FINAL: 2-0 Belgium
Modrić trivela wonderfully saved by Courtois. Budimir header rocked the crossbar. Lukaku scored a 96′ breakaway which meant nothing.
Key takeaway: Croatia playing with too many central attackers. Dalić must find a spot to play another true winger like Marco Pašalić to play opposite Perišić. That is how Croatia can widen the field and play with more speed.
74′ Belgium rocks a header off the crossbar!
70′ MORE SUBS! Šutalo, Perišić, Petar Šučić, Baturina all leave the pitch. Jakić, Moro, Kramarić, Vlašić all come on.
62′ Budimir has a free header in the box but clanks it off the crossbar. Courtois was frozen. Should have been a goal!
60′ SUBS GALORE! The entire team is basically being switched out. Modrić, Kovačić, Stanišić, Musa, Livaković, Gvardiol all come off. Luka Sučić, Mario Pašalić, Marco Pašalić, Pongračić, Kotarski, Budimir all come into the match.
HT Slow half with Belgium scoring off a defensive blunder by Šutalo. But the big story here is Dalić electing to once again play a 3-man midfield trident by bringing Kovačić back into the lineup. That means he will be playing for possession at the World Cup if this lineup holds true. It takes away from having another true attacker/winger in the lineup like Kramarić or Marco Pašalić. Croatia has no width with this lineup and the counter will be an issue against faster players on the wings.
45′ Belgium catch Croatia on a 2v1 counter but do nothing with it. The counter and faster players will be an Achilles Heel for Croatia once again at this year’s World Cup.
41′ Modrić should have scored. He shoots his patented trivela toward goal but former Real Madrid teammate Courtois makes a wonderful save. Should have been the equalizer.
39′ BELGIUM 1-0. Doku has been active on the left wing swinging in balls into the box. A deflected ball lands to the feet of Šutalo who completely miffs on it. Ball falls to Tielemans who easily passes the ball into the net for the goal.
29′ Doku turns on Vušković at the top of the box and clips him. It’s a free kick for Belgium just outside the box. KDB will take it.
18′ Some beautiful tiki-take from Baturina and Kova in the box. However, Stanišić makes a bad pass to give it away. Looked like they were playing FIFA there for a sec. Very nice.
3′ Vatreni on the front foot and pressing up high to start the match. Perišić has been most active from the start.
Croatia play the first of their two World Cup friendlies Tuesday, June 2nd vs. Belgium in Rijeka (12PM ET) kickoff.
he questioned on everyone’s mind is how Dalić is going to roll out the defense. Will it be a conventional 4-in-the-back or will he go with three accompanied by wingbacks on the side? Modrić and P. Sučić are expected to anchor the middle of the field. Perišić is guaranteed his spot on the left wing. Who will be the starting #9? Budimir or Matanović? Will Kramarić play on the right side or be a supporting striker behind the 9?
We will start begin getting answers to these questions this week. After the Belgium match, Croatia host Slovenia in their final friendly Sunday in Varaždin.
WOW! A lot to unpack here if this is a World Cup ready lineup. Looks more like a 4-3-2-1 with Kovačić returning to make a midfield trident with Modrić and Sučić. No true right winger. Krama on the bench. Musa gets the nod as the #9.
https://croatiansports.com/croatia-take-on-belgium-in-world-cup-friendly-tuesday-12pm-et-kickoff/#comments/527646
Hey @A Tin U, how’s it going! 🙂 I’m still here, just I’ve been lurking all the time lol. My circumstances are a bit different now so I don’t have what it takes to post regularly but I still read every comment.
Anyways… a question for you— do you want to see us revert to a back four?
Good to know all is well! . . .
I have been interested in the posts of those here who really know the game, some who played it at a high level, and what they say about three defenders.
My rambling thoughts:
If it is three, it has to be Stani, Vuskovic, and Gvardiol at the back. . . Sutalo would not have a starting role in the lineup.
But my sense is three is a risk . . . Especially against Ghana, the real danger with that team is a fast counterattack . . . Why would you risk three defenders against them with the forwards they have?
Four seems to be better generally, Though he had a less-than-ideal season at Ajax, Sutalo does have good speed and compliments Vuskovic in that sense and in other ways . . . I would like to see Dalic go with the four at the back against Slovenia and at least give them the first half together. See what it looks like.
Looking forward to World Cup . . .
Modest expectations but high hopes. . . .
Jagusic beautiful assist (excellent ball trajectory lots of zip) to vs Qatar with Prpic powerful heading
Jaga really looks bulkier now – in a good way vs a year ago – lots of gyros and souvlaki
Can’t wait will he EXPLODES for us at euro 2028
Also Barzic w a goal
Croatia is going to line up 6 CBs with Pero Bati Sege and Jaga in 2028 w all goals from CBs
Jaga would certainly help the ever-struggling Budimir for the NT
I have heard a lot of comments on forums that Modric, Kovacic and Perisic looked good yesterday, but they weren’t played out of position like a lot of other players. There are too many seniors on this team, Griezmann had the good graces to retire at 34 and was in better shape than any currently in this team. It’s just starting to hold this team back and looking a bit selfish. This team needs rejuvenation and Dalic has zero chemistry with young players and should leave after this world cup you can see it in how he managed Luka Sucic and dragged his feet in getting Vuskovic valuable national team experience and playing Peter Sucic and Baturina out of position in favour of Modric and Kovacic yesterday.
Sutalo should never have been called up based on performance for club and country and took the place of an in form Smolcic. Erlic is so bad that even Dalic was afraid to field him against Belgium. Darko Nejamasic is a better and more versatile centre back than those two and for some insane reason has never received a call up.
No decent team would ever bring two 35-year-old strikers to a world cup and leave a 22-year-old striker who has exactly the profile that is lacking in this team at home. I would much rather see Ivanovic with his pace and positioning making the opposition’s defence busy which is something that hasn’t happened with Croatia in a long time than Budimir waiting for a perfect pass for an easy tap in which any good opposition would easily shut down anyway. Having attack options like Marco Pasalic, Segecic and Matanovic and Ivanovic and suddenly we wouldn’t be so old slow and boringly predictable.
We will see if it was the right thing to keep Modric even though he starts at AC Milan, Perisic even though he starts at PSV, and Kramaric even though he starts at Hoffenheim. I like the mixture of youth and age.
2-2 v engelska
My old man used to say ‘ak su bolji budu pobedilji’
Translation… if we’re better we’ll win.
It’s just a game. Nothing to get too worked up about.
Ali mi mogu hvala Bogu’
We got this!!!
Hrvatska!!!!!
Lmao…. Must be a Croatian thing… Anytime I asked my dad who he thinks would win, he would reply by saying “whoever is better” lol
Hrvatska mora pobijediti!
