England
Reuters/Modrić rips his 2nd of the season
Luka Modrić and the Tottenham Hotspur replied to their 4-0 thumping by Real Madrid with a wild 3-2 victory over Stoke City on Saturday. Modrić got the start and followed Peter Crouch’s 11′ header goal with one of his own seven minutes later. Little Modrić received the ball just outside of the box and dribbled in with full speed before placing the ball between the legs of Bosnian goalie Begović with a left-footed strike. It was the second Premiership goal for Modrić this season.
Dear Luka,
CSR Nation has pleaded for you to attack the box more for over a year. We hope you have found confidence in doing so this past Saturday. We know you can pass the ball over all parts off the field, but you can also score goals if committed. We hope to see more aggressive play from you in the box for Tottenham and Croatia.
Sincerely, CSR Nation
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE
Vedran Ćorluka returned from a late injury substitution against Real Madrid to start against Stoke on Saturday. Ćorluka played well on the wing offensively and was not at fault for either goal. In the 24′, a section of Croatian supporters chanted “Javi se!” at Ćorluka while he regained his composure after being fouled. Let’s see what he can do against Real Madrid on Wednesday; in what can be looked at as a friendly for Spurs.
MODRIĆ GOAL 0:40 IN ITALIANO
Ivan Klasnić played the last eight minutes of Bolton’s 3-0 win over West Ham on Saturday without having to make an impact.
Nikola Kalinić was once again left off Blackburn’s squad list in their 1-1 draw against Birmingham over the weekend. There are no injury reports out on Kalinić at the moment. Have Blackburn shut down their Croatian striker for the year?
Spain
Getty/Rakitić (R) saves Sevilla again
Ivan Rakitić got the start for Sevilla on Saturday in a battle for European position against Mallorca. With Sevilla coming out of the locker room at halftime down 2-1, Croatian stud Rakitić cleaned up the trash in the middle of the box, firing a 68′ laser into the net after a poor clearance attempt. The goal would force a 2-2 draw and earn Sevilla one point. He has been a fantastic signing for the Spanish club thus far this season. Sevilla look to be headed into Europa League action next year. What can Rakitić do with a full season at his new club?
Ivan Rakitić equalizer
SPANISH LA LIGA TABLE
Mate Bilić was left off Sporting Gijon’s roster in their 1-0 win over Osasuna this past weekend. Gijon are now closer to a Europa League spot than relegation. Mate, see you in Split next season? You can play striker for Hajduk and teach Spanish to the Croatian kids in the community. Double threat!
Germany
Photo: REUTERS/Thomas Bohlen; Srđjan Lakić(left) going up with Stuttgart’s Christian Traesch on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Arena
Kroatienslautern is back in business. Forgotten Red Devil, Srdjan Lakić, reminded the Bundesliga world on Saturday that his 11 goals in 2010 were no fluke with a double against Stuttgart. The 27 year old, former Hajduk Split striker opened up the scoring for Kroatienslautern in the 17th minute after connecting on a Oliver Kirch cross from the right side from eight yards out. Stuttgart would then put two on the board to take the hosts up at halftime. Just as Kroatienslautern looked to be on their way to another loss, the Red Devils answered in the 67th minute with three goals in twenty minutes to put the game out of reach.
Photo: REUTERS/Thomas Bohlen; Srđjan Lakić(left) scoring his second goal against Stuttgart
Srdjan Lakić added to his first half goal with another header, this time coming off a corner in the 79th minute of play. Croatia could surely use his services as they don’t have a striker with his height and jumping ability. Imagine Lakić getting service from Dario Srna from the right and Danijel Pranjić from the left. Just a thought.
Lakić double
Photo: REUTERS/Thomas Bohlen; Stiven Rivić(center) celebrates scoring against Stuttgart
25 year old Stiven Rivić also joined the Kroatienslautern party. The former NK Istra midfielder came on for Oliver Kirch at halftime and scored his second goal of the season after stealing the ball from Christian Trasch then beating Sven Ulreich to the near right post. Croatian international Ivo Iličević sat out due to an abdominal injury. Kaiserslautern have lost just once in their last six games to jump to 12th place, six points clear from relegation.
Photo: Bild; Even a Bundesliga crown couldn’t save Luis van Gaal from the ax.
Luis van Gaal will have an earlier summer break than anticipated as Bayern Munich finally ran out of patience with him and sacked the Dutchman. Bayern Munich has had an up and down season and sit currently fourth in the Bundesliga, 13 points behind league leading Borussia Dortmund. Bayer Leverkusen boss Jupp Heynckes will replace Van Gaal at the end of the season.
Photo: Bild; Danijel Pranjić(right) celebrating Bayern goal against Nurnberg
In Luis van Gaal’s final game in charge, Bayern Munich drew 1-1 away to Nurnberg. Croatian international Danijel Pranjić who has been rumored to be on his way out to Feyenoord this summer, started and played only the first half for Bayern Munich on Saturday. With Bayern’s disappointing season just about coming to an end, the German giants will be looking at a massive overhaul this summer. Bild have reported that Tottenham and Ajax also have expressed interest in the 29 year old former Dinamo Zagreb midfielder.
