Over 250 Croatians from the greater Los Angeles area gathered at St. Anthony’s Catholic church in Los Angeles for the World Cup opener featuring Croatia and hosts Brazil. Although the Vatreni couldn’t hang on to an early 1-0 lead, the atmosphere at St. Anthony’s was electric throughout the day. We would like to thank St. Anthony’s and CroatianRadioProgram for hosting such an event.
We’ll be back on Wednesday!
Biggest threats from Cameroon will come down their ride side. Assou-Ekotto looked good against Mexico.
who’s that creeper with the mustache? is that Dukic?!
jesus dude… if it is, get that thing in check bro you look like a top notch child molester
It would be nice if we could put a couple goals past Cameroon to boost our scoring confidence.
Why the fuck are we all so unlucky this wc? Like is there some fucking spell?
Sorry vlad you are a fag. Accept it.
Samuel Eto’o @setoo9 21m
The doctors confirm! I would probably not be able to play the match vs Croatia on Wed, june18th due to an injury on my knee causing me pain.
Huge bonus for Croatia. Cameroon lose their leader, and main goal threat.
I think this also allows us to play a more offensive lineup, mainly a more offensive midfield, and really dominant the game.
Rebic-Rakitic-Perisic
—Modric-Kovacic
I would place Rakitic behind Mandzo and put Kocacic with Modric.
We need Rakitic in his natural position to create some quality scoring chances,
Kovacic can also jump into the atack.
I would also place Rakitic behind Mandzo and put Kocacic with Modric.
We need Rakitic in his natural position to create some quality scoring chances,
Kovacic can also jump into the atack.
I would also switch Rakitic and Kovacic’
If these guys come out with a plan for Cameroon like they did against Brazil, then I’m not worried. If they focused their preparations entirely on Brazil, then it might be an issue.
In terms of lineup, the only player that we truly need to change is Jelavic for Mandzukic.
Vrsaljko MUST stay at LB. Our biggest weakness suddenly became a strength last game (that called back goal was crossed in by Vrsaljko).
Olic will no longer dribble like an idiot after his teammates yelled at him, and he should still start. Rebic can come off the bench. But, you can start Rebic and have Olic come off the bench, I don’t really care. Either one of them off the bench will be trouble for a tired opposing defense.
I love that Niko did not sub in Eduardo last game. Excellent, excellent call. Much respect to Niko for not submitting to the storyline pressure of putting Eduardo in. He should not be playing at all in this World Cup, and should be phased out of the national team now that we see how valuable our younger players (ie. Vrsaljko, Rebic, etc) truly are to this team.
@ Mali I Dalmo
Oprostite !
Sto posto trebamo Vrsajlko za Kamerun. Budala za meni, sto sam mislio?
This is why we need each other.
Kid is a stud and definitely should start.
Especially when we shift the ball from right to left.
You know Kamerun will be leaving us space to counter.
There tactics are sranje.
Uvijek vjerni
So going on Croatian sport sites like index and vercinji list and jutaarnji and that’s the what I see makes me gay sure thing bro!! Whatever makes you feel better about our team loser!
@Vlad
you must be gay if this is how you spend your free time, searching out naked pics of guys, sramota, get a life dude
Wow looks like our boys like to look at each others Penis’s all over croation web sites are articles of our guys walking around the pool and hit tub naked these guys are really Pedari
beleive what you want about Drmic, they love spinning that story how the savez did not respond
at the end of the day we have better players in that role, rather take rebic
Drmic tried repeatedly to play for cro. Savez never responded to him
Is CSR going to update the site at all? How about a transfer market thread?. Rakitic is going to Barcelona, I think that’s pretty big news. Also, where is Mario going to go? Kovicic is being scouted, and who knows what else will happen when we get into next gear against Cameroon.
Drmic overrated and frankly who cares, He did not make an effort to join Hrv. I would rather take rebic or manzukic over him anyday.
I don’t get why people are so afraid to change goalies. If any of the outfield players have a poor game, and also have a capable backup, people don’t shy in wanting them pulled.
Subasic is in some eyes ( and mine ) a better goalkeeper than Pletikosa at the moment.
