ENGLAND
SPURS MIDFIELDER NIKO KRANJČAR
Tottenham Hotspur completely embarrassed Wigan Athletic 9-1 Sunday afternoon at White Heart Lane. The Spurs had a respectable 1-0 lead at halftime right before the floodgates opened. Jermain Defoe managed to score FIVE goals within 36 minutes of the second half as Niko Kranjčar finally capped the madness in injury time scoring Tottenham’s ninth goal with a nice upper-V shot from inside the box. Wigan looked absolutely horrid in the second half and appeared to be taking their strategic prowess from an AYSO playbook.
Nonetheless, Spurs put on a show of exemplary passing with Niko Kranjčar and Vedran Ćorluka joining in on the fun. Both Croats started and payed the entire match while receiving an 8 grade from SkySports for their efforts. Kranjčar not only scored the game’s last goal but he also opened up the field on the left flank by making well timed runs and holding the ball. Ćorluka played like he was looking for a striker’s spot on Croatia’s squad carrying the ball up the right flank numerous times delivering crisp passes to his attackers. Ćorluka set up a play that lead to a goal and later assisted another Spurs goal with a perfect threw ball.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
WHEN WILL MODRIĆ REJOIN TEAMMATES ON THE PITCH?
Luka Modrić was supposed to be close to returning to the Spurs lineup by now. He fractured his fibula in early September but there are no signs of a return. The earliest we should expect Modrić to be back is after the winter break.
Eduardo had a rough day at the office Saturday as Arsenal took on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in north England. Eduardo started for the Gunners in place of injured Robin van Persie but couldn’t get anything going as the ball wasn’t bouncing his way that day. Sunderland took the match 1-0 on their only shot on goal with a Darren Bent strike late in the game. Eduardo was subbed out in the 71′. Look for him to play Tuesday as Arsenal host Standard Liege in Champions League group play.
Earlier in the week, Eduardo extended his contract with Arsenal for an undisclosed sum. It has been rumored that the new money coming his way can support his family in Croatia as well as all his close relatives in Brazil for the rest of their lives. Very nice Mr. da Silva!
Ivan Klasnić entered the game in the 66th minute for Bolton in a 2-0 defeat to the Blackburn Rovers. Game reports gave Klasnić praise for glimpses at goal but the Croatian striker couldn’t do much against a stubborn Rover defense. It is however good to see Klasnić being inserted into games earlier and earlier. Bolton could be a candidate for relegation this season.
Nikola Kalinić sat on the bench as an unused substitute in the Blackburn-Bolton match.
GERMANY
A minute of silence was held at all stadiums in memory of Robert Enke, the former German national goalkeeper, who committed suicide November 10 after suffering from depression for six years.
PHOTO: Yahoo, Ivica Olić made his return this weekend
After weeks of recuperating from a ruptured calf muscle sustained while training with the Croatian NT, Ivica Olić finally made his return to the Bayern Munich lineup in a 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen from a packed Allianz Arena. Olić entered the match in the 69′ for teammate Thomas Müller. Look for Ivica to remain a sub for the coming weeks until his health is back to 100% match fitness.
Bayern Munich currently are 7th in the German Bundesliga standings and host Maccabi Haifa this Wednesday in UEFA Champions League Action.
PHOTO: achtzehn99.de, Josip Šimunić
TSG Hoffenheim defeated FC Cologne 4-0 today in German Bundesliga action from the Badenova-Stadion with 24,000 in attendance. Josip Šimunić played the entire match for Hoffenheim as his squad led an onslaught against what is considered one of the better defenses in the Bundesliga. TSG Hoffenheim are in 4th place in the German Bundesliga standings and host Borussia Dortmund next weekend.
With the sudden and tragic loss of Robert Enke still fresh in the news, a recent article in Australian FourFourTwo magazine interviewed Josip Šimunić regarding his own personal battle with depression. Šimunić dealt with his depression earlier in his career as a player for Hamburg and Hertha Berlin. His battle with the illness made him question his own desire to continue as a professional soccer player, taking a toll on him physically and mentally. “I once went for seven days in a row without sleeping,” said Šimunić.
PHOTO: schalke04.de, Ivan Rakitić and Rafinha celebrate
Schalke 04 defeated Hannover 96 2-0 from the Veltins Arena with 61,505 in attendance. Ivan Rakitić came off the bench for Schalke 04 in the 50′ for Lewis Holtby with the match still tied 0-0. Ivan’s most notable scoring opportunity came when he was found unmarked in the box, but Hannover 96 goalkeeper Florian Fromlowitz made a superb save (among many), thus preventing the contest from appearing to be a blowout. Considering the final score to be 2-0, the contest was fairly even in terms of shots, possession, fouls, and corners. Hannover 96 must be applauded for marching onward in the season despite continuing to grieve over the tragic loss of their goalkeeper Robert Enke. Schalke 04 are in 3rd place in the German Bundesliga standings and travel away to take on Borussia Monchengladbach next weekend.
