England
DON’T BE SCARED KRUNCHIE
There was double-duty all across Europe this week as leagues caught up with first division matches as well as ‘cup’ play. On Wednesday, Tottenham faced Fulham at White Hart Lane in a FA Cup quarterfinal replay. All three Croatians (Luka Modrić, Niko Kranjčar, Vedran Ćorluka) started for the Spurs with Modrić being the only one to complete the game. Fulham grabbed an early lead in the first half and went into halftime up 1-0.
ĆORLUKA HAD A LONG DAY
Niko Kranjčar was subbed out at halftime for a lively David Bentley. Seconds after Bentley’s arrival into the game, he delivered a swinging free kick from the wing that missed everybody including Fulham goalie Mark Schwarzer. Ćorluka may have gotten a hair on the ball. Tottenham equalized the match at 1-1 and didn’t look back as they went on to win 3-1. They will now face off against a soon-to-be relegated Portsmouth side on April 11th at Wembley in the FA Cup semifinals.
Ćorluka had a rough day as he injured himself with a pretty bad looking twisted ankle five minutes into the second half. He tried to test it out on the sidelines with some light jogging but couldn’t manage. He was subbed out immediately.
MODRIĆ CREATING THE MAGIC AT WHL
Luka Modrić has been controlling the tempo in midfield for Tottenham and has earned the respect of Premiership defenders. It looks like he finally got the hang of things in England. What plans does Harry Redknapp have for the Tottenham midfield come next season with their new acquisition, Sandro, from Brazilian club Internacional. Would Harry dare sell Modrić?
FA CUP HIGHLIGHTS
KRANJČAR WITH ANOTHER GOAL
On Saturday, Tottenham took on Portsmouth in a sneak peak of their upcoming FA Cup semifinal clash. The Spurs easily took care of Pompey 2-0 with two first half goals; ironically both by ex-Portsmouth players, Kranjčar and Crouch. Modrić and Kranjčar both started the match while Ćorluka sat out with an injured ankle. From the looks of it he should be back next week.
PHOTO: AP; Luka Modric in action against Portsmouth
Kranjčar scored a cheeky back heel goal when a Modrić shot was deflected in the box. Kranjčar was subbed out in the 67′ with applause coming from all sections of White Hart Lane. Tottenham are in line to clinch a Champions League spot but will have to go through Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in consecutive weeks come late April.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Nikola Kalinić hasn’t done much in recent weeks even though Blackburn has been winning games. Kale started on Wednesday against Birmingham in a 2-1 victory but only played the first half. On Sunday, Kalinić remained on the bench as an unused sub in a 1-0 away victory to Burnley. Will he finish out the season strong?
Ivan Klasnić came into the game against Manchester United in the 73′ with the match already 2-0 in United’s favor. Klasnić had one shot on goal which was blocked. United won the game 4-0. Where will Killer play next season?
Eduardo remained on the bench as an unused sub in Arsenal’s disappointing 1-1 draw at Birmingham.
Germany
PHOTO: Bayern; Ivica Olić scores against Stuttgart
Bayern Munich slumped to a second straight defeat in the Bundesliga on Saturday, falling 2-1 to VfB Stuttgart at home. Ivica Olić started and played only the first half, putting the Bavarians in front in the 32nd minute of play. Ivica has now scored eight goals in 23 games for the Bundesliga Giants.
“For me I couldn’t believe the decision to sub me out, especially after scoring the opening goal. I expected to go the distance. I am not upset, just disappointed. I will speak to the trainers and find an answer. This way I can’t be satisfied.”
~Ivica Olić
PHOTO: bundesliga.de; Pranjić(left) in action against Stuttgart
Danijel Pranjić is finally starting to be in Louis van Gaal’s plans, playing in six of the last seven matches for Bayern Munich after sitting on the pine for the previous nine. Danijel got the start for Bayern against VfB Stuttgart in front of 69,000 at Allianz Arena on Saturday. The 28 year old former Dinamo Zagreb midfielder made his presence felt, by assisting on the opening goal, bending a cross to Ivica Olić in the 32nd minute of play. Louis van Gaal had other plans in the second half and decided to give Danijel the rest of the day off.
