Belarus had nothing to play for – how can you agree with that. Mathematically they could still qualify. The coach is also playing for his future. If Croatia turn up thinking they've won then thats a disgusting attitude. We won only on a deflected shot. Regards the Russia and Ukraine comparison think a little about it. Basically both these nations went on a slide in fortunes in the competitions before we met them. Russia in 2006 were mediocre at best. Same for Ukraine in 2008. But since have rejuvenated their sides. Are we agreed on that???
Both however since had a sudden upturn in fortunes of their clubs and the arrival of such players as Zhirkov, Biladetinov, Pobrenyak, Pavyulchenko into their team. This is the same with Ukraine now with the sudden improvement of Shaktar and Dynamo in 2007 and then the arrival of Chringinski, Aliev, Milevsky into the national team.
With all due respect a Sheva in decline is the same standard as Pavyulchenko. They both scored about the same in EPL. When talking about Sheva lets not forget this is the one time best striker in the world. He's still a quality player which is why he buried us whereas Pavyulchenko was non existant in the Croatia-Russia game. When talking about Pav and Arshavin lets not forget these are not young kids. It took a long time for them to peak. I believe Arshavin despite looking age 5 is actually 28. Pav is 27????
I believe Ukraine have an Arshavin in Aliev and Milevsky who are both 3 or 4 years younger and on the same level Pav and Arshavin were at that age.
Big guns – who are you talking about exactly. Who are big guns in world football today? Italy – seriously. you having a laugh. I think Spain, Brazil and then basically that's about it. Argentina mediocre who are coached by a guy with no coaching experience or success and have second division players in their squad. Holland have half a team. Lots of quality attacker, but no defenders of any significant class. France – least said about them the better. England – have done well in this campaign but rely on the fitness of Rooney, Terry and Gerrard. Basically there is no big guns in world football today. There is a lot of mediocrity out there.
"Can i cast everyones minded back to month ago. Many saying Ukraine are rubbish and so are Belarus."
I am still saying that they are rubbish. No excuse for Croatia to not get 9-10 points in four matches. We got 8 points, and should have lost 2 points with a deserving Belarus tie. Ukraine is a decent side that only qualifies for tournaments because of luck. Since 1998 they have been making playoffs and never qualified. In 2006, they luckily knocked out an aging Greece and a disappointing Turkey. In the wold cup Spain and Italy smashed on them and showed them that they dont deserve to compete with the big boys. They beat Saudia Arabia.
Belarus is improving, but no excuse for Croatia not to get 6 points. You dont get 6 points, Ukraine pips you for the playoff. Plain and simple. And Ukraine is no Russia I'm sorry. Where is Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko on Ukraine? An aging Shevchenko?
@Leonin
"against opponents like this belarus mostly they think the game is in the pocket before its starts, and thats why this was such a hard game. belarus had nothing to lose anymore, no pressure, no stress just playing for the spotlight."
excellent excellent point. I agree 100%. Come sign in under the poll and join us as a member.
@Anonymous people
Get names, sign in and Come sign in under the poll and join us as a member.
@Petar Radman
"B) There is very little to take from that game as a positive"
Huge huge performance by Runje. Lets not forget. Huge confidence builder as well.
"The team looked leaderless last night. A bunch of sheep running wild with no Sheppard."
Where is Niko Kovac? Srna as a captain? I'm not sold on this. However, if not Srna, do we have a replacement?
@Slaven
Great analysis. I agree with just about everything.
"The ref is an idiot"
i thought the Austrian ref did an excellent job. Carli waiting a long time before that kick and he knew it. Everyone makes mistakes, just ask Eduardo… live and learn and dont let history repeat itself.
What a terrible game. Runje did save us. Olic had a chance to pass to Srna in the corner for a nice give and go cross but he instead went to the net selfishly. The timing with the midfield and the attachers was crap. Olic was the only one attacking from midfield lobs. Pranjic got outworked on defence. I never even saw Vukojevic touch the ball. I'm not sure why he's a starter and Klasnic isn't. How many times have I seen Kranjcar have an open shot on net but he insists on going wide? You can see the team is lacking without Modric.
There was a miscommunication between Corluka and Runje. Corluka had the free kick from just to the right of Runje's box. Every man was probably marked and Corluka hesitated for "too long" according to the ref. He got a red card for "taking too much time". Corluka should have passed the ball back to Runje but instead he stuttered. The ref is an idiot. So now what? He'll miss the next game?
I did like how the wingers moved the ball from one side to the other. Rakitic had the right idea to take the shot from outside of the box. We need to take more shots instead of looking for the goals from the box.
Are people really suprised with the display on saturday. We have no mid and our besst player was injured without modric we are a average team. Srna is not a midfielder as he has no skill, rakitic is not a left mid player so i have no clue why bilic keeps putting him there, against england we need to do something diffrent as we cant afford to sit back. We have to take it to them, i think 4-5-1 is the only way to go.
Runje srna krizanac simunic cale
vukojevic juric
Da silva pranjic krunchie
olic
I have da silva instead of rakitic bc i think our game needs more pace in the mid, we looked slow last game, and i think at the moment da silva can hold the ball better. As for runje he wasent our savior but he kept us in it when it mattered, when was the last time you could say that.