Photo: HSV; Mladen Petrić (L) slipping against Dortmund
In a highly entertaining match at Imtech Arena, Borussia Dortmund came from behind in the final seconds to stun Mladen Petrić and Hamburg 1-1. Hamburg struck first just before halftime as Petrić was brought down in the box to set up Ruud van Nistelrooy with an easy goal from the spot. Watch as Mladen uses his speed to get in front of Mats Hummels and use his body to get contact in the box. The referee had no choice but to point to the spot. Dortmund would then hit two posts, have two goals disallowed for offsides, and have a ball cleared off the line. The Bundesliga leaders patience payed off in the final seconds as a long ball found Jakub Blaszczykowski on the far right side and the Polish midfielder blasted in the equalizer.
Not a bad result for Hamburg as they remain in the hunt for an Europa League spot next season. Check out Mladen’s run in with the law.
1:30 Mladen Petrić draws penalty kick
Croatian under 21 international Petar Slišković was left on the bench for Mainz in a 2-0 loss at Hannover 96. Mainz continue to slip down the Bundesliga table, now winless in four.
Former Dinamo Zagreb striker Mario Mandžukić was suspended because of excessive yellow cards for Wolfsburg on Saturday in a 1-0 loss to Schalke 04. The game marked the return to Gelsenkirchen for former Schalke manager Felix Magath. With the loss, Wolfsburg remain in the relegation zone. Mario should return next week in almost a must win game against Bundesliga bottom-dwellers St. Pauli.
PHOTO: Köln; Mato Jajalo(#19) in action against Borussia Monchengladbach
Mato Jajalo and Köln failed to show up against Borussia Monchengladbach on Sunday, falling 5-1 to the worst team in the Bundesliga. Mato started and played only the first half as Köln manager Frank Schaefer tried to shake things up with his team down 3-0. Even with the loss, Köln sit a comfortable 7 points out of relegation.
Bayer Leverkusen are now within five points of Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund as they came from behind to beat St Pauli 2-1 in front of 30,210 at Bay Arena. Croatian international Domagoj Vida once again watched from the sidelines.
Croatian international Josip Šimunić was left off the squad for Hoffenheim in a 3-2 loss at Freiburg on Saturday, while German U-19 international Boris Vukčević looks to be out for the rest of the year after breaking his leg last weekend against Hamburg. Zvonko Pamić was left off the squad for Freiburg. With the win, Freiburg stopped a five match winless streak and remain in the race for an Europa League spot.
Scotland
PHOTO: REUTERS/Russell Cheyne; Nikica Jelavić(left) celebrating game winner against Hamilton
Glasgow Rangers received a shock on Sunday as bottom table Hamilton were a made penalty and a missed set piece away from stunning the Scottish Giants. Steven Davis gifted Hamilton in the 17th minute after bringing down Dougie Imrie in the box. However, Dougie Imrie’s spot kick was saved by Allan McGregor in the lower left corner. Oddly, that would be the only shot on target for Hamilton. Rangers continued to pressure and their patience payed off just before halftime when Nikica Jelavić curled in a beautiful free kick which was all the Rangers needed for the win. The 25 year old Croatian international started and played the full 90 minutes for Glasgow. Rangers remain two points back of Celtic in the fight for first place.
Nikica Jelavić free kick winner against Hamilton
“Thankfully, we managed to get the points and we have Allan and Nikica to thank for the moments of magic they produced in the first half. Hamilton were arguably the better team up to that point but when you have guys like Jelavić in the team you always have a chance. He has great quality and his free-kick was excellent. I think he also got another goal in the second-half which was by all accounts on side. But he is a top class player and will be important for us in the run-in.”
~Rangers defender, Richard Foster
Ukraine
Oggy in Europa League action
Ognjen Vukojević got the start at defensive-mid for Dynamo Kyiv on Thursday in their first-leg Europa League quarterfinal against Portuguese club Sporting Braga. A 6′ Yarmolenko goal put Dynamo up early but Vukojević was caught in the action eight minutes later as a Braga goal looked to have come off a Dynamo player last. The own-goal which made the game 1-1 was originally credited to Vukojević, however, was corrected to Gusev hours after the match. The match ended 1-1 with the return leg on the Iberian peninsula set for April 14th. Ukrainian legend Andriy Shevchenko received a red card during the match after two yellows in the 62′ and will not be eligible for the return leg.
Vukojević played the full 90 minutes Sunday as Dynamo drew Metalurh Zaporizhya 1-1. With a Shakhtar loss on Saturday, Dynamo only managed to gain one point of ground with the draw. They still remain 11 points behind Shakhtar with six left to play.
DID THE BALL GO OFF VUKOJEVIĆ OR GUSEV LAST?
WILL EDUARDO HAVE NEW TRICKS COME NEXT QUALIFIER?
Eduardo got the start for Shakhtar Donetsk and played the full 90 minutes in a rare 1-0 loss to Obolon Kyiv on Saturday. It was the first loss at the new Donbass Arena and the first home loss for Shakhtar since 2008. It looks as if the 5-1 Barcelona defeat earlier in the week took more out of Shakhtar than we originally thought. Darijo Srna came on at halftime to rally the troops but was taken out 13 minutes later due to a thigh injury. The Croatian captain has now been ruled out for two weeks by UEFA.com with a strained thigh and will miss the Barcelona second leg this Tuesday in Donetsk.
UKRAINIAN STANDINGS THROUGH 24 MATCHES
Ivan Strinić was left off the squad in Dnipro’s 2-0 win over Vorskla on Saturday.