Dalic first said we’re measuring every friendly getting to the real event. Then yesterday , he said it’s a friendly , we might have been tired. Back to the prayer book, Dalic. Modric , start pulling the strings like you have been doing all these years. Dalic, U ime Oca i Sina i Duha Svetoga. Back to bench and close your eyes.
Amen! That’s how we win!
U ime Oca i Sina i Duhog svetova!
Bog i Hrvati!!!!
June 3rd and still no Zapresic Boys WC 2026 dedicated song. I guess they wrote enough classics for our enjoyment and replay.
Modric field career out lasted his greatest musical supporters. Luka, turn out the lights in the sound studio when you are done mixing it up.
😢
It’s even more disappointing they released that video of that old song inside the Zagreb tram – what was the point of that ?
Literally tone deaf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1zGjzczPks&list=RDN1zGjzczPks&start_radio=1
3 4 2 1 Livi Pasalic Sutalo Vuskovic Gvardiol Perisic Sucic Modric Baturina Kramarić Budimir.
Or 4 2 3 1
Livi Jakic Gvardiol Vuskovic Stanisic
Modric Sucic -Pasalic Marco Baturina Perisic Who ever up top
Jakic looked awful yesterday. I have no clue why he was playing CB but he didn’t look good. Asking a midfielder at a World Cup to play defence is a big ask. He can support last 10 mins as sub in his RB position but I think that’s it.
Jakic can only play RB as a sub
It was not great but it was just a friendly. I think dalic is committed to the back three against England and it’s done. Can’t play all your exhibition games leading up to a tournament and then switch back last second. I get it, we will force England to play wide and we will plug the middle try to slow game down. We will play with 4 against weaker opponents and against better teams with 3. I’m not saying it’s a great decision or do I agree but I think thats what Dalic and co have decided.
1- Defence needs to play better. Everyone is on sutalo yes needs to clear ball better it was bang bang play. And there is an argument pong is better option.However Gvardiol and vuskovic need to play better. Gvardiol made some bad passes that hopefully was just rust. Vuskovic made some bad decisions including 2nd goal that was beer league defending.
2- I know gvardiol came back from injury so I’m not sure where he’s at fitness wise but if we play 3 at back I would have gvardiol on left back and perisic on bench. To start both gvardiol and perisic leaves us so weak end of game. Can’t see both playing 90mins. Luka sucic yesterday for last 20 mins was playing left wing back ? I thing gvardiol would give more and is all around better player at this point in perisic career. around 70 mins sub him out for perisic. If we’re going with back 3.
3- Against England if we go 3 at back stanisic has to play right wingback. I see people saying marco pasalic should start. He can play as attacking mid but he’s not good enough to play wingback against England. That’s too much to ask he is a MLS player, playing LM in 4-2-3-1 yes Marco can start but wing back no sorry can’t happen.
4- I think Kova and Modric were to deep at times when we had the ball. What’s the point playing with players in back line of three that can pass and still have you’re midfield two feet from them all the time. Playing with two CB ok the pair is stretched and a CM between them however with vuskovic already there modric and Kova gotta move up more.
One of modric and Kova need to go to bench and sub each other around 70 mins.
5- I like Musa to me he’s our guy.
Dalic decided to go three at back and ever since America tour he’s been committed. Will see what happens. Something feels off and I think 4-2-3-1 would have been better option, but here we are and let’s enjoy the ride.
It’s 24 hours after yesterday’s game and I don’t feel any different than I did after yesterdays game. There are good points made about previous years when we laid an egg in friendlies, but this is two consecutive games where we barely got a shot on goal and little creativity.
We had the easiest qualifying group and still couldn’t qualify for Pot 1, putting us with England. If we don’t go by recent friendlies, then what are we supposed to use as a gauge???
We loaded up on defensive players that need the least amount of rest and substitution, 2nd to only goal keeping. Stanisic, Gvardiol, Vuskovic can all play 90 minutes no problem they are young.
Get rid of Kotarski, and keep Pandur, we saw enough.
Get rid of Erlic, additionally, and bring in Stoj, and Segegic.
Do it today Dalic! We will need these two spirits on the bench if anything else.
You can’t put much stock in friendly games especially when the number one priority is not getting injured. We looked ok until that horrible mistake. I don’t think 3 at the back is going to work for us. I hope I am wrong about that. If we want to be serious about 3 at the back we need to do the whole qualification period of it and even if it is not working to stick with it and just keep going but it feels like we’re experimenting a week out of the world cup at this point.
This game will be forgotten like yesterday’s fart in the wind.
The most important aspect is that we had no injuries!
I have a feeling Belgium will finally play to their potential and go further than most think.. even though they are past their prime as a team.
We lost to Peru 0-2 prior to the World Cup 2018.
We also looked good and beat Portugal prior to last year’s Euros, and we all saw how that turned out.
We also didn’t even qualify for 2018
We’ve needed SIX playoffs to qualify for tournaments since 1996 – thanks to God we’re 6 of 6 in POs
Fine margins
*almost (not also)
Face it Croatias offense doesn’t have weapons of mass destruction just drones man
Ghana has many strong wingers in semenyo (plays like doku but stronger), fatawu, sulemana, ayew as wingers despite kudus getting injured.
We have only mario pasalic and perisic.
Panama scored two against brazil last wk. We scored one against brazil last mth.
One Panama goal was a deflection on a free kick and the other was a goal down 6-1. You should watch games.
Guy has his panties in a knot.
Panama also conceded 6. What’s your point? Semenyo is much slower than Doku.
Listening to you is the world coming to the end in 2030 c’mon man think positive man
I do not see any difference with our style of play from Euro 2024 to now. We could not create chances in Germany and we can not do the same today.
I see repeat of Euros. England will beat us easily. Vuskovic will have trouble with Kane. Kane gives everyone problem. Panama will be a struggle, but hopefully a win. And then we will need a result against Ghana. If we advance, then we are out next round.
question for US hrvati. Is anything planned for Dallas day before the game?
Let’s look at the positive takeaways here. Everyone is being negative after a 2-0 loss to a strong team. Belgium isn’t a walkover and will still make it to the round of 16.
Vuksovic played the best. His clearance out off the line when Kotarski was in net was solid. He plays so aggressive and always hustles. Reminds of me a Skrtel but with way more talent for scoring ability.
Modrić still has his touch. That one shot on net was beautiful and obviously Courtois is still one of the best and saved it.
Driving the net worked for us when Budimir hit the crossbar. If we get bodies at the net and use our height we can score off a cross or corner.
Defensively we only looked weak when Šutalo had that poor touch and clearance. Gvardiol and Vuskovic didn’t react in time. The second goal was a tackle on a checker near the centre field and questionable. We got caught and Lukaku scored. Kotarksi challenged him as he should have and chipped it over him.
It wasn’t our best or worst game. We still had our moments.