@ Marko Polo – Thank you very much. Alex, Why the hell would goal differential be shown in every single group table if it didn't matter. What you may be thinking is that group 9 has 5 teams only. Therefore, once all groups have been decided, the points and statistics against all last place teams are thrown out to keep all groups in line with group 9 that has 5 teams. Then, all teams are weighted equally and you can then determine who are the top 8 second place teams. It is my understanding that goal differential is still used within each individual group to determine places 1-5 or 1-6. Then all last placed teams aside from group 9 are dropped and stats are recalculated to determine the top 8 second place teams.
For FIFA World Cup qualifying stages the method used for separating teams level on points is the same for all Confederations, as decided by FIFA itself.[4] If teams are even on points at the end of group play, the tied teams will be ranked by:
1. goal difference in all group matches 2. greater number of goals scored in all group matches 3. greater number of points obtained in matches between the tied teams 4. goal difference in matches between the tied teams 5. greater number of goals scored in matches between the tied teams 6. drawing of lots, or a play-off (if approved by FIFA)
This is a change from 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification, where results between tied teams was the first tiebreaker.
Its confirmed, haven't we discussed this already. Croatia are up +6 in 2 games against Andorra and Ukraine are +5 with one more game. Luckily that's in our favor as those goals don't count towards anything, just the points.
HEY can anyone explain the scenarios for Croatia. I heard something about the goals against andorra do not count for the goal diffrence. Can anyone give me a clarification about this.
And also England is not yt safe, If croatia beats ENgland and so does Ukraine. The what…who would be first and second.
@ Alex – We are all negative because A) The team played with no passion and heart B) There is very little to take from that game as a positive C) Ukraine, with help from the Refs and that clear ball to hand have nearly matched us on goal differential. Also, they still play Andorra again.
We have to pray that Belarus ties or beats Ukraine.
The team looked leaderless last night. A bunch of sheep running wild with no Sheppard. Like I said before, we were blessed to have Soldo and Kovac in the middle for us over the past 2 decades. I think that's why Bilic turned to Juric. Juric fits the same profile of those two, he is older, experienced and hopefully he could Marshall the lines and keep the team balanced. Those guys are screaming for someone to keep them all together, nobody stepped up. I was hoping that Srna would have done it, because he has so much passion, the guys would believe in him if he took that role.
Look, I dont mind Pranjic at left back most of the time. However, against select opponents he just cant play there. We can get away with him there most nights. He played very well there against the Germans at the Euros. For the upcoming game, no chance he should be there. I LOVE his offensive game on the left, just not a consistent defensive presence. Cale or Pokrivac have to be preferred at LB. Cale is a natural LB, and Pokrivac played LB, CB and CDM at Varteks.
I just cant believe that players like Simunic and Krizanac have such a poor understanding with one another, perhaps it develops in time. I still think that Lovren should be called up immediately.
I am curious why Bilic chose to put 3 strikers on the bench yesterday. That choice really limited his options when it came to substitutions. There was no flexibility with regards to the formation, that's why we had Mandzukic playing LM. That is far to deep for him to be playing. He is dangerous cutting in off the wing as a Left Winger in a 4-3-3. Having him that far down the wing, you are then asking the kid to pass 2-3 players before he can deliver a cross or cut in the box.
I don't think anyone here wants Pranjic at left back. I'm just resigned that he will be played there. It seems Bilic is the only one who doesn't see this as a problem. Lennon will destroy him- if Lennon can get the best of proper epl full backs, what chance does Pranjic have? If Bilic is insistent on playing him there, he might as well go back to 3-5-2 and have him as a wingback. Seriously, as it is now, we're playing almost an lopsided 3-5-2 because Pranjic is always half way up pitch. One would think that Bilic would think back to the success we had playing Simunic at LB, but that won't happen as it makes sense… Still, I'm not as negative as everyone seems to be here. It was a poor performance but a) we won, b) it doesn't mean anything in regards the next match. How many times have played well one match and then lousy the next(or vice-versa)? Often. c) By playing lackluster v Belarus, the players didn't burn themselves out. The only concern for me is the formation. I just pray Bilic plays 4-2-3-1.
Let's just hope Belarus gives it 100% when they face Ukraine. Any points dropped for Ukraine will do us a world of good to clinch a playoff spot for November.
against opponents like this belarus mostly they think the game is in the pocket before its starts, and thats why this was such a hard game. belarus had nothing to lose anymore, no pressure, no stress just playing for the spotlight. we have to support the team and give them full credit to beat that ugly rooney and co.
Can i cast everyones minded back to month ago. Many saying Ukraine are rubbish and so are Belarus. Yet here we are clinging on for deer life against Belarus. I'm not happy at all. I think Ukraine are a vastly improving side who we caught just like Russia in a upturn in their fortunes, but this Belarus side has been without their best players and last night we should have done much much better.
