The Nations League quarterfinals are set! Croatia had the chance to draw France, Germany or Spain in this section of the tournament and it looks like they got the best scenario.
France, like the Vatreni, have not looked like their usual selves in 2024. Their offense was anemic in Germany during Euro 2024; only scoring one goal from open play in six matches. They eventually lost to tournament champions, Spain, in the semifinals. During Nations League group play, France lost on home soil to Italy (3-1) in the opening match and drew Israel 0-0 last week. Outside of that they were perfect, which included a 3-1 win over Italy last week in Milan to take top spot in group and earn a “seeded” berth in the quarterfinal draw. Croatia drawing France is definitely the best option as Spain are still absolutely relentless and Germany are very quickly becoming the Germany most nations fear when having to play them over the years.
The home and away legs will be played March 20th and 23rd. First leg will be played in Croatia and the winner of the tie will play the winner of the Spain/Netherlands quarterfinal.
Hopefully, Dalić and the boys figure out how to get out of the slump they are currently in. I understand there is a “changing of the guard” currently happening in Croatian football, but 2024 was ugly.
-concede equalizer vs. Albania in 95th minute
-concede equalizer vs. Italy in 98th minute; knocking them out of Euro
-blow 3-1 lead vs. Poland in Nations League
-concede 85th minute winner to Scotland in Nations League
In the year 2024, Croatia played a total of 9 competitive matches. They only won two of them: 1-0 vs. Poland and 2-1 vs. Scotland in Nations League. And remember, Scotland’s “equalizer at the death” in Zagreb was taken away by VAR for offside. Not a good year for Croatian football.
But hey, we did our job qualifying for Nations League next year and have seen ample playing time from the Sučić cousins, Baturina and Matanović. We all have to be happy about that.
When France got drawn out to face Croatia TV camera zoomed in on the French delegation and their coach Didier Deschamps had a bit of a smile on his face.
They are definitely favorites; however, it is good that first leg will be played most likely in Split so hopefully we can get a positive result in the first match. I think France is slightly on the downwards trend as far as their performances are concerned so you never know we might be in with a chance.
Hopefully Dalic has learned something from these NL matches and will stop experimenting with formations and team selections. Against strong opposition we need to play 4 at the back and play with a genuine striker rather than playing Kramaric in that position.
I feel sorry for Perisic but realistically in his current physical condition and form he needs to be on the bench rather than in the starting 11. Dalic keeps on playing him and often in wrong positions and it is not working out. Time to give someone else a go.
Deschamps looking smug? You don’t say !
As he should be we cant score goals if there wasnt a goalie in net ….
Yeah MART, I also like that the first leg is played at home.
Deschamps would probably perceive us as the most manageable opponent among the runners-up, just like how I thought Georgia was a good draw for our U21s in the Euro qualification playoffs. And then look what happened in the end…
Regarding our last match vs Portugal, I just wanna say I am impressed by Jakic’s performance and his performance was all the more impressive considering he was carrying an injury. I just hope it wasn’t a one-off; he can prove to be a very useful depth piece given the multiple positions he can play. Unfortunately it seems he’s going to be out for a while now and will only return in early Jan according to Fotmob. I wish him and our other injured guys, Kovacic and P Sucic, a speedy recovery.
@Maminjo, good stuff I sure hope Mr Dalic will come across your comments. And yeah, vrime je, cut Perisic from the starting 11 please.
Jakic pulled out todays game w injury
That’s 3 injuries as a result / following the Portugal game
Dalic needs to revisit training methods / load management
Labrovic 11 saves today 8.8 Fotmob
LOL
Happy for Labrović.
It took 65 minutes for Bayern to finally score, and it was via PK.
Then they got another PK in injury time, and another goal after that with the game already lost.
11 goalkeeper saves for Labrović. 8 corners and 80% possession for Bayern.
Should be a massive confidence boost.
A few things needs to be done before then…
#1. Gotta fix the defense
– Switch to a back four of Gvardiol/Duje/Sutalo/Stanisic
– Bench Sutalo if he continues to be give up goals for being out of position
– Maybe play around with Stanisic at RCB to see if it gives us more stability there
#2. Always start the Luka Sucic, Petar Sucic and Baturina
– Kovacic, Petar Sucic, and Luka Sucic should be automatic starters
– Baturina should be playing behind the striker whenever he can (instead of Krama)
– Modric should be given games off (or play one half like at Real); Same goes for Krama
#3. Always start a target man up top
– Target man cannot be Krama
– Start Budimir with Krama or Baturina behind him
– Give youngsters like Beljo, Kulenovic, or Matanovic the last 15-20 minutes (or if Budimir is having a bad game)
#4. Never start niche players like Sosa, Mario Pasalic, Moro, etc.
– These are role players and backups who are only useful in specific scenarios (when needing more width, another player to crash the net, etc.)
– Their weaknesses (lack of technical ability, defense, etc.) hurts the overall flow of offense too much with minimal benefit
#5. Cut Perisic from the team
– Vrime je