ENGLAND
KLASNIĆ WEARS HIS STUNNA GLASSES AT NIGHT WHEN HE SCORES
Ivan Klasnić is making the best of his loan move to the Bolton Wanderers. Klasnić started and scored two goals against a strong Manchester City club on Saturday in a match that ended 3-3 after a late City equalizer on 10 men. ‘Killer’ opened up the scoring in the 11th minute on an Ivica Olić-esque goal as he was completely offsides in front of the goal. The ball was deflected by a defender meaning the goal would stand. After both teams came out of halftime with the score 2-2, Klasnić put Bolton back up with a 53′ strike from inside the box. With a defender on him, he found enough space to volley the ball and put it past City keeper Shay Given. Klasnić was subbed out in the 72′. Manchester City tied the game up five minutes later.
KLASNIĆ CELEBRATING WITH TEAMMATES
Does Ivan Klasnić’s recent success in arguably the world’s greatest league move him up the pecking order in Croatia’s squad? Eduardo has looked mediocre at best in the past few months while Mladen Petrić has yet to shine with Hamburg due to injury. One thing appears true: Klasnić finally looks happy on the pitch for the first time in years!
FULL MATCH HIGHLIGHTS. KLASNIĆ GOALS AT 00:48 & 6:01
NIKO KRANJČAR IN ACTION FOR TOTTENHAM
Since Tottenham’s 9-1 win over Wigan on November 22nd, the Spurs have only managed to grab two points in their next three games. Niko Kranjčar and Vedran Ćorluka started for Tottenham on Saturday as they took on Wolverhampton at White Heart Lane with the much anticipated return of Luka Modrić on the bench. Even though the Spurs held the ball for 70% of the match, it was Wolverhampton’s third minute goal off a ridiculous foul call that was the decider in a 1-0 Spurs loss.
Kranjčar strung together many smart passes during the match but botched Tottenham’s best look at goal when he took in a sharp air-born pass from Ćorluka in the second half. With the whole goal to shoot at, Kranjčar volleyed wide. He was subbed out in the 78′ for some fresh legs.
Ćorluka was absolutely on fire with pinpoint passes and ‘give n’ goes’. The man has looked like a world-class winger in recent weeks, not a stubborn right back. It would have been beautiful if Kranjčar could have converted Corluka’s cross from the outside for the equalizing goal in a Croatian Connection for the Spurs. Although Tottenham don’t gain ground as both Manchester United and Chelsea dropped points at the weekend, the Spurs are still in the mix for a Champions League spot should they stay consistent and healthy.
THE RETURN OF LUKA MODRIĆ
Luka Modrić finally made his return to the Tottenham lineup after breaking his leg against Birmingham on August 29th. Modrić entered the came in the 59′ and looked lively even though he couldn’t manage to make a major impact on the match. It’s surprising to me that Spurs manager Harry Redknapp gave Modrić the go so close to winter break, although it’s good to see him back nonetheless. Look for more action from Modrić and company this Wednesday when Tottenham host Manchester City in a pivotal match that will shake up the top of the English Premier League table.
TOTTENHAM-WOLVERHAMPTON HIGHLIGHTS
KALINIĆ CAN’T BUY A GOAL
Nikola Kalinić was brought into a scoreless Blackburn-Hull City match in the 59th minute and had chances galore to put the game away. I’ll let the highlights speak for themselves but is the pressure of the Premiership too much for young Kalinić or is he truly that unlucky? The game ended in yet another scoreless draw for the Rovers.
KALINIĆ JUST CAN’T FINISH
Eduardo rode the bench as an unused substitute in Arsenal’s 2-1 come-from-behind win against Liverpool at Anfield. The win puts Arsenal back in contention for an English title as United and Chelsea dropped points.
GERMANY
PHOTO: fcbayern.t-home.de
Bayern Munich are riding a wave of momentum following their UEFA Champions League victory in Turin against Juventus, cruising to a 5-1 victory against VfL Bochum from the Rewirpower Stadium in the German Bundesliga. Ivica Olić scored twice (43′,50′) and assisted on a Mario Gomez goal. He also had two strong shots on goal that were barely blocked. Danijel Pranjić scored Bayern’s fifth to conclude an excellent performance from the Bavarian juggernauts, who appear to have found their world-class form again. Olić, after being sidelined for five games with an injury, has three goals and two assists in his last three Bundesliga contests.
PHOTO: fcbayern.t-home.de
With the victory, Bayern Munich move into third place of the Bundesliga standings. Next weekend they host Hertha Berlin.
