Illustration: ESPN
EURO 2012 has finally arrived; and for Croatians, it’s been a bumpy road getting this far under charismatic coach Slaven Bilić. The roller coaster ride started on a high note in 2007 when the Vatreni not only prevented England from qualifying for Euro ’08, but also went perfect in group stage, defeating Germany on the way to the quarterfinals. With Croatia on an ultimate high and mere seconds from a semifinal berth after a 119′ Ivan Klasnić goal, the rug would be pulled from under their feet as a miracle goal by Turkey would force penalties, where they eventually won.
That dark day for Croatian soccer would carry over into World Cup 2010 qualifying, where Croatia was embarrassed by a revamped England side, not once, but twice and could not defeat a stubborn Ukraine side, drawing twice. As Croatians watched a checker-less World Cup in South Africa, many wanted the head of Bilić. However, the 1998 Croatian defender stayed on as coach for a third term but didn’t help his cause in Euro 2012 qualifying as Croatia lost to Georgia and only grabbed one point from Greece in two games. The poor performances would see them finish second in the group to set up a symbolic playoff with the same team that knocked the Vatreni out of Euro 2008, Turkey.
If this doesn’t pump you up for EURO…nothing will!
With most Croatian supporters cynical about Bilić’s Boys at this point, the boys quickly turned into men to shock us all with a 3-0 aggregate win, getting the 2008 Turkish monkey off their backs. Fast forward to June 2012 where we will all see where the state of Croatian soccer is. Croatia will open up a against a mediocre Irish side before battling an injury-stricken Italy. If they play their cards right, the group C closer vs. Spain should be a walkover. Is there anything to be scared of here?
PRVA GENERACIJA: It’s time to speak your mind. In three week’s time, we shall come back to this post and see who was most wise in their predictions. How far will Croatia go? If they don’t make it out of group, would it be a disappointment or is this where Croatia belongs in world soccer. Speak up now or forever hold your peace. AllenOUTRAGED has:
Ireland vs Croatia:
Ireland go down to 10 men for bad challenge on Jelavic or Modric in the first half.
Jelavic scores Texas hat trick. Perisic adds a fifth. Robbie Keane gets a consolation goal.
Croatia 5 Ireland 1
Not long now folks..The nerves will start kicking in soon, hope the Hrvatski NT play with determination & I hope we have luck on our side..
The russians are running amok over their, that sh** was gutless, the attack on the stewards.. & they have apparantly been shouting Rascist chants directed at Czech’s Selassie
Im sure our Polish brothers will fix up the Russians when they meet, im not talking a bout the Game, but give their hooligans a good physical beating that they deserve..
Well. I better put in my two cents like Hrvat wrote “12 more hours” before the match.
Here is how I see Croatia doing in Euro 2012:
Croatia 1-0 Ireland…. nil-nil at the break, Eduardo comes in off the bench in the 70th and scores the lone goal in the 81st.
Croatia 1-1 Italy… Italy jump on the board in the first half, then Perisic comes through for Croatia in the second half. Italy dominates possession but cant get past a stubborn Croatian defense.
Croatia 1-2 Spain… Spain jumps out to a 2-0 lead and Croatia scores one late in the game to advance. This game doesnt matter as Italy-Ireland tie 0-0.
But then again, I have France winning on my bracket with Denmark as my darkhorse before the draw and Russia as my darkhorse before the cup. However, I couldnt put Russia in the semis with a win over the Netherlands.
A win is needed tomorrow, but a draw wouldnt be the end of the world. A loss pretty much puts us out of the tournament.
@Hrvat,
nice touch haha
Ideal lineup:
GK: Pletikosa
RB: Corluka
RCB: Vida
LCB: Schildenfield
LB: Strinic
RM: Srna
RCM: Dujmovic
LCM: Modric
LM: Perisic
RS: Eduardo
LS: Jelavic
Predictions:
Cro vs Ire 1-0 Croatia
Mandzukic 2nd half winner
Cro vs Ita 2-1 Croatia
Modric winner
Cro vs Spain 1-1
Kranjcar 2nd half equalizer
12 more hours!!
Whatever the croatian media says as to what the team will be before the game is usually wrong. They know as much as we do and there credibility is not even worth the read most of the times. They make rumors sound like its already a sure thing…
I am very interested to see what Bilic does tomorrow. He is our most important player and all though I do not always agree with what he does he knows this team and I know once this tournament is over nobody will be able to come in and just fill the hole that he will leave. We may play slow and we may play boring sometimes but in the end Bilic has shown that he can be counted on for results. His time with the team may be passed but the greatest thing is he did all this with minimal experience coaching and he has many great years ahead of him.