Look at the Brazil game. The same exact mistakes. The first and third goal our defence were too deep and got caught on the counter attack. The first goal we were all ball watching and the third goal the goal was from no urgency and our defence too deep. I’m surprised Dalić played a 3-4-2-1. I don’t if this is a just a test or he will go with it but players like Šutalo, Erlic etc scare me if they are our starters.
Let’s remember we played three top quality teams. Colombia, Brazil and Belgium aren’t walkovers and all talented.
I don’t get Moro or Fruk (both decent players) instead of Majer who has always produced when given a chance in the midfield.
Fruk is quick, which we need, and Moro can defend and score a PK, which we may also need. Majer has neither of those two off-the-bench skills. Don’t get me wrong, Moro has his place and actually did a lot of ball recovery yesterday, but he is not Modrić or Kovačić.
Majer hasn’t always produced. He’s also waaaay too slow. His team Wolfsburg was relegated from the Bundesliga this year. (Third last)
And relegation was Majer’s fault? How many minutes did he get against Brazil? Who scored our only goal against Brazil?
The Brazil goal was an OG no clue why they gave it to Majer
He also outran two Brazilian defenders over 25% of the pitch. I think it was Marko P that fed Majer with a great pass. It was a brilliant goal from start to finish. Majer paid his dues and deserves to be on the NT at this WC.
It was Fruk
In Sutalo’s defence, the only reason Belgium scored the first goal is because they didn’t try to be fancy and walk the ball into the net.
They crossed it, hoping for a prayer, it literally ping pongs of Sutalo foot and lands perfectly for Belgium.
It was an ugly goal but what can we learn? We need to play Ping Pong as well.
I remember the 80’s how England dominated in the Champions League.
The English played the Long Ball tactic to perfection, kick the ball up the field and players like Ian Rush would run with pace and score.
Well it stopped working, by the 90’s everyone figured out English Football and nullified England, hence England had to change.
Croatia is in the exact same camp. We are too one dimensional and need to learn that Tika Taka doesn’t always work and we have to cross the damn ball.
This is why Budimir is deadly in Spain because they’re always giving him service via aerial superiority but for the National team he’s not getting zero chances.
Hear hear! Teams will use the same tactic that Argentina used against us in the last World Cup: pack their box and wait for us to lose the ball and pound us on the counter.
Perisič is a phenomenal servant to the Vatreni but we can’t rely on a winger in his late 30’s to beat players. Unless we unleash Marko Pašalič, we will again be predictable and struggle to create chances.
I wouldn’t say it ping ponged of his foot…I think he was trying to play it to Modric who was in front of him but miss hit the ball
This is a moment for some Doom! If I’m the manager, I make a few changes for the actual tournament based on possession. Marco Pašalić has to start. He did really well with the ball at his feet. He’s clearly improved his possession skills since previous international windows. I would take out Kovačić to give Marco a spot. Then Kova can be the sub for Modrić, as Nikola Moro was very disappointing in running the midfield (he kept running into too much traffic and giving the ball away, and he didn’t connect with the star-studded front line he had available).
Šutalo continues to make costly mistakes for the repka. Pongračić played very well in his minutes yesterday, especially in aerial duels and holding possession with the ball at his feet but even in sending in some dangerous crosses. For a three-in-the-back, Pongračić over Šutalo.
Off the bench, Jakić, Budimir, Kramarić, Vlašić are all reliable contributors and also skilled PK takers.
If we beat Slovenia 3-0, are we going to be WC favorites? If we lose to them, are we going to be underdogs to Panama? It is better for the coach to figure out what is the best formation for his team in these friendlies than to just stick with one system. Modric, Kovacic, and Gvardiol need to play just to be in game shape for example. Coach Dalic has to have some other plans just in case his preferred system doesn’t work at the World Cup. Results in friendlies are not as important as figuring out some other scenarios for the real games. Morocco just beat Madagascar 4-0. Are they World Cup favorites now?
I totally agree, and I think that if Dalić makes some effective changes, yesterday will have been a great exercise for the team. The back three is actually starting to work, for once, and that is important because our defenders have a lot of experience with that formation. Giving Moro a lot of responsibility to direct the midfield was also an important experiment because he handled the responsibility very well against France and then Montenegro earlier on, but it doesn’t look like he can do that all the time. I think one of Modrić or Kovačić needs to be on the field at all times. Someone has to be able to get the ball to the many Croatian players who can score goals, and that was clear yesterday. As long as things improve, this friendly can be very useful.
Kotarski cant even save lukaku shot. If livakovic or pandur they will do better
Wads the point of leaving erlic and DCC on bench..lol..so many CBs.
A lot of you out here have memory or research problems. Today’s loss is not a big deal. Before Euro 2024 we beat Macedonia 3-0 and Portugal 2-1 before laying an egg at the tournament, as well know, losing 3-0 to Spain and drawing 2-2 to the Siptars and 1-1 with the Pastramis. Maintenance was the main concern for this match and by that measure Dalic receives an A grade
i hate this all defence formation/strategy pray for a 0-0 result and hope to get lucky on PKs. We are the brazilians of europe not the ecuador of europe. I would rather go all out attack today and lose 2-3 than lose 0-2.
We’ve beat the best team in the world, france, twice in the past few years playing our usual 4-2-3-1. Im fine with experimenting different formations, but why are we now dying on the hill for it 2 weeks before the world cup. This formation only works if we have wingbacks, and we do NOT have a single wingback on the entire team! 37yr old perisic is NOT a wingback.
I say stick to the standard back four with stanisic and gvardiol defensive backs. Then choose 2 out of 3 from modric, kova, Psucic. Then choose one player to play CAM from baturina, krama, Lsucic. Then choose one striker from the 3 we have. And perisic and MarcoP attacking wingers.
Guess everyone shuts up now about Belgium being ahead of Croatia in the FIFA rankings lol
It’s a friendly FFS.
Croatia has played the 6th, 9th, and 13th, ranked team in the last 3 games. Better competition will help prepare for the winnable WC games and help prepare for the knockout stages. Playing Madagascar, Jordan, Uzbekistan will give all of us overconfidence. Props to coach Dalic for playing these tough teams. Viva Zlatko!
Well said.
Amen Brate
Lukaku felt redeemed today. The seating safety fiberglass panes was sure relieved.
I believe Musa is a perpetual goal machine ready to happen. I hope Dalic keeps the faith in him. It is very improbable for him to not score or assist on a 90 minute playing interval.
Lukaku has hardly played for Napoli this season due to injury and yet he outpaces our defence from the halfway to score.
With the Belgium second goal, Moro lost possession, maybe a bit unlucky could have got a freekick for a foul on him ? Vuskovic was caught flat footed and a few meters too high upfield and out of position leaving a gap for a through ball which they exploited perfectly. Pongracic tried his best but could not stop Lukaku.
The same thing happened to us with the Brazil third goal in March when they broke away from the halfway to score. We simply do not learn from our mistakes. With a slow defence you cannot defend on halfway you need to sit back a bit.
