people sees talent and will now how to develop Budimir and the rest of our young attackers…
You mention Prosinecki as good coaching option …
Is he actually a good coach, kinda flamed out coaching BiH..
I’d prefer more progressive coach, are there any new up and comers in Croatia ? Or even outsider coach but I’m not sure how players would react to having that dynamic
Have to disagree with you, moj Istrijan. Love Zuti as a player. Don’t want him as a manager. He’s hardly done anything in his coaching career. We’re going to give him the keys to a brand new Rimac now…? Adje.
2018 was so long ago im drunk and angry as hell Dalic your selection cost us imo ali kapa do poda momci hard comeback idemo dalje another euro another knockout loss
Niko Kovac as National Team Coach?
I feel like his style doesn’t mesh well with having players for only a week every 3 months.
More suited to club football, day to day training regimen
Overall, not a horrible tournament if it signals the official move from one generation to another. Lost of other nations have fared far worse in transition.
Dalic – time to go, should have pulled the trigger on Rebic out and Orisic in earlier
Livakovic – decent keeper, he’s shot stopper but no presence in the box
Gvardiol – tough game but an absolute star in the future, especially at CB, less diving would be nice, this experience will do him good, remember he is 19!
Vida – time to call time on him being a starter
Carleta-Car – solid CB will get better, brave and a fighter
Juranovic – good pace on attack, willing but not high-end skill wise
Brekalo – his defensive lapses didn’t bother me, it’s how toothless he is on attack, seems to slight
Brozovic – vital to the team going forward, ran miles today, headcase but one of the best at his position in the world
Kovacic – vital to the team going forward, needs to be more assertive but is looking more comfortable offensively
Modric – I think he has another qualifying campaign in him and one tournament but maybe with a bit of a reduced role to account for 36yr old legs
Vlasic – vital to the team going forward, he’s all effort, holds the ball with skill and causes issues for opposing defenses
Rebic – I think he’s still useful for the team as a winger, should have a much shorter leash when he isn’t on, disappointing this whole tournament
Orisic – Should get semi-regular playing time, no arguing against the fact that he’s a danger in attack
Budimir – needs to be given a proper chance of 3-4 games starting to show what he has
Petkovic – too slow and soft for a big man
Pasalic – also should be given more opportunities going forward
Ivanusec -also needs to be given more playing time
Perisic – I pray he stays for the 2022 World Cup because he’s still going to be dangerous
Sosa – start giving him time, watching this tournament was his punishment.
Bradaric – needs to be given time on the pitch as well
I vote for Bilic as the next coach if Bjelica isn’t an option.
Budimir was impressive for the short amount of time he was given.
Agree on most except the commentary on Vida. He was a beast the last two games.
I agree with everything you’ve said, great takes.
Proud of the boys
Wish people would stop with the crazy comments during this tournament.
DCC was useless. Too bad Lovren was suspended. What kind of passes was DCC doing ???
All this crap against Kovacic when he did a decent job. We should of had Orsic and Budimir in earlier. Please no more Kramaric or Rebic.
Also stop with this Bilic talk. We never made the 2010WC with him.
Boys played well to bring it back. Too bad Kramaric could not finish it.
Damn you Borna Sosa.
I honestly wouldn’t mind Bilic stepping in again or someone similar who knows how to motivate
With World Cup 18 months away, we should start our rebuild and bring the young guys thru the ranks. Give Pogranacic , Moro, Sutalo, Majer, Vizinger, Vuskovic a cap.
Lovren Vida should retire.
Let Modric pick his own exit.
Vrsaljko either needs to get in better shape or retire. He’s not what he used to be.
Kramaric should also retire.
Miki Badelj great guy , but can’t have him anymore.
I honestly wouldn’t mind keeping Dalic too if he committed to bringing in youth thru the ranks. He’s not a bad coach.
But I get the feeling he wants to give club football another go.
For someone who is a national team coach he has been talking a lot about club football. Even after our WC Run he said he wants to coach a top club. During these Euros he kept talking about how he wants to become a club coach. He is a good coach but you can tell he isnt into this position anymore and wants something different.
It’ll be interesting to see what kind of club he can latch on to?
Does he squeeze into a Top 5 League club? Or will he have to settle for a Ferbenache in Turkish League ?
if it was right after the World Cup he could have been hired by a top 5 club. Now would be questionable
Watch Switzerland Beat France. Then we would really be kicking ourselves.
