I still don’t know what to take away from the San Marino friendly yesterday, which saw Croatia dismantle a team that does not have a single player playing outside of the San Marino league. It was a poor warm-up fixture. I’m not sure how the HNS can’t schedule some pre-Euro friendlies with higher caliber teams such as Portugal or the Netherlands, but the savez has always had a poor history with finding decent competition weeks before a major tournament.
On the bright side, the Croatians came to play. I was expecting a 3-0, 4-0 result but the game saw two hat tricks (Mandžukić, Kalinić) with Croatia hitting the back of the net 10 times in Rijeka against San Marino. It shows that the team wasn’t going to take it easy against a much less talented opponent; never taking their foot off the gas pedal.
Croatia’s next game will be their Euro group opener against Turkey on Sunday, June 12th in Paris.
(Big thank you to Matt ‘The Golden Child’ Lebo yesterday for his Twitter coverage of the game. I know it’s not easy finding highlight videos when Croatia is scoring every 9 minutes.)
ALL 10 CROATIA GOALS VS. SAN MARINO
I don’t know who Holiga is, does he write about sport or other shit?
Where I am defending him.
As I have said in the past, I read his shit just like I read SN, Index, SD, dnevno, etc…..
I don’t get pissed when I read what he offers. One’s man opinion.
actually I am a Hrvat, plain and simple
stop defending Holiga, you are better than that otherwise you are the problem like him, your choice
I’m not here to judge if Holiga is or is not a hrvat. It is clear he doesn’t live the “za dom….spremni” lifestyle that I advocate for.
However, before we question if he is or is not a hrvat, you must askyourself: “am I a hrvat? Do I live the za dom…spremni lifestyle? Or, am I a hrvat only when i put on the jersey and can’t even speak the language?”
holiga = jugo scum, he is no hrvat
plain and simple
Actually England as a top 5 team in transfer value is very true. EPL clubs will overpay for English internationals. Just look at the crazy TV money. If Brozovic is being talked about at 30 million plus Euros, just imagine what a club will pay for an English international.
LOL @ England being a top-5 team in transfer value.
I’m sure if Serbia ever made a tournament, Holiga would have them pegged as a dark horse to win it all (despite all of their major internal problems too).
Never clicked on a Holiga article, but did see espnfc’s staff predictions. Holiga had Croatia as biggest bust–ho hum. Some German dude had us as a surprise team. Doesn’t mean a thing, just an fyi.
Does anyone know of a website where you can type in your row and seat and see a virtual view of your location in one of the EURO stadiums?
@ Svima
Must be tournament time !
The posts are raising the IQ and the group genius is flowing.
@ Ziva
I often wonder how Srna’s early career would have progressed if not for that Ukranian mafia move to Shaktar ?
@ Bobby V
Stat of the week!
We have money players that are ready to RISE.
Uvijek vjerni.
RIP Kimbo Slice 🙁
Bobby V- fun metric. I will say, I won’t be ecstatic with 5-8th place. Semis or bust! (Not bust as in Modric at Real Madrid)
Croatian players rank 7th out of the 24 teams at the Euro when it comes to value on the transfer market. Individually, Luka Modric is ranked 9th.
VRIJEDNOSTI REPREZENTACIJA
Njemačka – 562 milijuna eura
Španjolska – 557,5 milijuna eura
Francuska – 487
Engleska – 477
Belgija – 460,9
Portugal 321,7
HRVATSKA – 272,2
Italija – 272
Turska 186,6
Poljska – 175
Švicarska – 174,8
Wales – 170
Rusija – 136
Ukrajina – 128,6
Austrija 128,2
Irska – 89,3
Švedska – 86,6
Slovačka – 84
Češka – 64,4
Rumunjska – 54
Albanija – 46,1
Island 41,1
S.Irska – 35
Mađarska 27,3
A guy takes a great shot , it hits the post, . The other team shoots the ball it deflects off someone’s leg and goes in. They win 1 0. The coach of the winning team is a genius, while the other coach is a loser . Stop with this coaching bullshit, it’s so fucking overrated, how many soccer games are decided by coaches?? .i mean really , there’s only one decision here , and that’s the badelj, brozovic one. After that my grandmother could coach this shit. You get a couple subs and that’s it! Not brain surgery, these are pros for christs sake. As far as the friendliest , it means shit who you play against, yes shit. Had we played against a strong team what would that have accomplished??
