Mislav Oršić is returning to the Croatian national side for the first time since the 2022 World Cup, where he scored the game winner against Morocco in the 3rd place game. He sat out the majority of 2023 rehabilitating his knee after ACL surgery just as Perišić did. The 31 year-old former Dinamo Zagreb winger is now playing in Turkey for Trabzonspor. In three matches this season, Oršić has yet to make the scoresheet while playing 177 minutes. However, this is just the type of player Dalić needs to inject into the squad. Croatia needs a true winger and Oršić is an international veteran with 27 caps. Another great call-up by Dalić for October following September call-ups which saw the Sučić cousins, Baturina and Matanović get ample time on the pitch.
However, still no love for Marco Pašalić. Why??? The Vatreni still lack depth on the wings. It’s our Achilles Heel at this time.
I would 100% leave Moro off the squad and call up Marco. I just don’t understand the logic with this move. We already have Jakić and PEtar Sučič as CDMs. What does Moro add to the equation?
NATIONS LEAGUE
10/12: 🇭🇷vs. 🏴 in Zagreb
10/15: 🇭🇷vs. 🇵🇱 in Warsaw
@A Tin U
Thank you for pointing out that Luka Sucic was ‘strong in the air, worked hard and defended aggressively challenged for the ball’. I am keen to know if he has a gritty and defensive side to him… traits which will make him a more complete midfielder and better placed to succeed at the highest level.
***
Hey guys, let’s hope Matanovic bags a goal during the 3 remaining Frankfurt matches before the national team reconvenes. Yet to open his account for Eintracht in the Bundesliga and hasn’t scored since August 19 in a German cup match.
September 29: vs Holstein Kiel (Away, Bundesliga)
October 3: vs Besiktas (Away, Europa League)
October 6: vs Bayern (Home, Bundesliga)
There also a lot of people on here talking about this guy Halilovic. But if I have read about correctly, he is supposed to be an attacking mid. And with 30 goals in 288 appearances that doesn’t seem very good to me.
So what is it that people in this kid? Just curious?
He can also play RW, which is the main reason he’s being brought up.
He’s having a good season (2 goals in 6 games), in a decent Dutch league… but on a bad team.
He’s also a bit of a prodigal son, so a lot of people tend to like redemption stories. Duje Ćaleta-Car is having one for both club and country. Maybe Alen can be another one.
I would still prefer Marco Pašalić to be given a chance first, and probably look at some of the other young options we have as well. Juranović is another hurdle for Alen if Jura comes back at full strength as well.
I’m not opposed to Halilović, but I’d wait a full season to see if he can continue to maintain his good play. His team is crap, but if he’s actually scoring goals and providing width (and our other RW youth players haven’t taken a step yet) then sure, why not I guess.
Dragusin sent off after 6 min
Spurs down to 10 man
Bad for Spurs – but good for Vuskovic
Not sure I understand…Vuskovic is currently playing for Westerlo in the Belgian League as he is still too young to play in the EPL. What you mean good for Vuskovic? Not sure how it makes a difference. He has to wait a whole year for playing time.
Vuskovic 18 <5 mos
Spurs need another back-up CB (one spot for Vuskovic to take)
If Dragusin keeps flubbing (that will make 2 spots)
Spurs ain’t buying 2 CB in Jan transfer window
So Vuskovic could be called back from loan end of Jan (and start playing in Feb when 18)
I can’t imagine how much more Spurs rabble we’ll have to listen to once Vušković is called back from loan, haha
As Anonymous predicted
Matanovic starts today
Luckily Spurs kick-off delayed by 35 min – so can watch him till then
Should weekly Weekend-focused article be expanded to capture all the League/Cup/Europe fixtures during the wk these days ? Most clubs are playing at least 2 games per week now
Today Igor, Sutalo, Livakovic
Y’day Kotarski, Luka Sucic, Lovro Z
Tue Gvardiol, Sosa, Mario P, Modric, Budimir
etc etc etc
Anonymous, hopefully you and the others will review a few of the games this week and provide some reports/updates that focus in on our players.
