Here we go!
The World Cup draw is this week, Friday December 5th at 12PM (ET). It will be a watered down group stage with 48 nations entering the field for the first time in history. So what would be Croatia’s toughest possible group? This is an easy one for me for the following reasons:
Argentina, Croatia, Norway, Ghana would be an absolute Group of Death. Messi, Modrić, Perišić, Haaland. Stars everywhere in this group!
Remember, every single group must have a minimum of one European side. However, no group may have more than two Europan nations. Norway by far is the most elite team out of Pot 3. Avoiding them in the draw should be every single nations #1 rule.
Do you see a harder path than this one?
Belgium would be ideal Pot 1 draw. Ideally avoid any of the host nations (hosts historically play well at home; plus getting tickets will be a pain). Then avoid Norway and Italy.
If Romelu Lukaku plays on our team as a 12th man in our backfield preventing any goals from going in, I agree. I would assume he retired from the national team with a broken fist. The easy route would have been to tied Czechia.
typica…………”not” to have tied Czechia…….
All I want for Christmas is for Croatia to be drawn into a winnable Group I
LOL….Let’s hope with that said, you are on Santa’s “Odlicno list “. In the past, we have had problems with the ones Croatia should beat, rather the one ‘s that should defeat Croatia.
Barca watching Jaga Friday
Anonymous eye tests are the best !
Jaga and vuskovic if they can go gvardiol last World Cup if given the chance could be something special
Vuskovic starts 2:45pm EST Wed
Lots of changes in 11 – 2 other CBs, Peretz in goal, etc
Glatzel tore something in his leg so is out for awhile – shame as was his first start and only lasted 30 min – he was looking really good up front and exactly what they need
Igor didn’t start in cup today – maybe a loan to Hamburg in Jan would be a smart move on both sides
Igor no sub either
Sad
@Maminjo
Anonymous is SHOCKED you haven’t mentioned Matjaz Kek is now available !
Did you miss the FULL INTERVIEW he gave yesterday to SN ???
ETA till the next Dalic has been offered a 1 billion euros a year to coach in [fill in the bank some oil rich country] ?
– Rezultati vaše reprezentacije u svim tim godinama puno su puta kontra nogometnog razmišljanja u Hrvatskoj. Stalno se govori “moramo bolje, to bi moralo biti ovako i onako”. Pa, ljudi, drugi i treći ste na svijetu, igrali ste finale Lige nacija, kvalifikacije prolazite da se pošteno ne oznojite! Ne zbog toga što su uvijek protivnici slabi, nego zato što ste vi tako dominantni. Meni je fascinantno to razmišljanje Hrvata. Puno sam puta razgovarao sa Zlatkom Dalićem i predsjednikom HNS-a Marijanom Kustićem, meni jako dragi ljudi, i uvijek sam u sebi mislio “joj, kad bih ja bio jednom u takvoj situaciji” – kaže Kek pa naglašava:
“joj, kad bih ja bio jednom u takvoj situaciji” – kaže Kek
Funny he says this now. Kek had his opportunity in 2017…but he turned it down.
I don’t blame him. Nobody wanted to take on that dumpster fire, which is why Dalić (a complete nobody at the time) got the job.
I’m just worried that Olić will be next in line.
Razmaženi smo Beznadežno.
I would hope Ivan Juric, is ahead of Olic in line.
Tudor is also available, but I’m not sure if he would be an upgrade.
Jurić seemed like a good choice…but in the past year he’s been quickly fired at Roma, Southampton and Atalanta.
Tudor seems talented and plays a good style, but his results are not what people at Juve expected.
Not sure if this is Tudor underachieving, or if it’s Juventus having unrealistic expectations with that mid squad of theirs.
Either coach if miles ahead of Olić of course…but we still need to be careful if and when we replace Dalić.
I prefer a humble nobody.
No thanks to Tudor or Kek.
Would be like another Kovac.
How about Edin Terzić?
Why is Dinamo announcing that Lisica has mono ? lol
Why not simply say he’s picked up an injury and it out for 1 or 2 matches ??
Maybe more importantly, how did he pick it up ? Did he visit Dalic off-cycle ? Don’t forget Dalic said Musa earned the start vs Faroe because of what he did in the HOTEL
…because there is a decent chance that he won’t recover from mono over this winter break, and his absence may be extended to miss the remainder of the season.