Belgium
ClubBrugge/Perišić converts the PK
Ivan Perišić cooly converted a penalty kick in the 41′ and assisted on Akpala’s goal in the 55′ to give Club Brugge a 3-0 win over Belgian giants Anderlecht in the second round of playoffs Sunday afternoon. Perišić was subbed out in the 85′ when the game was already well out of hand. With the win, Club Brugge pull themselves within two points of a Third Round Champions League qualifying spot for next season. Although there are still a handful of games left in the Belgian playoffs, Club Brugge have put themselves in a great position to succeed with this win.
BELGIAN PLAYOFFS ROUND 2 OF 10
Perišić has also been rumored with a transfer to Tottenham or Borussia Dortmund this summer, TribalFootball.com reports. The Croatian ‘wunderkind’ wouldn’t break into the first XI in his first year anyways with either club. A move to a mid-table English or German side would be better.
PERIŠIĆ PENALTY FROM THE STANDS
France
Photo: RCLens; Vedran Runje saving a Lyon penalty kick
Vedran Runje held Lyon scoreless in the first half but couldn’t duplicate that in the second as Lens struck out in Lyon 3-0. Vedran made a couple of good saves for Lens and even stopped an injury time penalty kick from Ederson. However, it was Lyon’s night as Lens remain 7 points back of a safe spot with eight games left. The schedule does get easier for Lens as only Bordeaux have a winning record of the final eight teams.
PHOTO: olweb.fr; Dejan Lovren(right) wrestling with with Lens Yohan Demont on Sunday
Dejan Lovren started and played the full 90 minutes for Lyon in the shutout win. The former Dinamo Zagreb defender didn’t have any trouble with the Lens attack. With the win, Olympique Lyon have pipped Stade Rennes for third place in Ligue 1 and the final Champions League spot. Lyon are only 5 points shy of first place Lille. Interesting Lovren article via Darijo
Lyon 3 Lens 0
Austria
PHOTO: REUTERS/Robert Zolles; Gordon Schildenfeld blocking Rapid’s Christopher Trimmel shot on Saturday
Sturm Graz picked up two valuable points on Austria Wien in the fight for Austrian Bundesliga crown and the lone Champions League spot after registering a 2-0 win at Rapid Wien on Saturday. Croatian international Gordon Schildenfeld started and played the full 90 minutes in the shutout win. Does Gordon deserve a shot with the national team or is the Austrian Bundesliga on the same level as the HNL?
Next Matches:
Tuesday, 4/12
Barcelona at Shakhtar Donetsk(Champions League)
Wednesday, 4/13
Real Madrid at Tottenham(Champions League), Rangers at Aberdeen
Thursday, 4/14
Dynamo Kiev at Braga(Europa League Quarterfinals)
Friday, 4/15
M’gladbach at Mainz
Saturday, 4/16
Blackburn Rovers at Everton, Sevilla at Getafe, Brest at Lens, Hannover 96 at Hamburg SV, Frankfurt at Hoffenheim, Stuttgart at FC Cologne, Nurnberg at Kaiserslautern, St Pauli at VfL Wolfsburg, St Mirren at Rangers, SV Salzburg at Sturm Graz
Sunday, 4/17
Stoke City at Bolton(FA CUP), Sporting Gijon at R Sociedad, Lyon at PSG, Bayer Leverkusen at Bayern Munich, SC Freiburg at Dortmund, Bursaspor at Trabzonspor, Shakhtar Donetsk at Tavriya, Sevastopol at Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, Lokeren at Club Brugge
Monday, 4/18
Zorya at Dynamo Kyiv
~Ante Kvartuč and Denis Svirčić reporting from sunny Southern California
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[…] There you will find 56341 more Infos: croatiansports.com/?p=1238 […]…
I'm compiling a list of all Prva generacija and Druga generacija members. If all of you would be so kind and shoot me an email at:
Paluka81@yahoo.com
with:
1) Name on the site
2) City where you are writing us from
3) Prva generacija/Druga generacija/neither
4) Real name(optional)
Once we get the new website up and running, we will have a page for all the members on CSR. I understand that some of you would like to stay anonymous and that is fine. All we ask is that you pick a name and stick to it.
Ultimately, we want to eliminate this:
"I was in S Cal last month on business and tried to find a croatian restaurant… no luck"
~Slavonac from Canada
Like our motto says:
"uniting Croatians around the world"
@Mark,
I guess we are all stunned that we have seen some emotion coming from Carli.
Im not a ManU fan. Besides Chelsea they are the most hated team for me in the EPL. However, I do think that Modric could be a good fit for the "wankers". Also, imagine Luka servicing Rooney, Chicharito and Berbatov?
Eduardo is not leaving shakhtar.
1) Pay check is good
2) Brazilians on the team
3) Srna on the team
@Arrian,
I dont think that Dortmund would break bread for Modric. Only ManU are a team that can afford and need Modric.
@Allen
I dont think we are comparing Kranjcar to Pranjic. We are trying to figure out what works for Croatia in the midfield. Rakitic-Modric-Kranjcar doesnt work. Rakitic or Kranjcar have to sit. Pranjic could be an alternative to Kranjcar. This doesnt mean that Pranjic is better, this means that Pranjic is better in this system.
@Andrej
"Pranjic gets abuse for Walcott…how about the protection HE DOESN'T get from a LM like Kranjcar/Rakitic"
Good point. I never thought of it that way.
