Croatian captain, Niko Kovač, scored the only goal in a 1-0 friendly victory versus Moldova in Rijeka this past Saturday. The game was merely a tune-up for the Croatian side who will open up group play for Euro 2008 in just 2 weeks time. Coach Slaven Bilić got in plenty of players in the game to gauge readiness and fitness for many of the new call-ups. Uefa.com covered the game and all the substitutions that were made in the match.
just letting you guys know…if youre going to do the picture thing…you have to send them to me right after the game….theyre going to be worthless if you send them to me in august or whatever….
Rob,
yes, you can send me some pictures at paluka81@yahoo.com
Also, shoot me an email. Where are you staying in Austria? I’m still looking for a roof over my head. We shoot meet up in Austria.
You are 100% right about Klasnic and Olic. For some reason, they haven’t blossomed for the national team. Olic will forever be remembered for scoring that goal against the “brother” Italians…
Denis, I will be at Euro as well, I have two tickets to each of the group games. I would be happy to send you some pictures to post when I get back!
I was also surprised (but happy) to see Pranjic get the call. I do agree with you that Croatia should stick to what they know at first, but be quick to change if not working. For all their exploits in the German league, Olic and Klasnic have consistently disappointed for the national team. Hopefully that changes in a couple weeks!
Soccernet.com gives you guys all of what you need to know on bilic,formation etc.
Rob,
yes, I read a similar article yesterday off a Croatian site. Olic, Klasnic, and Budan haven’t impressed. Croatia has always used the 4-4-2 formation. For some reason, I don’t expect a change, at least for the first game. However, if Austria turns into a 0-0, or a 1-1 with a PK, then game 2 will have lots of changes. This is where Rakitic comes in.
Just my opinion, anything can happen. I was shocked to see Pranjic start at left back. However, was amazed at his performance.
I will be at EURO 2008, have 2 tickets to Croatia-Poland and Croatia-Austria. Ante and I will bring you photos and video from EURO 2008 within hours of the final whistle!
idemo do kraja!
Thanks Denis!
Ironically enough, after I posted this I found an article on soccernet.com saying Croatia is considering starting Rakitic cause they have been unimpressed by Olic, Budan and Klasnic.
They are considering shifting to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with rakitic, kranjcar and modric behind petric, and n kovac and srna just behind them in a withdrawn midfield role. I would rather see a 4-1-4-1 formation, or perhaps a 4-1-3-1-1, but regardless, I am glad Coach Bilic is considering some alternative formations and options to maximize our full potential.
Regardless of the starting 11, Ajde Vatreni at Euro 08!!!
Rob,
I’m not worried about the result at all. The players probably could care less as well. On paper, it doesn’t look great, however, I don’t think Slaven is alarmed by the result.
Simic will not start. Too old, hasn’t played club for AC Milan all season, would be suicide if he starts over Pranjic.
I don’t think Rakitic deserves a spot over Olic. Rakitic hasn’t had the opportunity to shine for the national team, and lacks experience. Olic had a monster season at Hamburg. As much as I would preffer to see Olic off the bench, we don’t have any one better.
Last I heard about Petric, he is resting his back. Unless something happens against Hungary, he will start up front with Olic.
The formation isn’t out, however, dont’ expect any changes from the Holland game. At least not for the first match. If we don’t get victory against Austria in the opener, expect Rakitic to start against the Germans.
Good Post Rob, stay with us!
Not the greatest of results, but it is often hard to gauge things based on friendlies. Any word on our opening line-up vs Austria? I’m hoping for Pranjic to start over Simic, and Rakitic to be a trailing striker/attacking midfield behind Petric. However, I fully expect the striking tandem to be Petric and Olic. Does anybody know the status of Petric (I know he has been nursing an injury)??