@ante kvartuc,
Please post a video and beg Dalic to drop both Moro and Fruk , at the very least , for Segecic and Stojkovic . Phantom injury of some kind , I don’t know .
You are right , midfield is way too congested . Truth be told , what is he thinking ? A 12 year old wouldn’t field 4 CMs!
Dalic has lost it.
Trying a back 3 10 days out
Is like dating a girl for 5 years and waiting to try an@l 10 days before your wedding and praying it works
Although Vuskovic is like a Trojan Magnum XL (Anonymous’ size) so increases the odds of success
Btw everyone see Vuskovic heading to Barca after the WC – just as Anonymous guaranteed all u MORONS 9 months ago – 1000% hit rate !!!
We will be fine. Modric is not up to speed yet. Gvardiol same. Kovacic same. Petar sucic played a position he has never played. Stanisic is tired. Musa looked decent. Baturina took a big step today.
We are never good in friendly games. We are the vatreni. In friendly games the players are thinking too much about tactics. Not fully focused on the game itself. Other countries who have less thoughtful players it’s not so much a problem, they just run. Our game depends on the real situation.
Sutalo lol
We are trying something completely different. Hopefully the players AND DALIĆ have learned something. Now relax get physically sharp and get ready for the battle. Full confidence. U BOJ
In the past 8 years, how many times have we played with 3 in the back line? maybe 3 times? It takes time to adapt to a system and although we didn’t look great I felt we did some good things.
1) we high pressed Belgium and in the first half they had difficulty moving the ball from defence through the midfield. Courtois was pressured and had to send long balls on several occasions
2) Baturina looked responsible, very lively and confident
3) we limited their chances in the first half
both teams seemed to try and play it safe with not too many hard challenges and low risks. we had an unfortunate scuffle in the box and Belgium took advantage.
Gvardiol is still trying to get into form. his timing and passing choices we not the best today.
Vuskovic looks like he loves playing every single minute of the game. the kid is great and should only get better.
Sutalo didn’t have a great game.
Stanisic looked exhausted and as if he could barely wait to hit the showers. long season for him.
Modric and Kovacic both looked for passing options but Belgium stayed disciplined and closed off several passing lanes.
Persisc wasn’t good in the first half and got better as the game went on
Petar Sucic seemed to not find his rhythm but was ok.
Baturina was very good and I’m glad to see him play with the level of confidence he had today. this was the first time he’s ever outshined the rest of the team
Musa did ok, Belgian defenders were giving him cheap shots and he was feisty and gave it back. I felt he was decent.
stop picking on Moro. he’s the least relevant player to pick on. he will be a solid sub and not someone we need to focus on. he had a decent season and deserves to be there.
I have yet to see or understand what L Sucic brings? I have never seen him change a game.
Pograncic is a yellow or red card waiting to happen. he’s a decent player but irresponsible
Nikola Vlasic has a really good hairstyle now. he should get into having an Instagram page with Knoll Doll!
we have a good team so dont hit the panic button! things need to get ironed out and I suspect we might go to 4 at the back to stabilize the defence…we’ll see!
Good to see you back on this site, posting again, Slavonac!
Now if we can just get Bartolec to return, and a few of the others who have gone AWOL . . . Hopefully the World Cup run will bring some of the regulars back on board . . .
Let’s hope the Vatreni have a great run, yet again, in 2026.
thanks buddy!
The fraternity sorority mentality of an over-emphasis of the outside world opinion: (1) Who you once were, (2) Who you played for, (3) What league you played in; …… is killing us. We know the one’s that are clearly under god’s grace. We don’t need the world’s approval or confirmation.
For true success and happiness, Believe in what it real, right before your eyes. The don’t deceive. Know and be thyself.
Believe in God’s gifts. Do not doubt them, have faith.
Wait till Bukayo Saka starts having his way with us
Oh boy..
Honestly, I’m more worried about Semenyo, as that Ghana game is the one where we must get a result
I saw the highlights of the Ghana-Wales match which ended 1-1. Wales caused Ghana a lot of trouble in the first half and from the wings throughout the match. Semenyo did not play but man, the Ghana team are really fast. Ghana scored their goal by flying past the defense through the middle and scoring on the rebound. They are also undisciplined as the centre back should have received 2 yellow cards and a red card in the first half for 2 bad challenges. The ref decided to give the Ghanaian a break on the second yellow card since it was a friendly. Wales scored in injury time on a diving header from a cross. Croatia needs to use the wings and width in order to cause Ghana trouble the way Wales did.
We created two good chances in the match with Budimir missing a sitter, however overall Belgium deserved to win. Doku was just too quick for all our players.
I’m surprised by Dalic, trying 3 at the back in March and sticking to that formation now with the start of the WC only two weeks away. I’m not sure what was wrong with the 4231formation that we played for so many years and during the qualifiers. Why change something that was working ?
The new formation 3421 is not working and we should have never been experimenting with it prior to the WC, this should have been done during the upcoming NL matches later this year.
Baturina our best player today. Sutalo probably needs to be dropped from the starting 11.
I would revert to back 4 with Stanisic, Vuskovic, DCC or Pongracic, Gvardiol
Agreed. It’s too late to be tinkering with 3 in the back. I think if we have Stanisic/Gvardiol as RB/LB it helps pocket Rashford/Saka and allows Perisic and whoever we play at RW room to advance more offensively.
This should also preserve Perisic more, as him running up and down the whole left side at his age is not realistic given how many matches we’ll play.
RW is a wildcard and should be played by a true RWer, but we have seen time and time again this position is played by one of our CAM’s that always veers into the center that becomes way too congested.
This game should be telling Dalić that Baturina needs to start. If we can get him on the left where he plays for Como and have Perisic switch to RW. (He’s done this before at club). That may be our best lineup.
Also prefer Kramaric coming off the bench.
I know Majer has had injuries but he deserves to be on the bench.
Look what did against Brazil, sadly they had to fix that match even though it was a friendly to insure the illusion of Brazils past greatness.
Besides that, I agree Marco needs to be on right side. His left foot and speed is another weapon for us.
Also when teams are in bunker mode, we need to stop with trying to walk the ball over the damn line.
Every time we’ve countered the Bunker, it’s by crossing the ball into box.
Look at Budimir, he almost equalized from a freaking corner as opposed to us having all possession with zero shots.
Today was like watching the Montreal Canadians joke of a playoff run, averaging 5 shots a period.
It caught up to them and will be our undoing in the World Cup if we don’t use the basic fundamentals of Football.
No reason for Sutalo to start in a 3 defender formation play stanisic as the right center back and bring in marco pasalic for the rm/rwb
Just some thoughts on our team in general. Agree or disagree, don’t care. We’re still a B level team. B plus at best. A level teams have to pay attention when playing us, but if they do, they don’t fear us. We can beat A level teams, if we’re motivated (cause they insulted us or we’re fighting a war back home) and if they don’t take us seriously. But every A level team we beat, gets their revenge on us in the next game. England will pay attention to us, and will beat us.
