Photo: Jutarnji.hr
How things can change in only one month. The goal was set simple: win in Greece and Croatia would book their ticket to Euro 2012. Even with a draw in Athens, Croatia would still get the deed done with a home victory against Latvia four days later. The plan was in effect the night of October 7th, 2011 in Piraeus. Greece was held scoreless at halftime with minimal attacking. A Vatreni goal in the second half would have all but ended Greece’s hopes of automatic qualification. However, Greece lulled Croatia to sleep and attacked heavily with 20 minutes remaining. The Croatian defense thwarted numerous Greek attacks, forcing corner kick after corner kick. With a botched clearance attempt in the 71st minute, the ball found a wide open Georgios Samaras in the middle of the box, who slammed home the opening goal to put the Greeks up 1-0.
With Croatia only having 15 minutes to right their wrong and equalize to regain control of their own Euro 2012 fate, Greece put a nail in the coffin off a corner kick in the 79′. Theofanis Gekas was left wide open in the box by Croatian defender Dejan Lovren to head home a corner kick for a 2-0 Greece win. Croatian fans worldwide lamented the loss with media back home absolutely roasting Slaven Bilić and his boys. How the editors of Jutarnji List can call out Bilić and tell him directly (in the photo above) that his team does not deserve Euro glory, even before the qualifying campaign finished, is beyond me.
Even with a Euro playoff looming one month later, Croatian media stated that Croatia did not deserve to be at Euro 2012 because of an away loss to Greece; a team that only conceded three goals at home and five all together during Euro qualifying. Croatia came to Greece and played for the tie, it showed. Bilić would have been a hero if it worked, but don’t crucify the man and his soldiers after one minor speed bump. Where is the faith? Where is the positive reinforcement?
Fans started to worry. “Here we go again! Croatia will miss another tournament. Croatia will probably draw Turkey in the playoff and lose again.” Those are some of the things I heard. It’s this same mentality that Croatian media and fans alike need to dismiss. Croatians are not set up to be labeled as world-class in soccer, instead, we are the under dogs that play against the best and shock the world in the process. That is our role, for now.
Greece 2-0 Croatia Highlights
With Croatia heading to a Euro playoff, fans logically wanted to face the lower-seeded Estonia in the tie, who would have been the easiest draw for the Vatreni in a two-legged affair. However, with Turkey on the board, a tiny piece of all Croatian supporters wished they would be drawn, whether they were vocal about it or not. Croatia’s destiny was picked out of a plastic bowl in Krakow, Poland October 13th. Who else would it be but Turkey? The same team that shattered Croatian hearts worldwide with a last second goal and penalty shootout win at the Euro 2008 quarterfinals.
Croatia would have their chance to kill the demon and get the Turkish monkey off their back on 11/11/11 in Istanbul. Some say it was a revenge mission, others just another game. Our boys were up to the task and came out of the gates on fire. Ivica Olić’s second minute goal would set the tone for the entire playoff and give Croatia some resurgence after an average qualifying campaign. Mario Mandžukić would head home later in the first half and Vedran Ćorluka would stick in a Darijo Srna free kick to send Croatia back home for the second leg, on their way to Euro 2012 and erasing any thought of that disappointing loss to Greece a month prior.
The whole point of qualifying is to qualify. What difference does it make if it takes Croatia an extra two games to qualify every campaign? Sure, Croatia didn’t play their best football in the last two campaigns, but that is all in the past now. So much can happen in international football as tournaments are few and far between. We should cherish victories and not be so hard on our boys when they lose. This summer in Poland, will you be thinking about battling world champions Spain and four-time World Cup winners Italy, or a now insignificant 2-0 loss to Greece in qualifying? Four months ago, Croatia did not ‘deserve’ to be at Euro 2012, according to the press. Now, Croatia is three months away from playing with the world’s elite, not because of negative remarks from the newspapers, but because they earned it.
It was a true blessing in disguise that Croatia was able to face Turkey and crush them on their way to the European championships. A morale boosting turn of events to say the least. And while Croatian media jumps back on the bandwagon for Euro 2012 after lashing at the team and its coach, fans abroad should appreciate the efforts of this Croatian side as they play through the negativity that is Croatian culture, where winning translates into being a champion and losing means you are nothing.
A Great Day in Croatian Football History. 3-0 in Istanbul!