I understand Pletikosa is a legend, and our second highest capped player, but he’s not the same.
whats up with modric? some say no play, some say yes… i guess we just won’t know till game time
wow this is looking just peachy… if mexico some how beats brazil this is going to be so fucked… we will almost essentially be eliminated before we play our second game… i think that will be a near record
Man Drmic what a ahame instead we have jelavic sammir and lol.
Well done Suker, Mamic and the entire federation for helping the flood victims.
“Slavonia has given a lot to the Croatian football and I hope we can contribute to the rebuilding of what the floods have destroyed. We express condolences to those who have lost family members and sympathize with those who have lost their homes. We also appeal to the supporters, to buy the tickets and help our people in Slavonia. Croatian national team is with you, as you have always been with us”, said Davor Šuker, the president of the Croatian Football Federation.
He plays for Switzerland 😀
Basically as the HNS has become for Mamic centric they haven’t cast a wide net to look for the diaspora talents because if there is no profit to it for the big chief there is no point at looking at the player. Suker on the other hand when not kissing Mamic’s ass he can usually be found travelling about handing out number 9 Suker shirts to anyone and their dog, but you cant really expect much more from a figurehead, can you?
It can also be argued that he should have stated his intentions of wanting to play for us but didn’t, either way its a cock up and we don’t have what could be a quality young player on the roster, that said there is always talent coming through, so onward and upward
What’s the story behind josip drmic from Switzerland ?
@ Mali Ante, indeed Plete is a tough call to make if it wasn’t his day it wasn’t his day and its only a case of a little slow a little late, but if they feel he could be a liability they have to just pull the trigger and make the change, Subasic is a more than apt replacement. He had a few good moments in the match, but if he has slowed and his reactions aren’t what they were, then its better not to risk it and we can remember him as a quality keeper and not the guy that ruined our campaign
@ Dalmo Ante
Agreed about Vrsaljko…kid played himself into a starting job. With him and Rebic on the left we’d be dangerous!!!
About Pleti…I hate to say I agree but I do. Trouble is, it’s a roll of the dice to yank him now.
@ Soul Champ
Valid points. Pranjic provides some good depth. Both Pleti and Srna looked a little slow and old. Big balls to choose the start Subasic…could pay off! I see the point of starting a DM but Vukojevic is sub par, maybe Badelj instead? When he first went to Germany to play he was very good – if he could step up that would be nice!
Next match is key but I have faith!!!
@Soul Champ thats more or less how i would set up, Raketa playing in the advanced position is better because he is one of the the few who will look to shoot from outside. As for Plete i said while watching the match that maybe his time has come, professional football is a cruel industry while i could give to shits if he has a bad day at rostov, when playing for the NT he has to be up to the task, this isn’t a long season where he can redeem himself, watch this space no doubt.
Pranjic over our fellow Zadranin? brate, to ipak nisam ocekiva, first of all he has barely trained and could go down early, then there is the little matter of him sucking at LB, i just watched the lowlights of the 2010 qualifying campaign to remind myself of why i hate the thought of him playing at LB. Vrsaljko is the man for the job, he and Rebic will combine well down that left side no doubt about it.
@ Mali Ante
Vrsaljko was good and he is ready for this level. And I feel we need some natural left sided with when Rebic attacks and shifts to the middle.
You never know who gets tired in Manaus?
Srna may need a sub down the stretch?
Vukojevic can only start against Kamerun, I say utilize his industry to free up Modric to attack more. Modric played great but I fear we ask to much of him on defense and miss out in the attacking third. Plus he has knock.
It takes balls but I would start Subasic. Solid doesn’t get us out the group.
No disrespect but the team comes first.
Pleti looked slow and tired last match.
Need to maximize the collective talent out of the squad.
It is all about the match in MANAUS!
@ Dinko Dog
Agreed with regard to Pletikosa. He was slow to react last game on the two goals and should have stopped the PK (right through his hands)
But….Dude has been solid for us – we have to stick with him unless he completely blows a game. My guess is that before long you with see Subasic start for us (maybe even in Euro qualifying)
@ Torcida
I see your point but it’s tough to change Pleti after one bad start won’t be the right call yet…need to have faith but definitely tough after how he played last game.