Deffintely not for ticket sales, this copa is trash anyways gold medal on your own soil….can’t beat it
Measly ticket sales for 6-7 games don’t touch what they will take in for the whole Olympiad
This is pretty much, dead on balls accurate…
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/06/croatia-euro-2016-guide
I’m a bit more optimistic about how we’ll do, but worry Cacic can’t get the best out of the talent we have.
Even more disappointing than a fake injury. Brazil would rather have Neymar help with the ticket sales at their Olympics than to play at Copa America.
Nice to see Cacic didn’t stick with the back 3 experiment. Not to pat myself on the back, but I have been suggesting Badelj as protection for our Achilles heel defense for a while now.
Even assuming Badelj is in the lineup, I think we have more than enough attacking options on the pitch. For me, the Srna vs Vrsaljko decision should come down to who is the more defensively proficient player. Not sure it’s Srna, but the leadership/experience may justify his inclusion. Honestly, I have not seen enough of either player this year to make a pick. I think if Lovren was in the mix it would be clearer cut leaving Srna out in favor of Vida or Vrsaljko
In a perfect world, Lovren and Halilovic would be there and they would be positive even on/off the bench which would give us some additional depth.
Although hard to believe, Corluka is supposedly getting a hard look from Ancelotti and Bayern… No really.
Neymar is playing at the Olympics
With all the talk last week about who our 20-23 slotted players are, you have to think, other than possible injuries, who other than Brozovic, Kovacic, Kramaric and Vrsaljko would ever come on instead of these four in any game?
Copa America doesn’t seem to be taken as seriously as the Euros – pretty disappointing to see so many big names missing due to “injury” each and every tournament – and then to see Neymar talking selfies with Justin Bieber, gluposti – not fair to the fans.
Couldn’t ever see a Croatian player so obviously taking a major tournament, or part of it, off like the South Americans do
@ Ziva
Agreed with everything you say about Srna. He’s had his day but it’s been a few years since he was at his best.
I think having Badelj there as really our only DM to cover our back 4 and give Modric the ability to push up a bit and alleviate his defensive duties a bit will be a great move, provided he plays ok. He’s been decent for Fiorentina but hasn’t played well for the repka. Brozo will be used in his spot if we need some offence.
@ Bobby V
Agreed as well…we need to free up our best players to play their game. I do hope that Srna maybe has one last push knowing it’s his last tourney…I’m not holding out hope though.
I would imagine Vrsaljko gets time this tourney especially if they need a little more service from the wings.
Danny
I agree with everything you said 100%.
Cacic has it right. He is compensating for our two weaknesses.
Badelj to help a slow/somewhat shaky back four and an extra midfielder on instead of a second striker – which would weaken us.
The best defense? …..is a good offense. Hopefully our midfielders control the game and limit the oppositions opportunities.
Watched Belgium’s two friendlies against Finland and Norway – they were outplayed in both.
i dont think a draw is a catastrophe with this tourney’s format.. if it was the same as previous tourneys, yes, but in the context of 3 teams possibly going through, not quite so bad
we all know cacic isn’t some all star coach but i actually feel besides maybe halilovic not being picked… his line ups have been ok… i think its for sure a step up on what kovac was doing but that ain’t saying much looking back
i agree if badelj can do his thing defensively and help out our back end and give modric and rakitic the space they need to operate isn’t that itself much better then having brozovic push up and leaving modric and rakitic useless… we all know without these two guys pulling some magic strings we ain’t going to do anything
like everything in life its a balance… sure he may be a tv repairman but there is a fair amount of practical and common sense one needs for that sort of work… so maybe badelj while not being exciting might just be the kind of practical move we need
shame about vrsalkjo(some great crosses on that video with not so good finishing from his teammates) but who knows the crap there would be if he started him over srna… your pretty well hooped with that till he retires. lets hope his experience and wisdom can make up for his aging skills
i actually think sime would be better up front then srna… he has that good deal of sprint and reminds me a bit of perisic when motoring down the field… looks more thorough bred while srna looks like an arabian.