@AZ
"i think petric should be played as a striker and not a supporting striker"
I agree.
I believe you have remarked some very interesting points , appreciate it for the post.
@Boris,
Like I wrote you in the email, I dont consider this a win.
Michael Redd missed 72 games
Ersan Ilyasova missed 22 games
Drew Gooden missed 47 games
Carlos Delfino missed 33 games
Corey Maggette missed 15 games
Andrew Bogut missed 17 games and was a fraction of himself this season
John Salmons missed 9 games
Brandon Jennings missed 19 games
No wonder the Bucks missed the playoffs. So I wouldnt say that you were "wrong". It was almost a "no-action" bet.
Thanks for coming out like that. Shows character.
Well Billc needs to fix his system. When I look at Croatia, it's really a mess. I want all three of the great mids on, but then it would involve Srna not being on and that can't happen. I am not sure what to do, but Pranjic is a defensive liability. We will see about Strinic, your right he has yet to go against major competition but time will tell. You make good points about a lack of LM help, but hey a holding midfielder should help on that side if it needs help.
Now as for Bale, well the guy was man of the match today. He made Sergio Ramos look silly and showed why he is one of the best. But hold on one minute, Bale had one great game against Inter? When you watch more of Tottenham let me know because thats laughable. Bale has had terrific games against so many EPL teams, from Man City to Newcastle. The guy has 6 EPL goals 11 on the season. Aaron Lennon has also stepped up, both guys would walk in on Croatia. Both guys are fantastic players and I have no idea how you can diss them.
Ante, haha see right before he scores this I was praising his @$$. The guy is a beast!
Jelavic goal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X5wZIEguGY&feature=player_embedded
It seems that some of you don't realize it but Klasnic time with the NT is over NOW…let alone for 2014 qualifying. I am not saying I wouldn't want to see him currently but he isn't going to be there in a year or two for sure.
Runje IS solid…and Plenti looked great during France but he will not see any international time unless he is 1st choice keeper at a club..so this summmer that should be his priority. It does not really matter big or small club as long as its in a somewhat solid league. For now Runje has been solid and I dont know what more you can expect out of him…sure there has been a slip up or two but overall he has been great in my opinion. Sure his size gives him limitations but I dont really worry about him as goalies can play till they are 40 and possibly a little more.
Petric is a hot and cold striker…he can score for anywhere but he has never been as great in the NT as he has at club level. He is still NT quality and will be for a while.
Jelavic is a beast…did you see him put a tackle in on Mexes vs France? Simply he is bigger, stronger and faster than most defenders. I would wonder how he would look with Olic…that kind of work rate would would be nice to see. When he has been played in NT he has been asked to do a lot by himself…if anyone has the size in the team to do that its him. He isn't playing in the strongest league but I do think he has what it takes to take another step up to maybe a more difficult league. I enjoy watching him play…
i think petric should be played as a striker and not a supporting striker…he is probably where he excel…
as for jelevic and kalinic, they must prove in euro league and in internationals to prove their credentials…there is no enough time to do such experiment anymore as we are behind greece now…euo 2014..i still prefer hope olic is back together with eduardo klasnic and petric..they are the proven stirkers…
as for gk role, i think for the next few years at least, we can rely on pletikosa…hopefully he leaves for a club where he can play wk in wk out…as for runje, he is getting too old and has not stable enough..
I think Jelavic will do this week in week out .. but he still needs time to adjust to international football .. at the moment him and Kalinic need more time to adjust to international football and there teammates. I think in the end they'll be useful ..
Petric simply has to do better for Croatia .. He's always been a fine fine player, but Bilic cannot start him again till he responds .. Simply drop him and bring him on and he has it in his locker to produce something amazing from bench .. Good to see Lakic get his head back on, but i dont understand that move to Wolfsburg cos that club does not know wot they want .. They signed about 5 strikers this season .. he would have been safer staying put .. Kaiserslautern aint going down now. They should build a better team for next season .. Would still like to see a Croat arrive in the number 9 shirt …
Croatia probably really still need a safe pare of hands up front at present or to just chance it with Perisic and Eduardo up front .. Perisic looks like he's extremely confident and can do it at international level .. Bilic should take a chance on him
Given time i hope Jelavic comes good for Croatia .. some might laugh but i also think Mandzukic will at least do better next season and Ante Vukusic should go to someone like Kaiserslautern .. If he moves for stupid money it'd be a joke considering he's done no more than people like Nino Bule, Ivan Kristanovic, Dino Kresinger this season and we would never say those guys belong in Arsenal etc .. It actually might make sense for Vukusic to go now from HNL1 and improve abroad whilst he's young, but improve at a club where he'll play.
Hajduk is really a club for someone like Mate Bilic, Ivan Lendric, Duje Cop and Ivan Santini next season .. Vukusic should decide he's done HNL1 and if he's gonna become a player he needs to go abroad whilst young ..
It also doesn't seem like things are working out for Andrej Kramaric – so perhaps somewhere like Club Brugge might really help him
@ ziva
I don't know what turbo-serbo crap is. I hate Serbs and so do my friends. How can a 30 year old relive the jugo days?……..WOW. You've done it again.