@ Soul Champ
Agreed. Though I do prefer Vrsaljko in Pranjic’s spot in your lineup – kid played really well out of position! I’ve been saying the same for sometime…put Rakitic in his TRUE position behind Mandza and start Rebic!! Vukojevic definitely has a good motor but scares me with his play.
I have the utmost faith we get through. We have too much talent and heart to let this slip this opportunity pass us by. We will get through to the next round then anything is possible!!
@ svima
Who saw that Pirlo free kick that hit the bar?? Amazing….best free kick that didn’t go in that I’ve seen in a long time.
Let’s just kick ass this Wednesday and let all the crap we cannot control take care of it self. In general Brazil matches up well with Mexico, but that is their business.
We now have very good depth !
Mandžukić
Pranjić
Vukojević
Should all figure next match.
Kovač needs to ensure that we have fresh legs in the last 30 minutes. It is Kamerun that will be cramping up as their game is based on running around to compensate for tactical limitations.
Italy looked good and Pirlo was his relaxed self for 95 minutes.
Best missed free kick I have seen in a long time.
Pleti has never been more then solid.
Subasic may have saved one or two of those goals against Brazil.
________________Mandžukić
Rebic___________Rakitic____________Perisic
________________Modric
______________Vukojevic
Pranjić___Lovren_______Corluka___Srna
______________Subasic
Subs- Olić, Kovacic, Vrsaljko
Speed and industry coming off the bench in the second half to bring home the W.
Spremni.
You don’t drop a GK with over 100 caps because of 1 under par game. He will keep his spot just like Casillas will.
Changing Pleti would be crazy and disrupt a defensive understanding which we’ve had for years.
Stick with Pletikosa, point out someone better that has played in important matches.
Great news for you Pranjic fan boys, your man has declared himself fit and ready and that he can run without pain.
Yea we need Brazil to get a result vs Mexico, hopefully a convincing one.
Regarding the GK position, if Pletikosa can’t perform at his best, i wouldn’t mind starting Subasic.
He’s started for Monaco for the past 2 and a half years, and performed well enough for them to not replace him. (They did bring in Romero on loan, he’s the starting goalkeeper for Argentina, but Suba kept the #1 jersey)
What do you guys think? Stick with Pletikosa, or look to the next goalkeeper.
@Lovro Brazil plays Mexico before us I believe so we’ll know what we have to do.
I think it’s still up for grabs. But a Brazil 1 – 0 would be helpful.
If Mexico beats Brazil, we’re fucked. Even assuming we win the next two, goal difference will most likely still eliminate us.
news continues to be that modric will be good to train again tomorrow. hoping its true.
seemed england faded in the amazon today. the conditions will be taxing. this could be where all our injuries and lack of depth hurt for sure. hopefully we can maintain position and tire cameroon out chasing us
lets hope brazil brings their A game against mexico. unfortunately the world will be more keen to the brazil referee favoritism now, so the referees will likely be more even this time around
Young players need exposure in these tournaments Armada!
Send Brozovic back to Arrogant Mamic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgRLqo-ZbuQ
anyone else find this ironic?
@ Ivica and Kreso
Appreciate the fellowship !
Many here have asked to see Rakitic upfront behind Mandžukić .
I say the time is now.
Brozovic had a moment when he could have went for goal and he was not up for it.
Rakitić upfront is potent, with pass or shot.
Let Kovačić run middle with Modric.
Have not seen Modrić and Rakitic work great side by side.
@ Soul Champ
I understand, i would still put Ivica in for first half i seen him score a header with his back to goal in the bundesliga.Your a cool dude.
Is modric injured?
