HRVATSKA (4-3-3): Livaković – Juranović, Lovren, Gvardiol, Barišić – Modrić, Brozović, Kovačić – Kramarić, Petković, Perišić
The real tournament starts now! No more scoreboard watching. No more talking about scenarios and goal differential. Croatia control their own destiny and it all begins Monday in a dream Round of 16 draw against the Japanese. Should you take any competition at this point in the tournament lightly? Absolutely not. However, although Japan ended up topping their group, which consisted of Germany, Spain, and Costa Rica, they were anything but impressive to the naked eye. Japan are all speed, pressing, and counter-attack. That’s how they scored their four goals in group stage: 2 vs. Germany and another 2 vs. Spain. Add in some German/Spanish defensive blunders to the mix as well. Although the Japanese had a historic win against Germany to open up their World Cup, please invest five minutes of your day to see how that game played out.
Watch the highlights below. Yes, Japan came back to beat Germany 2-1, but the Germans should have easily scored 4-5 goals in their World Cup opener with the Japanese. Germany hit the post, had an offside goal called back, and had multiple point-black chances that simply did not fall.
Following their 2-1 win over Germany, Japan were shocked 1-0 by Costa Rica. Japan couldn’t score and allowed Costa Rica one shot on goal, which found the back of the net in the 81st minute. In their group stage finale, I’m putting a HUGE ASTERISK on Japan’s 2-1 win over Spain. Spain were up 1-0 early and on a trajectory to top the group. Knowing their path in the World Cup would likely have to go through Croatia and Brazil, Spain conceded twice immediately following half-time and did not press hard for an equalizing goal late in the 2nd half. Call me cynical, but I’d put money on Spain throwing that Japan match to finish 2nd in group. That ensured their path in the World Cup would go through Morocco and Portugal/Swiss instead of Croatia/Brazil. If Spain score one more goal in this match, Japan are out of the tournament. Something smelt fishy to me as I was watching the 2nd half of Spain/Japan.
Things you need to know about Japan:
- They are a speedy, counter-attack team. They know they can’t hold the ball against the larger powers of European football, which includes Croatia. Japan’s ball possession vs. Germany: 26%. Japan’s ball possession vs. Spain. 18%.
- Ko Itakura will miss the Croatia clash with a yellow card suspension. Itakura is one of Japan’s center-backs and has played every minute of the World Cup for Japan thus far. Itakura is 25 years old and plays for Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany.
- Japan have yet to score in the 1st half this World Cup. Their first goal against Germany came in the 75′. They were shutout by Costa Rica. They scored their first goal versus Spain in the 48′. They are getting off to slow starts.
Things you need to know about Croatia vs. Japan:
- It appears left-back Borna Sosa will be ruled out due to a virus. (not COVID related). If so, rumors are saying Zlatko Dalić will replace Sosa with Rangers’ Borna Barišić. This could be a liability as Japan will be all speed and counter down their right side. Dalić won’t do this, but why not move Gvardiol to the left-back position and have Erlić or Šutalo take his spot in the center? Putting Perišić as a left-back is not an option for me as he has lost a step in the twilight of his career. Keep Perišić on the left wing and sub him out for Oršić when he runs out of gas in the 60th minute.
- The midfield of Modrić-Kovačić-Brozović will control the ball for 70% of the match. If Kova can play more of a #10 role and the entire team can get solid crosses into the box, Japan are going to have a rough day at the office.
- Stat Petković/Budimir over Livaja. Petković stands at 6’4″ and is a better ‘hold up’ player than Livaja. Budimir has been quiet this year but is great in the air at 6’3″. Livaja stands at 6′ 0″. If the Vatreni can work crosses into the box, this is the obvious move for me. Japan’s tallest player is their captain, Maya Yoshida (defense), who stands at 6’2″, but the team’s average height is 5’10”. I would let Petko/Budimir do their thing in the box with crosses all day long.
rewatching japan game.
24th minute long ball from gvardiol to petkovic on a break away and looks like he is literally trying not to score.
holds up play and the defender closes him down, and petkovic pulls the ball back to himself, gets himself off balance, then plays the ball straight into the defender.
Fine hold the ball up, but take the touch backward, lean over the ball and find the shot or pass when you are on balance.
I dont understand. not a good showing from a supposed striker. looked like someone uncomfortable in front of goal.
Paid off?
I hate to think or say it. but honestly, re-watch the play. it made me wonder. maybe?
For a striker it made no sense to me.
What’s the word on our fitness? Modric coming off didn’t look good and just before the penalties, Dalic was talking to Perisic about how he pulled up and looked quite worried.
what would be a bigger upset?
Croatia over Brazil or
https://products.kitsapsun.com/archive/1998/07-05/0061_world_cup__croatia_takes_out_migh.html
To throw salt in the wound, Goncalo Ramos starts for Portugal in place of Ronaldo today and has a hat trick and assist in 68 minutes.
Ramos plays in the lowly Portguese league where he leads the league in scoring with 9 goals or one goal per 90 minutes
Who is second in the Portuguese league in goals per game you ask? Peter Musa with .8 goals per game.
At least we got Budimir to fall all over the place and bounce balls off his lead foot for a few minutes.
Looks like Croatia is going to be the only 2nd place group team to win their 2nd round match.
If you think about it, why is Croatia- Brazil the first quarterfinal? Netherlands, Argentina, France, England all qualified over the weekend.
Yes, why are England and France given two extra days of rest? Ridiculous
True
5 days rest
Netherlands v Argentina
England v France
vs. 3 days rest
Croatia v Brazil
Morocco v. TBD
on one hand, sucks because lack of rest…
on the other hand, gives Brazil less preparation time
We are already prepared
Corruption.
Prepare for Battle Hrvatska 🇭🇷❤️
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=K1MuvvS_xSw
When we lost the first game to Spain 6-1 after WC 2018 how many of us thought we would be able to play again to get back into the top 4 in 2022. Especially after mediocre euro performance and locker room issues during euro.
Who cares it’s vs Brazil, who cares we are tired. Let’s fucking fly boyzzzzz.
Idemo na mjesec!
I think alot of us did…which is why it was so frustrating that we kept throwing those Nations League games (killing our ranking and reputation).
We had the talent (both veteran and young talent) to keep it going…and this World Cup proves that we did.
Euro2020 was wasted because of the lack of preparation and throwing away UNL games that were not used to integrate our younger players on time.
This World Cup we’re seeing what a timely integration of youth can do for us (Gvardiol, Majer) as well as the more recent UNL games (Sutalo, Erlic, Stanisic) and it’s paying dividends.
Penaldont not starting for Portugal?
They are obviously tired of his 💩
Wonder if rebic is watching this World Cup ?
Doesnt look like it. nothing about it on his instagram. no support. just pics of him training with milan.
I always wish the best on former employers or co-workers for companies i have left.
rebic is sour. wish he was not, because we could use him. but he is.
He can be mad at Dalić all we wants but to not be repping Hrvatska that’s a shame and a stain on him.
Kvartuc, you made this comment below after we tied Morocco. Do you still believe this or can you possibly admit that Morocco are no joke and it was hard to risk opening up with them?
“Disappointing. Toothless. Unimaginative. Croatia played without purpose as the Morocco “bunker” tactic would not break through 90 minutes. No attack. No movement. No runs up”
Kvartuc, you made this comment below after we tied Morocco. Do you still believe this or can you possibly admit that Morocco are no joke and it was hard to risk opening up with them?
“Disappointing. Toothless. Unimaginative. Croatia played without purpose as the Morocco “bunker” tactic would not break through 90 minutes. No attack. No movement. No runs up”
Proof that Croatia, Morocco, Belgium was the toughest group. 2 teams into final 8.
Spain was sucsessful at avoiding Brazil 🤣
I was mocked pretty relentlessly when going into the group I warned Morocco was a very good team and possibly the best in Africa. The key is you got to do the work. I dug into their performances and the answers were clearly there rather most people’s approach of seeing a lesser known African team and assuming it would be a cake walk.
Easy Nostradamus!!!
You’re a blowhard!
Nemaš pojma!
Looking forward to Hrvatska beating Brazil. Most of us aren’t as ready to write off our dečki as you are.
Bog i Hrvati
WOW, Morocco beats Spain on penalties.
Spain Morocco pk
I guess 0-0 with Morocco where we had some ok chances wasn’t the worst thing
They shut legit quality teams
Morocco is no joke. inspired play, with a coach players identify with, the fans behind them. Couple good players who can make magic happen and a lot of good role-players.
Fortunate against spain overall, but still, a little, luck, spirit, and belief and they can keep the dream alive.
Fun to watch. Hope croatia can do the same vs Brazil.
I actually like the Croatian team but one of you stupid commentators called the Serbian National Team below average? Well, they did beat Portugal to get to the tournament and yes, the weakness was the defensive fullbacks but they will get better. Needless to say Serbia defeated Brazil in the FIFA under 20 World Cup, so they can be beat.
Serbian coach Stojkovic played a defensive strategy against Brazil and was hoping to score on a counteroffensive, not the right strategy. Croatia has a skilled midfield and decent strikers. Full on attack and try to surprise the Brazilians especially the first half. Good luck!