@ capitals55 @ Nizic
http://www.nogometni-magazin.com/newspro/coranto/viewnews.cgi?id=EFFpkuVylAgIKQXAuA&tmpl=coranto_euro2012
Why celebrate?
Because despite everything, I am a dinamovac and am happy when my team wins and crushed when they lose; you always stand behind your team by any means necessary.
Don’t worry, one day you’ll learn and realize this before you ask. It will be a very long time though…
@ Ante B.
Yes, Dinamo will win yet another HNL title…but what does that mean? They have the best players and the most money. They have that capability because of Mr. Mamic, someone whom you have publicly made clear that you despise.
So why celebrate?
Dinamo winning the HNL is like me beating you in a foot race. I would shake your hand, say good race and move on to my next life endeavor.
Talk to me when Dinamo does something in Europa League. Let’s start small first.
Dinamo wins again…up 8 points.
Hajduk loses or ties…again.
Dinamo šampion.
7th title in a row for the plavi.
I had a ‘real’ Croatian sports nightmare a few weeks ago. I shared it with Denis. It was so bad that he doesn’t even want me to make it public on the website…still scary to even think about it
I had a CroatianSports.com night mare last night. Mate Bulic was at my house with a couple of his buddies. We set up an interview in my backyard. As I asked my second question, Mate’s cell phone goes off. Mate answers… “Alo, tko je to?.. aaaahh.. moj Canadanin prijatelj..” then looks to us and says.. “ovo je covicina”.. I look into the camera and make the “cut” sign..
Well, not much of a nightmare… it was more amusing than anything… Just thought I’d share… so instead of dreaming about Croatian women… I still have Mate Bulic on my mind
@ capitals55 Looking for the same, a point in the right direction would be very appreciative.-U-
Kind of off topic, but does anyone know where you can get the blue away 2012-13 Croatia kits. Most of the well known websites dont have them yet but have other euro 2012 teams. Ive found some websites from Asia that have them for cheap but I really dont trust them and much rather would buy and pay more from a reputable website. Anyone with any info on this would be greatly apprecited,
Sammir nam ne treba, to je i Bilić otkrio…:)
http://nogometni.com.hr/bilic-sammir-nije-bolji-od-igraca-koje-imamo/
“I am normally a huge fan of your posts, but you are completely off base here. First of all, yes luck does play a role in sports (of course). It’s not the only factor, but in close games vs evenly matched teams, it is a factor.”
Thank you Rob and that was a nice post and I agree. Luck is a factor but my point is that the “new” generation Steelers have been lucky and controversial in both of their SB victories and thus tainted in some regard. Not to a Steeler fan mind you.
“Yes, the Steelers won that Superbowl due to “luck”. I must have missed the part where they became the first six seed in 2005 (at that point) to win the Super Bowl. Or the fact that they beat the “unbeatable” Colts in their backyard, with the refs doing all they could to stop that win (see interception overturned for one Polamalu, Troy). The Steelers overcame the refs in that game and persevered, unlike the Seahawks in the finals who just cried about what might of been. But hey, when you are a loser organization and have won
nothing, I guess crying about your lone Super Bowl loss is all you have.”
The Steelers have the refs in their back pocket. One game does not make the difference. Ask anyone, other than a Steeler fan if the Steelers get the majority of calls when they play from the refs. There is no question they do. You will dispute this but everyone knows they get the majority of calls. Why I do not know?
“The Steelers didn’t win due to luck, they won primarily due to the Seahawks playing like garbage (even worse than they did). You put up ten points and don’t know how to manage a clock before half time and you blame “luck”?!? Please…”
Check the Bill Leavy link. 14 points are automatically removed from bad officiating. After a sack, Hasselbeck throws a pick and then was penalized 15 yards for making the tackle. I’m not kidding. It’s like the officials become so discombobulated during the change of possession that they just randomly start throwing flags. The call was that Hasselbeck had thrown an illegal block below the waist on the return. Never mind that Hasselbeck wasn’t trying to block anybody and did, in fact, make the tackle. Just another terrible call that cannot be reviewed in the NFL at the time and I never saw anything like it. I played football and had a scholarship and I have refed @ a high level. Not that this matters, and that was the worst referee job I have ever seen in NFL football. Second might as well go home. I wanted to stop watching football altogether after that. Pittsburgh won that game primarily due to the incompetence of the refs. When will the Steeler fans admit this? Better yet, when will they say that it played a part? According to Steeler fans it is irrelevant. Clearly it is not.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Super-Bowl-XL-head-official-admits-to-blown-call?urn=nfl,260901
“We knew it was going to be tough going against the Pittsburgh Steelers. I didn’t know we were going to have to play the guys in the striped shirts as well.” – A very justified comment from Mike Holmgren.