I thought he is out for game against cameroun?
i really like that foward lineup… you would think if you had modric and kovacic behind them surely that is enough to feed those guys up front
people shit on perisic but the kid is strong… he almost got mauled at the end of the game and just kept running hard on that one foul… he was buzzing all over the place… ya he makes these freaking hail mary shots some times but at least he got things going
there were a couple of times where modric had a chance at an outside shot… i would almost like to see him make some of those sometimes…
sure soccer is not exactly like hockey but sometimes you just got to throw the puck at the net… we have enough guys that can put away the trash or what is known as a SMM/olic style goal
i really do feel the guys come out hard next game and put in a couple… this is just what we needed… in some ways this is better then the tie. they would feel confident if we tied, however with getting robbed knowing the should have got more should really make them want to show the world now our real potential skill
on another note Soul Champ… your positive vibes are really well felt at least by me on this site… love it
@ Kreso
Can you imagine dealing with :
______________ MANdzukic
Rebic _________Rakitic ______ Perišić
For 60 minutes !
Especially a Kamerun side that relies on athleticism and limited organization.
Then you bring Olić !
He could score twice.
1-0 can become 3-0.
^ ^
I like it!
I’d drop one of Rakitic or Modric into the holding midfield spot with Vuki though.
I think we should start Vukojevic against Cameroon to give Rakitic and Modric more freedom. Cameroon has a huge midfield, and i don’t want to see them get bullied in our own half. Vukojevic could also man-mark Eto’o since he’s their main goal threat.
A 4-1-4-1
—————Mandzukic————–
Rebic—-Rakitic-Modric—-Perisic-
—————-Vukojevic————–
Vrsaljko—Lovren-Corluka—-Srna–
—————–Subasic?—————
@Soul Champ
Mandukic in his position but fuck the age barrier, Ivica can do now what he done before. That’s just my opinion. Love you guys!
Goals don’t really matter right now.
if Mexico lose their next 2 they’ll stay on 3 points.
Even if we draw Cameroon and beat Mexico we’d be through on 4 points.
so basically we have to win by 2 and have mexico lose by two… difficult but not impossible
i still say mandzo got 2 in him
i think he has something in against the mexicans as well… they can’t fuck with our height… if we just get a handful of set pieces i think we will be ok
The commentators yesterday didn’t seem to give Eto’o a chance in hell of playing at the next World Cup (which is what he said he wants to do) at age 37.
^ ^
“impressive”
At this level, and in this day and age of ultra fit athletes, it’s very impress to play into your mid thirties.
@Soul Champ
I’m 36, Ivica is diferrent beast and from what i’ve read on your site and in my opinion, 35 does not mean shit to certain induviduals, not from what iv’e seen yesterday.
^ ^
More Rebic!!!
The guy oozes strength and confidence!
@ Kreso
Olić is BEAST !
And he is turning 35 soon.
20-30 minutes when the d is tired will have him at his most potent for our attack.
Let Mandžukić and Rebic do the work to start.
Any links for the Cameroon game guys?
@Poglavnik:
I feel your pain brother.
@Vlad:
Not playing Vukojevic against Brazil was smart.
He would have been red carded by that referee.
@Horvat
Beautiful story!
I wish we played Brozovic deeper and put Rakitic or Modric ahead of him. I guess we were playing for the draw and wanted 3 holding mids. Would love to see Raketa or Luka a little higher up. Brozovic had some room up there but he looked way out of his element.
@ Faux Cro
I know I’m hard on the guy but it’s only because I know how good he can be.
If the refereeing was better I’m sure I wouldn’t have been spazzing out like that.
I just had to vent.
@Soul Champ
I admired Ivica through thge whole match, i don’t know shit about tactics but he needs to be on the field for more than 20 mins. He is the brilliant forest gump of our team, every team needs one, we need a box of choclates, all jokes aside he is a beast.
cro is definitely fighting against a lot of obstacles. cameroon will probably look the worst against mexico b/c they had just come to the world cup after disputes with their federation and likely were not extremely prepared
in addition, we need brazil to beat the other teams badly. after the referee scandal of the first game though, the refs will probably be focused on being much more balanced
then of course, we have to play in the amazon, and potentially without modric or with an injured one
none-the-less, victory is still possible!
Pleti way too hesitant early in the game, needs to come off his line and get that ball which he could have a few times!
@ faux Cro
Olić needs to come on in the second half and attack a tired defense.
I have noticed the intensity of all the matches gets to the legs of even world class defenders.
Olić coming in for 20 minutes will provide that extra energy to take us home down the stretch.