You lot are crackers. Whats with this huge determination to have Pranjic at left back against England. Did that last match teach us nothing. Loads of there moves came down Pranjic's sides or right through the middle. Why cos Kranjcar did not get around the pitch quick enough to shut out the attack. Kranjcar is a playmaker or a left midfielder. To ask him to defend all game just goes against his whole thinking as a player. Who do we play there??? What who do you think – people who actually play in that position – Leko, Pokrivac, Sertic, Badelj, Ilicevic. We just stop being negative and tell them to go out there and play. Why do we seem to think those guys can't play against this Belarus team. Do they have no talent or something. We should play everyone in their proper position. If not then i don't see why left footer Gareth Barry can play that pricise position for England and Pranjic can't. What was even worse was Raki was out of position and he couldn't get anything going down the left. I'm not surprised Raki looked upset. Srna should have been hauled and he should been allowed to come over to the left. Srna was being damned negative last night. He played endless balls back to his keeper. If he's gonna keep doing that every time he's on attacking positions then he should go to right back.
This was a poor Belarus side and it hardly looked like what was chosen last night was working. If thats the best without Modric we have to offer, then we might as well all go home. Its clearly not the best selection. 4-3-2-1 against England and nothing else. If we play this vs Belarus formation against England i'm not even watching.
We need to support our team more then ever! What has happend has happend. We are without Luka Modric and Corluka. Now is the time to fight, its time to push to the limits and to show the world what those checkers mean to us.
This is our time to shine, we cant relay on anyone else anymore except our selves, it is 100 percent up to the squad now to gather their shit and standup to england and show what Croatian pride is an means.
I hope Bilic brings in a motivational specialist to pump up the squad. I want CROATIA TO PLAY LIKE HUNGRY LIONS on wednesday! I want Croatia to take on England and fight for every ball, and every run…
I WANT TO BEAT ENGLNAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE CAN DO IT!!!
PROUD TO BE CROAT!!!!!!!!! ZA DOM SPREMNI!!! IT IS TIME!!!!!!
9-9-9? 666 upside down. Maybe Bilic and co. should go sacrifice a goat in the woods… You know, when I first tuned into the match, it took me about 15 minutes to even be sure he was playing. That's how poor and anonymous he was. For a captain, that's just not good enough. As far as Corluka, I think those "special plans" Bilic had mentioned he had for him (for England) was to play him as a defensive mid. I know that Bilic told Redknapp that that was his best position, so it's definately possible. Or was…Too bad, it actually might have been the one bright tactical decision Bilic has made in a long while. I do suppose that the one bright spot to take from that he realizes that 4-5-1 is needed… Peter, Runje is the saviour because he stopped several balls from going in the net- it's that simple. No Runje, no 3 points, no chance of WC…
I still dont buy the whole Runje was the savior argument. There were two occasions where he sat there and didnt move at all. Simunic even yelled at him. Then there was the lazy pass to Krizanac and both Corluka and Krizanac had to calm him down. Like I said, poor finishing, not great goalkeeping. With how badly we played, any bright spot is amplified 20 times.
As for Corluka. Yeah, he has been solid. Nobody is disputing that. However, to get booked for something that stupid when you already knew that Luka Modric is out, well, thats unforgivable. It was a stupid move and we should sugar coat it.
As for Kranjcar, I dont know who to play centraly. I personally think we should go 4-5-1
Runje
Srna Simunic Krizanac Cale
Vukojevic Juric
Rakitic Kranjcar Pranjic/Olic
Eduardo
Niko Kovac was a great leader. I tried explaining that to the morons here in Toronto that still dont quite understand the value of a Defensive Midfielder. I cant even recall how many times during the game the camera would flash to Niko, you can see him marshaling the lines, keeping the team balanced and everyone communicating with one another. We were blessed to have a presence in the middle like him and Soldo over the past 2 decades. We look like Real Madrid when Claude Makelele left for Chelsea. Nobody knew at that time how valuable he was to that team until he left.
I am more disappointed with Srna than anyone else. He should have stepped up and been the leader. Nobody spoke up during the match, NOBODY!!!
I pray to God it was just a case of playing to our opponent. I have to give full credit to Belarus, kept it so simple, worked beautifully for them.
"I dont know how anyone can say Runje was good. Runje was junk. The finishing of the Belarus team was just more junk than him. "
I thought Runje did well in the second half. In the first half, Runje took his eye off a ball once, and failed to come off his line to clear out a ball. Besides this he was golden. Runje made himself big in two great almost breakaway saves.
However, like I said in the video, a Rooney or any quality striker would have finished off at least a goal to split the points.
"He should be suspended for being so stupid and putting the team at a disadvantage."
Everyone makes mistakes. Corluka has been solid for us at RB the last 2 years.
I agree, Srna was terrible. He has no left foot.
"Kranjcar was given the biggest task. I cant blame him, he tried, had some nice work rate in the middle, but, that's not his position."
yes, you can;t blame Kranjcar. He did what he could. For all of you that dont like Niko at that position, who would you replace him with?
"Niko Kovac kept everyone in position and working hard. There are no leaders on this team."
You said everything here. We still don't appreciate everything Niko Kovac brought to this team on and off the field.
Yes, Simunic is an absolute Croatian legend in my eyes. Sure he's made a couple major mistakes in big games but he is a beast on that back line when he gets up for a game.
Plus, anyone who gets 3 yellows in a World Cup game is an automatic legend.