You can thank Bill Leavy for Superbowl XL.
“Further, how in the World was 2008 luck?!? The Steelers were 12-4 and beat the Ravens not once, not twice, but thrice!! If you want to talk about luck, how about the 9-7 Cardinals making it into the playoffs in the first place, much less the finals!!!!”
The luck was in the fact that Pittsburgh got to play an easy opponent in Arizona in the SB. The Ravens are nothing. What have they done? When I ask this I ask since they have had Flacco. Everyone always tells me how great they are but what have they done? The Steelers played an 8 an 8 Chargers, a 9-7 Ravens, and to wash it down they played a 9-7 Cardinals in the SB. Nowhere in history has the opposition been that weak for an opposing team’s journey through the playoffs. If the Steelers were that great of a team, they would have smoked the Cardinals. They won the game and that is all that matters, but I guess I look at it differently? Please don’t tell me that the James Harrison TD to end the first half was not lucky. It sure was and there was a clip on the return but of course it is not called. Also, the 11 penalties whistled on Arizona included a preposterous roughing the passer penalty on a play that wouldn’t have been uncommon in touch football. That came on a drive that saw two personal foul penalties on the Cards, one of which gave the Steelers another chance to score from the goal line. For the evening, 18 penalties were called, the third-most in Super Bowl history. They called “running into the holder” on Adrian Wilson. Head of officiating at the time was Mike Perriera. He said he had never seen that called in 30 years in the position. A missed call may have proven enormous also. After Santonio Holmes’ game-winning touchdown catch he did an imitation of LeBron James’ chalk move. Using the ball as a prop is an automatic 15-yard penalty on the kickoff. Which the NFL admitted they should have called. To top it off why was the “apparent” fumble to end the game not reviewed? That was an incomplete pass as his arm was going forward. I am not saying the Cardinals win, but they have another shot from the 29 yard line and you never know. Too many weird things happening in Steeler games.
“The NFL has become a ‘get hot’ at the right time league and roll to the finals. Giants this past season, Packers year before that, Steelers in 05, Manning pulling that final play out of his ass vs undefeated Pats a couple years ago, etc. Not many considered them the “best team”, but they were the best team at the right time. Last I checked, that’s all that matters, winning the Lombardi and getting it done in the playoffs, luck, skill or otherwise (eg. Peyton Manning’s regular season stats be damned). That’s all anyone remembers.”
It is all that matters to a point. If you really think about it, the Giants and the Patriots really should not have met in the SB this year. Kyle Williams gave NY the game and if Lee Evans could catch a ball you have a SF Baltimore SB. This is neither here nor there but the playoffs are so close. There are those nuances that shape a game. When people say that is all anyone remembers it is because most people don’t see the big picture. I am sorry if that is harsh but it is true.
“Comparing the Greeks to the Steelers is a ridiculous offence to the most dynastic franchise in the history of the NFL. It would be akin to comparing the Detroit Lions to Brazil, absolutely absurd.”
The comparison is geared towards the homerism effect rather than championships. The Greeks will never let 2004 go and will never concede anything in discussions because they won the tournament. The Steelers will never admit the bad ref job and controversial games and luck plays against the Cardinals in much the same manner. In a way it is the same and the responses are similar. “We won Euro 2004” versus “who won the game?, that is the bottom line” comment. If there is a difference it is in the quality as the Steelers are a much better team. Comparing the latest dynasty of the Steelers to the original dynasty is laughable. The original dynasty was unreal!
“Rant over, but this probably makes sense if you are a Patriots/Ravens/Seahawks fan!”
I am not a fan of any of those teams, and that is my point. I always try to call it right down the line. Whereas the fans of teams always shout out the obviousness of it all in saying we won and that is the bottom line comments. This to me is not the case at all. Homerism is my #1 pet peeve along with band wagoners in sports and I have never understood it. Obviously people can be happy that their team won, but call a spade a spade in doing so. I know quite a few Steeler fans that admit the Seahawks were robbed, and they were. At least the bad officiating did not help them it is blatant.