Croatia needs a win against the turks…a draw will be catastrophic for us..our mental midget syndrome will kick in immediately if we draw.
…and in other news, Chechnya is now to be called The Chechnya Republic.
😉
I wouldnt worry about Rosicky playing or not… he’s been a bit player at Arsenal for last couple of years and is way off the pace… last I heard he won’t even feature for Czechia… (their new old name)
I think Cro can do something at this tourney but they need that first game will be tough. Personally I expect a draw, obviously a win is preferred. I see us getting through with a D W D 5 pts. Finishing second with better goal difference than Spain.
in my opinion, every team needs a destroyer…its part of the make-up to a good team!
I would start the player who has the hotter wife or girlfriend
when i talked with my friend on the repka we talked about the srna thing a bit…he said its a little bit of a running joke on the team behind srna’s back that people think vrsaljko should be starting…at the end of the day though, most guys are appreciative of the work srna has put in and think he deserves one more tournament
@matt As you can tell, many of us have noticed Srna’s increased tendency to send low crosses (into the body). This is not an illusion. That said…
My stance on Srna still is great offensive skills for an RB, slightly below average defensive skills for an RB. Since I think our best play is when we are aggressive, I am fine with Srna, but Vrsaljko has also impressed at RB.
The comment about a player being a better assessor of talent has been disproven a million times over…Theo Epstein-success, Popovic-success, Michael Jordan-fail, Belichek-success,Charles Barkley-fail et al
Regarding Badelj/Brozo- anything that gets Modric more opportunities to get further up field is great.
You’re “15 years of playing expirence” which is supposed to make your argument have more agency or something would have gotten 6 assists against San Marino, my college team would have won 10-0
Not just the Norway game, did you watch his WC 2014 performance? Srna is currently not a top player he’s winding down his career, when I think of top wing backs Marcelo Alaba bellerin
Here is the question? Do you need a destroyer against the likes of a Turkey and Czech Republic. Or are we sacrificing skill to insert a player not needed for that game?
Slavonac, Badelj is the closest thing we to a holding midfielder…he is our only option as a destroyer. I pray we do well..
I don’t know if any of you have seen Vrsaljko’s highlights, but he has much more to offer than Srna at RB. Vrsaljko is a great crosser and has the pace and work rate that we need similar to the 2008 Srna. He is also solid defensively. this is a no brainer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPGWRcCaMoA
his THREE assistant took place against taxi drivers on vacation.
I think we are putting to much importance on crosses. What is the percentage of a successful cross (one that leads to a goal). Got to be less than 10%. I want a player who can corss the ball, but also has the ability to beat a player one-on-one from the wing and go inside to create chances open space.
Regarding Cacic’s plan…………..every coach has a plan. The question is how to react when that plan requires a change.
@ALL
Srna’s crossing is deteriorating? His THREE assist from last game tell me differently…
Lika…I’m not expecting much from Cacic. I don’t know enough about him but throughout my life, I’ve met several types of coaches, some guys are just like him in some respect, so I kinda know the thinking on some of his decisions.