PHOTO: CNN, Ivica Banović and SC Freiburg were no match for Mezut Ozil and a potent Werder Bremen offense
Werder Bremen thrashed Freiburg, 6-0, with five goals in 27 minutes to take over first place in the German Bundesliga. Ivica Banović played the entire match for SC Freiburg, but was no match against the stingy defense and potent offense of Werder Bremen. SC Freiburg take on FC Nurnberg next weekend.
PHOTO: zimbio.com, Mladen Petrić returned to training this week
Mladen Petrić remains absent from the Hamburg lineup due to injury, missing this weekend’s 1-0 loss to VfL Bochum. Petrić picked up the injury during a Bundesliga game against Hertha Berlin on October 4, but returned to training this week.
“It’s a great feeling to be back in training. It’s great to be back on the ball,” said Petric, who has scored three goals in 10 appearances this season. “I’m not putting myself under any unnecessary pressure.
“I want to get back to 100 percent first before I make a full return.”
(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)
ITALY
PHOTO: daylife.com, Mato Jajalo
Mato Jajalo came on as a substitute for Gaël Genevier as AC Siena were defeated 2-0 by Atalanta in Italian Serie A action. The loss keeps AC Siena dead last in the Serie A standings, with relegation certain despite the long season. On Wednesday, the club take on Novara in Coppa Italia action. Who will rescue the talented young Croat from being forced to play Serie B soccer next season?
Igor Budan
Igor Budan came on as a late substitute for Palermo in the 87′ for Australian international Mark Bresciano (whose mother is Croatian) in a 1-1 draw with Catania. Palermo are in 12th place in the Serie A standings and host Reggina this week in Coppa Italia action.
PHOTO: noga.pl, Dario Knežević
Dario Knežević played the entire match for Livorno in a 2-1 victory over Genoa from the Armando Picchi Stadium with 11,000 in attendence. Genoa’s equalizing goal came in the 63rd minute when Palladino’s cross deflected off Knežević and found its way to Criscito who tapped in for an easy tally. The deciding goal came in the 90′ when Nico Pulzetti of Livorno headed in the late winner. Livorno still remain in the Serie A relegation zone despite the win. Next weekend, Livorno travel away to take on Udinese in Serie A action.
Ivan Juric remains out of the Genoa lineup after sustaining an injury while playing with the Croatian NT.
FRANCE
A pair of late goals from Lens saw them turn around a deficit to Nancy into a an incredible come-back performance from the Stade Felix-Bollaert. Vedran Runje provided a stellar showing in the match, beginning in the 4′ as Nancy’s Julien Feret blasted a powerful 20-yard free-kick was kept out by the Sinj native. Runje again had to be alert after 18 minutes to deny a Youssouf Hadji header from Reynald Lemaitre’s cross which looked certain to be headed into the onion bag. Nancy kept the pressure on after being denied, with Pascal Berenguer’s free-kick again kept out by Runje with yet another spectacular save. FC Lens host French powerhouse Marseille next weekend.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
UKRAINE
Dynamo Kyiv met arch rivals Shakhtar Donetsk on Saturday in a match between two undefeated Ukrainian clubs. Dynamo Kyiv won the match 3-0 which keeps them at the top of the table 13 games into the season. The first loss of Shakhtar’s season sends them to third position in Ukraine.
VUKOJEVIĆ TRYING TO GET HIS MONEY’S WORTH
Both Ognjen Vukojević and Darijo Srna played the entire match for their respected clubs. Vukojević seemed pumped for the game as he was slide tackling left and right even though Darijo Srna was the only Croatian on the field to receive a yellow card in the 50th minute. Expect a heated battle down to the last game of the season between these two Ukrainian club giants.
RUSSIA
Ivica Križanac played the entire game against Russian champs Rubin Kazan. The game ended 0-0 ensuring that Rubin Kazan would win the 2009 Russian Premier League. Križanac received a yellow half way through the first half on a ticky tack foul. With one game left in the season, Križanac and Zenit St. Petersburg would lock up a Europa League spot with a win next week against Spartak Moscow.
Tomislav Dujmović played the entire match in Lokomotiv Moscow’s 2-0 win over Dinamo Moscow. Lokomotiv would grab a Europa League spot with a win next week at FC Khimki and a Zenit slip up. Stipe Pletikosa’s Spartak Moscow side will finish second and be qualified for a Champions League spot.
SPAIN
PHOTO: mas.lne.es, Mate Bilić
Sporting Gijon and Xerez battled to a 0-0 draw today from the Estadio Municipal de Chapín with 16,000 fans in attendence in Spanish Primera División action. Mate Bilić started the match on the bench for Sporting Gijon, but came on as a substitute in the 73′ for teammate David Barral. Despite and ample amount of time, Bilić and his teammates were unable to break the draw, which as a result has Sporting Gijon sitting in 7th place in the standings to host Villarreal next weekend.