Also, when I hear comments from Steeler fans saying that Ben Roethlisberger is better than Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Eli Manning, and Tom Brady I just cannot believe what I am hearing.
Original Steeler Dynasty – Immaculate Reception
Latest Steeler Dynasty – Good team but ultimately (Smoke & Mirrors)
Sorry for the biblical post.
@Ziva:
Which 4 teams? Would you be okay with Slovenian or Herzegovina teams included in a smaller league?
@Everyone:
At least the Aussie Croats are good enough not to talk about rugby or Austrialian Rules Football.
@HNK
Thanks for the links.
@ Mihovil
I am normally a huge fan of your posts, but you are completely off base here. First of all, yes luck does play a role in sports (of course). It’s not the only factor, but in close games vs evenly matched teams, it is a factor.
Yes, the Steelers won that Superbowl due to “luck”. I must have missed the part where they became the first six seed in 2005 (at that point) to win the Super Bowl. Or the fact that they beat the “unbeatable” Colts in their backyard, with the refs doing all they could to stop that win (see interception overturned for one Polamalu, Troy). The Steelers overcame the refs in that game and persevered, unlike the Seahawks in the finals who just cried about what might of been. But hey, when you are a loser organization and have won nothing, I guess crying about your lone Super Bowl loss is all you have.
FWIW, check out Ben’s stats in the playoffs leading up to that Superbowl, pretty stellar. Granted he was trash in the final, but so was pretty much everyone (on both teams). They wouldn’t of come close to making it to Detroit without Ben playing the way he did, as a second year player, all on the road.
The Steelers didn’t win due to luck, they won primarily due to the Seahawks playing like garbage (even worse than they did). You put up ten points and don’t know how to manage a clock before half time and you blame “luck”?!? Please…
Further, how in the World was 2008 luck?!? The Steelers were 12-4 and beat the Ravens not once, not twice, but thrice!! If you want to talk about luck, how about the 9-7 Cardinals making it into the playoffs in the first place, much less the finals!!!!
The NFL has become a ‘get hot’ at the right time league and roll to the finals. Giants this past season, Packers year before that, Steelers in 05, Manning pulling that final play out of his ass vs undefeated Pats a couple years ago, etc. Not many considered them the “best team”, but they were the best team at the right time. Last I checked, that’s all that matters, winning the Lombardi and getting it done in the playoffs, luck, skill or otherwise (eg. Peyton Manning’s regular season stats be damned). That’s all anyone remembers.
Comparing the Greeks to the Steelers is a ridiculous offence to the most dynastic franchise in the history of the NFL. It would be akin to comparing the Detroit Lions to Brazil, absolutely absurd.
Rant over, but this probably makes sense if you are a Patriots/Ravens/Seahawks fan!
=)
I know we got third in 98…..but for a relatively small country just a few years removed from war, that 98 showing should be celebrated. With all apologies to Goran Ivanisevic and the results from our basketball team prior to that, In many aspects that 98 WC put us on the sporting map.
To me Greece bragging about Euro 2004 is no different than Croatia fans bragging about WC 1998, with Croatia’s being even sadder because a) they didn’t win and b) its been 10+ years now.
@ Poglavnik
LOL !!!!!!!!
Enough about the Greeks already!
I wouldn’t wanna give them the satisfaction of even talking about their crap soccer…
God forbid there are Greek out there reading this with big shit eating grins on their faces.
Regarding luck:
@Mihovil
You are preaching to the choir, my friend.
@AllenInnovation
Don’t believe in luck? What’s next, no death or taxes? 😉
No I live by that code “Luck is for losers”. I don’t believe in luck, sure something may happen that’s shocking and they might catch a break. Sure it may be a lucky escape, but I don’t believe or hope for luck. I hope for not hoping on a team’s mistake but the actual great play by Croatia. Denis is the man, we have had this debate before. In the end to me, I’m a believer in luck for losers.
As for all the Greek talk well they did win and they sure as hell beat Croatia but whatever I can see them coming in last in that joke of a group.