I was against playing minnows but I do believe his objective was to set his line-up/formation/strategy and let the team try to work his system with little resistance. I think he believes if they can work out some challenges but play his way, with success, they will go into the tournament feeling things are on the upswing. I’m not saying I agree with him, we won’t know if his system is successful until we see the results.
as far as the Halilovic and Lovren scenario. I was 100% against Lovren and as a player myself (years ago) and someone that understands the role of a coach (whether I believe he is good or absolute shit) I truly believe Lovren is an selfish idiot with a huge ego. if that incident is an indication of what more antics we might see, we are better off without him.
with regards to Halilovic not being on the team, I feel bad for the kid, I really do…especially considering Cop made the team, but in all reality, I think Kramaric, Pjaca and even Kovacic, Broz….all could play that position of need be while we are short on quality strikers…so it was a numbers situation.
again, just my opinion.
Cacic isn’t the smartest guy, but there are so many coaches just like him. I think he’s considering Badelj over Broz. some might say its crazy but I think there’s an equal amount that say its a good move to free up Rakitic and allow Modric some freedom as well. Broz likes to move forward and Badelj is ok with being the defensive styled player. also, he had some real good games this year in Fiorentina and although we all know Broz is better, he doesn’t seem to care what people think, he’s trying to play based on what his experience tells him….and he may not be wrong. how many times have we said Rakitic and Modric are smothered because of their defensive responsibilities? well, it looks like he’s trying to address that…or…maybe Broz was tired…who knows?
Hmmm.
It is kind of odd that Vrsaljko has never been tried at RW.
Vrsaljko did play there when he was playing on Genoa, then moved to RB when he transferred to Sassuolo.
Vrsaljko’s crosses today are better than Srna’s. It’s painful watching Srna send in those low crosses that almost always get intercepted. Hopefully he has a good tournament, because Mandzo will need some service and Perisic can’t be the one that has to do everything.
Slavonac, what is your assessment of Cacic thus far?. Do you think he has a plan he can execute? In regards to line up etc..
I’m not knocking Srna. Maybe he has one last phase of glory left. He has played well for Cro if we judge him on his overall career.
Personally, I have distaste for him because he was involved in the money laundering scheme with the Stimac brothers when sold from hajduk.
Srna’s level of service compared to how well it used to be, had dropped if you ask me. I still think he’s a decent player but I truly believe the overall pace, aggressive play and toughness of Vrsaljko is the better option.
i agree with ziva that srna’s crosses (and free kicks) have been deteriorating for some time
at least that deterioration set up when of croatia soccer’s best moments
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAgfdKUz1LY
He has lost pace and while I don’t have the metric to confirm (or counter my argument), I think the level of his crosses, corners and free kicks have gone down. He was never a good defender to begin with, so I’m not looking at that side of the ball.
I agree he starts. He is the captain. You either play the captain or you completely drop him from the squad.
If playing an amateur side is needed to restore moral and confidence, then we are in trouble.
@Ziva
No offence taken, all opinions welcomed. Elaborate on how he’s dropped down a level… He moved from midfielder to defender that’s it. If you base your argument on solely pace – understandable. Still shows his heart and class every game. *insert bold statement* he’s a game changing player.
Regardless, he’ll start.
@nitro
Good move my cacic, repka needed to learn to play with eachother again and a confidence boost. Moral finally restored.
Whether u like Srna or not it’s hard to argue that he isn’t our best defender.
so I was talking with my friend on the team again earlier today, and he had a much different tone. after the player selection, the mood was a bit frustrated cause of the feeling of mamic meddling…but post san marino, it’s really lifted things big time. meaingless opponent or not, croatia hasn’t scored 10 goals against an opponent in 25 years….he says the players are really upbeat and feeling confident….brozovic is a little bit in the tank cause he expected to be a huge part of the euros but now that’s looking less likely. vrsaljko is a bit frustrated about not playing, but he understands srna is captain and is about to retire, so the RB spot is open for him for the next several years
@Matt……..you lose me when you say Srna is still a top player. Not based on the last 18 months or so. Very pedestrian. Not to be insulting – and I hope you don’t take it this way – but your playing experience (unless at a high pro level like Srna) doesn’t mean anything when commenting on a player. Jure the fatass on the couch can see Srna is not the same player as 2008.