Allen,
Bale holding Kranjcar out in the 1st part of the season I could understand…but his level of play has dropped and his 1 trick…has been figured out. His last good performance was Inter hat trick…which even than was against an Inter side that went to sleep and had there weekend league match on the mind. I think Bale is a great player but the fact is like most wingers ex. Lennon. he has been figured out…until he adds to his game you wont see what you were seeing early in the season..like what happened to Lennon from season prior where he went a year without a goal…Bale is good but anywhere near best in the world…far to overrated. No Kranjcar is not the better player between the two…but when Kranjcar was in-form and proving he deserved a chance…he still got little playing time behind Pienaar as well.
Allen,
Pranjic gets abuse for Walcott…how about the protection HE DOESN'T get from a LM like Kranjcar/Rakitic…who roams freely and leaves the defense exposed. In no way am I saying I think Pranjic is a better player than Kranjcar but the fact is we have to find a new style of play. Kranjcar, Modric, and Rakitic move the ball slower than anything I have seen in my life. They clog the same areas constantly and we just lack much speed to counter attack. The worst thing is NONE of them are potential players at RM…
Pranjic brings work rate and pace. His defense is criticized but my god WTF has Strnic done to say he is better? Who has he faced again…? Thats right NOBODY! I am a fan of both but Pranjic is a better LB. I don't know how some don't see Pranjic in the team. The fact is WE NEED WIDTH on at least 1 side of the pitch. Either Srna on right or Pranjic on left seems to be the way to go if not both. The fact is somebody will suffer here between Kranjcar and Rakitic…
No Pranjic is not better than Kranjcar or Rakitic but tactically it seems impossible to fit our best attacking midfielders in to the starting 11…Bilic tried…he failed…we all asked to see it and we did…
@evotikurac
I'm not sure if you are ignorant, or just trying to get a rise out of people.
Sure it's Bench 101, this is a forum, if you haven't noticed. The fact that you brush it off as something useless (garbage), is what boggles my mind. There is so much scientific study that goes into the health of athletes, both physically and mentally, that it becomes something that is pretty hard to overlook these days.
From my standpoint, you're basically telling me science is useless. Since I'm assuming you have all the answers, please teach me.
Now even though his living situation may not be the end all be all of a player, it can induce frustration, anxiety, or too much comfort.
Examples of location issues-
B.J. Armstrong- Asked to be traded after joining the Raptors because Toronto was too much of a party town, and he couldn't concentrate.
Baseball players in LA that go to the East Coast and have greater success due to less of a laid back lifestyle along with baseball being the #1 market in a place like NY or Boston
Russell Martin, Piazza, Beltre,etc.
Players mentality-
Tiger Woods- Psychology probably has nothing to do with the fact that after his divorce his game has been slumping.
Any baseball player with a hitting slump-
The term "Get in their head"- MINDBLOWING!
I got way more to write about this. Maybe I'll write something up to help prove you wrong. For now, evotikurac na glavu.
LOL some posters are pretty funny. So Pranjic over Kranjcar is what some people would be ideal. I don't care if he isn't getting first team play, Kranjcar is on a top team while Pranjic is on a team that doesn't have a left back in sight. Like I said, I think you people haven't watched qualifiers or seen what Niko has done this year. He has been a man on a mission, he has been terrific this year. So if you think for one second that Pranjic is anywhere near the ability of Kranjcar just because Niko is behind a man who is one of the best players in the world right now in Gareth Bale then I have nothing to say to you.
As for left back, well it has been shown. Theo Walcott made a fool of him, he was very poor against the Czechs in a friendly and has simply failed to prove he can last. I rather have Strinic, who wouldn't get so beaten down at left back and would hold his own. If it means cutting down on the attack, so be it. I can't think of much good Pranjic has done in the past few years and that is why he is rumored to going back in the Dutch league.
@ Arrian,
Yep, just shoot us an email at CroatianSoccerReport@gmail.com. Seems like something is brewing in that head of yours. Can't wait to read it…
@Boris….no worries…..It really does not matter who the last 4 seeds in the East are….none have a chance.
Also, I wouldn't say I am a Chicago-hater. Actually, I love the city. Plenty of things to do when in town. My only criticism was aimed at the hrvati in that city. The youth (30, 35-under crowd) cant speak, write or read and they spend their weekends listening to turbo-serbo crap and reliving the yugo glory days. jebiga, it is what it is
@ denis and chicago-hater ziva
i would like to officially admit that i was wrong about the NBA playoffs, and my Bucks-making-the-playoffs prediction earlier this year was off. feel free to blast me for such an outlandish prediction earlier this season. i got excited with the mix of youth and new addition veterans coming off the bench for the Bucks…but they all got hurt on and off, and they couldn't keep the same lineup on the floor for more than 5 games in a row. oh well…NBA lottery, here we come!
also, denis, i believe i owe you a case of karlovacko. drop me an email at boris.i.kuzmanovic@gmail.com so i can make arrangements for delivery.
Arrian,
Contact one of editors (Fisto, Ivica, Denis or Ante K). Easy as that.
How does one go about writing an article for CSR?
all of the comments after Denis' last post are garbage. bench soccer 101.
This: "Follow the money and that is where you get the answers."
I got another one Ziva, "why was this information produced?"
@Mark, the only thing I said about Eduardo was that he probably has a good finishing rate – as part of my response to Jersey Cro's last post. So I'm not sure – why you're addressing me or what you're talking about. Yea, it doesn't take a genius to know it's difficult to play soccer at the highest level after a double compound leg fracture.
