World Cup qualifying returns on Friday, as Croatia continues their journey to Russia. It should be a fascinating match against a rejuvenated Ukraine side managed by legendary striker Andriy Shevchenko. Ukraine is currently two points behind Croatia in Group I. For the first time in two years, Croatia will actually play behind their supporters in a competitive game. The lengthy stadium ban has finally ended. While things are far from settled with the federation, they face more issues on the field.
Ivan Perišić is suspended for the match, as he committed a silly unnecessary foul against Iceland. Ante Čačić had plenty of time to prepare without his star winger. The recent injuries to Vedran Ćorluka and Šime Vrsaljko are the biggest concerns headed into Friday. Both players are easily their most reliable defenders. Ćorluka was outstanding at Euro 2016, while Vrsajlko is one of the few players to feature in every World Cup qualifying match so far.
Losing both players presents major questions to a young back four. Dejan Lovren continues to be unreliable, as his status with Croatia is unknown. He was recalled to the national team in September. Čačić confirmed any previous issues between them were buried. Lovren had been sidelined with a knee injury over the past month. After playing for Liverpool’s under-23 team and being listed as a substitute against Manchester City, he appears to be fit. Not calling him up after losing two key defenders is a strange decision by Čačić.
It will be an interesting transition for the back four. Highly rated prospects are going to be thrown into the fire. Tin Jedvaj is expected to replace Vrsaljko at right back. Despite rumors about Darijo Srna possibly returning, Čačić dismissed those reports. It’s the right decision based on working towards the future and giving these players an opportunity on a big stage. This isn’t a do-or-die scenario. No manager can solely depend on one right back. A capable backup will be required at some point.
Srna’s incredible durability never put them in that position. They finally face uncertainty at right back, as Jedvaj will claim that role. He is a strange fit based on being six foot two. Croatia hasn’t used a tall right back, since Ćorluka started there from 2006 to 2009. Bayer Leverkusen has used him at every defensive position. Jedvaj’s versatility is going to be beneficial for the national team. The natural center back possesses a calm touch, knack for consistently winning in the air, and athleticism.
As Croatia copes with the loss of Perišić, they will get Marko Pjaca back from injury. It was crucial for them to have at least one natural winger in the starting lineup. Where Čačić plays him is the pressing question, as they will need to provide defensive support for Jedvaj. Marcelo Brozović should play on the right side, despite not being a natural winger. They could use his work rate, ability to break up attacks, and long range shooting.
That would put Pjaca on the left wing, which allows him slightly more freedom. The Juventus winger will need to be defensively sound based on Josip Pivaric struggling at left back. Kosovo and Iceland found success targeting him. Ivan Strinic hasn’t played much for Napoli, but he is a far better player than Pivaric. As Milan Badelj solidified Croatia’s need for a reliable holding midfielder, the lack of a reliable left back remains. Dynamic winger Andriy Yarmolenko is going to test them at some point.
That would put Pjaca on the left wing, which allows him slightly more freedom. The Juventus winger will need to be defensively sound based on Josip Pivaric’s issues at left back. Kosovo and Iceland found success targeting him. Ivan Strinic hasn’t played much for Napoli, but he is a far better player than Pivaric. As Milan Badelj solidified Croatia’s need for a reliable holding midfielder, the lack of a consistent left back remains. Dynamic winger Andriy Yarmolenko is going to test them at some point.
With Lovren being unavailable and Jedvaj filling in at right back, Matej Mitrovic is expected to line up alongside Domagoj Vida. The young center back joined Besiktas in January. He replaced Corluka in a World Cup qualifying match against Finland. Although Mitrovic looked composed, his distribution wasn’t impressive against a below average opponent. Corluka’s passing ability and high IQ will be greatly missed. It complements Vida’s aggressive, physical style.
Expect Luka Modric to take even more command in possession. Neither Mitrovic nor Vida offers much from a passing standpoint. The midfield maestro looks to be fully fit for the first time, since their match against Turkey last September. That should help an untested back line, as Vida is the only player with real tournament experience.
This isn’t a must win scenario, but Croatia should win their remaining home games. Away fixtures against Iceland, Turkey, and Ukraine await them in 2017. Jedvaj and Mitrovic could be a potential partnership in 2020. How they fare in their respective roles will be important to observe. Pjaca’s return should be exciting as well. For all the criticism about his poor performance at Euro 2016, Mario Mandzukic has rebounded with an excellent season at Juventus. The big aerial threat will press Ukraine’s back four and look to get on the receiving end of many crosses. This should be a good test for Croatia, as we’ll see several young players compete in a key qualifier.