I wonder if he has a Joker card he has been hiding because he is to smart to show what he is going to do before the tournament and especially with the limited defense ability we have its going to take some great tactics to get us out of this group.
Whether we finish last with 0 or 1st with 9 I wont blame Bilic as this group couldn’t be much harder. This team has the ability to beat the great teams and as of today I couldn’t name you a better coach we could get to be coaching us tomorrow. Sure there have been times where I wanted to rip my head off with Pokrivac, Vukojevic in central mid and Mandzukic at RM but he has made mistakes and not returned to them and for the options we have I guess they could have been worse at certain points in time. After missing out on World Cup I am just happy to make it to another tournament as you see its not easy ride to make it here.
International soccer is a lot different pace than most leagues and its usually played a lot slower that being said I would never play a 442 with Kranjcar and Modric vs any reasonable team for the fact that all it does is restrict Kranjcar the freedom he needs to attack. In center he has to much to worry about defending that he does not have the lisence to roam and do what he does best. I don’t think he would get destroyed but he would surely be limited to play to his best.
Rakitic on the right would be ridiculous in the 442 as well. Too slow and not the only problem its the fact that he would be playing so deep on the right unlike if he was out right in a 4231 he would be far more advanced. Still not anywhere near my first choice as he is central player or left(but mostly central) for the fact that his scoring comes from his ability to cut to his strong foot.
442 or 451/4231 will be fine versus the Irish. There is always room to change in the 2nd half. The friendlies have been played at 50% effort recently just avoiding injury so what we are capable of is still yet to be seen. I just hope we play the players where they are supposed to be played than rather moving them around into positions they have not played in more than a handful of times in their career.
There is no room in this team for Rakitic, Kranjcar, and Modric in the starting lineup! 2/3 at the very most! Once the game starts they will all start roaming to the position they are most comfortable in.
very excited for tomorrow. obviously croatia needs a win to be in good position, but almost equally important is a spanish victory against italy. if spain clearly goes ahead 2-0 in the standings, it makes the number 2 spot much more gettable especially if croatia can play against a spanish b team in the last game. although the group draw may not have been the luckiest, croatia may have found itself with extreme luck in terms of drawing spain in the last game. predictions! croatia wins 2-0 tomorrow, draws italy 1-1, and draws spain team b 1-1 to advance!
@ marko
Kranjcar in the middle with Luka? Not much chance of that.We would get murdered
Read about a few different lineups.One with Srna at RB and Rakitic in front of him. I would even consider playing Corluka at LB, Srna at RB, and have Schildenfeld and Simunic in the middle.That is a better defensive unit to me than Vida and Strinic.And it allows either Kranjcar or Rakitic to start out wide. I’m really not sure who would start though, neither is exactly coming in off hot form, or even fit enough possibly? In which case Bilic might play it safe with Vida and Srna in those positions. Still unsure whether Eduardo will get the start? Is he match fit for a serious competition, not just friendly stuff. Think he’ll go with Mandzu and Jela first game, safer option and better suited for Ireland’s big back 4
i heard the lineup will be
Pletikosa
vida corluka simunic strinic
srna mordic krancjar perisic
eduardo jelavic
Italy will just park the bus, we can do this!!!
Fuck the Irish, Hrvatska!!!
http://eurorivals.net/video/davor-suker-1999-v-ireland/192327
I had a feeling Denmark would pull off a win but people act as if they are a huge underdog to the Dutch. They had a great qualifying campaign and are a team who is constantly qualifying for tournaments for a country of its size.
First of, the Dutch played a decent game. This group is the group of death and a don’t act as if this dutch side didn’t play well. Sure, they could have played better but they created enough chances to score but what happened is what happened and in the end you must score to win regardless of how much you control the game.
I can tell you most dutch fans dont give a **** about what Van P does for Arsenal as they know Huntelaar should have been starting for them anyway. Still the group is open and anything is still possible.