Relax Greco, if someone doesn’t follow the Serbs like you do all they see is another exit at the group stage, which is great to see.
And yes, they beat Portugal, that’s a good win, but tell me, did they beat Cameroon at this world cup? What about Switzerland who are getting their arse handed to them by the very Portugal team the Serbs beat lol!?
On the biggest stage the Serbs don’t get it done, and that’s it.
Let’s talk about Croatia and how they’ve backed up their final appearance in Russia with a QF in Qatar! This is impressive!
Interesting article about our unique playing style: https://amp.theguardian.com/football/blog/2022/dec/05/croatia-showed-once-again-that-they-are-the-masters-of-walking-football
That article is so interesting and so true. We walk our opponents to the edge of the cliff.
Time to revise the old adage: Football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win
Football is a simple game, twenty two men chase a ball for 120 mins and at the end Croatia wins in Penalties.
It’s a shame olmo blossomed so early and became a target for Spain. Would’ve been nice to see him fill that wing gap for croatia
Spain might pay the price today for losing on purpose to avoid us and Brazil. Karma will get them.
If one wants to look at the croatian world cup in a favorable light, you would make this connection
You would say Croatia has not dropped a point playing against
A still top 5 team in Belgium that just looked bad because they were playing other great eams
A morocco team that looks awesome
A Japan team that beat both Spain and Germany
You would say, Croatia has only conceded 1 goal in 300 minutes of play to those 3 teams.
Morrocco is the biggest dark horse of this world cup.
damn, Morocco so good
Nobody loves an underdog party like Croatian soccer. I feel we never look right as a favorite in any game from 1998 to now. We run better with something to prove against those sausage rollers in Brazil. Let’s hang with them for 45 minutes and then gut it out in the second half for a win. Sure wish that Japanese guys would go away but they didn’t so we’ll be close to EMPTY. Doesn’t mean we can’t do it , but it will be at least a 13 to 14 player effort.
Let those fuckers samba dance – time for guys to step up like Livakovic and make World Cup history. All-time memories are made and with billions watching
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KPhqU–Mq1A
Just think, in 1998, with a little luck in the semi, or if the Dutch win the penalty shootout with Brazil, we would be playing Brazil every 8 years from Croatia’s debut (2006, 2014 and 2022). Also fun stat, in 1998 Croatia scored the first goal in all 4 playoff games. In 2018, the opponent scored first in all four. Can’t afford to have Brazil score first Friday.
On Luka:
https://theathletic.com/3971999/2022/12/05/luka-modric-croatia-japan/
Can someone show me a side by side comparison of the 2 VAR decisions that went against us?
As I mentioned before, I could see the faces of the players after the penalty kicks. There was joy, but it was not the unbridled joy you saw in 2018 after penalty kick wins.
You could see restraint and worry. In 2018, the team felt like they deserved to win against Denmark (missed last minute penalty) and Russia (lead 2-1 with minutes remaining). They felt powerful still and hopeful. Here you could see in their faces, particularly modric, that they are tired and weary. They realize how much luck in actual play they have received from the Lukaku misses to sneaking past what should’ve been an easier game in Japan but one that they had the wrong side of play for a lot of.
They realize, that outside of against a terrible Canada defense, they have only scored one goal in 3 games and that was by a miracle header from Perisic from nearly the edge of the box from an unlikely Lovren cross. If we are going to rely on Lovren crosses to penalty line headers for goals, it doesn’t look great.
I love Luka for what he’s done. I really value this team for the heart they’ve shown and what they’ve done. But unfortunately the road ends here with Brazil who is just a far superior team. There is always a puncher’s chance. But I know it, the team shows it in their face, and most on this site know it…this will be the end of the road for Croatia against Brazil.
We should give this team incredible praise for making it again to the final 8! Qualifying for the world cup, getting out of the group, and winning a game. Truly incredible. We are lucky fans.
I’ll still cross my fingers for a Friday miracle though.
Truth,
What would you say Croatia’s chances are, percentage wise, against Brazil?
My models come really close to the betting odds actually. Croatia has roughly a 20% chance to advance. 20% chance is surely not nothing so will still cross my fingers for the Friday miracle, but the odds clearly indicate this is not an even match. If Croatia had been playing better, I would feel more confident betting markets were doing some underestimating of Croatia. But in this case, I think the odds look pretty appropriate.
Our best game is yet to come.
the truth, nemaš pojma.
Croatia can beat anyone!
Morrocco are pushing Spain to the limit. Should’ve scored in first OT.
We had the toughest group!
Ajmo dečki!!!
Bog i Hrvati
They had chances against Japan for 2 goals at least. Petkovic fucked up at least two of them. Awful game from him. Must be glued to bench.
Dalić should fire a shot over FIFAs bow and say something like he hopes the officiating is fair.
Absolutely
Agree on Petkovic comments. He plays where he belongs. Same with Livaja taking that idiot penalty shot. Plays where he belongs too. Both don’t deserve to be in the World Cup. What about Majer playing the wing ? Is he too slow?
Petkovic got his big chance and proved he was a bum. He’s living off some old glory qualifiers from past years. He’s not in shape or form worthy of a WC match.
He’s dead weight and it would have been way more productive if we brought Musa or Colak instead of petkovic. But that ship has sailed. At least we know not to try that failed experiment again.
My favorite part of the game besides that amazing Perisic header of gold was that amazing Modric magic missle shot that would have been a goal any other day. That was an amazing save. What a shot.
Japan were some tough samurai’s and we were able to hold off and win with penalty’s. Got to give credit where credit is due and Lovern is having his best tournament performance ever after that sweet cross to perisic. Livakovic grew some sack and made some really nice saves and didn’t fold under pressure during the penalty shootout!! Props on that. Kramaric put on his ghost Halloween costume again and I’m hoping he can find his groove again if he’s in the right place against Brazil. Brazil is dangerous and everyone knows that but Croatia could be the team that might upset the cheap dancing “rio carnaval” street performers. Very cheesy..no class
Brazil is really coasting against weak teams and hasn’t had to play a tough opponent yet so let’s hope we can catch them with a great game from our players!
That would be legendary!!
I always loved Lovren’s heart for the national team. And he is always good for a class offensive moment once in a blue moon.
But I too was thinking every header he missed would have been routine for 6’4” Erlic. In many ways Gvardiol could be even more dynamic going forward with Erlic in support of him.
Petković looked border line special needs the way he runs. Almost surreal that he was starting in a World Cup?
Start Budimir and give him 60. At least he makes space for others. He scores that header and then he becomes our hot striker.
Sosa will be back for Brazil. Rested and rejuvenated. Barišić gave us his best for 120+ minutes, full respect.
We need Oršić on the LW and Perišić on the RW. To keep Brazil honest as there will be gaps in their defense when they attack forward with numbers.
Jebi ga .. let’s enjoy the spectacle of quarterfinals against Brazil and the Billions that will watch our Grb go against the Selecio.
I pray Dalic puts in all the fresh athletic legs to give us a good show.
Minus Canada, we have played against tough teams. This team has had 3 tough games.
The squad has earned the right to put its most athletic 11 to start.
Right on Soul Champ- I agree- we’re gonna need to run and have most athletic guys out there- but as underdogs , we are better suited . The Perisic goal from technical stand point is probably top 2 or 3 in the whole tournament- the cross was perfect and the header had side spin away from the goalie- that is no accident. That is pure skill from Lovren and Ivane.
We should be starting Budimir. I don’t think Livaja/Petkovic can keep up with the Brazilians.
Petković runs like his laces are tied together. Great win otherwise. Incredible heart.
Petkovic thought he was going to some karaoke and sushi bar for the night- he didn’t know it was a real soccer game- he’s out . times up.
Remember guys we just need a goalie to be hot for a month which liva may be heating up
And we need a hot striker
Still to be found but who knows
Friday we get to see our boys in the top 8
4 million people guys
Tata said he was reading an article said Germany has more registered soccer players then we have people in Cro!!
Chew on that for a minute
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/weird-news/asparagus-psychic-makes-world-cup-28539537.amp
I’m gonna leave this here again
We will beat Brazil;)
I’m going with it
Maminjo said we are gonna smash Brazil and I’m going with it!!
Man would it be amazing to take Brazil out and do some kolo dance!!
I just read that Brozovic covered 16.7km today, breaking the World Cup game record set by…Brozovic himself from 2018 against England where he covered 16.4km.
What a work horse!
We have to watch with Nejmar in the box you know if our player even touches him he will be diving looking for penalties. I Told my Serbian coworker today that we will go for revenge against Brazil because they beat Serbia in group stage.🤣
No matter what your Serbian coworker tells you, he’s dying inside that Croatia is in the quarters right now ha ha
I agree with the comments. Utilize our youth. Brazil have played every single player on the squad thus far. Dalic should be mindful of that. Modric, Perisic, Lovren are gassed. Obviously you can’t start Stanisic or Sosa. Give Majer, Vlasic, Sucic and Sutalo minutes. Brazil even out playing time equally and give the top players a rest. Casemiro, Richarilson, Junior, Neymar, Paqueta are all 30 and under. It will be a miracle if our defence can hold them off. Brazil even subbed off Becker today. The manager Tite trusts the all the player. We need that from Dalic. Eventually the experienced vets will run out of gas. This is Brazil. We need to match it with speed and youth. Obviously not just youth. It’s crazy how the 2014 lineup against Brazil we still have four players starting against Japan 8 years later. Brazil has 3. Brazil has also lost to the underdog in the last three consecutive quarter finals.