“I knew that I would be subbed out at halftime. This was the agreement. I’m not thinking about leaving Bayern, because I would like to shine here in Munich. No one from Bayern has spoken to me about an exit. Maybe they have other plans, but I would like to stay.”
~Danijel Pranjić
PHOTO: bundesliga.de; Joe(left) getting scored on while doing the splits against Freiburg
Josip Šimunić saved Hoffenheim from yet another defeat with a remarkable counterattack goal in the 80th minute to split the points with Freiburg 1-1. Josip figured is strikers needed a hand, and right footed a shot from the center of the box to the bottom right corner.
PHOTO: Bundesliga.de; Joe Simunić(center) congratulated for scoring equalizer
This was Joe’s first goal of the season, and his tenth professional goal dating back to the Melbourne Knights in 1995. Joe has scored 3 goals for Hertha BSC and 3 times for Croatia. Let’s not forget the three yellow cards in 2006.
PHOTO: hsv.de; Mladen Petrić(right) in action against Borussia Monchengladbach
Mladen Petrić had little to work with on Sunday as Hamburg fell 1-0 at Borussia Monchengladbach. Mladen started and played the full 90, failing to get a shot on target in front of 52,269 at Borussia-Park. The 29 year old Croatian international hasn’t reached the net or assisted in seven straight games. Mladen will have a chance to redeem himself on Thursday in Europa League when Hamburg takes on Standard Liege.
PHOTO: hsv.de; Mladen Petrić(center) in watches the game’s lone goal
Ivica Banović was left on the bench by Frieburg on Sunday in a 1-1 draw at Hoffenheim. Freiburg are fighting to stay in Bundesliga, staying in the relegation zone for a third straight week with only 24 points out of 28 games.
PHOTO: Schalke04.de; Ivan Rakitić(right) in action against Bayer
Ivan Rakitić started his 17th straight game for Schalke in a 2-0 win over powerhouse Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. Ivan played the full 90, picking up a sloppy yellow card in the 80th minute of play on a rough tackle. Schalke now find themselves atop the Bundesliga table, two points above Bayern München and three points above Bayer Leverkusen.
France
PHOTO: Nancy; Lens run into a brick wall
Vedran Runje and Lens were bombed for five goals for the first time this season, falling 5-1 at Nancy. Runje was at fault for the first goal, bobbling a long Nancy cross resulting in a first of three Dia goals. Vedran had no chance at the other four goals, as the Lens defense took a day off in the second half.
one of those days for Lens
Dejan Lovren was left on the bench by Lyon for the second straight game and five of the last six matches. The 20 year old, former Dinamo Zagreb defender is still trying to adjust to French football. The League 1 championship will most likely come down to the final day of the season as the top six teams are only separated by three points.
Italy
PHOTO: AP; Knezević(left) in action against Inter
Soon to be relegated Livorno were in action twice this week in Serie A. On Wednesday Dario Knežević and Livorno were in Milan where they were dominated from start to finish, falling 3-0 to Inter. Dario was subbed out in the 63rd minute and even managed a shot on goal. On Sunday, Livorno managed a point at home to Bari in front of only 7,000 at Armando Picchi stadium. Dario played the full 90, and only a “homeless crnac” can save Livorno from relegation.
PHOTO: AP; Inter fans displeased with Silvio Berlusconi
PHOTO: Reuters; Knezević(left) in action against Bari
Igor Budan continues to be used sparingly for Palermo, coming on in the 83rd minute on Saturday in a 3-1 Palermo win over Bologna, and being left on the bench on Wednesday in a 2-2 draw at Genoa. Igor is still trying to find a place in the hot Palermo squad getting limited playing time in the past ten games. Palermo find themselves in fourth place, trying to hold off Juventus and Napoli for a champions league spot next season. Will they have enough gas to make it to the end of the season?
Mato Jajalo
Genoa and Siena battled to a 1-1 draw from the Artemio Franchi Montepaschi Arena with 13,000 in attendance. Mato Jajalo made a brief appearance for Siena, entering the contest in the 83′ of play, while our old friend Ivan Jurić played the entire contest for Genoa, earning a yellow card in the 78′. 19th place Siena are away at Atalanta next weekend, while 9th place Genoa host Livorno. Will Mato be sold this summer if Siena gets relegated?
