Croatia’s first knockout match comes early this time around as 3 points against Italy is the bare minimum for the Vatreni to advance in 2nd place from Group B. What changes is Dalić rumoured to make in order to improve the squad from the lacklustre Albania match?
Dalić is rumoured to start a defensive pairing of Martin Erlić and Josip Šutalo while moving Gvardiol back to the left-back position. Josip Stanišić is in contention to start as well. From what we’ve seen of this defensive duo in the Nations League, they’ve complemented each other well. However, is it smart to start a centre-back that has yet to play a single minute in this tournament for Croatia in our most crucial match? We’ll have seen three different centre-back pairings in all three group stage matches should this occur.
With Mario Pašalić and Luka Sučić rumoured to start, it is possible that Vatreni legend Marcelo Brozović sees the bench in this crucial match to see way for a more offensive line up. Sučić looked excellent against Albania and provides a cutting edge in offence and Mario Pašalić is well-versed when it comes to tucking the ball away in the box. As for which of the two will be in the middle and which will be on the right, it is currently unknown. I would think Sučić sees the right side as the quicker and younger player of the two. Andrej Kramarić will most likely start over Perišić, but the latter would likely see 30 minutes of play to provide an offensive spark should Croatia need it late in the match.
Bruno Petković did not seize his opportunity against Albania and it seems as though Ante Budimir is simply the better choice right now. When he was subbed in against Albania he provided an assist and made the pass to Sučić for the second Croatia goal (although it was deemed an own goal). Budimir provides more in the air and in the press and would likely be more useful against a sturdy Italian backline.
Italy is rumoured to make some changes in their line up as they’ve rolled out the exact same eleven against both Albania and Spain. Euro 2020 star Federico Chiesa has not been up to par and former elite midfielder Jorginho has also disappointed. Above is the Italian line up from their match with Spain and the possible substitutions Spalletti may make are indicated below the player questioned to start.
In this do or die match, how do you think Dalić will line up. Does he finally shake things up and roll out with a 4-2-3-1 formation? Will Croatia advance with a win on Monday?
Musa was never given a real chance and when he went to MLS – minor league soccer ⚽️ it was basically all over for his NT career. I wish he was put on the roster
I wish they played him in all the friendlies etc leading up to the Euro so he could have time to play and get a feel for it.
I wanted to see what he could do!!
I hope he is available and ready and playing well for World Cup 26?
Who knows!
Let’s just beat Italy and go from there.
FWIW, Petar Musa scored his 9th goal of the season for FC Dallas. He had a hat trick in his last game.
We’re so loaded as striker, we couldn’t even get him on the roster.
Udogie’s instagram has been fire since the Euros started
Vacations, beach, yachts, singing, rappers, etc etc etc
On him to rub his time off in everyone’s face
Crazy he got snubbed – would have be a good match up vs. Yamal
Took you all day to come up with that, very impressive
Snubbed?
If you really saw his Instagram you will notice he announced a season-ending surgery months ago.
lol
Not every surgery is “urgent” genius and has to be done asap
He decided to have surgery when he had it bc he was told he wasn’t going to the Euros
The surgery could have come after the Euros
Richarlison did a similar thing w/ groin/pelvic surgery, which he wait to have done till this past January
Rather not see Sutalo on the field.
From ur mouth to God’s ears !