2018 Belgium 2-1
2010 Netherlands 2-1
2006 France 1-0
Why wont Stanisic or Sosa start? Sosa has a fever but surely he should be ok by the QF. Stanisic doesn’t appear to be badly injured either.
I think we need to pump Sosa up with as much vitamins and energy drinks as possible to have him ready for Brazil.
Didn’t like Barisic today.
You forgot the 2014 World Cup. Brazil beat Colombia in the QF before getting crushed by Germany.
Where are the Lovren haters now? That cross was worth the ticket to Qatar and a couple mil on top.
Still here.
But I’ll give him respect for that sick cross.
Nobody heads air better than lovren…
right on T-Bone. I wouldn’t say I’m a hater but I just felt his time has come to pass the torch but man, that cross was amazing and let’s not forget what moj Ivane did with it- top 2-3 goalies of the tournament
Do you believe in consciousness? Karma? Soccer Gods? We are owed a debt from 2018. But In needed energy and now I have it..I have my reason to hate (this version) of Brazil.
Dancing after one goal against Korea was low class. Humble people deserve to proceed and Brazil are dancing like self absorbed teenagers on tiktok.
I am putting my intentions to summon the Soccer Gods like my friends did with Rudiger’s mocking of Japan. Croatia must wreck the tiktok dance party. LFG
80’s Aerobics Dancers = Brazil:
https://twitter.com/oddc1od/status/1599940091845091328?s=21
Maybe we can get another own goal by a brazil defender early again, like, 2010, this time from a Sosa cross, not Olic. Hope borna is better.
2014 even, opening game of the wc in brazil
Back to back quarterfinals!!
Just throw in all the young legs.
We are exhausted.
No need to pretend Petković can play on this level.
Nothing to lose.
Play to win.
Happy to be in the quarter finals. Against a team like Brazil we need to risk it all.
Backline needs to be Sosa-Gvardiol-Sutalo-Stanisic. All of whom are young and very promising. From memory Stanisic was able to shutdown Mbappe and Benzema when he played against France so hopefully he will be able to do the same against some of Brazil’s wingers.
I couldn’t believe what I witnessed today. Another win in the penalties column. This shootout wasn’t as nerve racking like it was against Denmark or Russia. Great game! Even if we had lose today, no shame losing to Japan. They are a humble team with dignity and respect for themselves and their opponents. Unlike Turdman who shares a bed with his chetnik player. The Brazil match we should be realistic. I love Croatia but Brazil is on another level. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve beaten top teams: France, Italy, Germany, and England and Spain. Brazil rarely makes mistakes and the amount of talent on offence is overwhelming. We’ve faced better competition than Brazil.
Croatia:
-Drew a Morocco team that was defensive minded, conceded no goals, and defeated Belgium.
-Drew Belgium and had outstanding goalkeeping and shut down an above average team with still decent attack.
-Drew Japan and beat them on penalties. Japan are tougher opponent’s than Denmark or Russia were. They just couldn’t handle the pressure in penalties.
Brazil:
-Beat Serbia 2-0. That’s a below average team that finished bottom the group with one point.
-Beat Switzerland on a late goal. Switzerland was only quality team they’ve played.
-Loss to Cameroon. The loss speaks for itself. They did play with subs but a loss to one of the weakest teams in the tournament is shocking.
The one thing we can’t do is concede first. I pray to God that once we score first and don’t chase the game. Chasing Brazil will only bite us in the ass and end our chances. Brazil have conceded in the QF the last three consecutive tournaments. Netherlands, Colombia, Germany. The only QF in the last 21st century the didn’t concede was in 06 which they lost to France.
I want revenge for the opening game in 2014. That was a disgrace to football. If we’re able to beat Brazil. Then France, England and Portugal are beatable. Let’s focus on this game. Their defence aren’t better than ours.
I watched the South Korea game. None of those goals were impressive expect the third Brazil goal. The first was all the South Koreans ball watching, the second was an undeserving penalty. Typical Brazilian dive…get the calls as per usual. The fourth was the same..Koreans ball watching.
Friday is the day. I’m not expecting a win. But it will be a nerve racking game.
ZDS
We’re in the upper echelon.
Almost no team in the World gets to play an elite team like Brazil in the quarters. It’s always the usual contenders like France, Netherlands, England, etc.
We’re two wins away from another Finals appearance, ha ha.
The “old and slow” Croatia (per all the pundits) who look like “a shadow of their former selves”…are TWO wins away from another World Cup final, lol.
Nothing like seeing a bunch of apparently washed up Croats drinking and getting smashed…and still somehow on their way to winning a World Cup.
Good win always great to make final 8 of a World Cup no matter how you goth there. Against Brazil Dalic has to change tactics.We’re tired and Brazil is too good,
4-3-3 will leave us exposed we must play 3-5-2.
1- I think we can defend well in this system
2- I think it’s the only way we can score against Brazil.
…………………….Livakovic………………….
……..Sutalo…………Lovren ………….Gvardiol….
Juranovic……Brozovic …….Kovacic……Perisic
………………………….Modric ……………………….
………………….Vlasic ……..Kramaric……………..
Agree 100% we need to change the formation. I would go 5 – 4 -1, if we play 4 – 3 – 3 we’ll get smashed. It has to the same as against France in the UEFA NL.
I agree with you 100%, 3-5-2 all the way. I e been saying this for ages. Many on the team already use this formation for their home clubs. You need at least a couple solid centre backs for this formation and in Gvardiol I feel a lot safer. A left-footed centre back like Gvardiol is perfect for 3-5-2. Perišić and Brozović are killer with this formation as well.
And lastly, where is the Lovren is shit/laknat?!? He must be staring at his Lovren life sized posters with love in his eyes….
A few thoughts from today…
We always struggle against teams that bunker and counter because we don’t have the offensive players to break the bunker (aside from
Perisic when he’s on – what a goal today!)
Playing Brazil will be very different. We will have much more room for our midfield. It’s just important that when we counter that we convert our chances.
Defensively we’ve been excellent. I never thought I’d ever say this but Lovren and Liva played well today. Lovren’s pass to setup the Perisic header was perfect…and Liva hopefully turned the corner and gained some much needed confidence with the PK saves.
We look tired and Luka has had an off tournament. Maybe he’s starting to show his age but I will put money on him showing up next game. As will Kova. Brozo’s a machine. Juranovic runs all game too.
I’d almost consider playing Juranovic at RW and give Stanisic a shot at RB. We have exhausted all other options. Instead I can see us start Budimir up front with Krama at RW…at least Budimir chased the ball a bit.
Petkovic was infuriating today! Had a semi breakaway and stops. Can’t remember who it was but they were WIDE open. No attempt to pass
until the defender was on him – by then it was too late. He just doesn’t move well enough for my liking and I a haven’t seen him do anything aside from hold up the odd
ball. I look forward to Dalic calling up some young forwards for the Euro qualifiers.
Either way we are through and we will have to play really well and hope we catch Brazil napping. They are a cocky bunch…dancing after every goal…even their coach. Super disrespectful but they are an arrogant bunch.
Nothing a Domagoj Vida football cleat can’t fix
Bruno! Missed the easy pass to … Perisic. He had me yelling at my tv. Buffoon. Embarrassing game from him, should never start again. Budimir was miles ahead if him in less minutes.
Maybe Lovren is still the best defender in the world?
Like
I’m sure Brazil is shaking in their boots as the thought of facing Petkovic, Livaja & Kramaric in attack. Oh yeah, forgot about the lethal Budimir…..he is not longer our secret weapon off the bench. Only chance we have of winning is taking it to penalties again and hoping the Brazilians take penalty shots like the Samurai Blue. None the less, a win is a win and it’s always good to watch Hrvatska play another game.
Is that such a bad chance?
Serbs and Swiss managed to hold them off for large periods of the game…and neither team have defensive midfielders and defensive wingers like ours.
Wouldn’t be shocked at all if we held them scoreless then took them out in penalties.
The problem is fatigue. We have completely worn out Modric, Perisic, Juranovic, and our other vets.
We didn’t pace ourselves by using the depth that was available to us.
Guys like Stanisic, Sucic, Sutalo, Erlic, Orsic, and Majer are all very capable starters and they barely played.
Absolutely agree. Dalic needed to play these guys more and save our legs. Somehow we mustered up the strength in 2018…maybe he thinks lightning can strike twice.
We can’t afford more OTs and PKs or else we have zero chance. Dalic knew it and had to pull Modric…just thought it was strange to pull both at the same
time. Pull one…let the new player get into the game then the other mid.
They may have signaled him to do it.
I was also surprised that Oršić came on for Perišić instead of Barišić.
Our vets were four years younger in 2018.
Maybe they can’t do multiple extra time games in a row this time.