The reality is we have to blow Out Kamerun and pray that Brazil beat down Mexico (who are tight and together at present),
Need to have a superior goal difference going into that Mexico match.
I agree that Rakitic was solid next Modrić but less than his influential self. Need his attacking instincts closer to goal. Working under the space that Mandžukić will now create for us.
Plus Kovačić is at is best when he can slalom through the defense and lay off one of his killer though balls.
Kamerun looked disorganized and sluggish. Now you shift the sluggishness for the next match but tactical awareness takes longer.
Bring on Vukojević in the second half to hound their attackers, win the ball, pass to Modrić spark the counter waves.
Spremni.
Uvijek vjerni .
http://www.jutarnji.hr/ekskluzivno–sastanak-u-fifi–hrvati-su-u-pravu–osteceni-su–zato-necemo-ni-kazniti-kovaca-zbog-njegovih-izjava-/1199230/
Although we lost back here in Australia the media said it was a great opening match and people were talking about the penalty. I believe we came out to play and took advantage of having opened the world cup and that gave the Vatreni publicity, more people know about us now. Many teams will go through the world cup with out any attention at all, we had a whole day of the public and media talking about the game.
One clear goal maybe two disallowed for offside for the Mexicans, must be a cousin of the ref we had.
Nice audio, great projection, great crowd. The only thing that tops this is being in croatia to watch the game. Could do without the pre-game prayer though, but fuck it.
http://hns-cff.hr/news/4859/kovac-vidim-zelju-i-zar-u-ocima-igraca/
the most influence player will be on this WC 2014 for croatia :
1) Olic
2) Modric
3) Pletikosa
4) Rebic
5) Mandzukic
6) Vrsjalko
7) Srna
8) Brozovic
9) Corluka
10) Perisic
@Soul Champ:
I like that you have Rakitic closer to goal.
We need someone who can shoot 20-30 meters out.
Hopefully Kovacic can pair with Modric in front of the midfield.
Do you think Rebic can deliver more as a right winger than Olic?
@Poglavnik:
LOL re the Rakitic bashing.
I thought Modric and Rakitic positioned themselves well despite the fact that neither are defensive midfielders.
I agree about Pletikosa although I feel for him if he is struggling personally.
@Pintar:
Olic played well considering that he is a center forward. I know he can play wide right or left in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, but that is not where he belongs.
He stepped up and helped fill a thin spot in our lineup.
@Jarac
shut the hell up , majmun
http://www.strawberryplush.com/strange-doll-found-leaning-up-against-a-tree-in-singapore-this-is-how-scary-movies-start/
Like line up except kovacic in the bench for vukojevic we need more muscle I don’t like vukojevic but were to soft in the middle Brazil’s first goal beside bad goaltending was due to lack of muscle in mid
_______________Mandžukić
Rebic _________Rakitic__________Perišić
______Modric_________Kovacic
Vrsaljko—Lovren—Ćorluka —Srna
__________Subasic_________
Subs – Olić, Eduardo, Vukojević
Spremni
@Mate
I like to think of myself as pametan ki einsteina, ali nemoj me zajebavat mali. Lets hope we find our scoring touch, we gotta drop 3 on cameroon.
Luka had an MRI, and has apparently avoided serious injury. SHOULD be good to go. http://www.index.hr/mobile/clanak.aspx?category=sport&id=754322
The end of the Sv. Ante video is pretty funny; where Ante is smitten by Zora, Zora is loving the attention, and then the Croatian mom shows up to give her thumbs up… Classic
Nice!
I know it’s a terrible thought but i’m actually interested to see how we play without Modric.
Maybe Rakitic will finally play like he does at club level with Luka out of his way.
@jarac
Croatian needs to score??? No kidding Einstein.
I also uploaded it to liveleak.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=9d3_1402641524
^ ^
HA!
When you try watching that video it says, “This video contains content from FIFA, who has blocked it on copyright grounds.”
I took that as, “FIFA don’t want you to see what a fucking joke of an organisation they are.”