@ Mishko
I agree with you man, it’s a joke that Turkey, Israel, Kazakhstan, etc. are all part of UEFA, but it’s not because of geography. It’s because of money. Turkish and Israeli teams qualify for Europa League, Champions League occasionally and the obvious benefit of being able to qualify for Euros, that’s all very, very big money…that’s why they’re considered part of europe
this isn’t only for soccer, but basketball as well as I’m sure other sports….Israeli teams are actually pretty good for basketball so they play in europa league instead of the non-existent league in asia
I don’t like it or agree with it, but financial incentives are always greater than logical or geographical ones
@Hvat, my Mark “The Croatian Sensation” Knop paintball jerseys go for over $900
@jero….read it. what a pile of tabloid trash.
as for tomorrow, let’s take care of this and win. a draw would be a big setback and a loss will be a disaster. hopefully, we can get a first half goal so that the irish will come out a bit to attack….and then we can put the game away.
prediction 2-0 (jelavic, eduardo)
Hi folks, I have a couple of match worn football shirts. Vedran Corluka home SS and Eduardo away LS for $200 each..If anyone is interested, plz drop me a line at sanctusessentia@gmail.com. I have obtained these from a friend in Zagreb who is friends with Corluka and Modric, from his days in the Dinamo football academy. thanks. zivila Hrvatska.
Hi folks, I have a couple of match worn football shirts. Vedran Corluka home SS and Eduardo away LS..If anyone is interested, plz visit the link here (add http): toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-sporting-goods-exercise-soccer-Vedran-Corluka-Player-Issue-Croatia-Shirt-SS-W0QQAdIdZ247660388 , and drop me a line. I have obtained these from a friend in Zagreb who is friends with Corluka and Modric, from his days in the Dinamo football academy. thanks. zivila Hrvatska.
Hi folks, I have a couple of match worn football shirts…If anyone is interested, plz visit the link here:http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-sporting-goods-exercise-soccer-Vedran-Corluka-Player-Issue-Croatia-Shirt-SS-W0QQAdIdZ247660388 , and drop me a line. I have obtained these from a friend in Zagreb who is friends with Corluka and Modric, from his days in the Dinamo football academy. thanks. zivila Hrvatska.
Test. Does this thing work?
Hi guys, I have a couple of match worn shirts for sale. If anyone is interested , plz let me know via my kijiji ad. Naprijed Hrvatska!
Anyone seen this crappy piece of Irish journalism? He needs a good smack
http://backpagefootball.com/general/euro-2012-all-hype-or-no-hope-croatia-goes-for-broke/
This game against Ireland is the most important. ESPN keeps flashing a statistic that for teams that win the first game, approximately 70% of the time they get out of the group. So it’s vital that they win. Plus, say, a 5-0 hammer job over the Irish will increase our chances.
A draw or loss will set the Vatreni down a perilous path, with Spain and Italy coming up. But I predict Croatia will win.
@Mate I’m with you on that and on that note, who the fuck didn’t learn geography thought that Turkey or those lying shit bags from Israel considered part of Europe?
I’d go on but so many Croatians are brainwashed multicult loving divershit embracing morons that it embarrasses me.
Looks like we may have our starting line-up for tomorrow: Pletikosa, Srna, Ćorluka, Schildenfeld, Strinić – Rakitić, Modrić, Dujmović, Perišić – Mandžukić, Jelavić
http://bit.ly/LaXccW
I don’t know what you guys are talking about variety. This isn’t an ice cream store, I want quality; half the teams in the world cup group stages are poor, don’t deserve to be at a major tournament (with the US whipping on central american islands) so quality of each and every game wise, euro cup beats the world cup hands down
now, do I like the fact that the world cup is longer, and it usually results in the best teams playing in the knock stages, definitely, I like watching my african brothers do their thing with a little mixing of latino heat just to shake things up….quality wise, euro is gold to the world cups silver
Anyway that’s all over now, the next euros are going to be a 24-team tournament, they’re changing the format, so yes, next euro cup will be an equal amount of horse shit like the world cup….I cant wait to see estonia take on the israelis….fun fun fun
Cro beat Ireland and Italy Spain beat ital and Ireland…last game will mean nothing
WE NEED TO TELL OUR BROTHERS IN POLAND TO WATCH OUT FOR RUSSIAN SCUM. WE WILL BE TARGETS.
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/euro-2012/euro-2012-russian-fans-attack-send-stewards-hospital-wroclaw-municipal-stadium-russia-beats-czech-republic-4-1-article-1.1092616
I feel that it is possible to make it out of our group. We can beat Ireland easy we are far superior! My only concern is the effort sometimes showed by the players, it almost seems childish at times! I hope they are ready and motivated! My mind tells me we dont make it out, but my heart tells me we will make it to the quarters! That is what i believe will happen!
Go Hrvatska!
Germany was quite fortunate not to concede any of Portugal’s goals. Nani was a bomb, and Bruno Alves, sheesh…. unlucky for his header.
Germany 1 – 0 12 minutes to go.
Germany are lucky their not trailing.
@IVAN THE RED
Agree with you man, the World Cup is a better and more enjoyable tournament to watch because of the varitey of playing styles. It may not be as concentrated with talent but its definetly less predictable and a more worthy acheivement to win.