@ dinamofan, yes, I can see why many would think Runje saved us. However, I look at is like Belarus killed themselves more than Runje killed them. The two key saves where he charged out of the box looked exciting. How many strikers worth their weight would have buried those chances by simply keeping their wits and rounding the goalie. Also, I am soooo ANGRY and Disappointed right now I am sure I would find fault with Mother Teresas work.
I do not find fault with Niko. I actually saw him run today, mixed it up by trying to tackle, saw him track back.
Vukojovic did play well. He was not helped by anyone else because the team defense sucked.
I just dont see how we can play anything other than a 4-5-1 against the English. Call up Lovren as an emergency call up. Ladic didnt even start him today, so, dont see what the point of the call up was. Good to see that the young kids got a good result away, and the Serbs lost as well. Perhaps that loss to Cyprus wont haunt us.
Everyone should check Nogometni-Magazin for the highlights of the Ukraine game. Their 5th goal was a CLEAR sign of ball to hand.
@ dinamofan, yes, I can see why many would think Runje saved us. However, I look at is like Belarus killed themselves more than Runje killed them. The two key saves where he charged out of the box looked exciting. How many strikers worth their weight would have buried those chances by simply keeping their wits and rounding the goalie. Also, I am soooo ANGRY and Disappointed right now I am sure I would find fault with Mother Teresas work.
I do not find fault with Niko. I actually saw him run today, mixed it up by trying to tackle, saw him track back.
Vukojovic did play well. He was not helped by anyone else because the team defense sucked.
I just dont see how we can play anything other than a 4-5-1 against the English. Call up Lovren as an emergency call up. Ladic didnt even start him today, so, dont see what the point of the call up was. Good to see that the young kids got a good result away, and the Serbs lost as well. Perhaps that loss to Cyprus wont haunt us.
Everyone should check Nogometni-Magazin for the highlights of the Ukraine game. Their 5th goal was a CLEAR sign of ball to hand.
Radman, Runje might not have been technically great tonight, but he saved us. Even anti-Runjeist have to admit that. If he wasn't there to block those shots it could have been terrible tonight. I agree on Kranjcar. He did try, but he shouldn't play there. I disagree with your opinion Ante on Modric. Once a player is injured a team should not moan. We should seek a solution and Niko is not the answer. I'm sure Niko hates where he's playing just now. He can't stand defending. We are going to have to start being brave and giving chances to Cale or Pokrivac or Leko cos we can't keep putting the same old faces out of position. If they fail fair enough, but we not even tried it yet. We need a squad not a rotating 11. I agree on Simunic and Krizanac. Its actually our best two believe it or not. We could try Corluka in centre for a few games see if that improves anything, but Simunic and Krizanac freaks me out as well. What about Vukojevic tonight?? Surely he did nothing wrong as far as i could see. He made some great tackles which saved us several times. What Srna was doing tonight i just don't know, but lets not over do it. Increasingly disappointing player is a bit harsh. I think we need to try him out at right back. After England match i think we should try this Srna, Corluka, Krizanac and Simunic backline for a while and see if it does any better.
Pranjic, Olic and Kranjcar were the only good players out there.
I dont know how anyone can say Runje was good. Runje was junk. The finishing of the Belarus team was just more junk than him. How many times did he sit on his line when Simunic or Krizanac are clearly shielding the forward trying to give him every opportunity to charge out and smother the ball, which he never did. You could even see Simunic yelling at him. he made two key saves, but he made so many more mistakes.
Simunic and Krizanac have to chemistry or understanding with one another. Both go after the same man and leave someone else wide open.
Corluka is a moron. How you get carded for something that stupid is beyond me. He should be suspended for being so stupid and putting the team at a disadvantage.
Srna was TERRIBLE! Srna has progressively become more and more disappointing for the National team. I can see why teams wont spend big money for him.
Kranjcar was given the biggest task. I cant blame him, he tried, had some nice work rate in the middle, but, that's not his position.
Bilic is just an awful tactician. I don't know what formation he was trying to run in the second half. Also, you are up 1, Eduardo has done zero on the field and is in risk of being suspended for the next match and you don't sub him off right away, baffling. He had 3 strikers on the bench, 3 strikers. Over rated coach. The team in Euro 08 basically picked its self. Now that he has to do a bit more work, you can see he is not much of a coach. The team lack leadership, Niko Kovac kept everyone in position and working hard. There are no leaders on this team.
if Hleb were there he would have ripped us apart. Like I said, Runje is awful, the Belarussian finishing was just worse than he was.
Belarus had nothing to play for – how can you agree with that. Mathematically they could still qualify. The coach is also playing for his future. If Croatia turn up thinking they've won then thats a disgusting attitude. We won only on a deflected shot.
Regards the Russia and Ukraine comparison think a little about it. Basically both these nations went on a slide in fortunes in the competitions before we met them. Russia in 2006 were mediocre at best. Same for Ukraine in 2008. But since have rejuvenated their sides. Are we agreed on that???
Both however since had a sudden upturn in fortunes of their clubs and the arrival of such players as Zhirkov, Biladetinov, Pobrenyak, Pavyulchenko into their team. This is the same with Ukraine now with the sudden improvement of Shaktar and Dynamo in 2007 and then the arrival of Chringinski, Aliev, Milevsky into the national team.