It’s an unfortunate time to try and integrate youth into our lineup. A quarterfinals match against Brazil, lol.
respect to Japan who fought for their dress and gave it everything they had. Them crying at the end reminded me of Euro 2008. That horrible tragic day that still lives with me . We cried then. I felt for them today. Many take aways from this game. Some positive , and some negative. We have all been on Dom . He made some good saves, and got us through. Keep in mind those penalty shots were not the best . Real test for him is Brazil . Now us taking the penalty kicks was a major improvement. I did see that our guys were anxious , nervous or scared as they were in that Denmark shootout . What we and the world saw today was a great Team Brazil give beat down to Korea. It was a workout for them . Now we were supposed to do that to Japan. WE had clear chances that we squandered. It should off been 3-0 by the end of the first half. This is the difference between a good team and great team. We will not be so lucky vs Brazil . Our guys took a beating today . This team is better techically skilled than they are given credit for. We can go the distance with Brazil. We must not fall behind . I think the newer guys have alot of talent and potential . and could be even better if they find form and playing time on good teams in Spain or Germany . We beat Brazil in 90 minute we can win the cup. I am not so convinced that Argentina is as good as people think they are. I am sure Fiffa which worries me will give them a helping hand .
respect to Japan who fought for their dress and gave it everything they had. Them crying at the end reminded me of Euro 2008. That horrible tragic day that still lives with me . We cried then. I felt for them today. Many take aways from this game. Some positive , and some negative. We have all been on Dom . He made so good saves, and got us through. Keep in mind those penalty shots were not the best . Real test for him is Brazil . Now us taking the penalty kicks was a major improvement. I did see that our guys were anxious , nervous or scared as they were in that Denmark shootout . What we and the world saw today was a great Team Brazil give beat down to Korea. It was a workout for them . Now we were supposed to do that to Japan. WE had clear chances that we squandered. It should off been 3-0 by the end of the first half. This is the difference between a good team and great team. We will not be so lucky vs Brazil . Our guys took a beating today . This team is better techically skilled than they are given credit for. We can go the distance with Brazil. We must not fall behind . I think the newer guys have alot of talent and potential . and could be even better if they find form and playing time on good teams in Spain or Germany . We beat Brazil in 90 minute we can win the cup. I am not so convinced that Argentina is as good as people think they are. I am sure Fiffa which worries me will give them a helping hand .
I feel bad for Japan because we were all there in 2008.
But Japanese are fucked. I expect a few death by seppuku from some of the players over the next few days.
Don’t forget that Lovern’s sublime pass is why that header could happen. Rapt for Livakovic also, some of you “fans” taking two L’s today lol!
What do you guys think of Modric so far? I watch him regularly for Real and he was playing very well this season. He did have two off games before the world cup but he hasn’t been himself so far, timing is off, he is getting intercepted and missing passes. It is unusual. Is it simply that he is tired? Can he recover for the next match and play the way we know he can or unlikely? And where was Kovacic today? I don’t recall a single run.
Modric makes us tick, as he always has. But you are correct. He has been off his game a bit.
Not sure if it’s fatigue, or other teams figuring out how to play against him and starve him of time on the ball. If teams are targetting him and trying to make his life difficult, it will knock him off his game and we need to find other ways to create.
But even so, when we take him off the field Croatia looks like a shell of itself. That needs to be figured out.
I need to re-watch the game but clearly Kovacic was also not effective either, need to watch the tactics and midfield play of Japan to see if they tried to starve Kovacic and Modric of time on the ball to create.
Canada didn’t starve Kovacic as much and he had a breakout game against them, so it is more than just having an off-game, it depends on tactics of the opposition.
We actually started to take over possession in the second half of extra time.
It felt like we were about to score. Majer almost did it for us at the end of the game, but he chose the wrong corner of the net to shoot at.
Bench Kramaric and Petkovic and Kovacic imo v brazil need runners not lazy players.
Bravo quarterfinals is accomplishment to me.
Shame this is last real world cup 32teams. Football is all about money sad
Serbs played good against Brazil for the first half that is what we need to do but do it for 90 minutes and hope we can strike them once or twice. It’s not impossible.
Lets beat these wankers from brazil.
Love this team. And Livakovic, God bless him, continually took crap…got dropped in qualifiers…but then delivered today.
They guy went from being the weak link that needed a pep talk in a documentary, to saving three penalties in a World Cup knockout round.
The guy could get cut from the team tomorrow, and it doesn’t matter. He’ll always have this moment. You could tell how happy he was the way he was grinning after.
Let them all underestimate us! Back in our favoured role of underdogs once again!
Idemo do kraja!!!
Bog i Hrvati
It’s no coincidence that fifa plays the refs the schedule the politics to favor certain teams. I know it’s sickening that these refs are told to favor ..already stacked teams.
Kinda strange that Netherlands/Argentina played round of 16 games on 12/3 and then play again on 12/9
And we played today on 12/5 and need to play again on 12/9.
Know brazil is in the same boat as us. But thats an extra 2 days of rest for Arg/Ned smack in the middle of the hardest stretch of the tournament.
Tonci , its clear to me that they want Messi to lift that cup. I wont be surprised that they get a little help if they need to win . Not strange at all what your saying
They want a Messi/Ronaldo final.
Serbs suck ..fuck you troll chetniks
Love it..serb trolls on here are jumping off cliffs ..that’s how sick they are against us..their team is shit ..no heart ..just lovers.
It’s honestly sad.
I haven’t really been following the Serbs at this World Cup, and I actually look forward to our REAL rivalries with teams like Spain, France, England, Germany, and Argentina.
I spoke with a couple of random Argentines this past week, and they are anxious about possibly meeting Croatia (believe it or not). That 3-0 beating at the last World Cup is still in their heads. Others really want the game, because they want to make up for what happened. This is what a real rivalry is.
This kind of PTSD still exists amongst English fans and their media as well. Germans and Spaniards know us well also.
We never ended up playing Germany or Spain (like we were supposed to in this Round of 16) but it’s cool that their fans and media chatting about us (with many hating our guts because we have beaten them or eliminated them in the recent past).
Anyone thinking that Serbia is a football rival of ours has to give their head a shake.
Serbia’s rivalry is with Switzerland (specifically the Albanian contingent), and that’s pretty much it.
The rivalry with Serbs stems from all sports in general but we have gone too far ahead in football that it’s not even close now. A rivarly still exists in waterpolo maybe basketball where we play each
Other more often and where we might be somewhat level but I think Serbs are nosediving in those sports too.
Why you using my name late to the party Branko?Even use of my….
Imitation is the highest form of flattery they say!
Brazil imo played pylon teams .no real competition.. Serbs are were nothin special ..our cros might give them a go..unless crooked money accepting refs open their hands .crooked penalty against Korea.. God I love our vatreni..and all the serb trolls on here can go jump off a cliff ..we won’t miss you..poor poor lover Serbs.. 😢
Bad news that Neymar is back. Brazil’s offense is always kicking with him in the lineup.
The good news for us at least, is that we generally play well when teams focus on playing their game instead of trying to disrupt ours.
Canada and Belgium allowed us to play our game, and we dominated the entire match with Canada and the first 60 minutes against Belgium.
Morocco and Japan went after our mids and clogged all the space. Those were our worst games.
Brazil is the best team in the World Cup, but we may be given the space to create. We are also the best defensive team they will be facing in this tournament too.
Let’s keep the R16 and QFinals penalty kick winning tradition alive ha ha.
Livakovic and Lovren. Not the heroes we deserved but the heroes we needed.
Brazil will shit their shorts when they see Modrić on the field.
We better rest up- Brazil will rest all their starters now- the game was over after 10 minutes-
With Brazil leading 4-0 at half time, my model is picking up a 99.9% chance of Croatia playing Brazil in the next round
I totally understand the concern prior about Lovren & I was too. But he did it.
Text book veteran play when a team is sluggish. Fly that f**** ball into the box.
No hate for Livaja. That was a clever try he hits 9/10.
Livakovic!!!
I’d we don’t start 3/4 different players due to fatigue we’re gonna be toast like the Koreans. Notably defensive chnGes and budimir or orsic gets the start up top. Lovren/Barisic/Livaja shouldn’t start and I just hope 4 days is enough rest for Luka to have game of his life
Livaković for president! Weak penalties or not, 3 saves (not to mention a couple from the game itself) should be a huge boost to his confidence. Barišić was definitely a weak link in defence and attack from the back. I’d also like to say Juranović despite his faults has a wicked long throw in. Idemo dalje!
Barišić looked slow and had problems with Ito all game.
I was just thinking JJ’s best attribute right now is his throwing. It seems like every time he is tracking back on someone he actually tips it further ahead for his opponent. Him not listening to Livaković and heading out the cross for the corner instead of an easy catch for Livaković ended up costing us.
We really need Stanišić. What’s the latest on his availibility?
Hopefully Sosa will be back for the game against Brazil
If we beat Brazil who is with me to get a Brazilian wax ?
ooh boy brazil are gonna make mincemeat of korea
While Croatia started off slow, they began to control the game in the 2nd half and in overtime, where their experience and tactical know-how showed.
Remember this is an excellent Japan team we stopped. Germany and Spain couldn’t find an answer to Japan–we did!