Here’s the wonderful reffing from yesterday that I put together.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsMPc83SyoM
http://www.24sata.hr/nogomet/sok-u-reprezentaciji-modric-je-ozlijeen-i-upitan-za-kamerun-371351?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Status&utm_content=371351&utm_campaign=24sata+Facebook+status
Modric injured – in the hospital
http://brazil.jutarnji.hr/teske-optuzbe-brazilaca–hrvati-su-nakon-utakmice-divljali-i-razbijali–unistili-su-cijelu-svlacionicu-/1199175/
couple things now that dust has settled.
1. One its important for us to move on from the bad calls, as croats we are way to emotional, this could be a good or bad thing, i prefer being mentally sound and not overly emotional start of a match.
2. mexico vs cameroon score is favorable, they couldve easily beaten cameroon by 3. If the group comes down to a tie then point differential is used. Lets hope brazil spanks mexico.
3. Althought croatia did well enough to deserve atleast a point, we need to score. If you look at that came, we didnt score, although nikica’s touch created that deflection. You can argue that the disallowed goal to the keeper foul could have stand. But technically we scored 0 points. So, i think rakitic and modric need to push up field more and take some shots, now that we have mandza back it may not be as necessary, but i would’ve liked to see them shoot when free at the top of the box.
Ajmo Vatreni, samo naprid
Anyone who thinks Olic played well must’ve gotten up to get a drink every time he possessed the ball in our defensive half. He was great up front and sucked in our half.
Perisic was man of the match, imo.
….and now Beckenbauer suspended for 90 days for not cooperating with the bribery scandal involving the awarding of the 2022 WC to Qatar.
Word out the the Croatian national side destroyed the Locker room in Sao Paolo after the match – looking for a link.
http://gol.dnevnik.hr/clanak/svjetsko-prvenstvo-brazil-2014/brazil-hrvatska-fifa-sudac-nishimura-nije-napravio-pogresku—340234.html
If you still think FIFA is not corrupt, check this out. FIFA has come out and defended the Japanese referee!
My 2 cents on that game…
Rakitic is a pussy! The man can’t defend or get stuck-in to save his life!
Sure he splashed a few decent looking balls around but dude needs to grow a fuckin pair.
Modric wasn’t much better, and Kovacic sucked.
This is the part of the field where we should have the advantage against most teams too.
Our flanks were just fine.
I actually thought Olic played well.
He had that phantom hand-ball called when he beat his man down the wing and the ball went off his face.
And he fearlessly, and cleanly won that header in the box to set-up what should’ve been the tying goal.
Rebic over Jelavic, all day, every day!
Why we put Brozovic in that number 10 spot is beyond me too. He looked way out of his element. Dudu should’ve been the one to replace Kovacic.
And Pletikosa, as much as I love the guy, is past it.
Whew!
I think I actually feel a bit better after typing this.
I forgot to mention, my daughters name is Antonia (Nia for short).
She is truly a gift.
Today is actually St. Anthony’s feast day.
My daughter was miraculously conceived by his intersession.
On June 13, 2006 (St. Anthony’s feast day) my wife and I found out she was infertile because she was in early menopause.
We began praying fervently to St. Anthony for a miracle.
The Doctors told my wife she would never conceive unless she did invetro fertilization. We refused to do this since it is forbidden by the Church.
Almost two years later, St. Anthony’s relics (incorruptible body parts) were brought to a Church in Toronto. After we venerated his relics, a priest prayed with us. He prophesied (which is a gift from the Holy Spirit) that when we were to see him again in one year, my wife would be with a child.
Shortly after that, my wife and I made a promise to St. Anthony. If my wife would miraculously conceive through his prayers to God, we would dress our child in the Franciscan Habit (brown habit with a white chord around the waist) for one full year.
To make a long story short, we found out my wife was miraculously pregnant ON ST. ANTHONY’S FEAST DAY (June 13, 2008).
Based on the doctor’s calculation, my wife conceived around the time we made the promise.
We found out my wife was in menopause ON ST. ANTHONY’S FEAST DAY. Two years later, we found out she was pregnant ON ST. ANTHNY’S FEAST DAY.
For one full year, my daughter was dressed like a Franciscan monk. Her story touched many lives.
There was a time when I didn’t believe in miracles. Ever since I made a decision to change my life and follow Jesus, my family and I have had many similar experiences.