Spain
BILIĆ(R) GETTING MOBBED WITH A BALL IN HIS SHIRT
Mate Bilić scored the opening goal on Tuesday in Sporting Gijon’s 2-1 victory over Deportivo La Coruna. Sporting needed a 90th minute penalty to seal the game. It’s good to see Bilić back on the board in the Spanish league.
On Sunday, Bilić and company travelled to Barcelona to take on Espanyol. Bilić started and played 84 minutes but couldn’t get that all important goal as the match ended in a scoreless draw. Four points in one week- not bad for Sporting as they will stay up for next season.
BILIĆ IS HAVING A BABY, RIGHT?
Belgium
Ivan Perišić
St-Truiden and Club Brugge battled to a 0-0 draw from the Staaienveld Stadium. Ivan Perišić was featured in the match, but was unable to draw enough offensive power to break the deadlock. As the season winds down, Club Brugge look certain to take 2nd place in the standings at earn a spot in next years UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds. With 2 games left, they host KV Kortrijk next weekend before traveling to face first place Anderlecht in the last match of the season.
Turkey
Drago Gabrić
Drago Gabrić and Hrvoje Čale both started for Trabzonspor in a 2-1 loss at Kayerispor. Gabrić received a yellow card in the 13′ and was subbed out for teammate Ceyhun Gulselam. The loss keeps Trabzonspor in 5th place as they head into next weeks contest against Ankaraspor.
Russia
PHOTO: Lokomotiv; Dujmović
Tomislav Dujmović was an unused substitute for Lokomotiv Moskow in a 2-1 loss to Spartka Moscow. No word on why Tomislav didn’t play. Lokomotiv Moskow have now lost two of three games to start the Russian premierleague.
PHOTO: AP; Križanac(right) in action against Dinamo Moskva
Ivica Križanac started and played the full 90 for Zenit St. Petersburg in a 2-1 victory at Dinamo Moscow. Ivica has started and played in all three games for the Russians this season. Zenit are currently in first place along with FK Rubin Kazan and Spartak Nalchik.
Ukraine
PHOTO: Dynamo; Vuki(right) celebrating goal over FC Metalist Kharkiv
Dynamo Kyiv have got themselves back on the winning track with a convincing 3-0 victory over FC Metalist Kharkiv at the Lobanovskyy Dynamo stadium on Sunday.Ognjen Vukojević played the full 90 for Dynamo, rebounding from last Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat at second-bottom side FC Zakarpattya.
PHOTO: Shakhtar.com; Dario(right) celebrating Shakhtar goal over Arsenal Kyiv
Darijo Srna was in action for first place Shakhtar Donetsk at home to Arsenal Kyiv on Sunday. Darijo played a solid 72 minutes for Shakhtar, leading them to a 3-1 victory. With the win, Shakhtar find themselves atop the table with 55 points from 22 games, two points up on second placed Dynamo Kyiv.
PHOTO: Shakhtar.com; captain Srna(left) before kickoff
Austria
Nikica Jelavić celebrating with teammates
Rapid Vienna thumped FC Karnten 4-2 from the Wortherseestadion in Austrian Bundesliga action. Nikica Jelavić played the entire match for Rapid, scoring the final goal of the match for his side in the 82′. Jelavić and company stay in 2nd place with the victory and are away at SV Josko Ried on April 9th.
Nikola Pokrivač was not featured in Red Bull Salzburg’s lineup for a 6-1 victory over SV Mattersburg.