With all due respect a Sheva in decline is the same standard as Pavyulchenko. They both scored about the same in EPL. When talking about Sheva lets not forget this is the one time best striker in the world. He's still a quality player which is why he buried us whereas Pavyulchenko was non existant in the Croatia-Russia game. When talking about Pav and Arshavin lets not forget these are not young kids. It took a long time for them to peak. I believe Arshavin despite looking age 5 is actually 28. Pav is 27????
I believe Ukraine have an Arshavin in Aliev and Milevsky who are both 3 or 4 years younger and on the same level Pav and Arshavin were at that age.
Big guns – who are you talking about exactly. Who are big guns in world football today? Italy – seriously. you having a laugh. I think Spain, Brazil and then basically that's about it. Argentina mediocre who are coached by a guy with no coaching experience or success and have second division players in their squad. Holland have half a team. Lots of quality attacker, but no defenders of any significant class. France – least said about them the better. England – have done well in this campaign but rely on the fitness of Rooney, Terry and Gerrard. Basically there is no big guns in world football today. There is a lot of mediocrity out there.
@Dinamofan
"Can i cast everyones minded back to month ago. Many saying Ukraine are rubbish and so are Belarus."
I am still saying that they are rubbish. No excuse for Croatia to not get 9-10 points in four matches. We got 8 points, and should have lost 2 points with a deserving Belarus tie. Ukraine is a decent side that only qualifies for tournaments because of luck. Since 1998 they have been making playoffs and never qualified. In 2006, they luckily knocked out an aging Greece and a disappointing Turkey. In the wold cup Spain and Italy smashed on them and showed them that they dont deserve to compete with the big boys. They beat Saudia Arabia.
Belarus is improving, but no excuse for Croatia not to get 6 points. You dont get 6 points, Ukraine pips you for the playoff. Plain and simple. And Ukraine is no Russia I'm sorry. Where is Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko on Ukraine? An aging Shevchenko?
@Leonin
"against opponents like this belarus mostly they think the game is in the pocket before its starts, and thats why this was such a hard game. belarus had nothing to lose anymore, no pressure, no stress just playing for the spotlight."
excellent excellent point. I agree 100%. Come sign in under the poll and join us as a member.
@Anonymous people
Get names, sign in and Come sign in under the poll and join us as a member.
@Petar Radman
"B) There is very little to take from that game as a positive"
Huge huge performance by Runje. Lets not forget. Huge confidence builder as well.
"The team looked leaderless last night. A bunch of sheep running wild with no Sheppard."
Where is Niko Kovac? Srna as a captain? I'm not sold on this. However, if not Srna, do we have a replacement?
@Slaven
Great analysis. I agree with just about everything.
"The ref is an idiot"
i thought the Austrian ref did an excellent job. Carli waiting a long time before that kick and he knew it. Everyone makes mistakes, just ask Eduardo… live and learn and dont let history repeat itself.
What a terrible game. Runje did save us. Olic had a chance to pass to Srna in the corner for a nice give and go cross but he instead went to the net selfishly. The timing with the midfield and the attachers was crap. Olic was the only one attacking from midfield lobs. Pranjic got outworked on defence. I never even saw Vukojevic touch the ball. I'm not sure why he's a starter and Klasnic isn't. How many times have I seen Kranjcar have an open shot on net but he insists on going wide? You can see the team is lacking without Modric.
There was a miscommunication between Corluka and Runje. Corluka had the free kick from just to the right of Runje's box. Every man was probably marked and Corluka hesitated for "too long" according to the ref. He got a red card for "taking too much time". Corluka should have passed the ball back to Runje but instead he stuttered. The ref is an idiot. So now what? He'll miss the next game?
I did like how the wingers moved the ball from one side to the other. Rakitic had the right idea to take the shot from outside of the box. We need to take more shots instead of looking for the goals from the box.
Are people really suprised with the display on saturday. We have no mid and our besst player was injured without modric we are a average team. Srna is not a midfielder as he has no skill, rakitic is not a left mid player so i have no clue why bilic keeps putting him there, against england we need to do something diffrent as we cant afford to sit back. We have to take it to them, i think 4-5-1 is the only way to go.
Runje
srna krizanac simunic cale
vukojevic juric
Da silva pranjic
krunchie
olic
I have da silva instead of rakitic bc i think our game needs more pace in the mid, we looked slow last game, and i think at the moment da silva can hold the ball better. As for runje he wasent our savior but he kept us in it when it mattered, when was the last time you could say that.
I missed the match, can anyone explain how Corluka managed to get a red card?
Radman is correct about goal difference. So yes, Ukraine kicking the shit out of Andorra may come to hurt Croatia.
hah Nope Petar 🙂
Bilic on England weaknesses
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1099168.html#bilic+claims+england+weaknesses
@ Marko Polo – Any link to the hip hop dj/producer in Toronto?
@ Marko Polo – Thank you very much. Alex, Why the hell would goal differential be shown in every single group table if it didn't matter. What you may be thinking is that group 9 has 5 teams only. Therefore, once all groups have been decided, the points and statistics against all last place teams are thrown out to keep all groups in line with group 9 that has 5 teams. Then, all teams are weighted equally and you can then determine who are the top 8 second place teams. It is my understanding that goal differential is still used within each individual group to determine places 1-5 or 1-6. Then all last placed teams aside from group 9 are dropped and stats are recalculated to determine the top 8 second place teams.