No way it happens. As much as I wanted it to. I’d be happy with Germany, Czech, Denmark, or Belgium. Just not Spain or France.
Switzerland just scored :O
croatia was clearly outplayed today, but in entertaining fashion had quite a few chances despite being crushed in possession…
the spanish goalkeeper actually made several decent saves on gvardiol, kramaric, and arguably even getting a finger on budimirs shot
in terms of the gvardiol sleep walking incident…the ref had stopped the game so that a spanish player could be attended to for injury…is there any obligation that the ref then make sure the teams are aware the game is restarting? i suppose not since it was a croatian player foul and players are not entitled to be drinking water on the side. some gvardiol nicknames will be in the works… perhaps just waterboy is simplest
i’d still be surprised modric doesn’t come back…although he couldn’t walk at the end of the game… but world cup still remains only a year and a half away
rebic’s feet look like cement when he receives the ball
@the truth Enjoying your comments again for a good laugh. Tell us more about your gypsy half-Turk serbia and how they always choke and never reach any championships. STFU you no good chetnik loser.
Do we not have a better keeper than Livakovic???
He might have great reflexes sure, but is he ever not the commanding type. Looks very weak, and not sturdy in his hands like Kepa …
How’s Pandur from Serie A or the beast from Osijek ?
Dani Olmo killed us with that great cross to rub it in, just like I thought. Gvardiol was a disappointment. Rebic is spastic.
livakovic- good
dcc- decent
vida- hustles
gvardiol- got exposed, but is 19y old, injured playing at LB, when he is CB
juranovic- fast but average
kova- toothless, but getting better
brozo- we all knew wut we were gonna see from him
modric- legend, but very poor game from him
petkovic- we all knew wut we were gonna see from him
vlasic- good game
rebic- worst game i have ever seen from him in my entire life. im just speechless
Pasalic- very smooth on the ball, and amazing ball control/first touch, good in the air, and always finds the back of the net.
Brekalo- is an attacking player and although i dont rate him, u cant blame him cuz its dalic who put him in RB.
Orsic- should have been regularly playing for the national team since 2019 when he scored a hattrick against Atalanta. Especially should have been playing more since the tottenham hattrick
Kramaric- literally cursed for us
Budimir- FINALLY a striker presence, but too late in the tourney
Ivanusec- N/A
DALIC- Send this motherfuking gypsiee back to herzegovina to get lynched. should have taken rebic out in the first half. should have played bradaric if gvardiol was that injured. should have been playing budimir, pasalic, orsic more throughout the tournament. game is 3-3, why not put Vrsaljko for brekalo RB??? IDIOT!!!!
I’ve just read that Modric is furious on Rebic.
Spain scored the 1-1 in the 38th minute when… Rebic was off the pitch to change his football shoes. The 1-1 came from Rebic’ side.
So, if we had have had Perisic…
what did we learn today?
I’ve said this here and Ill keep saying this…we cannot depend on Kramaric. he doesn’t bring anything extra for us…and when he had the chance to score a SURE goal, he somehow doesn’t score.
I want Gvardiol to continue for us but he didn’t defend well on two goals. I’m sure if he was any one of the regular picked-on players (Lovren/Vida) this forum would crap all over them.
Brekalo – does not cut the mustard guys! He can’t push through adversity and he’s only effective when he has space and time.
Budimir – darn, I didn’t realize how big he looked today. He was pretty strong (I’ve seen people comment he’s weak…I didn’t see that today). Budimir was decent and worked his ass off.
Orsic – he’s definitely got a noose to create dangerous situations. Better than almost everyone we tried except for Perisic.
Vlasic – OK…I’m a fan! He’s finally shown he has stamina, he’s got some skills, he’s strong on the ball, he can pass and he can score.
To all the Vida and Lovren haters….did anyone else notice that Caleta-Car didn’t have any real long passes and he’s possibly slower than Corluka was?
It’s easy to post lineups, its not as easy to make them function well!
I agree with you. Near the end of the match you can tell Caleta – Car was struggling at one point morata was faster than him. He had to resort to tackling and committing fouls to stop players.
Winning teams don’t put un proven 19 yr olds at LB.
Gvardiol is a major talent supposedly and an even bigger liability on defense.
The kid is clueless defensively and he’s the major reason we lost today,and if that didn’t stand out you’re all clueless!!