I watched the Nice-Real Sociedad Europa League game from the point when Sucic came on the field in the 68th minute. Would like to hear from others here who know the game so well………but for what it is worth I thought Sucic might have been the best player on his side during the last 25 or so minutes (5 minutes of extra time) of the game. I don’t think some of the ratings (Fotmob 6.6) did him justice. Not at all. I am not sure how they come to that……
Sofascore gave him 7.0, which was the fourth best Real Sociedad rating. Probably more accurate based on what I saw.
Sucic was strong in the air, worked hard and defended aggressively challenged for the ball…moved the ball really well, good vision and hits the open man up field. Shows the potential to be a great passer. Made one smooth pass upfield that almost sent a Real Sociedad forward in alone, a Modric-type pass…..looks like Sucic is progressing and settling in well at his new club.
Most of these sites that give ratings generally don’t give a high score to a substitute.
It’s often in the 6.5 neighbourhood. (I assume higher is available if one is a very early substitute, or if one scored/did something huge etc.)
Yes. All these sites that provide player ratings don’t really give you an accurate rating for substitutes (unless they outright score a goal).
Belinho update w/ footage !
He looks great !!!
x.com/crotalentscout2/status/1838981248926048383
In a couple of years [2026] we’ll go from no RW since Rebic 2018 to Durdov and Belinho battling it out for “RW” starting spot (one of them will have to learn to play LW)
Slow down!
You’re gonna give Dalić a stomach ulcer.
Give him some time to drum up the courage to call up 24 year-old Marco Pašalić… and when the time is right (in 8-10 years from now) we can talk about capping Durdov and Belinho.
League / Cup / Europe fixtures y’day / today / tomorrow
y’day
Cup
Man City vs. Watford (Gvardiol sub, Kova rested vs. Tikvic bench (loan Udinese))
Atalanta (Pasalic subbed off after H1 – injury or bad performance ?)
Lecce (Rebic subbed on 46′)
Torino (Borna Sosa subbed on 46′ (!) – Torino fans twitter say he’s like Cafu (!))
League
Real Madrid (Modric subbed on 69′)
Osasuma (Budimir subbed on 63′)
Real Valladolid (Stanko Juric full 90 min)
St.Gallen (Jozo Stanic full 90 min)
Today
Europa
Kramaric (Hoffenheim)
Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad)
Kotarski and Lovren (!) (PAOK)
Toma Basic (Lazio)
Cup
Milan Badelj (Genoa)
League
Zvonarek (Sturm Graz)
Thursday
Europa
Livakovic
Matanovic
Sutalo
Cup
Mirko Marić
Spoke to Dalic
He pointed me to this clip
x.com/FootballReprt/status/1837143459729186876
Moro back-heal nutmeg vs. Shahktar last week led to the call-up (again)
It is what it is guys
Spoke to another. All good going forward. All systems are a go. Good luck and God bless
Given the slew of League / Cup / European fixtures during the week now (and for the foreseeable future) maybe the “Weekend Cooler” should be extended to “Weeklong Cooler” to cover all the games ?
E.g. y’day
Man City vs. Watford (Gvardiol came on sub, Kova rested vs. Antonio Tikvic on the bench (on loan from Udinese))
Real Madrid (Modric subbed on 69′)
Osasuma (Budimir subbed on 63′)
Real Valladolid (Stanko Juric full 90 min)
Atalanta (Pasalic subbed off after H1 – injury or bad performance ?)
Lecce (Rebic subbed on 46′)
Torino (Borna Sosa subbed on 46′ (!) – I Torino fan on twitter say he’s reminds them of Cafu (!!!))
St.Gallen (Jozo Stanic full 90 min)
E.g. Today
Europa
Kramaric (Hoffenheim)
Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad)
Kotarski and Lovren (!) (PAOK)
Toma Basic (Lazio)
Cup
Milan Badelj (Genoa)
League
Zvonarek (Sturm Graz)
E.g. Thursday
Europa
Livakovic
Matanovic
Sutalo
Cup
Mirko Marić
It looks like Bjelica is returning to Dinamo. I think its a pretty good move to bring back some stability.
Bjelica likes to rattle cages, which is why he keeps getting fired.
Both Bjelica and Tudor seem to be talented coaches. I just wish they could manage the politics behind the scenes a bit better (like Dalic is able to do).