1. goal difference in all group matches
^ what about that?
Peter, Andorra goal differance doesn't count.
I'm wrong it doesn't matter…ugh.
League format tiebreakers
For FIFA World Cup qualifying stages the method used for separating teams level on points is the same for all Confederations, as decided by FIFA itself.[4] If teams are even on points at the end of group play, the tied teams will be ranked by:
1. goal difference in all group matches
2. greater number of goals scored in all group matches
3. greater number of points obtained in matches between the tied teams
4. goal difference in matches between the tied teams
5. greater number of goals scored in matches between the tied teams
6. drawing of lots, or a play-off (if approved by FIFA)
This is a change from 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification, where results between tied teams was the first tiebreaker.
Its confirmed, haven't we discussed this already. Croatia are up +6 in 2 games against Andorra and Ukraine are +5 with one more game. Luckily that's in our favor as those goals don't count towards anything, just the points.
@Anonymous
I do believe that scoring 20 goals in a game against a last place team like Andorra do not count towards the final GD tally.
Can anyone confirm this?
HEY can anyone explain the scenarios for Croatia. I heard something about the goals against andorra do not count for the goal diffrence. Can anyone give me a clarification about this.
And also England is not yt safe, If croatia beats ENgland and so does Ukraine. The what…who would be first and second.
@ Alex – We are all negative because A) The team played with no passion and heart B) There is very little to take from that game as a positive C) Ukraine, with help from the Refs and that clear ball to hand have nearly matched us on goal differential. Also, they still play Andorra again.
We have to pray that Belarus ties or beats Ukraine.
The team looked leaderless last night. A bunch of sheep running wild with no Sheppard. Like I said before, we were blessed to have Soldo and Kovac in the middle for us over the past 2 decades. I think that's why Bilic turned to Juric. Juric fits the same profile of those two, he is older, experienced and hopefully he could Marshall the lines and keep the team balanced. Those guys are screaming for someone to keep them all together, nobody stepped up. I was hoping that Srna would have done it, because he has so much passion, the guys would believe in him if he took that role.
Look, I dont mind Pranjic at left back most of the time. However, against select opponents he just cant play there. We can get away with him there most nights. He played very well there against the Germans at the Euros. For the upcoming game, no chance he should be there. I LOVE his offensive game on the left, just not a consistent defensive presence. Cale or Pokrivac have to be preferred at LB. Cale is a natural LB, and Pokrivac played LB, CB and CDM at Varteks.
I just cant believe that players like Simunic and Krizanac have such a poor understanding with one another, perhaps it develops in time. I still think that Lovren should be called up immediately.
I am curious why Bilic chose to put 3 strikers on the bench yesterday. That choice really limited his options when it came to substitutions. There was no flexibility with regards to the formation, that's why we had Mandzukic playing LM. That is far to deep for him to be playing. He is dangerous cutting in off the wing as a Left Winger in a 4-3-3. Having him that far down the wing, you are then asking the kid to pass 2-3 players before he can deliver a cross or cut in the box.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=673950&sec=worldcup2010&cc=5901
Let the hype begin
I don't think anyone here wants Pranjic at left back. I'm just resigned that he will be played there. It seems Bilic is the only one who doesn't see this as a problem. Lennon will destroy him- if Lennon can get the best of proper epl full backs, what chance does Pranjic have? If Bilic is insistent on playing him there, he might as well go back to 3-5-2 and have him as a wingback. Seriously, as it is now, we're playing almost an lopsided 3-5-2 because Pranjic is always half way up pitch. One would think that Bilic would think back to the success we had playing Simunic at LB, but that won't happen as it makes sense…
Still, I'm not as negative as everyone seems to be here. It was a poor performance but a) we won, b) it doesn't mean anything in regards the next match. How many times have played well one match and then lousy the next(or vice-versa)? Often. c) By playing lackluster v Belarus, the players didn't burn themselves out. The only concern for me is the formation. I just pray Bilic plays 4-2-3-1.
@ Leonin
Let's just hope Belarus gives it 100% when they face Ukraine. Any points dropped for Ukraine will do us a world of good to clinch a playoff spot for November.
hi,
against opponents like this belarus mostly they think the game is in the pocket before its starts, and thats why this was such a hard game. belarus had nothing to lose anymore, no pressure, no stress just playing for the spotlight.
we have to support the team and give them full credit to beat that ugly rooney and co.
Can i cast everyones minded back to month ago. Many saying Ukraine are rubbish and so are Belarus. Yet here we are clinging on for deer life against Belarus. I'm not happy at all. I think Ukraine are a vastly improving side who we caught just like Russia in a upturn in their fortunes, but this Belarus side has been without their best players and last night we should have done much much better.