Gvardiol like so many of Dalic moves was never thought out – he hardly played in games and then you throw him in the Euros to be embarassed- Croatia has to face up that our selo coaches are farmers and we need a non Croatian to come in and teach these poor kids – did Gvardiol get exposed damn right he did – but he should have had games to build some experience that is on HNS
Gvardiol got exposed for the 2nd goal, when he let Azpilicueta get in front of him and score. And took a water break for the 3rd goal. Horror show at LB.
I could understand him being a stop gap solution while Barisic was injured. But now that Barisic was fit, he should have started vs. Spain.
Completely agree with your assessment of Gvardiol. He gets a lot of love on this site but I just don’t see why. There’s no one aspect of his game that makes me say I see it now.
I loved the comeback. Great mental power.
Livakovic easy best man on the pitch today.
Also I liked Josip Juranovic, way better than Vrsaljko at this point.
But we have to stay honest. Spain won 80 per cent of the technical duel all over the pitch. Too often we had to make faults to stop them. They were way better than us.
I find the negative comments about Gvardiol BS. Spain was at some points all over the place. How can one guy stop players who come from all sides?
Give Gvardiol 2 or 3 years experience in the Bundesliga and he will be our future leader in the back. The guy’s a bull.
Looking back, you could argue that Dalic should have started Orsic over Rebic. But a lot of us (me too) also would have picked Rebic. That was a wrong decision but it’s always easy to criticize after the game.
I think it’s probably over for Dalic. But you can’t blame him for this loss. He had to fight a too strong opponent today.
I’m not too disappointed because even if we had eliminated Spain today, a team like France would have destroyed us.
Lets build a better up for the future.
Hope that Vlasic, Brekalo, Majer, Ivanusec, Gvardiol, Caleta, Juranovic somehow pan out and become stars. And there’s only gonna be one way: move a big team in a big league and work yourself in the starting 11. As long as we’re forced to play players from Dinamo Zagreb, Wolfsburg, CSKA Moscow…, we’ll always be in trouble against teams like Spain.
Hope that Vlasic, Brekalo, Majer, Ivanusec, Gvardiol, Caleta, Juranovic somehow pan out and become stars. And there’s only gonna be one way: move a big team in a big league and work yourself in the starting 11. As long as we’re forced to play players from Dinamo Zagreb, Wolfsburg, CSKA Moscow…, we’ll always be in trouble against teams like Spain.
i agree.
we stunted our youth for 2 years – time to let them all on the field and start over – CC, GVAR, and 2 other guys , mid field is a rebuild with Kovacic the new lead, up front we got some kids that showed today but it’s a rebuild that should have started right after 2018- we wasted 2 years and still almost got in the Quarters – our defense ended up being what we thought it was- Livo in net that he was dodging sniper fire the whole game- poor kid- he has Soccer PTSD
Was fun to watch until Kramaric missed a goal that even Morata would have put in… after that we were deflated.
1. Dalic needs to move on for sure.
2. Half the team needs to retire.
3. The other half of the team need to understand their minutes are going to go down.
Ergo we need a coach that can deliver that message without pissing off some of the players we still need…
Bilic? Prosinecki? Outsider?
Gvardiol is on the sidelines getting a drink of water while game is going on? Do players do this often?
Hold your heads up lads. I didn’t expect us to win today nor did I expect the scoreline. You can’t win a game with 25% possession and poor defence. Great comeback and game but we don’t have the speed to match Spain. Josko made lots of errors and same with Vida. Livakovic looked good second half but his play dropped after. Rebic is an absolute tool. Guy is useless and won’t score on Milan with zlatan leaves. Modric looked decent but he’s old. Orsic played amazing for how much time he was in. Why oh why was Kramaric brought in is beyond me. Crazy game but Spain played better. I’m hopeful and for the comments below. Yes rebuild is needed. Modric will retire, Vida, and a few others. I think Perisic might too but after missing today, that be a shit and sad way to hang up the boots. Josko will improve, Orsic should be our starter, CC & Bradaric looking promising. Livakovic is good. Looking forward to qualifiers but the defending needs to improve. ZDS boys one day we’ll be champs. One day..Love live Croatia
You might wonder what would happen if we took those Two chances after the extra time and we had momentum. Big teams whether it be in the Champsions league, Euro Cup, World Cup, win by taking their chances.