They probably just figure to come out with the diagnosis outright, so in case he’s still possibly absent in February onward, they can just say that he hasn’t been able to recover.
Lots of careers have been ruined from mono.
Robin Soderling was a top-4 tennis player in the World (10-15 years ago) and had to retire because of it.
Mario Ančić was a top-10 player before he caught it, then dropped off the top-100 list shortly afterward (and then he had to retire because his mono kept recurring).
The Ancic situation still hurts : /
I think he went on to do a PhD or something tho so good for him i guess.
He ended up going to Harvard and Colombia University, became a lawyer and he worked for the NBA’s front office.
Even if you completely ignore his tennis achievements, he’s had a pretty good academic/legal career and he’s still only around 40 years of age.
The good thing for Croatia, based on what I have read on the changes to the format, is that they play the pot 3 team first, then pot 4, and then finish with pot 1. So if they have a group like Spain, Uzbekistan and New Zealand, they should already have clinched the playoff spot before the 3rd game. Historically, if you look at Croatia’s history in WC and Euros, when they have played the big boys first (Brazil – 2006, Brazil – 2014, England – 2020, Spain – 2024) they only got out of the group in 2020. So I think it’s good they play the pot 1 team last.
The group that you’ve mentioned is exactly the one I fear the most! At least in the previous EUROs, when we had a similar tough group right there, I had some legitimate hope that we could make it out of that group (of death) and against Albania and then Italy, it looked like we could win and be in the round of 16 there. But we’ve blown it against Albania completely and against Italy, it was a mix of inability to nail the result down and some bad luck due to the long ass stoppage time (8 whopping minutes!!!) and a 0.05 xG goal from some Lazio reserve player at that time.
Now a tough group like this at the WC would not only be infinitely worse than the one we faced at the EUROs, but it would also give me no hope to see Croatia do well ahead of the tournament and besides, it would ruin my 2026 before it has even begun IRL! So I really hope we don’t get shafted so hard that we end up being so cooked ahead of the tourney there!
So yeah, all we have to hope for, is to not get Norway or Scotland from Pot 3 and then hopefully get none of the European teams (esp. Italy again) from Pot 4, as well as Ghana, who are the Spain of their respective Pot right there! I really can’t take another Group of Death this time around and it would leave me so hopeless, ruined and defeated ahead of the WC, that my 2026 would be a writeoff for me there and the purpose of a WC would be ruined forever for me and crap!
So like, let’s hope we don’t end up being cooked there and get a doable group out of it, because if we do get one like that, then I can see us going relatively far in this tournament (quarterfinals or semifinals is what I’m looking at)! That being said, I’m not that confident that we end up with a doable group in here and that I also fear we will be definitely ending up with a semi-tough to absolutely tough group to begin with! In other words, I can see FIFA defo giving us one or even two of those unwanted opponents there! But yeah, let’s hope for the best there and crap!
Told you Sutalo sucks
Interim coach didn’t even have him on the bench today and they won 2-0 lol
He doesn’t suck.
His weaknesses are a lack of aerial presence and he tends to take a few too many risks here and there, but otherwise he’s a very talented and skilled CB.
The bigger issue for Sutalo is the fact that we have a supertalent in Luka Vuskovic, whose skillset is likely a better compliment to our other CB superstar (Gvardiol).
Dalic isn’t likely going to make that move before the World Cup, but it’s becoming more and more blatantly obvious now.
He does suck and you just reiterated the fact that he does.
His weakness is aerial presence. Well if you’re not good at that as a CB you suck.
Too many risks, which means he sucks. Speed makes him nervous then.
So, a guy with height and aerial ability with speed will expose Sutalo everytime. That’s the name of the game. What other parts of the game would there be to make him useful in that scenario? He’s not very fast either
Guess Inter can’t afford Vusko so they buying Mlacic instead
We’ll have 4 young CBs all at great clubs
Prpic Porto
Vusko Tottenhm/Barca
Mlacic Inter
Josko Man City
This will be by far the best group of CBs we’ve ever had (in terms of quality of club)
Also that Istra boy coming up
Teo Barišić also plays for Lyon (which isn’t too shabby), although I don’t know if he’s considered a serious prospect (at least not in the same realm as the ones mentioned above).