BAYERN HIGHLIGHTS
PHOTO: achtzehn99.de, Josip Šimunić
Josip Šimunić played the entire match (and kept his temper in check) for TSG Hoffenheim as they drew Eintracht Frankfurt 1-1 from the Rhein Neckar Arena with 30,000 fans in attendance. With the draw, TSG Hoffenheim slide down to 7th place in the German Bundesliga standings heading into their contest next week away at VfB Stuttgart.
PHOTO: Getty Images, Ivan Rakitić
Schalke 04 defeated Werder Bremen 2-0 at the Weser Stadion with 37,000 in attendance. Ivan Rakitić started the match for Schalke 04 before being substituted in the 71′ for teammate Jan Morávek after a solid performance. The win puts Schalke 04 into 2nd place of the German Bundesliga standings, one point behind Bayer Leverkusen. Next weekend, Rakitić and company host Mainz.
With the January transfer window rapidly approaching, Rakitić’s name is always linked with a move abroad to the Serie A. However, recent news links the Swiss-born Croat with interest coming from English Premiership side Everton. Could it just be another rumor, or will CSR be covering another Croat in the Premiership come January?
PHOTO: Getty Images, Mladen Petrić
Mladen Petrić played the entire match for Hamburg SV in a 4-0 thrashing against FC Nurnberg. It has been an excellent return to form for Petrić, who was sidelined for months after injuring himself in October. Hamburg SV will need him to return to his old scoring ways immediately if they wish to make it to a UEFA compeititon for next season. As for the present, 5th place Hamburg SV will be away at Hapoel Tel-Aviv on Thursday in UEFA Europa League action. If the German side manage at least a point, they will win Group C as they head into the knockout stage of the competition.
PHOTO: scfreiburg.com, Ivica Banović (#20)
SC Freiburg and FC Cologne battled to a 0-0 draw from the Badenova Stadion with 24,000 in attendance. Ivica Banović played the entire well-balanced contest. Twelfth place SC Freiburg are away at Borussia Dortmund next weekend.
ITALY
Igor Budan
Palermo pulled of the biggest upset of the weekend in the Italian Serie A, defeating powerhouse AC Milan from the San Siro with 39,293 on hand to witness the shocker. Igor Budan entered the contest in the 68′ for Fabrizio Miccoli with his team already up 2-0. The average, mid-table Palermo squad were able to slay a Goliath in AC Milan that will provide them with a significant boost in confidence heading into next weekends home contest against lowly Siena.
Dario Knežević
Dario Knežević anchored Livorno’s defense for a 1-0 victory away at last place Catania with 11,000 on hand. Knežević played the entire contest for his club in a victory that remains one of very few bright spots in a depressing season for Livorno. With the victory, Knežević and company move out of the relegation zone to 17th place of the Serie A standings. Next week, Livorno host Sampdoria.
Ivan Jurić
Genoa were defeated 1-0 by Lazio from the Stadio Olimpico in Rome with 70,000 spectators in attendance. Ivan Jurić played the entire contest for Genoa, earning himself a yellow card in the 39′ of play. With the loss, Genoa drop to 10th place in the Serie A standings. The Italian side host Valencia on Thursday in UEFA Europa League play in a pivotal Matchday 6 showdown.
Mato Jajalo was an unused substitute in Siena’s 2-1 victory over Udinese.
FRANCE
PHOTO: rclens.fr, Vedran Runje earned the shutout against Nice
Lens defeated Nice 2-0 from the Stade Felix-Bollaert in French Ligue 1 play. Vedran Runje earn the shutout for his side after stopping four shots on goal from the lackluster Nice side. With the victory, Lens move up in the Ligue 1 standings to 14th place and travel away to take on Paris Saint-Germain next week.
UKRAINE
SRNA SPORTING SHORT SLEEVES AND GLOVES IN THE COLD
Darijo Srna and Shakhtar Donetsk had two wins this week in two chances as they defeated Metalurh Zaporizhya 2-1 on Wednesday and Illychivets Mariupol 2-1 on Saturday. Srna played the full 90 in both matches as Shakhtar had to score two second half goals to come from behind against Mariupol. Shakhtar finish off their Europa League group stage campaign on Wednesday as they travel to Serbia to take on FK Partizan in a meaningless match. Shakhtar have already locked up top spot and will progress to the knockout round while Partizan are done with European competition for the year as group minnows.
Ognjen Vukojević and Dynamo Kyiv rebounded from their exit of European Cup competition via their loss to Barcelona at midweek by defeating Tavriya Simferopol 3-2 on Sunday. Vukojević played the entire match without caution as Dynamo stay undefeated halfway through the current season.
Mate Bilić
Mate Bilić was not featured in the Sporting Gijon lineup for a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sevilla. The Croatia international tore a muscle during last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Tenerife, which forced him from the field after 51 minutes of action.