Expected lineup: Subsasic, Jedvaj, Mitrovic, Vida, Pivaric, Badelj, Modric, Pjaca, Rakitic, Brozovic, Mandzukic
Twitter: @Allen_Strk
Iggy come on man where’s ure play by play u cheeky cunt
that was a terrific goal
one more plz lol
the first sub should be pjaca for rakitic
We score or what?
Kalinic = Beast
though we still have to castrate pivaric
great stuff
this is causing me all sorts of heart issues ffs lol
it’s a very open game
can’t we just win ffs
easy there anonymous, let em play
Pivaric again losing his man LOL, get him the fuck off the field
why arent we winning yet.. fark
Pivaric just got buttraped down the left side by Yarmelanko that almost cost us a goal, strinic is much better
anyway, i couldnt find a link other than firsrrow
dannyj – still 0-0 5 mins in
and for others, link is here:
http://firstrowi.com/soccer/croatia-vs-ukraine-frs158185?l=1022557166
Iggy I thought u were moobs are legit!!
I’m relying on u guys for updates Too busy to watch today sadly
Like that lineup if legit. Bring in krama and pjaca kovacic if we need Spark
that youtube link looks as fake as my tits
This is the lineup:
……………………..Kalinic……………..…..
….Mandzukic……Rakitic……Brozovic……
……………Badelj………..Modric…….……
.…Pivaric..…Vida…..Mitrovic…..Jedvaj….
…………………..Subasic…………………..
LOVING THE LINE UP…..BADELJ,BROZOVIC,JEDVAJ,KALINIC,MANDZU,MITROVIC,MODRIC,PIVARIC,RAKITIC,SUBASTIC,VIDA
Ya mother is croatian. Finland sucks
he is. half croat half bosnian as far as i know.
ibra is not half Croatian lol
Who is he there to watch?
mourinho will watch this game at maksimir, hope he will pick up another player, but seems he will say what a joke and waste for such a trmendeus potential players (yeah we are in a golden age) being sealed by lackness and vulnurable strategy
He is referring to the months old Peridic summer transfer rumors. It is looking like they are interested, but we’ll see.
Finland is playing like trash right now
Ibra is half Croatian.
@laknat what Croatian is gonna play for man u?
for the first time a croatian will play for Manche U. yeah not bad for mourinho.
Thanks Stef T.O
Not sure why Cacic didn’t call up another defender. Caleta-Car is another decent option. Could have given him or Jozo some valuable experience in the friendly.
With Scorpios closing down, I’m watching today’s game in a famous soccer bar called Legends in New York City. Probably gonna be packed with Irish people. They show all the games, so its the best spot for me. Gonna feel weird.
If you are in San Francisco the game will be showing at the pink onion on 64 14 th st. As will all croatia games from here on out.
Re: Canada
Also, if you have Sportsnet World, the game is listed as being show on TV on one of their several Sportsnet World Plus channels. Channel 375 for me on (jebeni) Rogers.
@rob i
potential doesn’t get rated, success does.
fox sports app will be showing the game as well
I can’t believe FIFA rates us at 14 in the world.
I know the rankings are a load of crap, but in my opinion this is one of the best generations we have ever created and our first 11 is world class. Depth in the midfield and attack, but not in defence or keeping.
We should be beat Ukraine comfortably tonight. 2 nil
That YouTube is suspect why would they show it for free when there are people paying for FSP
Wow, YouTube will allow it? I’ll give it a go when it’s time.. thanks for posting links guys, a fair few options so shouldnt be too much trouble to get one working, normally i just settle for firstrow but might try something else this time
not too long now! less than 12 hours and smashy smashy for ukrainey ! 😀
http://hdfree.tv/live-sports-streaming.php
This site absolutely safe and no worries about the ads because they allow you to use adblocker when u watching the game
…if that link doesn’t work, just type in “Croatia Ukraine live” on You Tube search field.
Fox Sports Plus is showing the match, but not too many people receive that channel.
You Tube is probably the best, safest way to watch it free. Stream starts right before match. Countdown page is up now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoHJ-boxQ_A
This is going to be a tough game. I project a 2-0 for us, but the Ukrainians know how to score goals also. Should be fun to watch.
When is the match? 12:45? I believe Fox is showing it.
Hey guys here’s my favourite site to watch games.
I hook my computer up to my tv. You have to scroll through a the links to find the best picture and delete the first few pop ups. Once you “X” all the pop ups the picture is usually fantastic. Enjoy the game!
http://atdhe.ru
Sorry guys for duplicating message. Its a specialty channel that most bars will get. Ie. Boston Pizza etc. You can stream that though i think. Some satellites will pick it up depends on the package you have or don’t.