I figure teenagers like Leon Jakirović and the two Bayern defenders (Roko Mijatović and Ljubo Puljić) will be the next set of high end prospects for us.
Who’s is the Istra boy you’re referencing?
Rual Kumar (apparently he was a stand-out on the U17 World Cup team)
https://x.com/crotalentscout2/status/1995199072471535876
On Teo – looks like played 21′ for Lyon first team in Europa a few days ago – last year he only played 1′ for Lyon first team
He’s already 21 – he needs to start playing regularly – for his sake – if not at Lyon – then needs to find another club
***.transfermarkt.com/teo-barisic/leistungsdaten/spieler/979773/plus/0?saison=2025
Surprised nobody posted the Kotarski “highlights” vs. AGF
Here you go – enjoy
***.youtube.com/watch?v=8-mB-w2vOI0
MUST WATCH
Vuskovic vs. Stuttgart Eye Report
Punchline: best football Luka’s played all season (no cap)
In particular, from the last game to this Stuttgart, there was a huge improvement in his reading of the game, which led to better anticipation, which caused him to be much more front-footed and pro-active in shutting down danger – as such, he really didn’t have any 1 v 1 against him – that’s the key – as his game reading improves – he will be able to shut down before he has players running at him
Plz see:
@2:15
@4:30 (defensive corner header)
@5:45
@10:00
@27:45 (ball over LB Muheim’s head into left channel – Luka read it and got over and booted the ball out – before the winger got to it)
@36:00
@43:15
@45:00+0:45
@52:45
@53:45 [goal against – reasonable to assume keeper would keep the initial shot in his chest (or clear it out to the side) – instead it bounced straight back out – it’s true Luka could have anticipated that the keeper would screw up – the improvement here is to get his body in front of the attacker and block his path towards the goal while putting his arms straight out i.e. so the attacker doesn’t have a straight line to the goal – but this is a super easy fix]
@68:15
@71:30
@72:40 [Luka header off offensive corner – the header was perfect and 100% going in – however, his own player #11 Konigsdorffer was in the way standing there (if he ducked or move to the side – the header is going in)
@73:20 [funny moment Luka pushes #11 El Khannouss to the side and triggers him]
@76:40 [Luka header #2 off offensive corner – nice flick over his head – but went wide]
@79:40 [nice burst of speed to track back and perfect shut-down attacker/shot]
On the 1st Hamburg goal – need to point the OUTSTANDING run by #38 Rossing-Lelesiit (he was very good all game – best I’ve seen him play) – he makes a box-to-box run through midfield thru 3-4 players – but the really impressive thing is he gets tackled and knocked down – but instead of rolling around on the ground and getting a free kick – he bounces right back up and continues his run and passes to Glatzel who scores – this is MENTALITY that our Baturina need to have – can’t say I’ve ever seen a player just bounce right back up and keep going – super impressive – if you haven’t seen it watch it
Next match Wednesday 3rd @ 2:45 vs. Kiel in the Cup
P.S. I see 18 y/o Rossing-Lelesiit has only been capped at Norway U19 level so far – kind of surprised – if he continues this trajectory up this season – could see him making the senior team for the World Cup (kind of like Jagusic)
🇵🇹 🤞
I think Argentina are trending down. Doubt they go final 4. Prefer them in our group to Spain, England or France.
Have you met Cuti Romero ?
Hehe
Cuti Romero with 2 incredible goals today (first time he’s scored two goals in one game in 6 years)
2018 no Romero – 2022 Romero
He has world-class mentality, fighting spirit, mind-games w opponents (Bruno G got triggered by him today), etc – trust me Anonymous doesn’t want Croatia facing Romero – he goes for the jugular every touch and doesn’t play around – he plays like his life depends on it and hates losing (hence the 2 goals today)
USA HRVATSKA SOUTH AFRICA HAITI.
Pots 3 and 4 are pretty weak as long as we avoid Norway Scotland and Ghana and the winners of the playoffs who might be riding some good momentum.
Give me US, Croatia, Australia and any African team- Africans do all the running , we control the ball, they get hostile and we get penalty kicks . Simple formula . I’d say that could work. Picking the easier not the harder. Group 1 , I wouldn’t mind Germany either. For old time sakes [1998] , Croatia 3 -Germany 0. Personally, the best soccer game I ever saw HNS play. Should be fun to watch the draw.