We NEVER lost control of the game against Japan (like Germany and Spain did).
Can we get Luka Sucic some mins?
Lovren assist and Livakovic penalty save! I will now eat my coaching diploma.
Maminjo know s shit.
It is nauseating listening to all these people like Maminjo. For years we keep hearing lovren is shit, livkakovic is useless , kovavic awful. Guess what all three continue to produce. How often did we hear replace Dalc with nenad bjelca. Lol. Look what Dalic continues to produce. The boys love playing for him.
Maminjo you are like the Truth on here. You both need to STFU.
You know jack. Lmao 😀😀😀😀
Bog I Hrvati.
Lovren makes a lot of mistakes in every game, but we haven’t been punished for them.
Not sure why this makes Lovren better than Erlic who starts in Serie A and has never looked shaky in the back for us.
Livakovic is still shaky on the high balls and hesitant to come out of his safe space. We all saw this against Belgium, and we all saw 20 year-old Gvardiol screaming at him for being a bitch.
He was still largely an unknown when it comes to PKs, but now he’s shown that he may be even better than Subasic at them.
Kovacic has been inconsistent. Great one game, and not so great the next. He wasn’t good today. Kovacic to me is always going to be the third best midfielder in our trio. Glad he came off, but he may end up having a good game against Brazil as they will give him some space.
Perisic is just not the same, but he finds a way to keep us going with an insane header into the goal to pass mandzukic.
Japan/Cro games are always tighter than the coochie of a field mouse.
That all being said. We played poorly especially in the first half. Japan looked lively and fresh. We looked 2nd best for large swaths of the first half.
Modric is starting to show his age, not sure how long he can run with Brazil for? Hopefully S Korea pulls off a miracle. With Modric off the field we looked disjointed – as usual.
Dont think we are as deep as we thought off the bench, subs maintain the status quo but there is no bite or game changer off the bench.
Liva came up big, but Japan penalties poorly taken.
If Brazil is next up, there is no shame in going out to them in the last 8. Brazil backline looks weak but our attack is impotent.
Dalic needs to give these guys Tuesday off, Wednesday a very light kickaround , and light session Thursday to conserve energy for Friday. At this point it’s an energy conservation game.
Have you already forgotten that Japan beat Germany and Spain? How about only two goals conceded in 4 games, one in the 2nd minute that was brushed aside and the other off of a scramble.
I agree with you 100%, i have not forgotten. Japan is no joke.
But i think most would agree we looked weaker for large parts of the game.
Defensively we are pretty watertight. But ultimately, you need to score goals to win as well.
At the same time though if you look at our body of work in this tournament feels like we are scraping though a bit.
0-0 vs an interesting Morocco side which we will really get to know vs. Spain tomorrow. Was a hot game. The 1st game. a lot of asterisks next to this one.
4-1 vs glorified MLS team which was the punching bag for our group
0-0 tight game vs. Belgium which could have gone either way if we are honest and maybe we should have lost if we did not have Jesus Christ himself putting saran wrap across the goal posts and backing Liva up in goal.
1-1 vs japan where we did not look great in the 1st half. And looked a bit impotent in front of goal.
Our problem is not finishing, it is creating the opportunity after we create the opportunity. We are missing the X factor, the final pass before the finish. We have not missed many howlers a la Lukaku. But have not gotten ourselves the opportunity on many occasions.
Not taking anything away from Japan, they are world beaters in this tournament and we got the result. But they are no Brazil/Spain.
No crazy upsets yet in knockout stage watch South Korea upset Brazil. We are playing South Korea mark my words.
That would be awesome. I’d love to see Brazil get fucked.
Would love to see it. Our path takes us through the orient.
I have marked them. Looking forward to the five goal second half comeback, lol
It’s a lot of fun to see the livakovic redemption moment. You could see near tears in his eyes showing the weight of the criticism he had felt for so long. Modric pretty much took him by the hand and toured him around afterward making sure everyone gave their praise
I think we can see from these games that Croatia is a solid team, but they are no world beater. That’s fine. We always knew this was the case. Every game is going to be pretty close to 50/50 and against Brazil it will be 20/80. All we’re hoping for is a couple lucky bounces and lightning in a bottle to keep having a bit of fun and we got that.
Subbing Modric was the right move as hard as it is to think that Dalic might have forced him to not control his destiny in his final game. Maybe its the multiple games, the stakes, the weather or environment but he definitely looks worn and I was worried about Croatia waiting so long for subs as always. Glad Dalic finally got some courage, although I do hate subbing midfielders in in waves. Do it one by one and let each one integrate into the game.
A run in the world cup can suck your soul away. It took Croatian players half a year to recover from the 2018 run. This isn’t easy. After the penalty win, I didn’t see as much joy in the Croatian players as after Denmark 2018. I think the reason is because they had restraint because they know getting to the finals is what they need to do to achieve parity with the 2018 team, but they feel how limited they are only winning 1 of 4 games and know the road to get to the finals looks like a mountain too high to climb for already weary and shaky legs.
STFU BITCH. How much did you enjoy Japan’s goal? “hahahahaha”. EVERY TRAITOR CLAIMS “OBJECTIVITY”.
What nobody talks about is that extra time can also make you stronger/more fit; there’s a fine line. Not to mention mentally stronger.
And it WAS a header, a very powerful one, from a beast, which saved the day.
@Thomas
No need to be such a snowflake… light criticism from a fellow fan = “traitor?” Pa kakav si ti “junak” zbog svoje krvi znoja i suza dok pises taj komentar LMAO
Poor performance but it happens. Petkovic not fit for Sunday beer league. Vida the hype man. Gotta love it. Guys like Modric and Kovacic get subbed and don’t raise whine like some clowns on other teams might. I love this team!
We need a neymar ankle break!
Let’s hope Brazil underestimates us because of this performance and we have a great game.
Though I would never start Barisic again.
This ain’t locomotiva on a Sunday afternoon with 2000 people watching Livaja
You ain’t that guy!
Can we still call up musa for some fire??;)
We could have definitely buried them
Just no final bite
Gvardi is gonna be new king of cro football very darn soon
We all knew livakovic is a good shot stopper
But it’s all that other stuff that seems to bring him down
Tho he looks more confident with ball on his feet
We missed sosa i feel
Oh well we are here and live to fight another day brothers
geez that was one heck of a header from Ivan
Like the Denmark game in 2018, one of the worst games Croatia ever played.
At least we learned Livakovic can save penalties.
Livakovic came through today, although Japan’s pens were horrible.
I always knee Liva was the right goalie for us. Lol. I take back all the shit talking I’ve done about him…for today only.
Got to give it to his shot stopping.
Lovren was solid today as well. Gvardiol was Gvardiol.
Ugly game but we knew it would be.
Ajmoooooo jeboteeeeee!!!
Now is Modric injured like they keep saying on Aus tv or was he just subbed out? i only woke up later
Subbed off with Kovacvic, they both were tired
He and Kovacic both had yellow cards, and would’ve been suspended for the likely match against Brazil.
Now is Modric injured like they keep saying on Aus tv or was he just subbed out? i only woke up later
Liva – free mega mansion in Novi Vinodolski and new Croatian President. First order of business is to blow up Croatian Sports.com- I knocked him for 6 months now we love him – hvala , brate Liva.
Liva je majstor!
Bravo Dominik! Eating my words, incredibly clutch.
Saved Dalic’s bacon for sure. Tactical buffoonery on his part this game, cribbing Fernando Santos’ homework. That said, a win is a win.
LIVAKOVIC!!!!!!!!!!
Bravo to Liva and Lovren!! You all shit on both of these 2, but they proved all of you wrong consistently.
I’m so wrapped for them and hvala bogu!!!🙏🇭🇷♥️🤍🇭🇷
Here , here agree with you. Livakovic hero for sure.
Gvardiol again top performance and Lovren also one of the better players.
Our midfield was poor, Luka Modric at this WC is showing his age.
I said to those around me that Livaja was going to miss. He was also useless when he came on – the man cannot run, he was just a passenger.
Next match I would change 5 or 6 players. Modric and Kovacic are spent.
I would have them coming off the bench around the 60-minute mark.
Every one of our players apart from Livaja deserves praise for the effort.
Livakovic is a God amongst insects – Magneto lmao
IDEMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I’m sorry for trashing on you livakovic
Livaja dude you aren’t that good
C’mon man… he hit the post. ‘Tough break. Plus, he scored against Canada with half a chance. He can do it again.
Livakovic MVP – feel great for him
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS we all owe Liva a free beer tonight man
Holy shit Liva onya broskie
Ugh
Here we go boys
Let’s see what happens
Lightening won’t strike 3 times
Won’t it? 😉
Sigh back to penalties again
STILL no Orsic?!
He was subbed on
Ahh I see now, just got back lol
Budimir subbed. What a joke Dalic is!
Let’s go Marko!
How Can Dalic take Modric out un-believable.
Because Dalic knows that Modric sucks at penalties
Modric for Majer
Kovacic for Vlasic
Let’s see how this works out
Wonder why we didnt sub Orisic on?
Possibly the worst game Cro has played at the last 4 tournaments. Can’t remember the last time Modric and other players have given away possession so easily.