I think we are going to a have better showing than most people think in the tournament and against sweden. I also think people are going to be pleasantly surprised with Corluka at left back and our defense in general. The only real question is who is going to pair with Simunic in the center, Lovren, Shildy, Vida. The most skilled one out of the bunch is Lovren, no matter how much people like to smash him, goals being someone’s fault and all that. He’s the future boy-o’s, sorry for the news
Midfield and forward is pretty set, kinks to be worked out, but I’m pretty confident in Mandzukic paired with Olic….that will hopefully worked out in friendlies, whether Dudu pipes him for the spot or maybe perisic, he had a great showing against France, nearly got the game winner
@ Ziva Istina
I agree my friend but they can have the crown.
At the end of the day when you look at the record books and see who won Euro 2004 it says Greece. I guess that is the bottom line in our society. But I would never be proud of it. Not how they did it game in game out.
Bingo! A final game against the opposition you mentioned! Spain, Holland, and Germany are sick like that and you do what you have to do accordingly. We would have to bunker against them or at least a defensive counter.
@Mihovil………..While no fan of Greece or their version of the game, they won playing the only style that suits them.. Yes, its ugly and painful, but at the end of the day they have a Euro crown.
Now, I know we would never play like that because playing organized bunker still takes a bit of skill and more luck than anything else. However, lets say we get to the finals against a Spain or Holland. I think the stats would be so one-sided in favor of the Spain/Holland (possesion, shots, etc..), but I would absolutely be OK with an all-bunker performance to celebrate a Euro crown.
@ Pintar
Ask the Steelers if luck has anything to do with winning. If we would have had half of the luck the Steelers had in their two recent SB victory years, we would have won WC 98 and Euro 08. Without hesitation I make that claim. If we had their luck Eduardo does not get hurt as an example.
Ben Roethlisberger Superbowl XL – Stats
Att Yds. TD’s INT’s
9/21 123 0 2
Those stats win you a SB game?! Wowzer. On top of that, it was by far and away the worst officiated game I have ever scene in the NFL since I have been watching as a kid. If you have a chance or are curious at all watch the game and you will see what I referring to.
Luck is a factor.
@ ARMADA87
Lots of time brother to get them back. But I here you.
You don’t get much luckier than the Greeks when they won Euro 2004. They can have that trophy. It is tainted beyond belief. If we would have played the style of football they played in order to win that tournament, and on top of that to get all the breaks they did to win. One shot on net the entire game against Portugal in the final to win, and from a corner kick no less. Yeeeah OK!
I would not acknowledge our victory and I would be embarrassed to say we won playing 10 guys behind the center line for 95 per cent of the game. Like they do every game. Imagine if all teams did that? I don’t care what the results say. But if you want to look at the results let’s do so. Other than the teams they beat in Euro 2004 who have they beat? Ok, they beat us and the Ukraine. Wow, that is a world beater material right there!!!! Stop the press! lol !!!!
The only thing they are good at is tournament and qualifying draws for groups. Once again luck is the factor there as well.
They love to say things like, “yeah, but we beat you guys!” That game was an apparition in order to get revenge against the Turks. Howard Webb did not help either. The ref should not “influence” the outcome of the game, it should be the players. Was Webb the main reason we lost? No, not at all, but he was a negative factor in the match as he always is. I cannot make excuses for how we played against them in the second game. However, beating the Turks in the playoff round was worth it to me!
Patience. Let them talk and dig themselves a deeper grave.
@ Ziva Istina
Fantastical! LOL! All apologies for the rant Ziva.
BTW, the HNL started up today………………………crickets!!!!!…………yeah, i know.
Varteks wasn’t allowed to play its game because of the suspension its under, so Rijeka gets an easy win.
This league is fricken crap. Just more evidence that my idea of a 4-team league is the way to go.
@Ziva
True, alot of greeks are taxi drivers. But we also have alot of arabs and indian cabbies.
Greeks own alot of businessess like fish & chip and souvlaki shops here aswell
three things are true in this world we live in:
1. you will die
2. you will pay taxes
3. your cab driver in Melbourne will be Greek.
@armada87
you are completely wrong.
Melbourne, victoria in australia is the biggest greek population outside of greece.
If you dont believe me look it up.
I know it may seem like that overthere in nyc because it feels like they are anywhere and every where, but you anit seen nothing until you come to melbourne. Then you will know why its the biggest greek population outside greece.
