The Croatian Cowboys are back in action Thursday as they open up EURO 2022 against the pesky French at 2:30PM (ET). It seems like it’s been forever since we talked about Croatian handball on this site. And that’s because it has.
Croatia missed out on the 2020 summer Olympics in Tokyo – which took place in 2021 – and did not qualify for the quarterfinals of the 2021 World Championships. It’s been exactly two years since Croatian handball was relevant as the Cowboys lost to Spain 22-20 in the championship game of EURO 2020 in Stockholm. Domagoj Duvnjak was voted “Best Player of the Tournament” during Croatia’s run that year.
Now Croatia looks to retool in a tough group which is comprised of France, Serbia, and Ukraine. Only the top two teams in group will move onto the Main Round (12 teams). France won gold at last summer’s Olympics. Croatia and Serbia will meet on January 15th in Szeged, Hungary. Serbia has missed out on the last two major handball tournaments: 2020 Olympics and 2021 World Championships.
One thing that till boggles my mind. How the hell is there no shot clock in handball??? Can someone please explain to me before this tournament starts?
After trailing 7-2 early in the match, Croatia pulled themselves together to finish the first half down 13-11. With approximately 15 minutes remaining, Croatia was down by only 2 goals and our defense seemed to have finally figured itself out… only to then commit two 2 minute suspensions on the same play and shortly afterward, a red card. France now had 6 players on the court against Croatia’s 3. Albeit questionable refereeing, Croatia had dug themselves into a hole and didn’t make it out. Only 2 goals were allowed on the 3 man disadvantage but it was too little too late as France sealed the victory by the score of 27-22. Croatia plays Serbia next, on January 15th, in a match that will most likely decide the group’s runner up.
https://therealchamps.com/2022/01/14/luka-modric-impossible-normal/
Going into your 11th season as the #10 at Real Madrid?!
Turning 37 and leading club and country to major trophies? !
ZDS is the only explanation.
We need each and every player ready to support Modrić this year.
All this depth of talent and physical presence will allow Modrić to continue to create the magic for Croatia.
Brozovic and Kovačić are ideal midfield partners for Modrić. They can run and cover and allow Modrić to play more forward.
Leaders for Inter, Chelsea and Real Madrid. CL, La liga and Serie A champions.
It’s actual mind blowing when you think about it.
If we can get a legit #9 that can be a vertical threat. That would allow Modrić to play behind him as a #10. Then Kovačić and Brozovic can be behind him in a double pivot.
Throw in legit wingers and full backs for real width. Then we are in business.
Nobody is more composed in the final third like Modric.
Gvardiol and CCC legit CB pair.
Big aggressive goalie.
Then we are ready to make history.. AGAIN!!
What the hell were we supposed to do against a 6-on-3 for 2 minutes!?!? That was tough to watch. Even though we did pretty well as France was simply milking the clock.
No shot clock just passive play which is prevara the refs in handball suck balls.
Also Gobac is mamic of hrs his boys get call ups just to get sold which is sad alot of vets dont get proper treatment.
Karabatic 38 still key man for france we let treat older players like shit
Where’s Duvnjak?
He’s still quite young, no? Like 33?
He was missing due to COVID unfortunately. Tough to beat France without your main man for sure
Welcome back Rob! It’s been awhile. 🙂
Modrić—8.5: He was key to Real’s dominance during the first 30 mins. Luka moved to provide a vital passing outlet for his teammates under pressure, and his movement, tight ball control, and passing found several holes in the Barça press. For example, he moved towards the right sideline to avoid the press and then launched passes into space for Asensio. He had less impact during the second half, but Real struggled to control the game once he was subbed out.
@ Rukamet
Stop stunting our basketball talent.
no, he deserves 6.5/10 at most. lost possession so many times and sucked at defending. u got that writeup off managingmadrid .com where they just write shitty ratings in general.