Whoops, my bad on the east coast time..
Not even sure what Sportsnet World NOW is. Pretty sure it’s not a T.V. channel though.
Do it Denis, do it!
Say what you gotta say to get that interview and then grill him!
No Jimmy Fallon style softballs.
Gr8 anon. Thank you. Hopefully in about 20 hours or so we all raise a toast.!
Gr8 anon. Thank you. Hopefully in about 20 hours or so we all raise a toast. U boj!
In Canada – Sportsnet World NOW
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/watch-2018-fifa-world-cup-qualifiers-live-sportsnet/
Game is at 3:45 ET. On paper, we are much deeper and more talented. That dont mean a thing as Ukraine has caused us problems in the past. I see few chances going either way.I say a 1-0 win for the good guys. Rakitic with a goal from the penalty spot early 2nd half
0-0
Looks like Suker and co will be in LA next week to finalize a practice facility and promote the game. Suker is looking for an interview. I’m not sure he would want an interview from me.
12:45pm on the (North American) west coast.
9:45am out east.
Guys there will be streams but asking for a link now is ridiculous, plenty will be posted when match actually begins
the game is 8.45 pm Zagreb time so 5.45am Brisbane time, no idea where you are Bojan m8
What time is the game ?
Ok thanks guys. Good point about mandzo’s defence. He should start.
……………………..Kalinic……………..……
….Mandzukic……Rakitic……Kramaric…
……………Modric………..Badelj…….…….
.…Pivaric……Vida…..Mitrovic…..Jedvaj….
…………………..Subasic………………….
-Kalanic and Kramaric are in form.
-Brozovic, Pjaca, and Kovacic haven’t been playing lately.
-over 90% of the time Mandzukic plays left attacking wing for Juventus.
-Rakitic playing behind Kalinic is complementary.
@everyone
You can stream games on batmanstream.com or sportlemon.com.
Fox Deportes is showing the game.
@Zee
Not being shown in Canada.
Mandzu Kalinic and Kramaric can all start.
Mandzo’s defense is going to be key.
Is the game on somewhere in Canada fellas? sportsnet or something? I agree Kalinic has to start. He is in fine form. So is Kramaric. Mandzo seems snakebitten as of late. I don’t know. I just hope we score and win.
Anyone can provide a link.?
Since it’s not on ESPN3.com, are there any “safe” sites that anyone is aware of?
There are some sites that immediately pop-up with virus warnings.
“How Croatia Should Adjust Without 3 Key Starters Against Ukraine”
Ah, we’ll win. The bigger Q for me is when to start drinking for a 5am kick off lol
Tough to think we can have a starting line up with neither kramaric or kalinic in there given their form… Instead electing for a combo of brozovic who hasn’t even been playing and pjaca who might be promising but has little impact in his limited time in action
I don’t mind Rakitic behind the strikers but not if Mandza is playing up front. Those 2 together are completely out of sync.
It’s like watching two chickens with its heads cut off.
Rakitic plays awesome with Kalinic as our main striker.
All you need to do is watch the Spain Euro game as a reference. Some players styles just work well with others.
I’m not as concerned for our defense as I am for our offense. We usually maintain a decent amount of possession and defensively, we play compact…except for the odd counter-attack 🙂
I’m more hopeful our attack is in sync and we break through their defense and create scoring chances.
how do you keep Kalinic 14 goals & Kramaric 8 goals out of the line up?? We can’t rely on a clean sheet we need goals!!
milan badelj must start and most likely will
True holding midfielder
He is out of perform today.
LAknat always right .
Laknat no pjaca?
…………..Kalinic……Kramaric………….
….Pasalic……IRakitic……Brozovic….
…………..Modric…..Kovacic…………….
……vida………Mitrovic……..Jedvaj……
…………………..Subasic…………………….
with this formation everything just fine.
but i think Cacic still keep his stupidity!
Allen great post thanks for the preview.
I for the life of me can’t understand why Cacic hasn’t called up Jozo Šimunović for centre-back position?
I watch Celtic games because of him. At 22 years old the kid is solid! He is the future of this national team. I’m afraid his injury issues remind me more of Igor Tudor. Amazing talent when fit and healthy.
In the states, I see that ESPN3 in not opting to show the game, anyone have a lead on a decent stream for tomorrow’s game?
favorite**
guy please give me your predictions on the score of the game….Croatia is currently a -170 favor in vegas…you guys think its worth taking???
Modric is playing two positions at once?