We can beat other B level teams like Czechia or Russia if we try, but usually tie them and occassionaly lose to them too. The 2018 team was probably playing at an A level but we can’t sustain it. We’ve had some lucky rolls go our way (like not losing to Belgium in the group stage in 2022) but luck is not a good strategy (it eventually runs out – like against Albania in 2024). Morocco is trying to become an A level team. I think we all hate them, but let’s see if they can do it during this WC.
I worry about Gvardiol. I think Pep might have ruined him for us. Last WC he was a tiger. Chasing opponents down, stripping them of the ball, and scoring. Where is that guy? I get it. He had to fit into the Mancity system. So he had to change. But I miss the old Gvardiol. I don’t think he’s coming back.
Stanisic should have been given one job this match. Shut down Doku. Forget about scoring, moving the ball up, or anything else. You have one job. Instead, he thinks he’s a midfielder now. We have plenty of those. Play defense.
Just my thoughts for now. Kinda depressed after this game. Can’t wear my Cro shirt out in public. Sramota.
If you cannot wear your jersey in public proudly… Win or lose then stay home! Let me guess we are an A team when we win but not so when we lose? Give me a break this was a friendly game…. Yes lots to be desired but that is what these games are all about… To figure things out! Stop whining and leave your jersey in the closet
Didn’t England lose to Japan in friendlies too? Spain drew Egypt. Can we stop hitting the panic button over a friendly game? I do understand the frustration for our lack of productivity upfront. Croatia has never had an elite striker. We had Mandzukic, then moved on to wild cards like Petkovic and Orsic, and rely on a 37 year old in the Dutch league, and a young MLS player. What do you expect? We do have some talent but Matanovic, Musa, Budimir might not cut it. England are going to be a handful no doubt and we can’t have a repeat of the Spain opener in last Euros. Our back line is strong enough but I believe our midfield is declining. Maybe Dalic isn’t the problem? We don’t have any starters over 35 besides Modric and Perisic. The England game is making me so nervous. I don’t know how we will score a goal or get close to the net. We might just have to hang on for dear life for a draw.
Japan are excellent.
Guys the squad was submitted June 1st – no changes save injury 24 hrs b4 kick-off
So better
Agreed; Bring your best in-form dangerous players to the fight. Moro inclusion to the team came out of nowhere. Keep playing Musa, bring on Marco, and bring Segecic, and Stojkovic to the fight.
3-0 was our final score, with Argentina in 2022 WC. 0-0 was our last score with a qualifying team of Czechia.
These scoreless games, which we only can possibly win if we hold the competition to zero and win in PKs is a hell of a game plan. Why plan success on such a model we pulled off once with our wild card Orsic where he provided us last second shots between the frame.
I okay with 98′ where we bunkered a bit, but had a fast counter.
I couldn’t watch this game since it was 2 am Aus time but sounds like it was a good one to avoid seeing 😂.
Guys, it’s just Šutalo. No idea why Kovačić is getting flamed for beating the Belgian press, do you not understand that if Mario Pasalic was there instead we’d get 10 turnovers and never leave our half. It would also be harder for Modric and Petar Sucic alone although doable, this just gives more freedom to the 3.
Objectively Croatias midfield was better today than Belgium, modric in WC will be sharper and more clinical with his long shots and passes, he’s just recovering. Same with Gvardiol, I have no doubt Modrić is gonna put everything he’s got into this.
Anyone complaining about the 3 back are deluded, because he didn’t play it, if stanisic is the RWB and Sutalo Vuskovic cb, Gvardiol lcb, THATS THE SAME THING AS A BACK 4! Because Gvardiol would just be LB, Stanisic RB and Vuskovic Sutalo CB.
THAT BACK 4 DOESNT WORK!!! We know that Gvardiol and stanisic are too important defensively to both be fullbacks. We saw in euros and past 2 years, even Bayern and man city figured that out the hard way.
The back 3 was supposed to have Gvardiol, Vušković and Stanišić. Because then you get away with Perišić as your wingback who played well today with Baturina by the way. This way you get Marco Pasalic as your right wing who can track back to support the more defensive Stanisic.
In possession Marco and Perisic outwide, Baturina in the half space/10, Musa has pace as a striker making very good progressive runs and positioning+ phyciality and aggression. Musa just needed some service from Marco Pasalic as his winger outlet to play with.
Then a solid rest defence of modric, Kovacic, Petar Sucic with Gvardiol, Vuskovic and stanisic back 3, one of the 6 can go forward depending on the circumstance like Gvardiol, Petar Sucic box crash or modric genius play.
Dalic admitted he only worried about the defence because they kept conceding late goals like vs Italy, Albania and he was “trying to figure out why”. HIS NAME IS ŠUTALO! THAT’S WHY!!! Brazil, Albania, Belgium, Spain, Italy, France. Every half competent team scoring past sutalo, and he’s been at fault almost every single time.
If Dalic didn’t waste his time worrying about trying to fit Šutalo, Pong and Čaleta and accepted Gvardiol, Vuskovic and Stanisic are the only good defenders and midfield 3 of modric, Peter Sucic and Kovacic is defensive enough to support them, the same with Perisic and Marco pasalic who will still add a lot to attack, then he would have focused more on attacking and scoring drills in training.
Like set pieces for Vuskovic, how attacking plays either Baturina building his connection with Marco and Musa.
I said it before but the cb call up’s should have been Gvardiol, Vuskovic, stanisic, Mlacic, Erlic, Juranovic for a wingback option off the bench and Jakić.
Then actual strong subs that could change a game with fast attacking play to complement Perisic and Modric.
You see it’s not enough to be fast and forward, but the balance between our intelligent deeper midfield who don’t attack as much to further enable forwards with pace and vigor, like Marco Pasalic, Segecic, and maybe even Stojkovic.
Our bench however is simply dreadful, only Matanovic/Budimir, Luka Sucic, Jakic are solid options. The rest are simply mid like Kramaric, Mario pasalic, Vlasic, all could have been replaced by more complementary profiles like Segecic, stojkovic, Majer, Jagusic, all those names would make more exciting plays.
Stanišić should be used to just man mark and shut down the strongest LW or attacker and stay back more for Marco pasalic to be the real winger/wingback on the right. He was containing Doku well when he was back, but if stanisic goes forward and is on the back foot to defend the winger like in the goal we conceded, he’s at too much of a disadvantage. Keep stanisic defensively disciplined and watch Croatia pocket the strongest wingers. No Šutalo, RB/RCB Stanišić.
Well said !
Watching Ghana now.
We don’t stand a chance , sorry . Yes it’s doom and gloom after this loss but we are just TOO FREAKING SLOW.
Well to be fair, when we last played Gvardiol, Vuskovic and Stanisic in a back three together, it was against Faroe Islands where we went down 0-1.