Scans have since revealed that Bilić will be out of the lineup for the coming weeks.
TURKEY
PHOTO: trabzonspor.org.tr, Drago Gabrić scored the game-winner
Drago Gabrić scored the only goal in Trabzonspor’s 1-0 victory against Denizlispor from the Denizli Stadium in Turkish Super League action. The goal, which came in the 24′ had a very ‘Olić-esque’ feel to it. Gabrić crashed the net after a teammate fired a shot that bounced off the crossbar and then found its way into half of the players on the field, who were parked in front of the Denizlispor net. Gabrić got the lucky bounce and the rest was easy as cake from there. Hrvoje Čale was also featured, playing the entire contest while Gabrić made his exit in the 46′ for Ceyhun Gulselam.
VIDEO: Gabrić Goal
With the victory, Trabzonspor sit in 7th place of the Turkish Super League standings and host Fenerbahce next weekend.
AUSTRIA
Nikola Pokrivač
Red Bull Salzburg defeated FC Karnten 1-0 on an own goal in the 89′ by Michael Sollbauer. Nikola Pokrivač started the contest and was subbed out in the 69′ of play for teammate Simon Cziommer. The victory keeps Red Bull Salzburg in 2nd place of the Austrian Bundesliga standings. This Thursday, the Austrian side are away at Villarreal in UEFA Europa League group play.
Gordon Schildenfeld
Gordon Schildenfeld played the entire match for SK Sturm Graz in a 2-2 draw against Austria Vienna in Austrian Bundesliga action. The draw keeps SK Sturm Graz in 4th place of the standings as they head into Wednesday’s final UEFA Europa League match against visiting Galatasaray.
Nikica Jelavić was abssent from the Rapid Vienna lineup in a 2-1 victory against SV Josko Ried.
BELGIUM
PHOTO: clubbrugge.be, A timely substitution
Club Brugge earned one point in the Belgian Jupiler league standings (currently in 2nd place overall) after battling to a 1-1 draw with KV Mechelen from the Jan Breydel Stadium. Immediately after going down 1-0 to in the 65′, Club Brugge management made a game-changing substitution with Ivan Perišić entering the contest for Antonin Alcaraz in the 67′ in an effort to add some creativity to the offensive attack. Sure enough, Perišić provided a solid cross to teammate Rostand Dorge Kouemaha who in turn headed home the equalizer in the 75′.
VIDEO: Perišić cross at 3:54
Club Brugge host Toulouse this Wednesday in UEFA Europa League Matchday 6, needing at least a tie to move on to the knockout phase of the competition.
~Ivica Peroš reporting from NY with Ante Kvartuč writing from LA while Denis Svirčić rests from his long plane flight from Croatia
не много статей, советую регулярно добавять, а так в общем блог интересный
Прикольный болг, много нашел статей нужных, в которых подробно все описано, спасибо
Как то видел, но потом долго не мог найти, статья очень полезная. Всем советую
Статья очень понравилась, узнал много полезного, буду пробовать осуществить на практике
Ок, спасибо большое, статья очень полезная для начинающих
Отличный блог, давно не читал, сразу же нашел много нового
супер как понравился ваш блог, высокого вам развития
Полностью согласен с предыдущими комментариями
Да, после прочтения, я просто поражаюсь как все это бывает
интересненько. Статья вовсе неплохо написана
Да, почитал вашу статью и был приятно удивлен написанным, мне статья понравилась. Пишите и развивайтесь дальше
Блого просто супер, всем советую, непожалеете
Допишите эту статью, то до отличного материала не дотягивает
Согласе с мнениями многих, статья очень познавательная, прочитав узнал много нового!
Мне очень понравился ваш блог, особенно дизайн, хочу себе на сайт такой же
Статья отличная, но советую дополнить материалом, будет больше полезна!
Поздравляю вас Старо-Новым годом, желаю вам в новом году успехов и спасибо что вы находите время поддерживать ваш замечательный блог!
Статья очень поучительная, будет полезна особенно новичкам
Статья очень поучительная, будет полезна особенно новичкам
ну да, блог мне тоже очень понравился, уже частенько захожу
Хороший у вас блог, дизайн очень понравился, со временем будет мощный блог
Интересная стратья, узнал для себя несколько новых вещей, щас буду разбираться, в дальнейшем отпигшусь
Ой, читай, прям обчитаешься! спасибо за интересную статью
Отличная статья, напишите еще на эту тему, буду с нетерпением ждать
Ваш блог мне очень понравился, только допишите эту статью
Интересно написано, но желательно дополнить статью
Статья полезная и приятно изложена, большое спасибо за дополнительный материал!