I’ve been following the trends on this website for a while now and countless times I’ve seen the same remark by all of you: “Vrsaljko over Srna” and/or “Srna as Rw”. This is outrageous.
As a player myself (15 years of playing experience) believe me when I say Srna is still a top player. He knows the rb role so well, attacking and defending responsibilities down pat. It seams as if most of you have his Norway performance in the back of your head, forget it that was 1 bad game.
He still has mad pace (equal) and can cross and play the ball like a true veteran, what I think Šime is still needs to develop. He’s not only a talent and leader, but has a true footballer mind.
IMO Srna to start every game, plain and simple he’s our best defender.
Concerning Pjaca as our starting winger, I think he’s the right fit. Shows so much HUNGER and fight (probably got it from his parents). Very talented and creative almost like a halilovic but with a stronger physique. Good pace as well. See him having a break through at this tournament.
Overall happy with the way Cacic is running this team.
Ps. If there’s some obvious points I miss let me know, would like to know more from people that have played and understand the game.
That was pointless
Ouch for us & Czech. Rosicky is old but still their best player by far. Everything goes thru him. We want him in vs Spain if nothing else but to reduce goal differential. Hope he is out for our game too.
Just because you run doesn’t mean you are a good defender. Some of that running could be due to being out of position.
Rosicky with a thigh injury and is expected to be touch and go for at least the first game.
Rosicky with a thigh injury and is expected to be touch and go for at least the first game.
Bilic wants Coric
Instead of Pjaca, could we not have vrsaljko as the right mid? He has played it before and could help srna.
@ JM
Getting into spaces to recive the ball, tracking down a loose ball, making runs into the attacking third, ya know the usual stuff that a box to box midfielder does.
On a different note saw warriors are a pick against cavs game 3 bury Warriors at least a dime
Controlling the ball
i don’t watch enough inter to know brozovic that well but i’m always surprised to hear he’s not a good defender. the guy runs more distance than seemingly ANYONE else! what is he doing with all that running?
Brozo is a stronger physical player with good wind and like to to see Badelj if we have a lead and a sub a forward last 20 mins
I saw my fair share of Fiorentina games this season, and Badelj is solid defensively who can play the DM. And we need a solid DM to shield a shaky central defense.
If Badelj in, then Brozo out. As Broz is not as good defensively. Again, I would like to try out a bonafide winger in Pjaca at RW. If the kid is not up to par, we can just sub him out with either Srna, Kramaric, Brozovic. I’m sure cacic has a back up plan for RW.
^^^
That’s me
@Maminjo:
Badelj isn’t flashy at Fiorentina but does his thing.
@Meta Body:
I agree. The pieces are there, they just need to make it happen.
Yea, Brozo is more willing and capable of putting a shot on net, but he leaves much to be desired defensively.
However, Badelj is a better technical player (dribbler) than Brozo and can string nice long passes forward from deep.
But Brozovic gives us that tireless running, and has chemistry with our best player Perisic.
Assuming they are a wash defensively, Brozovic is the better option every single time. But if Badelj is that much better as a true DM, then I dunno. Hard to tell watching Fiorentina highlights and the very few games I’ve seen him play for us.
But I prefer brozo
Don’t need to be physical to play 6, at Fior he plays cool, wins the ball and gets rid of it asap
Brozo will go up….badelj won’t
Is Badelj even that good as a DM?
I only ever watch him play on the National Team (which is a small sample considering he almost never plays) and he seems invisible out there.
Not really a physical player, nor do I recall ever seeing him slide tackle anyone ever. Is he that much better defensively than Brozovic (an equally frail player, but much more offensively competent)?
If so, then it’s a good option to have.
It means that Brozovic either gets benched, or plays on the wing (not in his ideal position, but may be our best option due to his form).
BTW, Rebic isn’t just speed. He’s a mrcina, who can wear out the opposing defenders. He also has an excellent shot, and some technical ability as well. He’s just a brute, both physically and (unfortunately) mentally as well.
Or Rebic was never good in the first place and nothing more than a guy with speed.