Come on guys…..Bilic or nay coach calling someone "the next XXXX" is not driving up anyone's price. Look at the amount of times Pele has been wrong on a player or team.
Klasnic did not make any mistake going to Blackburn. He is making about 1.5 million per year. That was a smart move. There is no guarentee he would have played better in another country. His first duty when he left Hajduk was to secure as much money as he could get. Now, if he wants to leave he does have the luxury of picking a club that is suited to him and not having to worry about the money as much.
Follow the money and that is where you get the answers.
TheGoldenChild: "The more comfortable and happy a person is in life (outside of work or at work), the better they are going to progress and perform in life."
——————————–
There is the other side of the coin whereby hardships from tyranny awaken lions. Too many people are blind to the dictatorship and "trade deference for pay"; "the greatest evils of any age are denied and unrecognized". Don't get too comfortable.
@ GoldenChild and Arrian:
Thanks, you get it.
Eduardo seems to fit in really well in his current role @ Shakhtar. He's definitely not at the level he was before, so I'm not suggesting he deserves better right now. I was just suggesting that he's seen greener pastures. It can definitely psychological toll on a player.
@Fanaticar
Quality of life has a LARGE affect on how a player performs. Pressure and anxiety off the pitch can be nothing but trouble for a player on the pitch.
Colleges have psychological courses strictly devoted to sports. Google it. =). Imagine if you went from living in sunny California where all your family is, to living in rainy Seattle. There's a psychological toll that a player is going to encounter on and off the field.
The more comfortable and happy a person is in life (outside of work or at work), the better they are going to progress and perform in life. How is this going to be any different from a player?
Lakic, Petric & Jelavic seem to be doing a decent job of finishing; and I imagine Eduardo & Klasnic have high finishing rates. And Rakitic is finishing at a strikers pace. And we'll see how Peresic does in a more competitive league. And Olic scored 8 goals in the CL in recent history.
He had one decent game against Slovakia and all of a sudden people jumped back on his bandwagon (Hajduk fans couldn't stand him). He also scored against Malta.
Only good thing I'll say about him is he works hard, but he isn't a good finisher at all (like most Croatian strikers). He can score some nice goals but most of the time he isn't clinical enough.
Going to Blackburn was the wrong decision though, I'm sure he had little say though, basically Hajduk sold him to the highest bidder and these EPL teams always overpay, it didn't help when Bilic on BBC called him the "future of Croatian football." I'm sure that drove his price up but it can be easy to ridicule Bilic for making that statement. If he is the future of Croatian football then we are in serious trouble
Kalinic has looked fine in our Croatia side….has he not? He is no world beater but he isn't awful either. I don't know if the 3 strikers in front of him have scored 5 goals…that is what Kale has in 15 matches. 1 in 3 on a mid/lower table PL team is not awful. They dont play attractive football…they create minimal chances and win even less.
No Kalinic isn't the next Suker…but I wouldn't call him a failure. The stupidest decision he made was going to the PL. He is young and he should leave this summer to Germany.
Don't get your hopes up on Kalinic folks….good thing I didn't, Hajduk for once did some good business fleecing Blackburn
And it's official:
Gradanski Nogometni Klub Dinamo Zagreb (GNK Dinamo Zagreb)
i think eduardo staying in shakhtar is alright as long he is playing(although he is backup to costa and adriano)…but of course eduardo can play in a club where he is guranteed starting 11 always…it is difficult for clubs to spend a lot on him who is still injury prone…eduardo is a must in national team because only him has the finishing which most strikers in national team lacks…perhaps klasnic also has it…
in btw, pranjic is important for national team bcoz the team does not have many pure wingers…kranjcar is LM who cuts in..i believe if pranjic is played as Left wing, he can perform and score goals too, just the season before he moved to bayern, he scored many goals for heerenveen…
as for corluka, i feel he is more suited for serie A who play a slower pace of football…
If Spurs don't make CL, what about Modric to Dortmund? Who are Borussia's CM's? I've seen a few Dortmund games, and although I don't know alot about soccer it seems to me that they play attractive football, and the atmosphere at Dortmund is tremendous.
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@Fanaticar, no one said quality of life had anything to do with a player's form and achievements; it seems you misunderstood the comments. Still, the question you ask is difficult to answer; on the one hand I would think a good quality of life (health, financial security – especially if earned, moral values, a hunger for knowledge, etc) would help a person in any endeavor. On the other hand, too much comfort and contentment can kill ambition.
What the hell does the quality of life have to do with a multi-million dollar professional footballer's form, achievements, etc?
Trust me on this one, Srna and the brazilian born hrvat are not complaining about life in the Ukraine. There are not too many clubs in the world, if any, that would be willing to pay Eduardo the money he is making now based on the last three years of what he has produced on the field. Life in Ukraine is no better or no worse than life in Croatia. We just have better weather.
Remember, this guy came from nothing in Brazil and didn't have the best conditions in ZG when he arrived.
The problem with him, if there is one, is that he will never be the player he was at Dinamo. I don't think he was ever going to be a true stud at Arsenal, but his career will be pretty much what it is now if he wants to play at a top club.
Andrej, I agree with you, to a point. Coming off arguably one of the worst injuries in football he's getting good minutes; his squad made it far in CL; they'll win the Ukrainian league title….etc. That's all good and I'm happy for him.