But both tournaments are amazing to watch.
@Allan
why is it so overrated?
You guys are nuts!, the euros dont compare to the world cup.
So much more variety + the south americans, a think you have to re-think those statements.
Theres a reason its the number one single sporting event on the plantet.
So happy for Denmark. This is football.
Denmark beats Holland 1 – 0 good times.
@AllenOutraged you can’t calculate, luck, desire and heart. Things that can’t be measured.
Totally agree World Cup is so overrated. Holland need to seriously finish already. They are too good for this crap display.
Crazy that the Dutch are so deep, they have RvD and Huntelaar on the bench…
Euro = month long Christmas in the summer
Also, 10 times better of a tournament than the World Cup. God, I wish I was unemployed for the next month… Go Danes!
@AZ, you being serious? Denmark played with fire in their 3rd the first half, Holland should have made them pay for their mistakes.
Demark woah! I’m really starting to hate Robben. The guy plays with no IQ what so ever after so many times I defend him.
Van Perisie looks pretty awful too, why couldn’t he look this bad against Spurs when they played. It would have helped big time.
if only we could be as organised as denmark 🙁
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNga1vyOUR0&feature=youtube_gdata_player
GO! Denmark!
Also, this is a perfect example of Netherlands having all the possession, a slew of TERRIBLE shots on goal and WHAMO on the counter attack by Denmark.
.
OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH SHIT. Denmark just scored against Netherlands. Good for them.
Currently 1 – 0 at the 25 minute mark.
I love football and all, but here is some sobering info from Italy — and it ain’t about footie: I’ve been in Rome for several days and I speak some Italian, so I’ve talked to folks from all walks of life and not one has mentioned the Euro, and when I’ve brought it up they don’t have much to say and quickly change the subject. Here’s what they are talking about as Italy is about to take on the current World/Euro champs: real life and the economic crisis in Italy and most of the rest of Europe. Things in Italy are bad, I hate to say. In observing and talking to people around town, they seem really affected by the econ crisis in that they are bitter and not in the greatest of moods. Rome itself is not how I remembered it from just a few years ago; it’s dirty, there are few public services like cleaning and maintenance, there’s trash everywhere, and the famous tourist spots are in need of renovation. The people tell me there’s no money for these services , or much else for that matter; it truly looks and feels like a third-world country these days. My Italian friends here concur with these observations and say Italy ain’t what it used to be. Anyway, back to football. We’ll see what the interest level is here tomorrow on the first Group C game day. Meanwhile, GO CRO!
Allen thanks for your long write up and your video to get us pumped up. I can tell you put a lot of time and effort into the writeuo and I really appreciated it, even if I hope you are wrong about group C hehe
We are due for a little luck!!!!! Croatia beats ireland and italy and draws spain!! Bog I Hrvati!
U ime oca i sina i duh svetoga you got to love it when you see Robert Kovač do the sighn of the cross after Lijepa Nasa -U-
Ok easy terminator you had to wear the ugliest jersey the Cro team has ever had -U-1941
Tomorrow we must win.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO4tIrjBDkk
Simple the two eye’s Italy and Ireland ide kući Za Dom “SPREMNI !!!!!” -U-
Looking at the squad from 2008 and this one, it looks like this team is possibly stronger.Modric is 4 years more experienced, at the highest level. We have Jelavic and Dudu this time around, where as last time we actually played Niko behind Olic. Still mediocre at the back, same as last time though. Perisic adds some real speed to the side, which was quite slow last time around.All in all actually a better squad on paper. Difference is the strength of the group we’ve got. Ireland is on a par with us, but we are behind both Spain and Italy in quality and depth. IF we get out of this group it would be a major shock to most of the planet.But it’s definitely a possibility if we get the max points from the Ireland game and squeeze a draw from Italy.Goal difference could be crucial, so that 3rd game against Spain might be the most important in terms of how many goals we can ship.A 1-0 loss could be what gets us through.Then who knows? But we are not a top 4 side for sure.So second round must be the goal for this side, and that would be a big success I think
I Believe Spain is a no-brainer to survive this group, and the next obvious choice would be italy to make the quarter finals.
Its really hard to see them having two bad tournaments in a row.
Croatia has already achieved their goal by just being here, anything more would be a bonus.
Its not impossible but not probable that they sneak into the Q/finals, and im ok with that. I just hope they give it their all, because they should really understand that these moments dont come around too often, they gotta make the most of the situation and be grateful that they are competing in this tournament. Because once its gone its gone.
Good luck to our boys against ireland, make the country proud.