Did we just potentially see the last time Luka put on our dres…????
If it was it would be heart breaking. The guy poured his heart in this tournament and all these years. It would be sad to see him leave without any trophies. Although, if he does leave it was magical to watch him. Deserves much much more.
100% He should have retired with a trophy. I don’t see it possible anymore. World Cup is next November i doubt he will still play and if he does what are the chances we make it to the final again?
This game was kinda like sex without the finishing
The older players should retire. I know it 120+ mins but you can tell they are winded.
We Also should take our chances we can’t expect to get 01094018392189 chances…not against top teams
All the coaching in the world doesn’t get krama to score that goal. Dalic is done, but yeah. Krama. Damnit.
After Croatia tied the score 3-3, why the fuck didn’t Dalic put the fourth defender back in?
To be fair if we took those two chances we would be leading
This is exactly it. This how the game was lost.
Good bye Dalic. Thank you for 2018, but please pack your bags and leave asap. 2019-2021 has been a shit show.
totally agree- it has been such a period of no development – if these kids developed it was with their club teams- not under such mismanagement that is knows as HNS.
this was a tourney for our youth and just Modric- the rest of these guys shouldn’t have played- we still don’t know what we have and for that Dalic will pay the price–
I agree with you. VIDA is huffing and puffing…..
why are we just watching!!!!!!!!!!!!! we just stand around
Morata is such as pussy. Goes down quicker than a 2 dollar hooker.
We need to play budimir more he gets into space and runs
At least this shows Rebic and Petkovic should never start for Croatia again. And whoever said Rebic was their best player today needs to go on meds.
Rebic, Petkovic and Kramaric – never agai
What a waste.
What a difference with Pasalic, Orsic, Brekalo
Wouldn’t let Brekalo on the flight home. Complete garbage
Kramaric has to bury that. Big momentum shift. Guy scores goals for fun in Germany.
Yeah but if krama scores we are ahead
Where is his Hoffenheim finishing for us
at Hoffenhiem
Gvardiol responsible for 2 goals, Brekalo responsible for 2 goals….just happens to be in the biggest game of their career soo far!
Not fair to blame Brekalo – Dalic took a gamble to play with 3 defenders. Why didn’t he put back the 4th one after we tied the game?
Nothing Brekalo could of done on that goal. He was bodied by Morata. Brekalo is a peanut. If I were him, I would of just tore him down before he good get a foot on the ball and then see our chances on a PK.
If ORISIC shot went in and KRAMA shot went in we wwould be leading by 2
5-3
Fuck Brekalo got exposed twice now
this is on Dalic for have Brekalo at RB
we should be leading.
makes no sense to have Brekalo at RB when game is tied 3-3
KRAMAIC SHOOTS RIGHT AT THE KEEPER…..
Olmo better not beat us
what a save
I think we should always field a B team against Spain
Hey I am fan if any Hajduk player
Like I’ve been saying for a year and a fucking half, Pasalic is the only player who knows how to position himself in the box to score
Fuck Dalic and half of you on this site.
3-3, Vatreni!! Who would have thought it possible?
What a game
Did not see that happening
Hallelujah
GOALLLL
TRHEY ARE CALLING OFFSIDE FOR EVERYTHING NOW….
Dalic should leave after this tournament. He is more passionate about getting a club job than the national team. Modric should slowly leave the team and let others get experience.
We should have been more effective today.I dont understand why you would sit back and defend for 70+ Min after gettign an own goal….
Kramaric just as ineffective as Petkovic.
This is just as bad as the Mexico game in 14
A few sackings and retirements on the cards
Spain plays so dirty and refs on their side.
Doesnt matter we should have pushed for goals and we didnt.
We should have never sat back and watched the game after the own goal.
Gvardiol couldn’t have picked a better game to look fucking clueless!
Yeah, Rebic and Petkovic both sucked, but it’s clear that Gvardiol is not 100% after his injury. I know they went to a 3 man backline, but still.
Juranovic doing the Spanish waltz. Letting Spain waltz thru his non existant defense all game.
Vrsaljko not starting is insane.
Kramaric sub is worthless, and detrimental. Soccer 101. If you are getting pressed you need a 9 who can play with a defender at his back. Kramaric is not that guy.
Some argue Gvardiol was to blame for the 2nd goal. I will say it was horrible positioning.