🙂
That was only because Mario Pasalic lost the ball in a horrible area, the back 3 were the highest rated players that match, we won’t have Mario pasalic there this time, Kovacic would never lose the ball like that and would add the stability and technique Mario pasalic lacked, which he did today vs Belgium’s press which was much stronger than farore island’s press. Otherwise farore islands got shut down, only conceded from that cheap turnover and an unlucky deflection.
We beat Faroe island comfortably and controlled the match because of that back 3. Šutalo got cooked when he came on but at least he wasn’t Mario pasalic in midfield. Which is ironic because today sutalo lost the ball high up the pitch the same way and Petar Sucic had to track back and save him.
When Modric, Kovacic and Petar Sucic are in Cm together, you don’t need a back 4, stanisic, Gvardiol and Vuskovic are enough with Perisic and marco pasalic as wingbacks. With that midfield 3 you won’t concede like they did vs Faroe Islands, plus they never looked like losing that game. Gvardiol scored after.
In fact that Faroe Islands game was our best game in years! The France one in nations league first leg was good but mostly because French lineup was very poor, they fixed it in the 2nd leg. Faroese islands were actually competent but Croatia were too dominant with that lineup and tactic.
Can you believe that was the first game Gvardiol and Vuskovic started together, if they’d been playing together longer we’d be set.
We still haven’t seen Musa, Marco Pasalic and Baturina all start together yet, with Perisic as the wingback and the solid midfield 3+ 3 cb’s.
We have a great starting XI, just needed a bench with Segečić, Majer, Jagušić, Stojković for attack, Juranović and Mlačić in DF. But again Jakić, Matanović/Budimir, Luka Sučić will be fine subs at least.
Stanisic needs to be primarily defensive with occasional overlaps when the situation calls for it. He shouldn’t play right mid where on many occasions you he needs to take his man on in attack. Reminded me of the Bayern-PSG games where he held the ball, maintained possession, and passes the ball. He can’t take on his defenders and doesn’t cause the defending team any worries.
Stani at right back, with Gvardiol, Šutalo and Vuskovič is a world class defence. With that foundation we would be a difficult team to play.
I think he’s decent offensively (though not as technically gifted as the rest of our mids and forwards), but we might be gassing him out if we expect this much from him every game.
He should stick to being RCB or RB for us.
Marco P has shown a lot in the several appearances he’s made for us at RW.
I just wish we called some proper backups for Perisic and Marco P.
We left Stojkovic, Segecic, Ivanovic, all behind.
What is Dalić’s infatuation with Pongračić and Moro?
Marin’s first contribution to the game was shoving a guy in the back for no rhyme or reason which led to a free kick where they hit the post. Minutes later, he almost scored an own goal. Watching Kotarski chase down that ball was somewhat comical…Pandur is actually better.
Moro is wearing Brekalo’s old number and plays like him. At last count, I had him losing 3 balls, possibly 4. He is so out of place and predictable that he would lose the ball on the last goal.
This the Euro all over again . We are going nowhere. I would be shocked if we made it out of the group. Our coach needs to go . He can no longer be counted on to develop the future generation . Enough is Enough already
After watching the last 3 friendlies, there is little (or nothing?) to be excited about. I don’t care if we beat Slovenia 5-0 on Sunday. Three listless performances against teams with speed who can play.
We all know Kovačić is strictly a possession guy and one less player who can make a killer pass to spring someone free. He spent more time passing the ball in our own penalty area than I’ve ever seen before.
Even with all of the subs, the only positive was the Marco Pašalić screamer from 20 yards out. Outside of Luka, he’s our only midfielder who can create his own shot.
I went from being excited to this year’s World Cup to hoping we don’t get embarrassed and finish last. 🙁
2-1 W against Colombia was no good?
What game were you watching? Luka was a King, Budimir should have scored, Vuskovic was stopping KDB and Doku on every attempt. They don’t want to kill themselves in a meaningless game.
All I hear are the usual chicken little comments after a loss…. “The sky is falling, the sky is falling”… This was a friendly…I get that we should be testing what we are bringing to the WC…. But at the same time, we don’t want to show all our cards for the English scouts to analyse… We will either beat England or tie them! My heart tells me a tie, with us still finishing second in the group based on goal differential
Bring in that Australian from Portsmouth, he’s in form, croatia lacks someone who can finish, dalic playing old heads and out of form strikers, I would give kid a chance to prove himself, I pray 1 of the attackers gets injured and he has no option but to give that kid a run
I called Baturina to need a big game and he did. Anybody who can’t run fast, needs to be on the bench. Rather go out with the fastest team we can put together or forget it. This will be a complete speed World Cup. Right now, we’re slower than Uzbekistan who are a bunch of auto repairmen. We better figure it out and fast. Operative word is FAST
In the qualifiers we had a back 4. This is not a time for a change. Too much pressure to learn something new in just a little time.
Looked so bad . Dalic is running on faith alone .
I am beside myself and find it inexplicable how :
Fruk, Moro , Vlasic > stojkovic , beljo, segecic
What really upsets me is that Dalic backtracks a lot . Just a big talker . I remember him saying when he first got hired how he will only select players who are “in form” . Stojkovic and/or segecic would have been the difference makers in this match . I firmly believe that .
Gvardiol is frustrating as well . Just looking not to get injured to secure his next contract . His mentality will be the same come the World Cup , mark my words . Another big talker.
Gvardiol is wise beyond his years to not get injured in a friendly right before the tournament.
The misplaced passes though could have been avoided, but otherwise I’m glad he’s back and I’m not worried about him.
I’m more concerned about the lack of creativity in the midfield when we dominated possession.
We’re probably just better off sorting up some pressure and playing the counter, like we’ve done in the past
I agree with your comments. Stojkovic and segecic should get a chance on Sunday
Unfortunately they can’t my friend . They are on standby , because of this ridiculous coach !
Unfortunately they aren’t in the team anymore… they were only in the prelim roster.
The final rosters aren’t locked yet so maybe by some miracle Dalic will change his mind.
We need more dynamic players and currently Marco P is the only player on our team that fits that profile.
I hope Dalić doesn’t play sucic, modric and Kovacic again. Too congested. Any two of them can hold the midfield and it’s a long tournament. Baturina our best player today. Marco P must play
Will watch highlights late
Funny only Luka played 90
Please post debriefs –
Anonymous will read them !
“Funny?”
Dear Diary ….
What’s the point of a friendly if you can’t solidify the first 11 and make minor adjustments? What was this supposed to bring? We look like a joke. 1 more game before the England opener– there’s no way we can refine this new setup. We are fucked. Im sure the players are just as confused as the fans. Lastly, losing is okay, but not like this. Unless the goal is just for everyone to participate.
Wow, I don’t need to see Moro ever again.
No more Moro.