My point is that it's Ukraine. I'm speaking more from a quality of life perspective. It's basically a mafia scheming third world country that makes Croatia feel more like Germany. In addition to the political and economical instability of a nation, the weather is f'n smeche.
It must feel kinda demoralizing after living it up and having a sense of accomplishment in England. I just want to see him do better is all.
If Luka goes to a PL side it WILL be Man U.
I don't see where Luka will go currently. His dream club is Barcelona but currently he shouldn't go because he won't be seeing a lot of playing time. He will be probably one of 1st choice subs and will see field that way but if he is looking for 1st team….that isn't the way currently.
I don't think Luka leaves this summer unless he is pushed out with a ridiculous bid. I read so many of our own Croatians talk so badly about the guy but he is one of our best players. People forget we didn't qualify because we didn't have him almost entire last campaign. He may not be anywhere near Messi or Ronaldo but you can bet your @$$ if he was not there Spurs are not anywhere near CL.
What we saw vs Stoke of course he needs to do that more….but Modric plays within the system he is coached in. He uses the freedom that is given to him and plays to his abilities within that system. For a man of that size to be able to play a CM role in a league as physical as PL…that says enough. Go back when he was signed and nobody thought it was possible…you cant tell me he has not proved everyone wrong.
Mark, I don't see what is wrong for Eduardo to play in a top Ukraine side. In fact they are further than his past club Arsenal in CL….are they not?
I wouldn't find that a disappointment in any way. To add to that he is playing with a Croat Srna…and a team full of Brazilians…I would say that he has it made. Add to that he sees constant minutes if not starting from bench…and he is there leading scorer in CL with 4 goals.
For an injury that has basically set him on the verge of ending his career he is playing in a club who has a lot of funds and are basically going to see CL on a pretty consistent basis. There stadium is top class and they play very attractive football. I dont see why…unless playing time is a reason…he should go anywhere.
Eduardo at 50% of what he once was is still a Croatian NT call up. Unless we suddenly groom 3 or 4 better strikers I dont see Eduardo not being on this team…
On forums not many are big into Corluka…that is fine. I am not big into the pace of PL…we are all entitled to our opinions. I watch a lot of Tottenham matches ALOT…not a fan by anyway but its funny because I have always thought Corluka was one of there most consistent defenders. He rarely gets beat and always seems to be in the right place at the right time…but to me the best thing about players like Corluka is his career will be steady as he has NEVER used speed to be a great player….so he will never rely on it. I would beg Corluka to leave Tottenham at the end of season as well all know he will just become bench player next season because Walker will be in 1st team. English love pace…corluka does not have it….that is fine Corluka is a quality RB not a world class player in any way but he is able to play in any top league in a tottenham level side…
@ Denis and Ante:
Maybe Carli was just pissed off because he ran out of weed and didn't get a smoke in at half-time. He always looks like he's stoned….No, but in all seriousness it's about time he's showed some emotion.
-I REALLY hope Man U doesn't ever steal Luka. I could never see myself cheering for those red wankers.
** What are your thoughts on Eduardo's future? As this season winds down I'm beginning to wonder where he'll be next year. It seems as if he's been plagued with nagging little injuries all season which is why he hasn't really been able to prove himself as a top league player. I mean, who the hell wants to play in Ukraine? To go there from Arsenal must feel pretty crappy. I hope he can stay healthy and prove himself in the upcoming qualifiers. Maybe get a mid-season transfer or loan to a top league team??
After watching that video interview in Italy with Tottenham fans, I feel like the fans there are not so big on Corluka. Not sure why, but it when Ms. CSR was doing the interviews, it was a lot of "We love Modric, and Corluka is ok." Not surprised that the fans are still giving him grief. Maybe it's because of the fact that he is so laid back, and not matching the intensity that they like.
I wish Modric attacked like that every game, but as we all know he's more of a distributor than a scorer.
@Andrej
With you 100% on Pranjic. I think he still has a lot to offer to the NT in the starting 11.
Finally, Kranjcar's stock is plummeting while he's on the bench. Many were talking about a move to Liverpool earlier in the season. But, in the sporting world, it's all about what have you done lately.Now that Liverpool are meshing and successful, I can't see Kranjcar starting there now either. Where will he go?
@Andrej,
I agree. This coming from Corluka? I like it though, shows character. Carli might be looking to captain Croatia 🙂
@Jack(not Nicholson)
I agree with you on Kalinic. However, I still thought a jump to the EPL wasnt the right step. He should have invested a few years in the Bundesliga before he makes a jump to the EPL.
For some reason I think Modric will transfer to ManU this summer unless the Spurs make champs league.
I agree that Germany is the best league for our players. Besides Strinic and Runje, all of our starters are quality enough to play Bundesliga.
@ Allen,
I caught the game on FSC replay and the match gets turned off at the final whistle. Didn't see the verbal banter at the end, did the report and saw all the Corluka articles this morning. I apologize for the slip-up.
Shouldn't be a big deal for Corluka. Lost his cool after his own fan came at him. Finally shows some fire from Carli!
My main concern is Kalinic. Blackburn was not the right team for him even when he was receiving playing time. It is not easy to be a lone striker on a long ball team in the EPL. Despite this,he was making progress.
If they don't start scoring more, they are strong relegation candidates. I hope he doesn't wind up being loaned out to a Championship side.