Rebic our best player by far today so far. We needed Perisic and Rebic for this game but Dalic is leaving us in shambles.
And now we get Orsic, right when WE HAVE TO PRESS.
Orsic might get a hold of some brilliance from our midfield, but it was the wrong move.
Brekalo is in now
You’re delusional 😂
Rebic pouting. Finally got back to the bench two minutes after the substitution.
Rebic awful. We are now playing finally but seems too late.
Rebic out Orisic in
How many bad touches by rebic
Comical
Every time a cross goes into the six yard box
Livakovic needs to grab the cross
You know you’re fucked when you’re praying for another own goal by Spain.
Gvardiol was picking daisies on that last Spain goal. Tell me what defender doesn’t know to be on the inside of his man…that’s elementary!
Rebic should have been gone at half…we don’t have time to wait for the perfect situation for him…we are not prepared today…looking one class lower!
BTW the ref seems to call every flop for Spain!
The quality is just not there against the Spaniards
We look like the old jugoslavia
we are just watching
Kramraic in Petkovic is out
We didn’t score that’s the thing and still sit back on that
Pathetic
and when we get the ball into the box no one attacks it
I wonder why we always bunker when we score. Why not go for more?
Rebic and Petkovic absolutely useless.
So very fortunate to be tied. Only a matter of time until Spain pulls in front.
Changes are required at half.
Let’s score a quick one!!!
Napred Hrvati!!!
So, right now we’re extremely fortunate. We can still recover and win this, but not with Rebic and Petkovic. They need to come out at half time. Petkovic is the biggest dud. All some people talk about are this “hold up play” that he’s sooooo good at. I call bullshit. He stinks. His hold up play is atrocious. He’s given the ball away at least 4 times while holding up, simply crumbling to the ground.
Petkovic doesn’t play the same style as Kalinic but both of them are super ineffective and flop non stop! makes me sick to watch this!
Looks like Spain vs. Estonia. Should be 3-0, not 1-1. Embarrassing. I would take Petkovic and Rebic off ASAP. Put Brekalo and Kramaric in. Do something because this isn’t working.
That was shite
Take rebic and petkovic off at half time
We get gifted a goal and still can’t hold the lead
Faark sakes
Rebic looks exhausted or tired
I don’t ever think I’ve seen a bigger pussy than Petkovic. He’s either on the ground or way too far back, trying to catch up to the play! He’s only good for Futsal man…the guy is a liability!
It’s not worth having him on the field just in case that 2 scenario pops up for him when he can look good…I honestly can’t stand the lazy fucker!
or all the pass backs that we are doing when we are clear on goal.
Agreed! Get him out, put on Budimir or shift Vlasic over and put in Ivanusec. More energy, pace and desire on the pitch.
100%!!!
we went full defense after that goal.
GOAAAAAL
Is that our fans booing our players? they had an open chance to the box and they started to pass it back….
beautiful save
Rebic does not seem to have a nose for the goal like Perisic, unfortunately. Needed his offensive acumen.
I think this is the right line up.
I always like kramaric from a talent perspective and petkovic has been a bit of a walking corpse but in a game where croatia will only have 30 percent possession or maybe 40% at best and be under constant deep pressure, they’ll need a hold up player to serves as an outlet… petkovic or budimir probably the best for the job
and budimir just hasn’t played yet
rebic for perisic makes sense. and the rest of the starts are obvious enough. sure there some complaints of vlasic on the wings (miminjo) but what else are you supposed to do. vlasic has been too good to drop. let him cheat toward the middle and juranovic provide the width
I’m happy with this lineup!
HRVATSKA
Livaković
Juranović
Vida
Ćaleta-Car
Gvardiol
Modrić
Brozović
Kovačić
Vlašić
Petković
Rebić
hahaha ..
we know Dalic is shit :_)
Petkovic | with Vlasic – plays on perisic side +
I hope that won’t take too long to sub out this dude!!
Rebic and Brozovic are the keys today, if they are right we absolutely can win. If Rebic doesn’t start on the wing, I question how we can adequately trouble Spain. Timely and correct subs by Dalic will be critical too. His changes need to keep speed and freshness on the field.
Let’s go Hrvatska!
Not a fan of conspiracy theories but this one is rather strange …of all the players only ours is affected in a do or die match,and we can agree he’s been our 2nd most important player.