That being said, he’s a good choice for Dinamo right now. There’s a chance it might blow up in their faces, but they have little to lose right now (after that 9-2 beatdown and dropping to third in the HNL).
My guess is he will likely get them playing well again, and they’ll turn around their fortunes in the Champions League.
…then he’ll get fired in the summer because he got into an argument with the team president or something, haha.
Who do croatiansports.com endorse for the upcoming US elections??
The Polish community in Western Pennsylvania is in for Harris.
What say you Croats of America?
No silence
Whatever you think of Trump should have nothing to do why a true Croat could never vote for Harris. Abortion? A true Croat would defend innocent life. Her history of being of leftist is well-known. A true Croat would be a loyal son of the Church. And I think Zlatko Dalic’s piety should be an example to all of us. Maybe you don’t like Trump, but never vote for what Kamala represents- be a true Croat!
I’m not a fan of either and having those two as presidential candidates just shows how far America has fallen.
But come on man, the hypocrisy in saying to be “a loyal son of the Church” while supporting Trump is insane.
That guy has 100% had an abortion with one of his countless mistresses. 😂
Did I say to vote for Trump? I said not to vote for Harris. You need to read a little closer what I said. But would he not be the lesser of 2 evils? Anyway, that wasn’t the point I made.
I’m in Australia, and my advice to you Croatian Americans is don’t vote, both Trump and Harris are losers.
I’d be embarrassed if I were you. First of all you ask a football forum which politician theh support and then you come out and say you support Harris 😂😂😂😂. She is responsible for what’s gone on the last 4 years. She can’t go off script whatsoever and she hasn’t talked about any of her policy (except taxing unrealized gains)
Whoever Z is, is probably not a Croat. It is typical of the left to bring confusion and conflict- even to a football forum!
you really OK voting for a guy who favors Serbia over Croatia?
valid point
Soros is pulling most of the strings anyway if you really follow what’s going on in America. Most Americans probably have no idea who he is.
Sir, this is a hardware store
haha brilliant
Tidbits:
Tony Popovic unveiled as new Socceroos coach
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/podcast-episode/tony-popovic-unveiled-as-new-socceroos-coach/7nwhkgp9u
Resurgent Cilic becomes lowest-ranked title winner in ATP history
https://tenngrand.com/resurgent-cilic-becomes-lowest-ranked-title-winner-in-atp-history/
Tidbits:
Tony Popovic unveiled as new Socceroos coach
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/podcast-episode/tony-popovic-unveiled-as-new-socceroos-coach/7nwhkgp9u
Resurgent Cilic becomes lowest-ranked title winner in ATP history
https://tenngrand.com/resurgent-cilic-becomes-lowest-ranked-title-winner-in-atp-history/
Miroslav, so long in the waitin’. Is this call up for a younger brother or son? Euro cup might of had different results otherwise.
He’s had a unfortunate set of time being behind Perisic and then getting and untimely injury
Also the move to England didn’t help much
But he’s still not old for a Croat and could make a really nice comeback and will be like 33 at World Cup ….
Always been a fan
Always called for more time
Of course having that chemistry I’ve always said petko is big too
Mislav
This is a bit of a minor thing but why are we calling a guy like Ivica Ivusic, a 29 year old who plays in Cypress into the squad?
I know he’s only the third choice keeper but wouldn’t it be better to call up and integrate a younger player into the team? Someone who actually has a chance to play for us in the future.
Like a younger keeper?
Third goalkeeper is probably not as important, and you always gotta call up three of them.
Labrovic is young and plays in the Bundesliga. He is probably the right call for the third goalkeeper, but I’m sure Dalic probably has some sort of veteran bias toward keeping Ivusic in there instead (since it’s very unlikely you’d need to sub in your third keeper).
Yeah I was thinking someone like Labrovic or if we have any other younger keepers that don’t qualify for the U21s.
But I guess at the end of the day the third keeper spot isn’t of the biggest importance.