Here is my long shot prediction regarding Kranjcar:
1. Tottenham doesn't qualify for CL
2. Modric and Bale are sold to consistent CL clubs in
the EPL or La Liga.
3. Kranjcar starts next year in the "Modric" spot that
he played in last year when Luka was hurt.
4. Bale's spot is filled with the likes of Pineer or
Pranjic.
5. Tottenham finishes in 7th next season.
I think Germany is the best place for most of our players.
Who knows what happened with Corluka…I dont know the guy personally but he looks very laid back. He never really had an outburst on the field and I dont see him as a dirty player or nasty personality type of guy either. To me it seems like it would take quite a bit of talking to make Corluka freak out. Either way Corluka was wrong at saying anything to the fan BUT who the hell talks crap to there own team after they win…they should be happy considering Corluka is more proven RB than anything Tottenham currently have…
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Corluka: "I called Spurs fan an idiot"
Corluka after the match
"I told one supporter he was an idiot," said Corluka. "He was moaning during the match when he should have been supporting the team.
"I told him to support instead of criticising. But Kevin did not calm me down, I didn't need calming down."
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp revealed he will have a talk with Corluka about the confrontation but doesn't expect any further action to be taken.
"I didn't see it. I wanted him to stick it into the corner for Gareth Bale but it didn't work. Players have to be careful in the current climate," said Redknapp. "I'll speak to Corluka about it, but I don't understand why fans want to give one of their own players stick."
However, one concerned fan disagreed with the club's assessment of the incident and told the Daily Star: "He was like a man possessed. I was glad Kevin Bond came over and stopped him. Who knows what he would have done?"
It is not out of mind to think Pranjic could be our LM…The fact is Kranjcar isn't playing at club and if he continues this way he is a liability and is only worth playing as a sub. What kind of message is it sending the players if Kranjcar can just sit on the bench and get into the 1st team. Don't get me wrong…he has proved he can do it and still be effective but as we see he also looks quite a bit rusty at times too.
Pranjic IS one of our best 11…liability at LB for Croatia? HMMM if I recall there is still NOBODY better. Strnic looks good but as we saw vs France was nowhere nearly as good as when Pranjic played there. Sorry but this Croatia team has no pace or width…so if you still think Rakitic, Kranjcar, and Modric can work in the same team you are crazy. Pranjic may not be Bayern quality but he IS one of our best 11 players. The truth is we move the ball slower than most teams and we struggle with pace and width…and Pranjic provides both! Also, our LBs are always exposed if Kranjcar, Rakitic, or Modric play on LM as they always leave the entire left side exposed…so its not always bad defense its sometimes a lot more work to cover for them too.
Great week for Croatians. Modric was the man of the match against Stoke. He couldn't be stopped, he was dribbling past people like a mad man. He is an incredible player, I can't wait to see him in action against teams like Chelsea, Man City, and Arsenal coming up ( with Man City getting destroyed by Liverpool, Tottenham is back in shape for a push to 4th place). Corluka had a fine game as well, Ante did forget to point out his minor incident. A stupid fan got into an argument with Corluka over Corluka not wasting more time with time running out. Like seriously, enjoy the win idiot…
Rakitic has been on fire. I am really impressed by him, I just don't know where he fits on the national team. Pranjic is overrated, I am sorry I just don't see much in him. If he can't play holding midfielder, he has no spot on the team. He simply is too much of a liability at LB and left winger is Kranjcar's spot. If anyone thinks Pranjic can take Niko's spot is completely out of their mind and hasn't watched qualifiers/ games Niko has been involved.
I am happy to see Lakic back on the scoresheet. I am concerned that Wolfsburg may get relegated though, hopefully he doesn't go there then. Jelavic free kick was great, I didn't know he had it in him. I really see him being the new starter for Croatia.
Jelavic's free kick was a Crackkkah, Bilic should have him in the starting 11 week in week out..
Brilliant goal from Modric, shame he wasn't nominated for the PFA award, oh well at least he will win the Tottenham player of the year award..
heard that coach of hoffeheim going to be sacked soon…maybe chance for simunic to get the nod
Boksic, he missed the 98' WC due to injury right? Wasn't he at the very least 'one of' our best players then?
I totally agree a forward on the NT that can head the ball like Lakic would be a valuable addition… I don't think we've had anybody like that since Boksic.
Its tough to reply to anonymous posts….but here goes….
How the hell ever considered Simunic world class? I like him, but Simunic and world class dont belong in the same sentance. Pranjic going back to Holland will take a big cut in salary. No way any team will match what Bayern are paying him. Nothing wrong with wanting to stick around and collect a higher salary.
pranjic should play in his original position at LM..this is where he excelled at heerenven…not LB at bayern..he could not show his potential at bayern as a winger…i rather he go back dutch league…and play well or a mediocre german club
I agree 100%. Simunic and his coach are not getting along once again so the coach just leaves him out of the squad. Pretty childish, no? Leave a world class defender out because he doesn't kiss ass? These coaches are useless.
Great photoshop of the Drogba dive book! LOL
Pranjic back to Holland? Wow.
its sad that quality players like kranjcar, kalinic and pletikosa do not even make the bench or play a single miniute for their respective clubs…they should leave epl quickly in summer…
olic and eduardo must find their form quickly…and why is simunic not playing…