You lot are crackers. Whats with this huge determination to have Pranjic at left back against England. Did that last match teach us nothing. Loads of there moves came down Pranjic's sides or right through the middle. Why cos Kranjcar did not get around the pitch quick enough to shut out the attack. Kranjcar is a playmaker or a left midfielder. To ask him to defend all game just goes against his whole thinking as a player. Who do we play there??? What who do you think – people who actually play in that position – Leko, Pokrivac, Sertic, Badelj, Ilicevic. We just stop being negative and tell them to go out there and play. Why do we seem to think those guys can't play against this Belarus team. Do they have no talent or something. We should play everyone in their proper position. If not then i don't see why left footer Gareth Barry can play that pricise position for England and Pranjic can't. What was even worse was Raki was out of position and he couldn't get anything going down the left. I'm not surprised Raki looked upset. Srna should have been hauled and he should been allowed to come over to the left. Srna was being damned negative last night. He played endless balls back to his keeper. If he's gonna keep doing that every time he's on attacking positions then he should go to right back.
This was a poor Belarus side and it hardly looked like what was chosen last night was working. If thats the best without Modric we have to offer, then we might as well all go home. Its clearly not the best selection. 4-3-2-1 against England and nothing else. If we play this vs Belarus formation against England i'm not even watching.
We need to support our team more then ever! What has happend has happend. We are without Luka Modric and Corluka. Now is the time to fight, its time to push to the limits and to show the world what those checkers mean to us.
This is our time to shine, we cant relay on anyone else anymore except our selves, it is 100 percent up to the squad now to gather their shit and standup to england and show what Croatian pride is an means.
I hope Bilic brings in a motivational specialist to pump up the squad. I want CROATIA TO PLAY LIKE HUNGRY LIONS on wednesday! I want Croatia to take on England and fight for every ball, and every run…
I WANT TO BEAT ENGLNAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE CAN DO IT!!!
PROUD TO BE CROAT!!!!!!!!! ZA DOM SPREMNI!!! IT IS TIME!!!!!!
9-9-9? 666 upside down. Maybe Bilic and co. should go sacrifice a goat in the woods…
You know, when I first tuned into the match, it took me about 15 minutes to even be sure he was playing. That's how poor and anonymous he was. For a captain, that's just not good enough. As far as Corluka, I think those "special plans" Bilic had mentioned he had for him (for England) was to play him as a defensive mid. I know that Bilic told Redknapp that that was his best position, so it's definately possible. Or was…Too bad, it actually might have been the one bright tactical decision Bilic has made in a long while. I do suppose that the one bright spot to take from that he realizes that 4-5-1 is needed…
Peter, Runje is the saviour because he stopped several balls from going in the net- it's that simple. No Runje, no 3 points, no chance of WC…
9-9-9 should be an interesting day. Maybe we can regroup and give Modric a nice birthday present! Bilic too.
Shouldn't sugar coat Corlukas stupidity, sorry.
I still dont buy the whole Runje was the savior argument. There were two occasions where he sat there and didnt move at all. Simunic even yelled at him. Then there was the lazy pass to Krizanac and both Corluka and Krizanac had to calm him down.
Like I said, poor finishing, not great goalkeeping. With how badly we played, any bright spot is amplified 20 times.
As for Corluka. Yeah, he has been solid. Nobody is disputing that. However, to get booked for something that stupid when you already knew that Luka Modric is out, well, thats unforgivable. It was a stupid move and we should sugar coat it.
As for Kranjcar, I dont know who to play centraly. I personally think we should go 4-5-1
Runje
Srna Simunic Krizanac Cale
Vukojevic Juric
Rakitic Kranjcar Pranjic/Olic
Eduardo
Niko Kovac was a great leader. I tried explaining that to the morons here in Toronto that still dont quite understand the value of a Defensive Midfielder. I cant even recall how many times during the game the camera would flash to Niko, you can see him marshaling the lines, keeping the team balanced and everyone communicating with one another. We were blessed to have a presence in the middle like him and Soldo over the past 2 decades. We look like Real Madrid when Claude Makelele left for Chelsea. Nobody knew at that time how valuable he was to that team until he left.
I am more disappointed with Srna than anyone else. He should have stepped up and been the leader. Nobody spoke up during the match, NOBODY!!!
I pray to God it was just a case of playing to our opponent. I have to give full credit to Belarus, kept it so simple, worked beautifully for them.
Petar Radman
"I dont know how anyone can say Runje was good. Runje was junk. The finishing of the Belarus team was just more junk than him. "
I thought Runje did well in the second half. In the first half, Runje took his eye off a ball once, and failed to come off his line to clear out a ball. Besides this he was golden. Runje made himself big in two great almost breakaway saves.
However, like I said in the video, a Rooney or any quality striker would have finished off at least a goal to split the points.
"He should be suspended for being so stupid and putting the team at a disadvantage."
Everyone makes mistakes. Corluka has been solid for us at RB the last 2 years.
I agree, Srna was terrible. He has no left foot.
"Kranjcar was given the biggest task. I cant blame him, he tried, had some nice work rate in the middle, but, that's not his position."
yes, you can;t blame Kranjcar. He did what he could. For all of you that dont like Niko at that position, who would you replace him with?
"Niko Kovac kept everyone in position and working hard. There are no leaders on this team."
You said everything here. We still don't appreciate everything Niko Kovac brought to this team on and off the field.
haha good call about 3 yellows means automatic legend!
oops, i guess the link doesn't go to the pic I was thinking of. I was referring to the Otto Baric shot.