Dalic is terrified to replace brozo modric and kovacic. And perisic. Two of those four should probably be subbed here. Japan has used all subs
majer for kovacic
All you Lovren haters. His second half was outstanding!!
Petkovic is the worst player on the pitch. Anyone preferring him over Livaja is not watching without bias.
Not really, he does make some space for other players to run or take chacnes
You’re right. After lovren! Idemo
Followed closely by Kovacic who turned the ball over 4 or 5 times and did his usual SFA.
Is Budimir actually coming on! wow!
Perisic!!!!!
GOALLLLLLLLLLLLL
There he is!
Yesssssssssssssssssssssss!
For a team that is considered short, they sure can jump better than our players.
So sad. Losing Sosa was huge. Those who said they are glad to see Livaja out, I hope you are happy with Petkovic body of work this half. Perisic is just not the same player of 4 years ago.
loooooooooooooooooooooollllllllllllllll Japan 1-0 Utases your country is a fucking garbage like always was lol
Lol, this aged well
We need an Own Goal or a PK.
Petkovic just let a ball bounce in front of him the penalty area and it gets cleared.
Petkovic will definitely be subbed at half
He is absolutely useless… nothing but a spectator.
What happened to vrsaljko?
Retired from the NT over the summer.
Japan’s back line is shaky. We just need to get it in there instead of playing side to side at the halfway line.
Clearly our worst match so far in the WC.
No one looks good out there. They’re embarrassing our star studded midfield.
What a waste of 45 minutes starting Petkovic.
We are in desperate need of a CF and some options on the wing. A real shame Roko Simic isn’t ready yet. That looks to be the missing piece.
Musa is perfect for us right now.
I’d call him up immediately after the World Cup to give him a role in our qualifiers and Nations League semifinals next June.
Let’s give Livaja another shot… this is his moment,.
Before the Japanese goal, Juranovic headed the ball out of the area – no communication with Livakovic
Perisic way out of form – transfer to Tottenham killing us.
Petkovic and Barisic two fatal replacements.
Transfer or his age is killing us?
With inter, he was an attacker. With Tottenham, he’s a defender. Perisic hasn’t scored a goal in 5 months.
True. Getting exposed the whole WC.
This like a Croatian Pearl Harbor. hehehehe
Glad we got petkovic in there for all those headers! Hahahahaha!
Ok so i assume everyone has now come on to my side that that whole header thing was a stupid strategy
Undoubtedly Japan looks more dangerous and with a bit more pop. Nothing crazy. This is still a fairly balanced match but with that being true, it’s 75 percent croatia going home. They still got a chance though
A bit more pop? You are deluding yourself.
They are killing us with good crosses and movement off the ball. Modric having a shocker. Final touch for their goal came off Gvardiol. Need to play quicker and Dalic needs to bring on fresh legs. Not looking good.
JJ hasn’t been good at all. Livakovic told him to let it go as he had the cross covered but he didn’t and headed it out. that caused the corner that led to the goal.
Stand corrected the last touch was not from Gvardiol, possibly Petkovic ?
The pitch isn’t helping us. Muddy and slow. Dalić needs to wake up and make some subs at halftime. We need attacking and speed.we can still pull this out. Hope we come out fired up.
We have been tired the whole tournament, not surprised. I’ve always said I only want to win playing well. Also that we needed to trust in youth. We failed to do that.
How do you start this many OLD bums in the second round of the World Cup?
Dalic has been riding on Modrić for years.
At least this will force him to make half time suns for once !!
Japan play with heart and speed.
Embarrassing.
Sramota.
Oh yeah .. fuck Ante Rebić?
Sve znaju ..
Petković wouldn’t play for any other team at the World Cup.
He starts for us in a knockout game?
This is what happens when you dont use the 5 subs in 3 matches in the group stages. We all look tired and we can’t keep expecting our players to run from our net to theirs.
Was probably an offside
It’s a dumb rule anyway but we should get the call??
Anyways, whose coming on??
Obviously need some fresh blood
Lovren kept him on. Terrible half from him. Giveaways and misses every header he goes up for. Towards the end of the first half Modric had to go so deep to take the ball out of the back.
Get that stump Petkovic outta there.
We need to start taking our chances. Too many times have we been in front of their net and not shot.. We keep trying to pass it in….
Wow, this is ugly.
havent seen us get this overrun in a while, modric and our whole midfield having off day, please Dalic u moron make some subs at half
I believe, they look more tired then anything.
Man we suck
Not to be a dick, but based on Lovren’s passes is he getting a check in yen by any chance?
Fuck off with your Lovren bashing!! I’m sick of it. Start looking at what others aren’t doing. The 2 fullbacks are getting swamped, our midfield stagnate. Barasic is getting killed and it’s no surprise the goal came from the left.
-Perisic looks tired
-Modric looks tired
-Full backs look nervous
-We need to be better when we get to the final third
These Japs are fast.
Perisic is gassed, kovacic just gave it to him for not closing down his man – he must be just on empty cause fuck nuts Dalic doesn’t make subs earlier and right to begin with. Petkovic with a few good fucks ups
Lovren the curse. Kills our offense. Can’t make a pass to save his life.
Lovren needs to come off as soon as possible
Dalic should be fired with this lineup – barisic, juranovic and lovren can’t handle them
Barisic and lovren look mismatched from what I can see
Almost tempted to park the bus against Japan and neutralize their speed while saving our legs. That would likely result in a snooze fest like the game with Portugal in 2016 at the Euros. So let’s play our game come what may.
My 11 against Japan: Livakovic (his one glitch was miscommunicating with Gvardiol and failing to come out to recover the ball in the game against Belgium. Otherwise, his performance has been flawless.); Stanisic (if healthy) (Juranovic is making too many mistakes); Erlic (I love Lovren’s pride but we need speed in this game); Gvardiol (as good as he has been Lukaku had four open chances); Sosa (if healthy and if he is ready to up his game); Brozevic, Modric, Kovacic (use Majer as needed in the midfield); Budimir (need his speed and stamina in this game), Kramaric (Orsic when needed) and Perisic (asking a lot from him, but if we go deep in this tournament it will be through Ivan).
Can’t fathom playing barisic, God, I hope Dalic knows what he’s doin ! Definitely feeling nervous about starting Petkovic – no orsic, majer, sutalo or erlic…I hope he proves me wrong but I don’t like this
Starting 11 from Savez Twitter:
Livaković
Barišić
Gvardiol
Lovren
Juranović
Brozović
Kovačić
Modrić
Kramarić
Petković
Perišić
Glad to see Livaja out.
A lot of people won’t like Petkovic out there…but he’ll do well if we are dominating possession in that first half. His ball winning and touch will be great in the box.
I’m guessing Dalic may throw out that Euro2020 bench trio (Budimir, Orsic, Pasalic) later in the second half.
Yes. It’s all looking good. We made the 2018 final with the tag team of Strinić and Pivarić. Barisić was the great innovation following that, so don’t forget how far that LB position has come. Barisić will play hard and help the team, even if we see fewer back heel passes.
Lineup confirmed, two changes Barisic in for Sosa and Petkovic in for Livaja.
Sosa is not confirmed out yet, but it appears that Stanisic will not be an option today. Whoever is on our left will face a stiff challenge, as Japan is apparently expected to start Doan on the right.
I’ve only seen highlights, but looking across their roster, Japan has several players capable of scoring from the MF. Going against them, and also similar to us, is the fact that their coach is reluctant to tinker with their team, leading to 3 players in their 30s playing on their back line in all matches to date. This is a game where Petkovic could be a nice option to come on late. I think someone with more touch is required to unlock their defense, and I don’t think that is necessarily Livaja either. Kramaric deserves a big role today, but not at CF.
The defense must stay alert by being involved in the build up without losing their positioning. Above all else, I’d like to see a more aggressive approach to taking shots and getting the ball into the area, rather than waiting for a perfect opportunity. Japan is not immune to mistakes and nerves, and fortune favours the bold. Besides, I expect to win the ball back and control it much of the time….as long as our defense stays disciplined and switched on.
Once again, this height strategy that everyone is jumping on is so silly.
Oooo Japan is shorter, so lets start some not as good tall players. Hmm. Wow… Lets sign all you guys up for next national team coach. Maybe even skip that spot and go straight to the premier league.
Firstly, Japan is not that short. The Croatia and Japan starting line ups have the same average height and Japan is tall where it counts…the back three all 6’2”, which is bigger than our defense.
Here is the height of the starting 11’s. Croatia and Japan are the same
tomiyasu 74 d
ito 74 d
yoshida 74 d
Ito 69 m
Endo 70 m
Tanaka 71 m
Nagatomo 67 d
doan 68 d
asano 68 f
kamada 72 m
defense 74
midfield 70.5
wing 67.5
striker 68
total 70.7
barisic 73 d
gvadiol 72 d
lovren 74 d
juranovic 68 d
modric 67 m
brozovic 71 m
kovacic 69 m
kramaric69 f
livaja 71 f
perisic 73 f
defense 71.75
midfield 69
wings 71
strikers 71
total 70.7
Then we need to go with this crazy idea to start Petkovic when he’s tall as though his 6’4” height will have much edge against 6’2” defenders.