I hate Greeks. I hate them as a nation, the fact there all lazy and that they all think the SuperLeague and their NT is something to write home about. The cherry on top for me is, I live in the biggest Greek population outside of Athens. I wished we somehow drew them in the Euro. I would of raised hell here in NYC if we beat them…
@AllenInnovation
“Luck is for losers”
You can’t be serious. Are you referncing Denis’ “with a little bit of luck” comment or did I miss something else?
In any case, luck plays a part in every sporting event and has always helped decide the outcome. It is one of the primary reasons teams don’t win on paper and why sports gambling is a losing cause.
But maybe I just got trolled . . .
@HNK DALMATINAC CRNO
I was at that hrvatska v sweden game in 2005. To be honest i didnt think we would win that game before hand, after that dissapointing draw with malta you couldnt blame me, and sweden were a very classy outfit back then. So getting the win made my trip to croatia all the more special. Great memories. Thanks.
@Chopper Tudor
Yeah man 2002 i did the same thing but i drove my car through Lygon street (lilttle italy) waving my massive hrvatski zastava, man they were fuming. I dont know if you noticed that?
Little did i know my joy would come crashing down a few days later after that ecudor loss. Sickening!
But i would much rather lose to the italians than the greeks at least the italians are a football superpower and have always been, so its a little easier to stomach.
I also think the greeks a lot more cocky. They just wont let us forget that they are european champions.
Anyone know where I can watch the Arsenal Tottenham game online? It’s this Sunday at 8:30 EST, hopefully I can watch a taped version or else it’s North London Derby – Church – nap in that order
Luck is for losers
@ Mihovil,
Haven’t had the chance to catch City of God yet. It’s on my list though. I always forget, but where do you reside again?
@Ante
I hope you’re alright. Hang in there.
Annoying is the understatement of the year. But I will hold off from further commentary. 🙂
Off topic……
Did you watch City of God yet?
@ GoldenChild,
Yes, I was in a minor auto accident yesterday (100% not my fault as I was rear-ended on the freeway, no gay jokes please) but I’ll be ok. Tweaked my neck, so if you see me in a neck brace during Wednesday’s analysis of the Sweden match, that’s the reason.
Had lots to think about last night and had this article on the back burner since they ran that picture in Jutarnji the day of the Greece loss. I appreciate the kind words for the article…it was hit or miss in my opinion.
@ Mihovil,
The Greeks are annoying. Anything soccer related automatically gets a Euro 2004 reaction. It’s ridiculous. The Italians are pretty annoying too. Can’t wait for that matchup.
@ Anonymous
Greece lost twice to the Swiss in 2010 qualifying. Check it.
@ Denis Svirčić
“I just don’t want to see Slaven coaching in September. Don’t want to miss consecutive world cups. This next group is no walk in the park. This will be our most difficult group ever.”
This is by far and away our toughest group as an entity. Personally I think he is gone regardless as he will not turn down the money @ a coaching job somewhere else. Regardless, who do you see as a viable replacement? Do you have someone in mind? Just curious.
Hey Shinobi, so true!!!! So many Greeks in Melb, made me sick in 2004!!! But many Italians too! I remeber in 2002 when we beat those bastardos and I watched the games with a couple Cro mates in Lygon st (This is little Italy in Melb) and geez it was mad when we won!!! We were running up and down the street like crazy! Those Italianos hated us. So smug and arrogant! I much prefer to play Itlay than Greece. At least, for the part, Italy don’t have that many surprises and base their strategy on a solid back four, whereas Greece is just way too unpredictable. Should be an awesome tournament!!! If we can get out of the group stage then anything can happen. Must win first up, to put the pressure on the loser out of Italy-Spain! That’s the key, and then go for it against teh Azzuri!
@Ante,
Well done sir. Lots of feedback in such a short amount of time. Anything about Croatian football and everyone has a take. Good to see.
@Mihovil,
ahhhhhhhhhh the greeks.
@Wallace,
I don’t get where you are going with that last comment.
Even though I get frustrated with Olic at times, I’ve always been a huge fan of his heart, speed, energy, and ability to lead by example.
Yes, I did say that I wanted Croatia to “not qualify for the Euro” and that we would go “3 and out, unless of course we had a kind group”.