Мне понравился ваш блог, прочитал массу интересных статей, спасибо!
Неплохо написали, нашел для себя много интересного. Продолжайте в том же духе
Прикольная статья, узнал много полезного. Сейчас читаю другие публикации
Отличный блог у вас, много интересных постов, буду постоянным читателем!
Хороший у вас блог! удачи в развитии
Искал реферат в Яндексе, и набрел на эту страницу. Немного информации по моей теме реферата набрал. Хотелось бы побольше, да и на том спасибо!
Спасибо, очень интересная заметка.
I don't think my grandma could have done(scored). She's a ghost now and hasn't worked out yet how to touch hard surfaces.. But in time she'll be spraying those 30 yard passes before you know it..
I just saw Rukavina, Kranjcar and Perisic goals. I agree with Ziva istina, my grandma could have scored Rukavinas goal. Perisic had an easy goal as well. However, was cool, patient, and knocked it down instead of blasting it over the bar. Kranjcars goal was an ESPN top 10.
Papa and Cufre are gone
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gcydBxd_tXTcub2RX3l_jlkTIolw
I saw the Rukavina gol. A toddler could have scored. he got the start in a meaningless game.
IVAN PERISIC!!!! GAMEWINNER IN THE 90'+3'
COME ON YOU SPURS!!! Niko K with 2 today!!
Rukavina just scored for Panathinaikos in their final Europa League match vs Dinamo Bucuresti
I don't like the writing in this article about Rakitic:
http://www.tribalfootball.com/everton-following-schalke-star-rakitic-505761
He writes (like a 10 year old) that Schalke is a poor club and need to sell Rakitic at "a knockdown price". Wishful thinking, pal.
Klasnic got another goal yesterday in Bolton's 3-1 win over West Ham United
http://www.nogometni-magazin.com/newspro/coranto/viewnews.cgi?id=EkypAEVFkZgEAnNdMp&tmpl=coranto_video_news
rakitic's agent says he's staying at schalke…
http://www.worldsoccer.com/news/rakitic_staying_put__agent_news_292981.html?aff=rss
Harry Redknapp told Pletikosa, 'see you this summer' for negotiations. Stipe stil hasnt fully recovered. No way Tottenham take a chance on him.
Nope absolutely no news on that at all.. Although it could be possible after Cuducini's accident and all..
Ludek Miklosko recommended Pletikosa to Redknapp when he was at West Ham so he is aware of Pletikosa..
@ dinamofan:)
Are you hearing anything over there about Pleti coming to spurs in January. I know it isn't getting a lot of media attention..i can't find anything except the article from Sportske Novosti.
Pletikosa is in London meeting with Spurs officials…according to SN
http://sportske.jutarnji.hr/index.php?cmd=show_clanak&clanak_id=16331
Okay i think its high time to get back to the football..
I think Gabric definitely has to be making a case for himself now. Still not sure on what the future is for Klasnic and Budan despite that this season is 100% better than last season.
I think Eduardo, Petric and Jelavic are all still picks in the squad. Basically its so long before a serious Croatia match that its hard to think much about what team should be picked. I think Mandzukic and Kalinic have dropped out the reckoning and Rukavina's completely off the charts.
Knezevic, Cale and Bartulovic are all playing a lot better this season and adding depth to the squad. I think Croatia's in a lot healthier state this season than last season.
Premiership games midweek..i wonder if Luka will see more playing time with only a couple of days rest…
Olic=Workhorse
Unmatched intensity all the time. The guy always gives it 110% no matter the circumstances. For that I can forgive him for some of his slip-ups
@Ivica and Ante
Once again, excellent work gentlemen. I definitely needed the rest this weekend after flying in late Saturday night.
Great Klasnic picture, and the videos as well. Help is on the way, even though most of the leagues are coming to a halt for winter. Rumormill is around the corner.
@Slaven
With Mandzukic struggling, Eduardo still recovering, Jelavic out of action, Klasnic definitely deserves a look. Ivan might have one more tournament in him.
Glad you liked the postcard.
@Michael
Thanks for the link. Ivica really did deserve player of the week honors. After watching him last week, all those memories of him hitting the post were thrown out the window.
Olic deserves it.
Klasnic is back to his usual form. There's no doubt that he should be in the NT squad, perhaps even starting with Olic. Alot of people here wrote him off after his sugery. Just shows how strong his character and will is.
http://goal.com/en/news/2318/world-player-of-the-week/2009/12/14/1686136/goalcom-world-player-of-the-week-ivica-olic-bayern-munich
Olic receives Goal.com's World Player of the Week