Firstly, Petkovic is great as a pressure relieve valve in hold up play, but Croatia will dominate possession so that will not be needed.
Secondly, Petkovic is terrible with his head, scoring 6 header goals in 192 Dinamo Zagreb games or a header every 32 games against generally terrible competition.
Livaja, although shorter fairs better, like in all goal scoring metrics, knocking in 5 headers in 63 Hajduk games. Still only 1 every 12 games.
Bottom line is, there is no Mandzukic out here that it makes sense to massively alter line up to take advantage of a Japan backline that is not actually short. It is stupid to see Petkovic bag a header 1 out of every 32 HNL games and then expect him to bag one against a 6’2” Japan backline in the world cup. Certainly possible, but not likely and not something to focus your game strategy on.
Thanks again website and its commentators for coming up with an obvious but dumb strategy.
Japan may not be that short, but their aerial prowess is definitely not their strong point. We need to exploit this with quality crosses from set pieces and general play. Unfortunately, our crossing into the box has been poor so far apart from Sosa’s cross to Vlasic v Morocco and Perisic’s assist to Kramaric for our third v Canada.
It pains me to agree with you….
Just put the J defence and we are fine
Josip juran josip sut josko gv josip stan
I don’t know how much of this is Dalic to be honest. Apart from starting Lovren, I am starting to think that the players are legitimately tired based on when this world cup is taking place. It’s right in the middle of the season, and they didn’t really have much time to rest before hand. So in fairness some of of the difficulties could be a result of that. Keep in mind many of the top place teams aren’t even in the world cup and I am starting to think that’s the reason why. I could be wrong of course.
But that may be why some of our players are struggling, it’s fatigue. So starting some of them can be the issue if they haven’t had time to rest. Someone on here within the last few headlines posted a 60/40 approach I think I might agree with that one. People need to be subbed to have rest.
As for backline I do think Stanisic needs some time on the field to showcase himself, and Erlic as well.
SN is reporting that it’ll be Barisic and Petkovic. I don’t like it.
Seeing this as well, fuj….
T – minus 6 hours ..
Dalic is going to set up how he sets it up.
With Japan liking to find that space on the counter on the flanks it may make sense to start Gvardiol as that LB. He can run all day and it will allow him to join more in the attack.
Erlic is a stud as well and can hold down CB.
Dalic has to realize ZERO goals against Belgium and Morocco.
We are going to have to score 2+ today anyway to ensure a win.
You know Japan has one in them.
Gvardiol has composure on the ball and can switch the play from LB. He allows you to hold down an entire area.
This will free up Perišić even more to attack and worry less about his defensive duties.
Modrić is a legend and his presence to start us off is a blessing. Expecting him to carry us in the second half is not fair nor realistic.
We need Vlašić or Majer to be on the ready depending on who starts. Sučić would do well against Japan as well.
I like Kramaric in the second half to offer his finishing touch.
Pasalic has a goal in him and plays big in the box.
Are we finally going to see a transcendent moment from Kovačić ?
He has the speed to attack the heart of Japan’s defense and actually score or layout and assist.
Good points!! Agree
Good strategy
I’m hoping Persic starts feeling it and has a Killer game 1 goal 1 assist
Big games for everyone
Let’s gooooo
THE MOST frustrating thing about dalic is that he has to see something doesn’t work half a dozen times before he reacts and makes a change. And as far as him being proactive and anticipating a change and making a good move because it seems like the right strategy is not even in his mindset or vocabulary.
Perfect example for tomorrow…
He’s going to start livaja after that weak Belgium game instead of Orsic or budimir
Who would pair well against Japan.
Also lovern did better than expected in the games he played but he is still a liability. Basically a ticking time bomb 💣 for committing a stupid foul to set up a penalty kick. 🟨 ⚽️ 🥅
Just waiting to happen.
I hope Elric and or Sutalo get a chance.
And that late ⏰ sub technique is really getting old!
I don’t think losing Sosa for this match is a big thing. Japan is going to defend in numbers, and they will not leave a lot of space for our wing backs to exploit on the flanks anyway. If we do win against Japan ? Sosa having a rest is not such a bad thing ahead of the potential clash with Brazil in the QF ?
Barisic will refresh the defence, plus he is a better defender than Sosa. The formation 4 – 3 – 3 will not change unless we are losing. If this is the case than I can see Dalic going to a 3 – 5 – 2 or 3 – 4 -3 formation in the last 30 minutes of the match.
We all know dalic won’t change much
Barisic while ya not being level as sosa is capable of delivering a solid defensive match and can deliver decent crosses
Let’s hope we get his A game
I do hope
Budimir gets some time
And for Pete’s sake
We better qualify early for euro and try more of these defensive pairings
If sutalo and erlic were more proven we could indeed move Gvardiol to left side now and could possibly have an overall more lethal back line then what we have been seeing
I recall how much we were talking about our height advantage on here before the Mexico must win WC match in 2014…. remember how well that worked out. Though that was prime Kovac love affair with Pranjic (started him at CDM!), so we had some really bad tactics.
Itakara is a loss for Japan, but his likely replacement Tomiyasu is no slouch and having himself a season at Arsenal.
I’m rewatching Japans games and the match against Spain they were beyond lucky to score both goals. The Spanish goalkeeper misplayed the ball first for the equalizer. The second goal shouldn’t of counted..it was clearly over the line. Both substitutes scored the goals. Moving on to Germany. The Germans could’ve been up 2-0 heading into the second had much more possession and control. They hit the post too. Japans goals scored against Germany and the comeback goal was a Neuer rebound that wasn’t cleared. The winner was the German defence snoozing. That’s what worries me about Japan. One error and you pay the price. Two goalkeeping and defence mistakes by Germany and Spain cost them the game.
One thing I spotted by Japan is they have weak central defending. Morata scored his header box. They leave the box wide open. If Costa Rica was able to get through, so can we. Especially sincemthey’re top CB is out. That Nagatomo defender is slow and the weak link. Attack they’re left side. Nagatomo and Yoshida are old. They got speedy wingers and mid. They are also on six yellow cards. Maybe they’ll concede a penalty.
Nagatomo wants them to fight like Samurais. We’ll fight back and remind them that they are hello kittens, anime watching and sushi loving weaklingss.
Jk I low key love Japan, the country, fans and team. I’d love to visit. They are hard working, traditional and classy people. All jokes aside. I expect a wide open play match. It will not be tight. Let’s get an early goal for once.
Players to watch: Ito, Tanka, Endo, Kamada, Mitoma, Morita, Doan Ito (2),
Kubo injured and Itakura is suspended.
ZDS
This should be a great game for us.
Japan are quick and have momentum and confidence after the group stage. The thing is we have more talent, experience and world class players on our team. We should win this game and make into the quarters against a no Neymar Brazil where anything could happen. This is going to be a really exciting game CANT wait!!!!
Losing Sosa sucks, but Japan loses one of their starting CBs (Itakura) who plays in the Bundesliga too.
I think Orsic and Budimir would do well against Japan.
Brekalo would have probably been a good sub in this game if we had called him up.
I doubt we will change anything in terms of our play and our lineup.
I hate the idea of Barisic starting, and I really want Livaja benched…but they’re both probably going to be out there tomorrow.
So, I think it’s critical that Dalic makes timely subs, and that he uses all of them (and not just in injury time).
Need to score 2 goals and game is ours. Japans goals have come after pressing hard for 10 mins or less and they have gotten 2 goals in that those 10 mins. They cannot keep up that level of press beyond 10 mins here and there.
Spain and Germany only able to score one goal.
So get a couple goals in, and play possession. Then call it a day.
Japan losing their key centre back is much worse than us losing Sosa. We struggle much more on the right side of the field. They most key factors going in into this match is
1.Scoring a goal early in first half and not being pushed back. Securing a lead is something we’ve lacked in knockout stage games. An early goal to set the tempo is crucial. Japan went down against both Germany and Spain and came back in the second half. Japan starts off slow in the opening half. Then they turn on the jets. The last two out of three matches they’ve scored in have all been in the second half.
2.Possession is a statistic that isn’t valuable to them. They know how to play defensive and win games with have very few chances. Spain and Germany rely heavily on ball control to win but then didn’t expect Japan to turn it on out of nowhere. They are a sneaky team that can counter one single mistake and make you pay.
3. Aggression. I can’t emphasize this enough. We need to play tough most specifically at the front and the back. Gvardiol can’t do all work himself again. Our forwards need to drive the net. Just like our tying goal against Spain. We don’t score many headers. The only ones that come to mind is the Pasalic and Vida goals.
This game will come down to defence. We’re missing and starter and so are they. Injuries are apart of sports. Doesn’t matter who replaces who at what position. Do I want Jurnaovic to start? No, but that won’t change. I want Stanisic and Erlic at the back. Modric, Majer, Kova. Upfront should be Orsic, Vlasic and Perisic. Kramaric can’t keep up with the quickness of Japan. A big guy like Petkovic who drives the net hard and scare the replacing CB could come in handy at a time like this. Let’s just get an opening goal early and keep pressing. Japan learnt their lessons against Belgium going up 2-0 in the second half and they blowing it with 25 minutes remaining. Let’s not be in that position and finally go up for once in a knockout stage game and not concede. Romania, Germany and France in 98 and Turkey 08 we’ve only scored first.