Next Matches:
Tuesday, 3/30
Manchester United at Bayern Munich(Champions League)
Wednesday, 3/31
Barcelona at Arsenal (Champions League), KV Kortrijk at Club Brugge
Thursday, 4/1
Standard Liege at Hamburg(Europa League)
Saturday, 4/3
Wolverhampton at Arsenal, Tottenham at Sunderland, Blackburn at Portsmouth, Aston Villa at Bolton, Lyon at Stade Rennes, Bayern Munich at Schalke 04, VfL Bochum at Freiburg, Palermo at Catania, Livorno at Genoa, Siena at Atalanta, FC Karnten at Rapid Vienna, Club Brugge at Anderlecht, Zenit St Petersburg at CSKA Moscow, Dynamo Kyiv at Zarja Lugansk, Shakhtar Donetsk at Obolon Kyiv
Sunday, 4/4
Lens at Marseille, Hannover 96 at Hamburg, Hoffenheim at VfL Wolfsburg, Xerez at Sporting Gijon, Dinamo Moscow at Lokomotiv Moscow, Ankaraspor at Trabzonspor
~Denis Svirčić and Ante Kvartuč reporting from San Pedro, California and Ivica Peroš reporting from the Big Apple
Why'd u keep calling him Da Silva, Eduardo says that's his mothers maiden name lol..
OLIC.. OLIC.. OLIC!
I love'd that goal.. He's behind you Evra lol..
Da Silva is not a player for a top team like Arsenal, Man U, etc. He is more suited for a smaller team. When I see Da Silva play, he does nothing to convice me he is one of the top players in the world – and only the top players should play for the bigger teams. At this level he is a role player. he is a very good player, but not a great player.
OLIC!!!
I agree with you Ivica, Eduardo would be better off in Germany or Spain. He's a finesse player who's style fits those leagues. I can't stand seeing the NT players on their club's benches. Klasnic, Kalinic, Pranjic and even Olic. Wtf was van Gaal thinking when he lost to Stuttgart? Makes you wonder about match fixing. How much did he make on the side?
….and the sad thing is, he still has it in him. Regardless of how little he has been playing for the gunners, he can jump right into the Croatian NT starting lineup and make a major impact in the game, regardless of the opponent.
Eduardo needs to leave Arsenal. He is wasting away on the bench. There are clubs all over Europe who could use a striker of his caliber. He has no future with the Gunners. It's either move now, or be an "off the bench" player for the rest of his career with the Arsenal. Perhaps a league where physicality is not as stressed.
I seriously doubt he will be featured in Arsenal's lineup against Barca for either leg.
lol Having finished with the Kezman debate, some Hajduk bright spark brought up resigning Ante Rukavina!!
Ruki's got to do something at the end of this season. If it means a loan at Hajduk i guess at least he's playing. I'm think here they see him as replacement for Ibricic to play alongside Vukusic. Not the worst idea in the world i guess. I actually think a transfer to a smaller Bundesliga club to Austria or Russia may also spark his revival.
Not seeing nearly enough of Eduardo, Klasnic or Budan as the season draws to a close. Palermo prob see Budan as an extremely useful sub, but that decision not to join Bari aint looking such a good choice now. He could have had a really good season if he played more football.
Klasnic should start appearing more as Elmanders doing nothing. Klasnic is never happy as a sub.
Nikica Jelavic is still scoring each week. I am unsure if this will happen or not as Mamic will demand Mandzo keeps getting caps till he moves, but Jelavic deserves to be 5th striker for next international.
Eduardo, Olic, Petric, Bilic, Jelavic
To add to the above ^ Ilicevic scored for Kaiserslautern in a 4-0 win. Lakic and Ilicevic may be new guys for the Croatians Around Europe next season.
Cesarec and Mario Budimir scored in Greece in wins for Asteras and Ergotelis.
If Dinamo and Hajduk are looking for a forward i don't see any harm in giving a chance to these two who understand the meaning of those clubs, rather than old guys.
Andrej Keric also back in the goals with 4 in two weeks for Slovan Liberec. For us especially Keric would be a improvement on Sivonjic, Slepi, Primorac as the guy has pace and good finishing ability.
sorry for the delay guys, so much going on this week… a nice long Croatians around Europe for you guys..
++++ Barcelona wants 2 million Euros to play Hajduk for 100th Anniversary
Oh me oh my… we shall see..
Sorry guys. The Home Depot thing was still on top and I wanted Croatian Around Europe to be so I had to create a new post. Three previous comments were deleted in the process.
Repost if you'd like. Sorry again. -Ante