If mbape got it you seriously think it wouldn’t be swept under the rug you’re delusional.
anyone who thinks perisic being out for this game is a coincidence is an idiot
I agree, he’s on fire. You just know he’d provide lots of threat down the left and he’d do great defensively too. Eliminating Modric would have been too obvious.
Your joking right? The guy is out and no chance of playing. Didn’t even travel with the team.
Why were the Czechs “allowed” to win yesterday? They’re a glamour side (and one of the favorites from that side of the bracket). Why did the Czechs win? What if the Swiss upset the French today? Who allowed that to happen?
Put your tin foil hats away, you clowns…
because one of Holand player supports LGBT :L
and would like to celebrate it there – on the field!!
Agree. Conspiracy theories are eaten up by people that are of lower intelligence and those that lack critical thinking skills. They need to have everything they disagree with explained away by nonsense. The world is a big eyeroll right now.
Since (I believe) he was tested in Rovinj, then it’s our own Health Ministry’s fault.
I don’t think UEFA actually sends clinicians and labs to each of these team camps.
It was our own idiot Health Ministry that took the role of testing our players, and tattling on them when they see a positive result without double checking or questioning its validity (despite somehow nobody else getting infected).
Do you think the French, German or Portuguese Health Ministry is going to seriously test guys like Ronaldo and Mbappe and have them sit out?
LOL.
Ronaldo has openly mocked masks and PCR tests. He probably doesn’t even conduct them.
We can only blame ourselves for this obvious false positive result.
If that’s the case, that’s perplexing as well — you’d think they would test again before reporting a positive.
Is today the Kovačić statement game?
Ante Budimir can press and he will set the tone to disrupt the rhythm that Spain needs to be successful.
You have to stress Busquets from the start. Run his weak ass into the ground.
Plus Budimir is good in the air as well.
I saw an athletic Czech team beat up Holland yesterday with a relentless Patrik Shik.
Budimir is relentless.
He has that Mandžukić beast mode in him that we under value but overly need to win.
Rebić is best starting then coming off the bench.
He is due for an explosive run down the LW.
We have the depth to bring it for 90+ today.
U boj .. u boj .. za narod svoj!!
First we battle then we play nogomet.
Always remember who we are.
Orsic? Brekalo? Kramaric?
Holy crap, people actually want to start one of those guys ahead of Rebic. I get it, most ppl don’t watch soccer or play soccer, so they just blurt out stupid shit.
Listen, we probably needed both Perisic and Rebic playing with Vlasic to win, but starting Brekalo or Orsic or Kramaric will put us into a tailspin of possession-less soccer.
Last week i made good money, and probably made other people good money by suggesting the odds were good for Croatia.
If Dalic makes some obvious mistakes, i think i might just load up on us to lose. That said, i am hopeful he plays the right personnel.
Losing Perisic is very unfortunate.. but if this gives Rebic a chance to play at his preferred position, it just may give the boost needed to get him going and become dangerous. I really hope Vlasic starts next game again..loved that goal. Vlasic is a playmaker. I also hope Kramaric snaps out of his Zombie act and can make himself useful and score a damn goal or at least make a nice assist. He is very close from being a complete dud this tournament if he keeps up the disappearing act.
So, “Croatiasnextcoach”, how’s that Rebic shout worked out for you? He was horrible today.
B team’s how we roll vs Spain!
Look at Spain’s last 7 euro cup games. Only three wins, two losses and a loss. They aren’t that good.
This is a winnable game. Fuck all these haters. Perisic is out and that’s fine. Shit happens so I hope no one complains anymore. We have quality to win. This isn’t the Spanish team from 2012 when we lost 1-0 in that euro tournament. Even then Spain needed the ref to win. ZDS we will this game. I’m saying a 2-0 win. Vlasic and Josko scores a header from a corner. LETS GO!!!!
The Czech’s beating Netherlands 2-0 today is a big reality check, no pun intended. Any team at this stage can lose a knock out game. Spain is not as strong as previous tournaments, and I’m pleasantly surprised at Croatia’s performance at this tournament considering their relatively poor form post World Cup. Anything can happen. We have nothing to lose. I hope our guys play loose and with skill. =U=
Agree. At this stage any squad has a chance. I like the youth we infused into the lineup. Spain will try to possesses and hope that we can hit them on the counter !