Japan losing their key centre back is much worse than us losing Sosa. We struggle much more on the right side of the field. They most key factors going in into this match is
1.Scoring a goal early in first half and not being pushed back. Securing a lead is something we’ve lacked in knockout stage games. An early goal to set the tempo is crucial. Japan went down against both Germany and Spain and came back in the second half. Japan starts off slow in the opening half. Then they turn on the jets. The last two out of three matches they’ve scored in have all been in the second half.
2.Possession is a statistic that isn’t valuable to them. They know how to play defensive and win games with have very few chances. Spain and Germany rely heavily on ball control to win but then didn’t expect Japan to turn it on out of nowhere. They are a sneaky team that can counter one single mistake and make you pay.
3. Aggression. I can’t emphasize this enough. We need to play tough most specifically at the front and the back. Gvardiol can’t do all work himself again. Our forwards need to drive the net. Just like our tying goal against Spain. We don’t score many headers. The only ones that come to mind is the Pasalic and Vida goals.
This game will come down to defence. We’re missing and starter and so are they. Injuries are apart of sports. Doesn’t matter who replaces who at what position. Do I want Jurnaovic to start? No, but that won’t change. I want Stanisic and Erlic at the back. Modric, Majer, Kova. Upfront should be Orsic, Vlasic and Perisic. Kramaric can’t keep up with the quickness of Japan. A big guy like Petkovic who drives the net hard and scare the replacing CB could come in handy at a time like this. Let’s just get an opening goal early and keep pressing. Japan learnt their lessons against Belgium going up 2-0 in the second half and they blowing it with 25 minutes remaining. Let’s not be in that position and finally go up for once in a knockout stage game and not concede. Romania, Germany in 98 and Turkey 08 we’ve only scored first.
Kralj Zvonimir
Uvijek vjerni
We got speed in all the right places.
Just need to put the horses in the courses.
Budimir up top.
Majer on the right wing.
Vlašić, Oršić on the ready.
Then you bring in Kramaric in the second half for the finishing touch.
For some reason American sports fans can’t wrap their heads around getting a RESULT. They enjoyed a good football game btwn the Giants & Redskins today but b/c it ended in a tie they will pretend it was the worst experience they ever had. Like a good and close boxing match that ends in a draw people for some reason feel the decision somehow robbed them. The announcer after said game said “duhh, I don’t how to feel, elated or pissed off”, neither, it’s a RESULT, it’s better than a lose in the standings. If the Giants make the playoffs by a half game, nobody will then say that they should have taken an unnecessary risk in OT just to avoid the “indignity” of a tie. I’ve even heard people say they’d rather lose than get a tie!
Americans like zero-sum.
We will go as far as Luka take us- we are seeing in this round that top players are showing up Messi, Bappe etc- this is the round where the big show players have to be there and then have the supporting players do their role- I say Perisic and Luka have yet to show their best – if they show up – we will win- if not, it’s a 50/50 game
Yeah I would not move Gvardiol. He’s more valuable at CB vs LB IMHO.
Are you guys comfortable with Sutalo/Erlic and or one of those two and Lovren with Gvardiol on at LB? I have only seen Lovren play CB with Gvardiol and not Sutalo/Erlic. Gvardiol is more reliable than Lovren and without him at CB I feel less comfortable. I can’t see Dalic taking Lovren off, going with Sutalo Erlic at CB and moving Gvardiol to LB.
Changing CB is a risky move unless players get injured, normally that is not a change you make if things are fine. I can see Dalic most likley A) bringing in Barisic or B) moving Gvardiol out left and bringing in another CB in his place most likley Sutalo if he is not injured. They both only have 3, 4 games for us as much as I like them. Erlic and Lovren played together vs Saudi Arabia. I know Lovren sucked, can’t remember how Erlic was.
I agree with C.I.G post below but I think Japan is generally faster and in better condition. They don’t have our skillset, you can see the posession stats vs Spain and Germany. Not sure if they are going to press us or bunker and counter. I do think it will come down to crosses in the box because like Morocco and other teams that are inferior to Cro’s midfield and are aware of the threat, they will clog the middle where Croatia normally controls. This forces us down the wings and if you have fast players on the wings like Morocco did, you can nulify us into a stalemate. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Japan’s goals were all pressing and playing to the whistle, giving 100%. I don’t think we can compete with them in that department. They scored a rebound vs Germany then goal at the death, Germany shut off. Spain first goal goalie could have done better but still powerful shot outside the box and then again, they kept playing when Spain stopped and scored the second goal. You could argue that Spain and Germany may have been fatigued.
That’s what I think Japan will do, I just don’t know if they will push us with a high press like Canada tried and hope we cough it up OR bunker and counter. The high press leaves them vulnerable for a few deadly passes to a potential chance on net.
PS. Budimir for the start playing slightly ahead of Perisic and Kramaric on each side, Modric Brozo Kova in the middle.
Start Budimir and then have Petković sub in ~65 min when players are starting to get tired. Petković can’t keep up with fresh Japanese. Livaja barely jogs out there.
I agree with getting Sutalo/Erlic out there. It also gives them a game of experience if we win and want/need to replace Lovren against a stronger team.
Would have personally preferred Sutalo to start, but I hope Barisic has the game of his life… Really sucks to lose Sosa in this game
Do not move Gvardiol from the centre. We need him for those last ditch tackles when Japan break fast on the counter. Barišić in for Sosa is the only thing that makes sense.
Livaja, I think, will start up front with Kramarić and Perišić on the wings. It’ll be a straight continuation from previous games (apart from the forced LB change). But I expect things to be changed up in the 60th minute depending on whether we’re still chasing the game or leading it (Petković for Livaja, Vlašić for Kramarić, Oršić for Perišić, etc.)
Unleash Gvardiol as our LB!
Erlic comes in with Lovren.
Barišić sub if we need fresh legs across the back.
Budimir to start.
Petković is a second half sub as his fat ass cannot run for a half.
Majer for Kramaric on the right?
His slick play is needed and his dribble attack is superior to Kramaric.
Spain knew before the match that if they lose and Germany lose they(Spain) are out of the tournament. There is no way on God’s green earth that Spain would play with fire purposefully conceding two goals in the second half when in fact at one point they were on the verge of being knocked out of the tournament. Come on man, don’t be SILLY.
Orsic……… Budimir…….. Kramaric
Kovacic…….. Modric
Brozovic
Perisic… Gvardiol…. Erlic….. Stanisic
Livakovic
That’s if Sosa indeed cannot play. I’m not fully convinced just yet.
We really need to jump out to an early 2 goal lead to allow for some rest for our overworked midfield.
Isn’t Stanisic somewhat injured?
Apparently Stanisic is also injured, he wasn’t at today’s practice so he’s not fit to play
Sure love that lineup, but I’m pretty confident Dud Dalic won’t follow your recipe for victory. He’ll stick to some silly formation including fatigued players. And/or he’ll wait until the 89th minute to make any substitutions. Why the FUCK is Dalic always too slow with the substitutions?
I agree with several others here that a good part of our offensive plan should include headers having somewhat of a height advantage overall, which would also diversify away from trying to finesse it into the net so much, and a bit more shooting also couldn’t hurt. That said, it sucks that Sosa is out (we could use some accurate crosses), and I was just thinking a couple of days ago that he is due for a great game!
Perhaps it will come against Brazil, and along with many of our other players to get the victory?
We first just need to figure out how to beat Japan and execute the plan well. We need everyone to step up once again. Japan I think will be parking the bus most of the game (I would call it an extended / double decker). Certainly they will try the quick counter again since it gave them 2 good results.
We will see what Dalic and company come up with- another opportunity to pull off something magical.
This game will not come down to headers in the box. It will come down to which team has the best speed and conditioning to win . Japan will follow the same format they used in all their games so far. They will bunker play tight and look to score on counter attacks . We need to control the possession make them run . When the chance comes we need to score . Bottom line. This cannot go to overtime . Germany had chances to win. They did not seize on it. Japan are tuff but sloppy. We score one goal . Japan will fully open up. Instead of us bunkering we go for the kill . We put two goals in that could seal it for us. Dalic needs to put the players with the most speed and best conditioning possible. Any player that is not a 100 percent and is believed to be a liability must not be allowed to play. We have a chance to win the cup. we must learn from Russia . I would also like to think Dalic was having the guys practicing PK. Mental tuffness will also be crucial . This team is far more technically skilled than they have been given credit for. They can win if they believe they can. I will not sleep all night They just have to win
Very valid points Inspectore!
Not sure how soon and how often Japan has relied on their bench? However, given that they have 13 players playing for clubs in top 5 leagues and several others in good lower tier leagues, my guess is that in order to keep up the speed and endurance, it was likely sooner / more than Dalic has up until now.
What will also come into play now is the endurance required for the added average of about 10 minutes at this world cup for stoppage time, and the possibility of 30 more extra time minutes.
it would be nice to get the job done in the first 90, and not have several long drawn out matches like in 2018.