AUSTRIA
PHOTO: skrapid.at, Nikica Jelavić scored today against Austria Vienna
Rapid Vienna thrashed city rivals Austria Vienna 4-1 today from the Gerhard-Hanappi Stadium. Nikica Jelavić played the entire match for Rapid Vienna, scoring in the 17′ of the contest. Rapid Vienna, who take on SK Sturm Graz this Wednesday, are in second place behind Austrian Bundesliga leaders Red Bull Salzburg.
Nikola Pokrivač
Nikola Pokrivač played the entire match for Red Bull Salzburg in a 2-0 defeat of Kapfenberg SV. With the victory, Red Bull Salzburg retain their place at the top of the Austrian Bundesliga standings. Next week, they host Nikica Jelavić and his Rapid Vienna side.
Gordon Schildenfeld
Gordon Schildenfeld played the entire match for SK Sturm Graz in a 2-0 loss to SV Josko Ried from the Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium. SK Sturm Graz are in 4th place in the Austrian Bundesliga and travel away to LASK Linz next weekend.
BELGIUM
Ivan Perišić
Club Brugge were defeated by Germinal Beerschot 2-1 from the Jan Breydel Stadium. Ivan Perišić started the match on the bench for Club Brugge, but entered the contest in the 65′ for Wesley Sonck. Perišić has had a slightly nagging ankle injury for the past few weeks, and playing in the recent Croatia U-21 contests may have slightly aggravated the injury, forcing him to stay on the bench more than he wants. Look for Ivan to return to full strength in the coming weeks and bring Club Brugge out of this minor inconsistent funk they have been dealing with, which has dropped them down to 2nd place, 5 points behind Anderlecht. Club Brugge take on Royal Charleroi SC next weekend in Belgian Jupiler League action.
TURKEY
PHOTO: rabzonspor.org.tr, Drago Gabrić dissappointed after this weekend’s result
Trabzonspor were defeated 3-1 by Kasimpasa at the Kasimpasa Stadium in Turkish Super League play. Drago Gabrić came into the match as a substitute for Serkan Balci in the 63′ but was unable to help bring his team out of the scoring deficit. Trabzonspor are in 9th place in the standings and host Eskisehirspor K next weekend.
Hrvoje Čale was not featured in the Trabzonspor roster this weekend due to an injury. Details of the injury are not known.
~Ivica Peroš reporting from Long Island, New York & Ante Kvartuč writing from Southern California while Denis Svirčić is on assignment in Croatia.
United should also ship out Nani and Anderson to someone like Atletico, then move Oberton, Park, Gibson and Tosic up the pecking order.
I don't think much of Carrick, but yeah for Modric that's fair. United at present aren't a great side. There is not much flair on the team. Its very efficient and workmanlike, but that's not really the united that were used to seeing.
Modric – Villa or Fabiano – Silva would get them back to what they are meant to be. Carrick would be happier at Spurs. Then Jenas to Villa would be a good move.
@ dinamofan:)
for Carrick?
http://www.jutarnji.hr/man-utd-mijenja-carricka-za-modrica-/364911/
It would not surprise me even slightly if Modric went to Manchester United or Inter in the winter.
Spurs have been holding up mighty well without Luka. Still uncertain when he is returning.
I always go through either Subside Sports or WorldSoccerShop.com. I haven't found any other sites that can compare to those two. Subside is the one that always seems to represent the Croatians quite well. If its not on those two, you will probably have to do what I do. Nag family in Croatia until they do your bidding and make the trip to the stadium.
@ Petar
thanks for the link to the dinamo jerseys. do you happen to know where you can order other dinamo gear online (hats, scarfs, tshirts, etc.)?
Niko was awesome this weekend. I saw an interview with Redknapp after he game, and even with defoe scoring 5 and lennon playing great, he went out of his way to praise Niko's play.
Corluka had some great through balls as well, setting up a couple goals. I hope Spurs can keep up this form because I'd love to watch our Big 3 play in the champions league next year.
Awhile back some Dinamo fans asked where they could order shirts online. Susbside.co.uk just updated their site with Dinamo shirts today.
http://www.subsidesports.com/uk/store/product_list.jsp?id=12&cwin=90&hos=1
Kristijan Ipsa scored his first goal for FC Midtjylland over the weekend.
Niko Kranjcar was world class yesterday. He was outstanding. He's showed signs lately of finding his fitness and form again. 9-1 is an amazing score cos Wigan are a good team. I think they had a game like Croatia against England. Wigan just could not cope with Lennon's pace.
Klasnic had one cleared off the line. He played quite well, but without Tamir Cohen Bolton play extremely long ball football. Klasnic should start next match.