The reason is probably form. Labrović has not had a great start to the Bundesliga season. Meanwhile, Ivušić is playing very well all the time and is still very young for a keeper when you look at thr careers of Buffon, Ochoa, Casillas, Neuer, Pepe Reina, Steve Mandanda, etc. Pafos has won all four of their games and earned qualification for whichever of those UEFA tournaments they are in. Ivušić played like an ace keeper the last time he played for Croatia, so until Labrović finds his form in the Bundesliga or Grbić finds his form full stop, Ivušić will probably deservedly be the 3rd keeper. What’s more important is that Kotarski is playing well enough to give Livaković some real competition for the starting role. To think that Croatia’s keeper used to be Stipe Pletikosa. This is a new era of good goalkeeping for us.
Matia Barzic Gutiérrez interview 2019
Tata Mate from Split
Mama Paloma from Madrid
He already played in some camps for us at U16
https://www.tportal.hr/sport/clanak/video-foto-o-mladom-hrvatskom-nogometasu-bruji-atleticov-dio-madrida-idol-mu-je-mateo-kovacic-a-zbog-posebne-ljubavi-obozava-marka-livaju-da-se-pita-tatu-foto-20210918
We have tons of players like this.
Hakan Yakin’s son was in some Croatian camp just a few months ago (since Yakin’s wife is Croatian). Kevin Kuryani’s son (Karlo) is half Croatian and eligible. Not to mention the diaspora kids of our former players (i.e. Lorenzo Prso).
Does it mean these kids are good? No.
Their family and agents are going to do whatever they can to gain exposure, so articles like these could simply be just paid promo.
This Spanish/Croat kid is being brought up because he got a few games for Elche this season (which is good for him), so his camp are likely trying to use this to get him more exposure by getting him into our U19 team (since he’s probably not going to ever be called up for Spain’s U19s).
To be honest, we’re no longer that kind of team looking for scraps from ‘bigger’ teams.
If he’s legitimately good, then fine…but pursuing a 17 year-old only because he got some game time in 2nd division Spain is nothing special. I would still default to the U19 players we have on Dinamo and Hajduk who have proven themselves in these UEFA Youth league tournaments.
We have 17 and 16 year-olds like Luka Vuskovic and Bruno Durdov who are putting in highlight reel performances. We don’t need to start chasing and calling up every player.
But if this diaspora kid truly is a proud Croat, then hats off to him, and I hope he does well.
Oh I just realized the article above is pretty old and he’s 20 years old now.
Looks like he is a surprise callup on Olic’s list for the U21 games.
He got to play 5 games for Elche this season. He’s really just a depth piece I guess.
Marco Pasalic needs to be there along with another striker. Our strikers have been bad for a long long time. Why not call up a new striker until you find one ?? Musa, Ljubicic, Simic… and on and on.
Dalic did a good thing calling up Matanovic to see what he can do. Now call up someone new.
Beljo and Ljubičić are scoring a bit now in Austria. Maybe give them some more time before calling them up right now.
Musa is doing so as well… but in the weak MLS. He needs to transfer to Europe.
Glad we tried out Matanović. Petković is still useful. Budimir is also decent, but we do need to look ahead since he’s getting old now. I’m sure one of Ljubičić, Beljo or even Matković will get a callup in the next several months.
Olic announced U21 squad
https://www.instagram.com/p/DASyK70Iw0V/
No Durdov….
Prpic part of the squad
I guess that’s okay – leading up to Euros Igor and Marin were also standby-list for Senior team – while being part of U21 squad for friendlies
Still surprised Dalic announced Prpic ahead of Vuskovic (given Prpic was 3rd choice for game vs. Portugal U21) and Vuskovic playing at higher level
It must really be that one game vs. Dinamo – that got him the bump ahead of both Vuskovic and Zivkovic
And/or another Dalic “master-class” motivating tactic to push Vuskovic more
Vuskovic is not ready yet for the seniors and is better playing for our U21 side then sitting on the bench for the seniors. We are very strong in the CB’s department and from what I have seen of Zivkovic I doubt that he will ever get a call up to our senior side.