2008 vs. Germany Croatia was way better than 1998 vs. Germany (where by the way Germany was down to 10 men – then we scored 3 goals)
The 2008 Germany game is one of the best ever – Modric said the same today on the pod with Bilic – Anonymous agrees
Australia is in pot 2.. same as us…
Yeah I agree with Ante, that’s the hardest group. I still think we’d be fine though. Get through first or second
Well well well…
Mister “Africa First” is picking us ahead of his beloved Ghanians. Thought I’d never see the day.
Maminjo stop with your mind games. Yes I always ALSO support African teams. It’s hard to explain to people who don’t understand it. But I watch and keep track of every young Croat. Teo barisic btw is a very talented player who I think will soon become an important player. I was born and raised in Zambia and I’m very proud of it. Beautiful country. Dignified and principled people who’ve suffered way more than they deserve due to asshole fat cats of every creed and colour. So I support Zambia. If they ever qualified for a World Cup it would be a difficult moment for me if they were to play Croatia. I’d have to hide behind the sofa. But my mums family are Croatian, and they are the ones who showed me the most love all my life. I’m as proud of my Croat blood as anybody on this site. It’s also a beautiful, small, underrated country, with plenty of good values and has suffered more than it’s fair share of injustice and hardship. So it’s Croatia and Zambia tied in my heart. All the other African countries behind that. And btw for any one who is confused about things (and there are so many) it’s got nothing to do with skin colour. I hate France, and England even more. It’s to do with that badge and that flag. You put the shirt on you make your choice. I have no love for that douchbag pulisiK. Nor pogba, nor saka.
Also some people here seem to think Ghana are really strong. Yes Ofcourse they will be a difficult opponent but again people don’t actually watch football they just do some lazy math based on reputations. Ghana have really struggled for a long time. They have some good players, but very poor cohesion and teamwork. When was the last time Ghana did anything?
Senegal, morocco, Algeria, Ivory Coast are to be feared, then Tunisia, Ghana, Egypt, South Africa, DR Congo (if they qualify) have the potential to surprise MAYBE but are not at the same level. Then Cape Verde will play very nice football but don’t have enough to seriously challenge. So Ghana are probably the 6th/7th strongest African team out of ten.
Another point. Croats tend to over rate African teams. I remember Bilic saying Croatia had the hardest possible group 2018. How did that go? We beat all 3 teams. Beat Nigeria pretty easily. But Bilic was so scared he had to contact Iggy for a hug. You know why? Kosarka. Calling all Croats, not every black athlete is Michael Jordan
That’s why Ghana are in pot 4.
Do you know them?
https://www.croatiaweek.com/croatians-in-zambia-a-story-of-success-and-cultural-pride/
Nice article. No I’ve never met them. I’ll ask my mum and brother
If we could merge Croatia’s defence & midfield with Ghana’s front three, the combined team would win the World Cup – EASILY
Kudus (crazy physical (impossible to knock him off the ball) and also crazy dribbler (most dribbles in the PL – by far)), Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, and Fatawu
Might as well throw in Bowen as well. Not to mention prime maradona and pele
Bowen’s a key part of Tuchel’s England squad – despite playing for a team batting to avoid relegation – imagine how good he would look on an Arsenal or Man City 😉
I agree. Bowen is brilliant player. I’ve wanted him at arsenal for several years now as we have lacked back up/competition for saka, which has cost us. But he is English not Croatian, so…shrug
Croatia and Diaspora Friends Grouping is my choice for best chance:
(CAN/USA), Australia, New Zealand.
I don’t know if both Australia and New Zealand can be in the same group.
You can swap out the Aussies with South Africa.
Australia is in pot 2 so they can’t draw Croatia anyway.
my bad, south Africa as Maminjo said, scratch the diaspora theme. Don’t think we have a lot there.
South African has a pretty decent diaspora actually
what would be in ur opinion our easiest ideal group thanks
USA, Uzbekistan, New Zealand
Mexico, Croatia, Norway and Italy
Not possible. Can’t have 3 uefa teams in same group.
Ah yes you are correct.