1) Not qualify for the Euro…. so Bilic is removed. I like Bilic, a hero for Croatia. Slaven turned down lots of $$$ and a chance to manage a team in one of the top leagues in the world to coach Croatia. However, he’s just not good enough, yet, especially not good enough to manage for 3 tournaments. The rest of the world has figured him out. (Macedonia, Georgia, and Greece) Croatia deserves to qualify mainly by default. One of the easiest(if not the easiest) groups in Europe. I just don’t want to see Slaven coaching in September. Don’t want to miss consecutive world cups. This next group is no walk in the park. This will be our most difficult group ever.
However, at the same time, I am rooting for Croatia in every game. I would never sign off a loss.
2) “Croatia will go 3 and out”… The group is not impossible. Ireland are ranked 16th out of 16…. and the Italians have injury problems with Rossi and Casano. A little bit of luck and we go through.
Forgot to mention:
Excellent article Ante. Nicely done!
@ TheGoldenChild
I agree brother. Ebbs and flows.
🙂
@ Anonymous
A Brief Conversation with a Greek Football Fan
Me: Hey, how’s it going, so you cheer for Greece?
Greek Fan: Yep, we won Euro 2004.
Me: Interesting, what are your thoughts on Euro 2012 and your chances of doing well in the tournament?
Greek Fan: We won Euro 2004.
Me: Who are your offensive weapons and what type of game plan do you use? Do you use a 4-4-2 or a 4-5-1 formation?
Greek Fan: We won Euro 2004 and our coach does not allow us to cross the center line during the game. Well, maybe near the end of the game the coach will let us go accross the line to see if we can get corner kicks as going across the line and open play is frowned upon for our players to do so. But wait I just remembered something that I forgot to mention. We won Euro 2004!
Me: Hey, see that chick over there, she is hot!
Greek Fan: We won Euro 2004.
Me: Gotta run, good luck in Euro 2012.
Greek Fan: Thank you, but we won Euro 2004.
When we draw next week, can we come back to this post to see how people should normally act?
The greeks are unbeaten in something like 20 games. Their group will be in for a surprise.
@ HNK DALMATINAC CRNO
The header from Šuker @ the 21:42 timeframe crosses the line. All the more reason for goal line technology. One of the many events that I will not forget from that game. That game is the past. The future is Friday, March 22 2013.
We should all go!
🙂
Heres a good youtube page to get pumed for the euro http://www.youtube.com/user/FanaticZG#p/u/0/Z7RAx5GH0Cs
@ Robrt Dumancic This is still by far the worst game we didnt lose but if felt like a huge loss http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Trhl2Wtizpc
Ciro MAJSTORE CIRO PEDERU HAA! Ciro was there for 2006 worldcup but i guess mamic fired him. In regards to the HNS reprezentacija i fell we are not a top team but if we play as a team why not anything is possible get the tactics right some luck here and there why not group D does not care me France England Ukraine Sweden no disrepect but they can beat us but we can beat them aswell Beat Ireland and 2 draws against spain italy i would be happy with.
@AZ………..because Kresic didn’t play for Hajduk or Dinamo. Easiest way to make the repka is to play for one of those two teams and then have the right manager/agent to push/force you into the national team. I rather see him as the #2 GK over the serb Subasic or the invisible Kelava.
@JerseyCro……..great point on ticket prices. Like everything else in Germany, they have “red”. Going to Bundesliga games is a family experience for many. The fans typically behave. Italian stadiums suck. Most games in Italy are not on basic TV, they are on PPV. But, people still wont go to see mid-level teams because of the crap stadiums and idiot fans.
@HNK Dalmatinac……..HRT needs to bring back Ciro as studio analyst.
Remember people chanted CIRO PEDERU CIRO PEDERU AND THEN ONE YEAR LATER CIRO MAJTORE CIRO MAJTORE, Same here with Bilic 2006-2008 he was a hero to the nation 2008-2011 he was an asshole who couldnt outcoach even malta and what will bilic be in 2012?????????
Nice article but I said Croatia would beat Turkey. I’ll admit I predicted 1-1 tie in Turkey but then a 2-0 win in Croatia. The fact Croatia held them for 180 minutes without a goal was very satisfying.
Wallace: Ticket prices in the Bundesliga are very cheap, as low as 10 euros at some clubs. I don’t know about La Liga or Serie A, but in England its probably twice or even three times as much.
The stadiums in Italy are old and like Croatia, families don’t want to go to the games because of the ultras (I know there are more reasons for low attendances in the HNL, but this is one of them)
Dario Kresic is doing well at PAOK…Why is bilic not considering him?