Comparing the U21 squad vs. previous U21 squad for Farroe/Portugal
Keeper
– Vukovar’s Ivan Mandic in – Vukovar is 1st place in Priva NL – he’s played all 7 games so far – only let in 2 goals (was on standby list previously)
– Borna Buljan (Split prospect) out
Defence
– Matia Barzic CB in – dual Croatian / Spanish (!) citizen born in Madrid – plays LaLiga2 for Elche – what’s odd he’s only played 15 min (as a sub) in the 2 matches, since the last round of U21 games – he wasn’t even on the standby-list U21 last time – not sure why all of a sudden he’s in the squad – maybe we’re trying to get one back on Spain – can’t see he’s ever played previous junior levels e.g. U19, U17, U15, etc – ON HIS IG HE ONLY LISTS THE CROATIAN FLAG (NOT SPANISH) so we’ve already got one back on Spain
– Noa Mikic out 🙁
– Osijek’s Bukvic out, but on stand-by list (I know he plays wing for Osijek but Olic listed him under defenders last time (lol))
Midfielder
– Dinamo’s Luka Stojkovic in ! (lol) Since last round of U21 games – he was on for 2nd half of Bayern game, played 15 min vs. Split, and 65 min vs. Gorica loss – I guess during those minutes while Dinamo has been sh*ting the bed he’s earned himself a call-up – he wasn’t even on standby list last time
– Dinamo’s 17 y.o. DM prospect Branko Pavic in – he captained Dinamo 2-1 in Youth League loss vs. Bayern recently – he wasn’t even on standby list last time
– Split’s 20 y.o. DM Marko Capan out (completely – not even on standby-list this time)
Forwards
– No change
Standby List
– none of the guys on the standby-list last time got the bump up to the actual team this time save Ivan Mandic i.e. the new additions to squad are fresh names not seen before on standby
– With exception of Maro Katinic, the rest of the standby list is completely different than last time (i.e. all the remaining previous standby list players bar one have got dropped (!!!)).
– With such high turnover in short period of time – suggests Olic and Kranjcar have been doing a lot of work / scouting – good
– Bukvic downgraded
– Buik and Frigan added
– Osijek’s Simun Mikolcic in
– Gorica’s Luka Kapulica in
Why is Noa Mikic out?
Some people on here are going over the top with Noa Mikic. Scored one good goal for our U17 side at the recent EURO’s and apart from that had an average tournament and all of a sudden, he should be playing for our U21 ? He is not good enough for the U21 and we’ll see if he gets selected for our U19’s for the upcoming qualifier’s in October or November.
Liam Kante is son of Manuel Kante (professional footballer) – who transferred to Gorica in 2008 – Liam was born Jun 2010 – so conceived end of Sep 2009 (one month before Manual was released by Gorica) – his mother is Croatian
***.transfermarkt.us/manuel-kante/profil/spieler/176161
There is an old article from when he was 8 years old quoting him that his dream is to represents Mali one day
reference14sport.blogspot.com/2018/07/decouverte-liam-claude-kante-le-salah.html
U15 just played (and won) three friendlies
Neither Belinho nor Francis Echue looks like they were part of the games
Anyone have an update on either of them ?
Noted that Liam Kante and Emmanuel Vajda scored in the Ireland game
Kante born in Zagreb (but on his IG he has three flags: Croatia, Mali, France) while Vajda born in DR Congo
Anyone know anything on either of them ?
Liam Kante is son of Manuel Kante – who transferred to Gorica in 2008 – Liam was born Jun 2010 – so conceived end of Sep 2009 (one month before Manual was released by Gorica) – his mother is Croatian
https://www.transfermarkt.us/manuel-kante/profil/spieler/176161
There is an old article from when he was 8 years old quoting him that his dream is to represents Mali one day
https://reference14sport.blogspot.com/2018/07/decouverte-liam-claude-kante-le-salah.html
Good to see Orsic back. Five out of six defenders are CB’s meaning that we are sticking with 3 at the back.
Dalić doesn’t really pick his squad based on positional needs anyway.
But, yes, he’s going to stick with a backline of Gvardiol, Šutalo and Duje.
Dalić is extremely predictable, but he generally sticks with what works.
Our wings have NOT been working, so hopefully Oršić gets some time (and eventually Marco too).
Orshaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Dalic Croatiansports.com burner account, once again confirmed !
Well done – you’ve been pushing him consistently since the 2022 WC – Dalic finally listened to you