The Vatreni are back in action! Dalić and company are set to face the Latvians Friday at 2:45pm EST in Rijeka. The now 6th highest ranked side in International football has a lot to prove at these next Euros. Yes, three medals in five years is a generational feat that no one can ever take away from us. But, after two successive heartbreaking final defeats, and possibly Luka Modrić’s last international tournament, Croatia has its chance to prove itself in Germany next summer by setting their sights on that shiny gold medal. But first, the Vatreni have to focus on the qualifiers. Should Croatia take six points from these next two games, the first place position is regained and a Euro birth is surely on the horizon.
There’s lots of time between now and next June, and perhaps in that time frame, a new starting striker might emerge (Musa, Beljo, etc) or someone might solidify themselves on that right-wing. But for now, what is our strongest XI to face Latvia?
In my opinion, this is the perfect game to start Musa. He’s hungry for a spot on the National Team and if he performs well in his first start, it will add to his motivation. Also, Latvia “should” be a clean three points, so there isn’t much risk in performing one experiment. However, the rest of the team should be as strong as possible. Any more tweaks could prove a mistake and cause misbalance on the pitch. Anything but a win Friday night is very annoying, and let’s avoid that. Here’s how I would lineup if my name were Zlatko Dalić:
Note: Livaković is a doubt as Labrović is predicted to get the start.
Perišić in attack is the right call in my opinion, as defensive stability is not of the greatest importance against Latvia, and I’d like to give Musa the most support possible. Kramarić is the creative outlet on the right and could be expected to float inside a lot (which could also benefit Musa) and Juranović is more than quick enough to dash up the pitch and cover if needed.
However, I highly doubt Musa will find himself a starter already. I think Dalić gives him that chance once he’s established himself as a starter for Benfica (which he is working towards this season). Instead, here’s how Croatia is predicted to line-up according to SofaScore:
The Latvians have proved difficult opponents so far this campaign, as despite not yet picking up a point, they’ve only lost each game by a goal. Expect a frustrating low-block defence from the Latvians as they’ll be gunning for a draw. Can Croatia break through? I say if Croatia can put two in the net, they will win.
How do you think Croatia should roll out against the Latvians Friday night? What’s your score prediction?
EZ win for the momci =U=
Christian pulisic should pronounce his last name right if he is really croatian. His family should know better.
3-0
Croatia win for sure
What is putting petkovic to start going to prove other then we have no confidence in Musa?? This is Latvia ???? If latvia is Tough or not Musa NEEDS to start 100%
This is so Frustrating not having a striker and this is a perfect opportunity to integrate Musa and try it out? If he doesn’t start I don’t get it……..
To watch in the US, it seems the only option is a fubo tv free trial? Any other links?
I think it will be Petkovic . Not a fan but he has performed pretty well this year.
It makes sense that it is Petkovic too.
We will be dominating possession, and he won’t have to run as much. He’s also excellent in tight spaces, where he can use his size and skill to get in there physically and nutmeg players with his mali nogomet skills.
However, in Armenia, I can see the Armenians playing with a lot of passion and making some runs at our goal and opening things up more.
I’d like to see what players like Musa and Beljo can do in games like that, since they seem to score a lot off of headers or on those open runs toward goal. Too bad Beljo didn’t get called, but I expect to see at least Musa (and maybe Frigan) get some minutes in that game.
100%
In Canada, qualifiers are on DAZN. However the Armenia-Croatia game is not listed as being on. Strange. Hopefully will be.
•
Line Friday v Latvia (via Pinnacle):
Croatia -1128
Draw +1139
Latvia +2697
•
Goal line:
Croatia -2.5 -104
I’m also trying to figure out why it’s not listed on DAZN ?? 6 points 🇭🇷
It shows up now!
Podrebar broj jedan!
Why not Livaković?
Cause Labrovic plays for Rijeka?
Like to see kotarski added to the mix sometime
Liva transferred to a club in Turkey
4-5-1 for sure!
If only 3 subs I think it will be
Ivanusec>Perisic
Majer>one of midfield trio prob Modric
Petkovic/Kramaric>Musa/Vlasic/Pasalic
I don’t see us changing anything at the back unless there is fatigue and it’s a close game
————————-Petkovic——————————
—–Perisic——————————-—Kramaric—
————–—Modric——Kovacic———————
———————-__Brozovic——————————
—Sosa—————————————-Juranovic
————-—Gvardiol——Sutalo-———————
———————-—Livakovic—————————
—————————-Musa———————————
—Ivanusec———————(Frigan)Pasalic—
——————Majer———-Vlasic———————
———————-—Brozovic——————————
Barisic——————————————-Stanisic
——————Erlic————Vida————————
—————–(Ivusic/Labrovic)————————
I like everything but up top. Frigan in this moment for Musa to see what’s happening here.
But yeah, your lineup will work.
Also, Petkovic will deal on these guys as well. I dunno
Actually wouldn’t be surprised to see Frigan out there.
Dalić loves to play the hometown kids.
I expect to at least see Frigan come in off the bench. Probably ahead of Musa even.
Yep
That could be the reason Frigan got the call up in the first place?
I guess that means we can expect both Vida and Barisic to start against Turkey in our game in Osijek.
We did the exact same thing against Slovakia last time, and we drew 2-2 and it almost cost us qualification.
I hope not!
I get that Dalić wants to please the fans, and that perhaps the player may be a little more motivated playing in front of his home crowd, and he may actually perform better as the result?
However, one of Barišić or Vida is too much for me, let alone two.
For me, it depends on the situation in the game, and how much time they are given?
Last few minutes if we are up 2 or 3 goals I could handle. Any more time with less of a lead would be stressful for me.
Vida was just fine a few months ago and he’s a great backup now.
Barisic, on the other hand is a mess.
Vida is still solid and the highest paid player on his side. Says something no?
Yes, Vida as a back up is good if there is no other option.
However, I would rather see us make use of the younger guys going forward.
Different possible combinations with Gvardiol, Šutalo, Juranović, Sosa, Perišić, Erlić and Stanišic would be my preference.
Woot looking forward to seeing us play again for the first time since NL final! Hopefully 6 points coming right up and head to head v turkey we looking good since we beat them over there already.
That Turkey game would have been completely different if not for some incredible stops by Livakovic, especially in the first half. We should not look past Turkey.
Well said. We could easily have been down 2 within the first ten minutes. Livakovic’s first save was top quality, and the second was world class. Different game if he doesn’t come up big at the start.