@ JP,
Are you talking about the Croatian flag being held by the girls?
That's basically our cheerleaders holding up the flag during the anthem.
Anybody have the inside on what this picture might mean?
http://www.jutarnji.hr/galerija?galleryId=555
@ gbvh,
Yes, Simunic is an absolute Croatian legend in my eyes. Sure he's made a couple major mistakes in big games but he is a beast on that back line when he gets up for a game.
Plus, anyone who gets 3 yellows in a World Cup game is an automatic legend.
@ dinamofan, yes, I can see why many would think Runje saved us. However, I look at is like Belarus killed themselves more than Runje killed them. The two key saves where he charged out of the box looked exciting. How many strikers worth their weight would have buried those chances by simply keeping their wits and rounding the goalie. Also, I am soooo ANGRY and Disappointed right now I am sure I would find fault with Mother Teresas work.
I do not find fault with Niko. I actually saw him run today, mixed it up by trying to tackle, saw him track back.
Vukojovic did play well. He was not helped by anyone else because the team defense sucked.
I just dont see how we can play anything other than a 4-5-1 against the English. Call up Lovren as an emergency call up. Ladic didnt even start him today, so, dont see what the point of the call up was. Good to see that the young kids got a good result away, and the Serbs lost as well. Perhaps that loss to Cyprus wont haunt us.
Everyone should check Nogometni-Magazin for the highlights of the Ukraine game. Their 5th goal was a CLEAR sign of ball to hand.
@ dinamofan, yes, I can see why many would think Runje saved us. However, I look at is like Belarus killed themselves more than Runje killed them. The two key saves where he charged out of the box looked exciting. How many strikers worth their weight would have buried those chances by simply keeping their wits and rounding the goalie. Also, I am soooo ANGRY and Disappointed right now I am sure I would find fault with Mother Teresas work.
I do not find fault with Niko. I actually saw him run today, mixed it up by trying to tackle, saw him track back.
Vukojovic did play well. He was not helped by anyone else because the team defense sucked.
I just dont see how we can play anything other than a 4-5-1 against the English. Call up Lovren as an emergency call up. Ladic didnt even start him today, so, dont see what the point of the call up was. Good to see that the young kids got a good result away, and the Serbs lost as well. Perhaps that loss to Cyprus wont haunt us.
Everyone should check Nogometni-Magazin for the highlights of the Ukraine game. Their 5th goal was a CLEAR sign of ball to hand.
Radman, Runje might not have been technically great tonight, but he saved us. Even anti-Runjeist have to admit that. If he wasn't there to block those shots it could have been terrible tonight.
I agree on Kranjcar. He did try, but he shouldn't play there. I disagree with your opinion Ante on Modric. Once a player is injured a team should not moan. We should seek a solution and Niko is not the answer. I'm sure Niko hates where he's playing just now. He can't stand defending.
We are going to have to start being brave and giving chances to Cale or Pokrivac or Leko cos we can't keep putting the same old faces out of position. If they fail fair enough, but we not even tried it yet. We need a squad not a rotating 11.
I agree on Simunic and Krizanac. Its actually our best two believe it or not. We could try Corluka in centre for a few games see if that improves anything, but Simunic and Krizanac freaks me out as well.
What about Vukojevic tonight?? Surely he did nothing wrong as far as i could see. He made some great tackles which saved us several times. What Srna was doing tonight i just don't know, but lets not over do it. Increasingly disappointing player is a bit harsh. I think we need to try him out at right back. After England match i think we should try this Srna, Corluka, Krizanac and Simunic backline for a while and see if it does any better.
Pranjic, Olic and Kranjcar were the only good players out there.
I dont know how anyone can say Runje was good. Runje was junk. The finishing of the Belarus team was just more junk than him. How many times did he sit on his line when Simunic or Krizanac are clearly shielding the forward trying to give him every opportunity to charge out and smother the ball, which he never did. You could even see Simunic yelling at him. he made two key saves, but he made so many more mistakes.
Simunic and Krizanac have to chemistry or understanding with one another. Both go after the same man and leave someone else wide open.
Corluka is a moron. How you get carded for something that stupid is beyond me. He should be suspended for being so stupid and putting the team at a disadvantage.
Srna was TERRIBLE! Srna has progressively become more and more disappointing for the National team. I can see why teams wont spend big money for him.
Kranjcar was given the biggest task. I cant blame him, he tried, had some nice work rate in the middle, but, that's not his position.
Bilic is just an awful tactician. I don't know what formation he was trying to run in the second half. Also, you are up 1, Eduardo has done zero on the field and is in risk of being suspended for the next match and you don't sub him off right away, baffling. He had 3 strikers on the bench, 3 strikers. Over rated coach. The team in Euro 08 basically picked its self. Now that he has to do a bit more work, you can see he is not much of a coach. The team lack leadership, Niko Kovac kept everyone in position and working hard. There are no leaders on this team.
if Hleb were there he would have ripped us apart. Like I said, Runje is awful, the Belarussian finishing was just worse than he was.
great summary.
but … simunic … "legend?"
did i hear that correct?
terrible display today.
outchanced by belarus at home … unforgiveable.