9, 10, 14 and 15
Why are we worried about a friendly? This isn’t the time to hit the gas fully. Let the new lineup take its course. We will see what happens against England. That’s the true test and will dictate our tournament. If we get outplayed severely by them, then it’s a round of 32 exit. Panama and Ghana would have to be for sure wins if we don’t at least get a point from the opener.
Well, they’re playing at home and are likely trying to win but can’t create anything.
Is a boring and frustrating game to watch.
Just as I type that, Moro gives it away and Belgium score again.
😓
Definitely frustrating, but we have to remember that we needed to get Kovacic, Modric, and Gvardiol back into game shape. Hopefully, they play 60 minutes again on Sunday. Budimir before Musa.
That’s how it always goes for us . Never smooth ,always the hard way
Jeeez Ik this is just a friendly but we’ve been looking real sloppy
Its just a friendly
Moro entering the game in the 70th minute. I’m sure Belgium is petrified 🙂
He had an assist 😉
LOL. We all knew that was coming…
I’d love to see Luka Sučić in there right now….
He sent in that nice cross for Budimir.
Yes. Another yard or two behind the goal area and perhaps it’s a goal.
Very simple guys, pull Šutalo and never play him. I tried to tell you guys. Stanišić MUST go RCB, Marco Pašalić where Stanišić is.
Look at that play Kovacic gave to stanisic, if it were pasalic we’d had scored. Wingbacks need attacking threat, stanisic is great defensively to support Vuskovic on the right, Marco needs to replace sutalo.
Otherwise Musa, Baturina, Kovačić, Vušković, Perišić, P. Sučić all playing brilliantly, Gvardiol and Modrić just warming up I can tell, they’ll be ready for WC. Just a bit of recovery and whatnot not worried about them, they’re our best players.
But this is the best starting XI and it shows, besides Šutalo of course.
You can tell if we go left we can actually advanced up the pitch with Baturina dribbling everyone and Musa pace+Perišić saving Baturina with overlaps. But if we went right we couldn’t advance the pitch without Marco and inevitably lose the ball, he is needed to advanced the pitch, not Kramaric, not Vlasic, definitely not Mario Pasalic,
MARCO PASALIC!
Otherwise playing well, Kovacic and Petar Sucic are really getting value helping modric and are must starts beside him. Baturina has been our best attacker, Perisic is attacking and defending well too. Vuskovic also saved us multiple times. Musa very intelligent runs, aggressive, physical, noticeable very quick compared to others, must start as well, could see Matanović being decent vs certain opponents if Musa gets isolated from the ball too much tho.
Just need a proper wing threat from Marco and we’ll be off to the races, but see how by being more “safe” with Šutalo we actually make it worse by losing offensive threat for the possibility he stops the chance, rather than just keeping the ball and balancing the pitch more.
Again just a friendly but very obvious things to fix.
Kiks sutalo
Sucic wasted out wide
Kovacic and gvardiol not yet fit
Musa good
Baturina good
Perisic wasted at wing back
Modric taking it easy
Prince Luka and stanisic ok
3-2 second half
Unlucky goal. The cross took a slight deflection and Šutalo’s one time clearance attempt went to a Belgian player.
Would be nice to slide Stanišić where Šutalo is playing, then try out Marco Pašalić on the wing there.
Then again, I’m not sure how well Pašalić can stick with Doku defensively.
Although we are dominating possession at times, I think we create better on the counter.
That’s what the starting lineup should have been with Stanišić there instead of Šutalo and Maro P starting on the wing.
He’s speedy and could help on that side with Doku. Instead, we have a lackluster attack that produced nothing…again.
With the players we have, we shouldn’t struggle to get a shot on goal.
Exactly. And sit Kova and slide P Sucic in his spot. Maybe Dalic thought by playing him further up the pitch he can press more than Krama would. Having all of Kova Modric and Sucic on at the same time means we play much more defensively.
I’m fine with the 3 tbh, Kova played well and really helped modrić with defensive legs and controlling. The 3 give each other much freedom, only other option is starting Luka Sučić which I wouldn’t mind if you wanted more attacking. But the 3 CM’s defensive stability allow the 3 back to be more solid, just makes you need highly offensive and hard working defensivley wingbacks like Marco Pasalic and Perisic.
But the only problem with the lineup today was Šutalo, we all knew that, he can’t play in a back 3, stanisic was basically the wingback in a back 4 and no winger, there’s no point in a back 3 with Šutalo beside Vuskovic and Gvardiol and stanisic in front, that’s just a back 4 with no right winger. The point of the 3 back was Perisic and Marco are highly capable in those wingback/wing positions keeping width, and stanisic and Gvardiol can be hybrid cb and fullbacks because of their versatility, plus Vuskovic can carry defensively in the centre.
The whole point was stanisic can do everything sutalo does and more with more pace, and Marco also has the pace to support stanisic while being a very strong attacking threat and outlet to enable the others, Marco Pašalić was very noticeably missed.
It will be extremely different when he starts.
I’m feeling more depressed than I did during the Brazil friendly 🙁
There is NOTHING positive to discuss. It’s same old stuff post 2018 where we can’t score in the 1st half. The lone shot being a toe-poke by Luka in the 41st minute. I am guessing that we’ve been scoreless in the first half 70% of the times since then.
It was the lone defensive lapse but they scored. We always have trouble with speedy guys like Doku and don’t have an answer.
Belgium should bring on the Croatian hero Lukaku, he saved us the last time we played them
I used to like Sutalo
Reminds me of Albania 🇦🇱
He always deflects at worst times
Šutalo has been trash
A couple of loose passes from Gvardiol early on. He needs to knock the cobwebs off I guess.
Ya he can’t misplace passes like that.
Baturina is having a great game though.
Links:
https://streamlycdn.com/croatia-vs-belgium/68863
Told u MORONS we can’t play England with front-3 of Krama Budimir
Musa Bati and Pero – wow – now that’s a front 3 that can press the F out of England
Any links??
Wild line up. Let’s roll
Big test for Baturina. I say he gets one today.
Vuskovic needed to bag one against Colombia in order to secure a starting position over guys like Duje or Pongracic.
Baturina will need to bag one today to secure his spot over the injured Kramaric or Kova.
I love this line-up with Stoj or Segecic taking the place of Kovacic. Is it still too late. after this game.
Thank you Dalic! Now that is what I was talking about. Let’s hope for the best, He but all the best chips on the table. Hope it works. otherwise, we are in trouble.
I’m looking forward to the game. There was NOTHING positive to take from the Brazil game, a team that struggled to qualify. I kept hearing “well, it was just a friendly”, but this is all we have to go by since we had an easy qualifying group. Even in the Colombia game, we were reminded that even though we have a good team and deep midfield, we are still a “slow” team.