I think that all of the “who should play and where” arguments are fantastic. I don’t ever remember having the depth to do so. It gives me confidence. 2-1 Hrvatska! Idemoooooo!!!!!!!!
It’s too late for this at the stage in the tournament, but I would loooove to see a 3-5-2 formation. Perišič and Brozović are already used to it, and to a lesser extent Vrsaljko. Gvardiol, Vida and Duje at the back. Oršić on the left wingback, maybe Vrsaljko or Juranović on the right. Brozović, Modrić and either Vlašić or Kovačić in the middle. Rebić and Kramarić up front, with Petkovič and Budimir on standby. Other combinations would also work. Would be a refreshing change.
I’m just waiting for the inevitable barrage of comments from half-Turk serb commie fuckers the truth and Frenchman during and after the game. God I hate them down to the bone marrow. Ajmo, dečki. Samo naprid. Hrvatska za pobidu…! Za dom
@Kralj Zvone
Most Croats I know would write “Hrvatska za pobjedu.”
I’ve never heard “pobidu” lol.
@Frenchman-Serbman-Turkman I’m not surprised that you haven’t heard pobida, it’s Croatian ikavica you fokken serb commie moron.
Can you beat Spain without Nikola Kalinic and Tin Jedvaj, you have Modric this time instead of Rakitic, Brozovic instead of Rog, who has replaced Badelj?
Rebic has been better on the wing for you guys than Pjaca ever was, you could argue Spain is worse than ’16, and you guys, world cup runners up to mighty France, just may be better, so, in saying that, Croatia SHOULD win.
Will be interesting to see what surprises happen after Dalić told the press that there would be no surprises. 😀
Youth could be an asset for us because Spain fields a number of older players. Wouldn’t mind that extra speed from Orsić, Bradarić, Juranović in a counter-attacking type of game.
We need to play up the underdog role- that’s when HNS flourish- we’re terrible as favorites- I’m eager to Orsic- if this goes down as noted in the article- I wouldn’t complain- yeah, Ivan P is a beauty and bloody good goal scorer and we could use him but 50% kids 50% veterans – I like the combination. let’s see how close it comes to reality- I just see Dalic going with veterans more – Orsic in would be a surprise in my humble opinion -not that I’m against it.
Amazing that you continue this “false 9” narrative despite the fact that Romeo Jozak visibly held back his laughter at you for even suggesting it. Was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen but in true American arrogance, you think you know better than him of all people.
Vlasic, Modric, Orsic and our defence need to step up. This will be a battle. Lots of surprises have happened in the tournament. Czech beat Netherlands 2-0 and Austria only lost 2-1 to Italy. Anything can happen. Maybe have Rebic and Orsic upfront instead? No excuses not to win tomorrow. Denmark lost Erikson and are in the quarters. The Czech beat the Dutch and Austria put up a hell of a fight. I’m pumped for tomorrow but nervous af. AMJOOOO
AJMOOOOO
They have been playing better every game
Hope it continues
Bradaric is built for Spain match.
Super quick and skilled and is dynamic in attack down the left flank.
Rebić on LW.
Budimir and his 11 la liga goals .. daj molim te!!
Vlašić on RW.
Kovačić is built for Spain. His thrust in the middle is a game changer.
He allows Modrić to drift forward in the business end.
Brozovic legs and lungs are must .. his he do for a golasso?
I actually like Vrsaljko for this one but Juranovic can run.
Gvardiol/Car .. yes please!!
IM TOO SCARED TO WATCH!!! HOLD ME!! LOL
I agree. Hard to believe you would start a Bradaric at this point when he hasn’t played at all in the tourney. If anything they would put Barisic there (which I think would be a mistake as he’s not fast enough and quite frankly a mediocre player). For the same reason you likely don’t see Orsic starting either. I’d be shocked if either start.
He will stick with the lineup from last game but throw in Rebic at LW and possibly Vrsaljko at RB even though Juranovic seemed a little more dangerous going forward.
Either way I feel good about this matchup. We will show up and play. I love the underdog feel of this game for us…
oh yeah :|)_
No Petkovic
but somehow leading 2-1 later
and put Petkovic will cost them 2-3 for the final result
I’m not crazy about Bradaric being thrown into the fire here. Rather see Gvardiol maintain his spot on the left and DCC inserted along side Vida. Central defense is a real sore spot in the current setup regardless of the situation.
Pedri is a real concern for me. Hopefully our boys can cancel him out.