The Croatian media functions like most fans…….over the top glorification when we win a big match and end of the world doom when we lose a big match. That is what makes sports such great theater.
@ Fisto
The newspaper seems to only blame Bilic. It’s not just his fault.
Besides, I’m pretty sure Bilic coaches the team in the realm of “reality.” In other words, he played in the WC, so he knows how high expectations are. Can the media tell him to do a better job and tell him how to achieve those expectations? Bilic knows much better of his task. He’s no fool.
You don’t need the media telling Bilic what is going on, for Bilic already knows. He was at the game. No matter how bad he did, there is no need to be disrespectful; doesn’t matter how good the Croatian NT was playing in its short history.
How can you go forward as a nation if you don’t strive to be better? I do not want Croatia to turn into a Hungary. Hungary was a dominant team in Europe through the 50s 60s and 70s and havent done anything since. You have to keep applying the pressure.
DinamoDennis: “I just rememebr 90% of people here saying Turkey would win and we had no chance”
I remember Denis Svrcic didn’t want Croatia to beat Turkey and qualify; this from the same guy who now says he was always an Olic fan.
Ante,
You should get in more car accidents.
I would much rather have a media that is overreactive and criticisizing a team that SHOULD have beat the Greeks than be a soft one and let those type of things go. Even though it is an accomplishment for Croatia to make major tournaments because the size of our country is small, the expectations and pressure on the team should remain high at all times. Someone needs to hold the HNS and the NT accountable. Yeah, the jutarnji headline is a bit over-the-top, but I’d rather have it this way than the alternative.
What a horrible thing to write about in the newspaper. Might as well as say that to him in the face.
Funny how we qualify for the EUROs, and then the Bilic “fiasco” slowly melts away. Show him some respect or faith, at least.
Germany has a population of 75 mil, the bundesliga has huge stadiums of which every one, every game is filled to capacity; yet there are only 18 teams in the Bundesliga. Italy has a population of 50 mil, Seria A plays in huge stadiums which are rarely filled, yet they have 20 teams. England has a pop of 50 mil, the Premier League plays in smaller stadiums that are often not filled to capacity and they also have 20 teams. Spain has a pop of 40 mil, LaLiga stadiums are also not always filled to capacity and they also have 20 teams. Why is this? it seems to me the Bundesliga should have more teams than the others, no?
Gotta hand it to the greeks they make the most out of their oppotunities when given. 3 corners for the match 2 goals, not a bad return if you ask me.
I just wish there wasnt so many greeks living here in melbourne. They love reminding me every chance they get.
I hope another revenge date will arise sometime in the forseeable future to shut them up.
Bilic record with Croatia – 40 W. 16 D. 6 L. 67.80% win%
^^ sorry i messed that up, should be able to edit your post! lol
We like to do things the hard way because we are bad ass like that. Beautiful article Ante, really enjoyed this one!. Personally I think Slaven Bilic has done a good job with his time at Croatia, we had that little mess up for qualifying for World Cup which was a heart breaker but to me it saves a lot of stress and potential heart attacks.. like the ones I will receive during Euros.
Bilic record with Croatia – 40 W. 16 D. 4 L. 67.80% win%
Croatian critics remind me a lot of the English type critics, they like to doubt they’re team, play down on us, no support and hammering the manager with comments… all it does is just boil that mighty Croatian blood.
idemo Hrvatska
I can’t wait for Euro!! HRVATSKA!!
Totally agree. Remember that we needed a playoff win over Ukraine in ’98 to qualify for that World Cup. In fact, during qualifying we tied three games, lost one and gave up 12 goals.
And then we were in the semis! Sigh. Where were you on July 8th, 1998? One of the saddest days of my life….
Cheers,
Robert.
Two wide open greeks in the box for two easy goals. Was the game fixed just so Bilic could get revenge on Turkey before leaving the team? Or is Lovren really that stupid at defending?
Samo je jedno u mom zivotu vrijedno da pustim suzu s oka jer tebe volim ja zivot mi dala bas kao da je znala da nikad nece nestat sa mojih -U- sana ( HRVATSKA)
Nice write up! I jsut rememebr 90% of people here saying Turkey would win and we had no chance…
It has been proven again and again in sports that getting to the party is what counts, not necessarily how you get there.
Loose or win, I will always support Croatia.
Amen Ante