Glad to see the “Moose” getting the start. Budimir can’t create his own chances and his heavily realiant on others to getting him the ball. Musa had surprising speed for a big guy and can create his own shots and dribble with the ball. He can also put some pressure on the opposing defenders where Budimir is just walking around (especially in the 2nd half).
Disappointed that Marco Pašalic is not starting. We see the difference with the speed on the wing he provides that we don’t have with this lineup, his crossing ability and strong shots from outside the penalty area. I guess we’ll see him early in the 2nd half.
Let’s go Hrvatska!!!
Well at least we’re playing a lineup we would actually USE in a tournament.
The Colombia game pissed me off because we rolled with Erlic and Pongracic next to Vuskovic, which would never ever happen in a World Cup match.
This lineup is interesting because we actually have Sutalo and Gvardiol there next to Vuskovic (we’ve never played these three together yet) and we finally have Baturina playing behind the striker…and this time we have a fast counterattacking striker in Musa.
This game (win or lose) will actually show us something useful about our team.
Per SN:
Livaković – Šutalo, Vušković, Gvardiol – Stanišić, Modrić, Kovačić, Perišić – P. Sučić, Baturina – Musa
Pretty decent lineup. Dalic subbed out Krama/Budimir and included Baturina/Musa instead.
Going with speed on the counter.
Tasty. Probably our 11 most gifted players
(Apart from Stojko)
Who got the lineups?
This should be a good test against Belgium. They have some quick players especially their LW player Doku who is very fast and a good dribbler. We’ll see how well we handle him with three at the back.
We’ll also see how Gvardiol and Kovacic preform after a lengthy absence.
If I heard correctly? on the TV news, we have played 10 times at Rujevica for 8 wins and two draws (England and Finland), hopefully we can maintain the unbeaten record at the ground.
Wow
Alen Boskic bought MSports PRO – that’s the agency/agent representing Jaga
So Boksic is Jaga’s agent now !!!
Recall – when he arrived at Middlesbrough – Boskic was the highest-paid footballer in the World – so he should know a thing or two about how to maneuver
***.jutarnji.hr/sportske/nogomet/alen-boksic-kupio-msports-pro-povratak-u-nogometni-biznis-15714266
3 4 2 1 is against teams better rhan us i think he switches to his 4 3 3 if england give us a spanking
The thing is vuskovic has to play imo but he wont play him with a sutalo or dcc because they are not keaders like vida or lovren
According to Dalic we are going greece 2004 mode all out bunker he said it playing nice wins you shit tournaments you play for results.
3 4 2 1
Livi Vuskovic Gvardiol Cb
Stanisic Perisic wing backs
Middle 2 Modric Sucic Baturina/Kovacic
Krama
Budimir/musa/Matanovic
No comments about Brazil 6 – 2 Panama? I mean they got more goals against Brazil than we did !
Iggy for goodness sake 😂. Yeah they got two goals against Brazil and conceded 6. Presumably they played an open game. The match stats showed even possession between the two sides. This plays into Brazil strength as they are incredible on the counter attack. We lost 3-1 to Brazil but the penalty was garbage should have finished 1-1, their third goal came on the counter when we were pushing for 2-2. You are making me nervous iggy. Find someone to hold you. It’s the World Cup for goodness sake. You can’t expect the other teams to role over for us. It’s going to be tough. BUT here is the good news. We are very very good. Imagine how the Panamanian iggy is feeling right now.
😊
It would be a good thing to see Kovacic, Gvardiol, and Modric get about 60 minutes tomorrow to see what game shape they are in at this point.
Is this being televised anywhere?
In the USA, Fubo tv
On DAZN in Canada.
it’s getting real now. Hope we see if Gvardi will be as close to game ready as possible. That’s the key for HNS. We have him and we’ll be good.
At first, I said I wouldn’t play with three at the back, but things changed because these defenders emerged. We’ll try it against Belgium.” – Dalic
I think the 4231 with krama as a 10 has worked for us really well in qualifying. It suits our players well. Both fullbacks, stanisic and gvardiol are solid defensively. So it’s a good balance between attack and defence.
We can switch comfortably to this formation any time. So I think Dalic goes again with 541/3421 to give us more practice with this. The benefits of the back three are:
a) allows us to use 3 centre backs (we have 5 in the squad including prince Luka)
b) allows two number 10, space for baturina and krama
c) allows us to cover the width effectively when defending deep against teams that have superior possession and wingers
d) allows quicker transition on the counter attack
I think Dalic is preparing to use the 3421 against big teams like England, Spain, France etc and will revert to 4231 against teams we can dominate like Ghana and Panama or if we are behind in a game and need to take more risks.
So against Belgium he will give Luka V another match in the centre of back 3. Against Slovenia maybe he puts 4231 to make sure we still have it fresh.
The problem is Perisic. I love Perisic but he is risky as a wingback. He is over motivated tracking back and scored the own goal against Colombia when livakovic had the shot covered. He also could easily have had a red card against both Colombia and Brazil with his positioning slightly off and then aggressive in the tackle to compensate such is his pride and aggression.
Here’s the thing, 3421 can change easily to become 4231 in a game with minor adjustments. This would allow us tactical flexibility and a key advantage over opponents. It requires one wingback to be a natural winger and the other to be a natural fullback. Which means either Perisic on the left or Marco P on the right but not both. Given seniority it means the best lineup we can field is the following:
Liva;
Sutalo, vuskovic, gvardiol;
Stanisic, sucic, modric, Perisic;
Kramaric, baturina;
Budimir/mata/musa
This can easily change to 4231 mid play. Stanisic sits deeper, Perisic pushes higher into his natural position. This makes:
Liva;
Stanisic, sutalo, vuskovic, gvardiol;
Sucic, modric;
Krama, baturina, Perisic;
Budimir
The only problem here is that krama ends up on the right side where he is ineffective. So the alternative is the opposite way around:
Liva;
Stanisic, vuskovic, sutalo;
Marco P, sucic, modric, gvardiol;
Krama, baturina;
Budimir+
This rotates the other way (anti clockwise) to:
Liva;
Stanisic, vuskovic, sutalo, gvardiol;
Sucic, modric;
Marco P, krama, baturina;
Budimir+
Last point. I watched the whole of the Colombia and Brazil games back. Pongracic was one of our better players. Erlic got cooked multiple times and struggled when pressed too, DCC was a bit too slow to cover the ground. Pongracic was quicker and better with the ball than either. He gets a lot of hate but based on those two games he is ahead of erlic and DCC to partner Prince Luka. So it’s sutalo or pong to partner the young man.
There are other the options. 433 with kova starting. Solid keep ball.
If we are really desperate for a goal we can go:
Liva;
Stanisic, vuskovic, gvardiol;
Sucic, modric;
Marco p, baturina/krama, Perisic;
Budimir, matanovic/musa
3232. Rain the crosses in for the two beasts up top 😋😀
💪
Oh shit I forgot about this game.
Already looking ahead to England and I forgot we still have a couple friendlies.