Here is one question I have based on yesterday’s formation……Is Badelj in the starting 11? Having him in there frees up Modric to push up more and relaxes some defensive responsibilities, but does that mean Brozovic is on the outside?
Meta body, good post brother! I would love to play belgium and show them we are boss.
Pjaca is the player Rebic was supposed to be.
Rebic should have been a starter for us on the wing by now, but he has too much of a dumb jock brain to put it all together.
Pjaca has the same physical traits and skills as Rebic, but seems to have the brain to put it together. The only problem is that he’s too green to be a starter right now, and it’s a risk if we put him out there. It may pan out, but it also may backfire. It’s either that, or we play someone more experienced but out of position (like Brozovic, Kovacic, or Srna) there.
My problem with Krama there is defense…..espxiceally against Spain where their wing backs push all the way if Krama gets caught that’s a 2 v1 against srna
@ idemo
i guess i’m not too sure of the answer… the winger options aren’t great… i lean toward just playing kramaric in the place of pjaca cause i think kramaric is just a much better player at this stage in their career…but maybe playing with just one true winger (perisic) will eliminate all of cro’s width on the field
Pjaca is strong, athletic, got some pace with good technique. He’s got all the ingredients to become a very good player for repka.
Now if this guy flops in the group stage, Srna can be pushed up to RW, and yes Kramaric is services in this position as well. So I ain’t too worried!
jm
Very true; if not pjaca then who?
I rather push up srna to RW allowing vrsaljko to start than use kramaric as a RW
i haven’t really seen pjaca play outside of a couple repka games…but i continue to be a major doubter that he is the man for that job…. 21 years old winger with average stats in the hnL….might be a great player someday but i don’t think today
on that note, i will happily accept being wrong here…and i cross my fingers he has an awesome tournament making my doubting look dumb
To be honest, if we’re gonna make a run in this tourney. It starts in the group phase! We have to win that group in order to draw a weaker opponent we can defeat in the round of 16. If we can make the quarters, heck anything can happen.
And yes, Belgium, Spain, and Brazil are on my payback list. And would prefer to finish off Belgium in the final and not the round of 16 🙂
So you’re praying we finish 2nd and Belgium win their group?
I’m praying we win the group and play a 3rd place team which could be Belgium but I doubt it
Now your’re talkin’ Meta Body! We gotta major score to settle with Belgium.
Cacic will put the horses in the courses!
There are big names in the locker room, it is up to them to compete like champions.
Slovenia is not now nor ever will be the Vatreni.
Let Turkey think they got a good run out in preparation for Sunday.
San Marino was just the scrimmage we needed to feel a fluid flow.
The team is deeper then it has been since ’98.
We got real ballers coming off the bench to inject speed into our attack.
I say we make a big run this tournament.
I pray for Belgium rematch in the playoffs and give them a smack down.
ZDS
If we’re down a goal, I would much rather see Kramaric subbed in, and Perisic pushed up on the left….so both players flank super Mario in a three pronged attack.
I don’t wanna see Kalinic subbed in and partnering Mandzukic in the Twin Towers approach. If we’re gonna play with 2 forwards, sub Kramaric in to play off mandza like Dybala does in a Little Man Big Man combo!
Kalinic is only useful if Mandukic gets injured and we wanna play with a lone big man to lead the line.
Krama was played as as polu-spica in this game, no?
He subbed in for Rakitic.
He was played as a striker in the previous friendly before that.
I like Krama in both these roles. He does well in both. Hopefully he gets off the bench before Kalinic does if we’re looking for offensive options.
You’re blind if you think kramaric should start right wing
nothing but negatives out of that game as it gives false impressions
it makes it seems as though srna is still good and should play over vrsaljko
it makes it seem like pjaca and kalinic should play over kramaric
both mistakes
there…it has been assessed
does any one have a link to the replay of the game? i generally have to watch 5-10 croatia soccer games to see 10 goals, so thinking just watching the san marino game would be a much more effective 90 minutes