Considering Sucic has been the 2nd slowest player (after Petko) not sure he adds much of a direct run threat from the wing (and he’s been clocked slower than either Krama or Majer) – Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal have shown us what is needed from a winger – and a slow Sucic on the wing adds nothing
It’s playing another central player in the wrong position – he’ll like just move into the centre anyways (look at his heat map) – so it’s the same problem
While I understand Sucic offensive game not based on speed – the fact is he had 70 minutes on the pitch – and his slow clock speed tells us – he is slow when he has the ball at his feet (but his touch, skill, ability to work in tight spaces – makes that okay) – however, it suggests he doesn’t have good overall work rate
I.e. in 70 minutes – he didn’t make even one real sprint – on the defensive side either (when he didn’t have the ball) – so not helpful in winning back the ball in midfield and/or tracking back when we’re being counter attacked
I would expect more effort from a young player (unless that really is his max speed – which I don’t care what anyone says is not a positive)
Also – no clue why Pongracic is in the dog-house – bc people didn’t like how he performed against N Williams and Lamine (two of the best wingers in the world, lol) – Sutalo was more of a liability vs. Spain – and than we gave him a shot to play against Albania with the best CB in the world and he got worst – so know the solution is to bring in Erlic ? Didn’t we already decide the pecking order based on games ahead of the Euros ? It’s crazy – Pongracic is more of a Serie A type of defender – which we need on Monday – we shouldn’t just randomly bring in Erlic
Also – Gvardiol at LB is going to be a waste again – if Dalic gives him instructions to hug the touch-line the whole game again – that’s not the position that he plays for Man City – he is an inverted LB into the midfield at Man City – Dalic is giving him a completely different LB role – it completely takes him out of the game / neutralizes him – it’s the same as dumb dumb Southgate playing Trent as central midfielder (not understanding also that his inverted RB role into midfield at Liverpool is completely different – u can’t just slot him in there like Gerrard and hope it works – it hasn’t over their first two games)
Hopefully Dalic has learnt what happens when he tells Spain 2.5 wks in advance that Gvardiol will play LB – and is finally putting out some mis-information so Italy don’t actually see who is starting for us until the game sheet is submitted
Gvardiol LB heat map – Compare vs. contrast
Vs. West Ham
***.sofascore.com/west-ham-united-manchester-city/rM
Vs. Spain
***.sofascore.com/croatia-spain/YTbspUb
His “LB role” at Man City is a completely different role (never mind in a very different system) – almost like a #10 in offensive end – but than u look at Spain and he was glued to the touch-line the whole game
It’s embarrassing Dalic plays him in “LB” saying it’s bc that’s what he plays at Man City but than gives him completely different instructions – Dalic single-handedly neutralized Gvardiol offensive threat by playing him like that
In retrospect, it didn’t matter we tied Albania (vs. winning)
Even w/ 3 pts going into Monday we’d need to also win to come 2nd, a tie wouldn’t do it (given goal difference)
Yes, but a tie Monday would have given us 4 points, almost assuring a 3rd place spot in the playoffs. Now, barring some favourable results in other groups, this is a must win.
Maybe
But we should aim to get 2nd in the group
I don’t care about all the silly permutations predicated on what “will” happens in a dozen other games than it’s we’ll sneak being in 3rd
Better psychologically to know we need to win – if we knew we might be able to squeak by with a draw – it would prob blow up in our face (i.e. no urgency, than we get scored against)
Our Croatian team with Coach Dalić always seems to get behind. This is one time we cannot! Italy would then pack it in. I had to get the lineup right.
We are due for a statement win.
Italy is gonna get it Monday.
Dalic has to make attacking adjustments and will.
The boys will be motivated with second place on the line.
Need to score early and have Italians chasing shadows.
No more starting slow.
Italy will be preparing for a different 11 and that will be our advantage.
Monday .. SPREMNI !!
Leao on Portugal given a yellow for the second game in a row for diving. Misses the next game, which is a nothing game for Portugal. What a joke. And the d-bag Ronaldo acting like a petulant child when he doesn’t get fed the ball. Including right before Turkey decided to kick the ball into their own net.
If Scotland and Hungary tie their final game against eachother, leaving Scotland with 2 points and -4 GD sitting in 3rd and Georgia and Czech both lose to Portugal and Turkey, they would each have 1 point. If we even play tie with Italy, would we not still go through as the fourth third place team with 2 measly points and -3 GD? We would need Albania to lose as well. I think we would go on. I mean it’s a losers mentality, jokes aside.
Anyways we need the win. Just checking to see how things would work out. If that were to happen and Slovenia loses to England by 4-0 we would also go on as the 3rd best of the 3rd place teams.
I see Hungary winning tomorrow, and if so, two points aren’t going to cut it. However, Slovenia losing 3-0, Serbs lose, and us tying, with Czechs and Georgia losing would put us through too.
You are right, there are combinations like that where we could get through that way, i mentioned it also. It”s unlikely but not impossible.
What’s the logic in starting Erlic ?
Sassuolo got regulated to Serie B and let in 75 goals last year
vs. Pong’s Lecce only 54
But in either case does Dalic not realize Italy will have a detailed scouting report on each of them (including specifically what their weaknesses are) and be able to exploit like no tomorrow
It’s like leading sheep to the slaughter
Naive to say the least
In Croatia’s 12 previous tournaments going into their final group match, 5 times they had already secured a second round place. This will be the 7th time they have to win the third game to advance. And only once have they won that third game, against Scotland in 2021. Funny that only once did they only need a tie to advance, which they did against Belgium in 2022. So the bad news is that they were 0 for 5 in getting a result they needed in the first 10 tournaments, but the good news is for the last two, they got the result they needed. Let’s make it three in a row.
I think if we are actually looking for crosses with headers from pasalic and budimir
We throw the automatic pitching machine as whatever joker called Perisic last match
Cause he did put in some decent cross attempts
Or sosa of course
Im talking just from crosses
I don’t see those crosses coming from the left with krama
I think one of the pasalics and or sucic can really change the game
As I said at the start
We will go as the pasalics go, crazy to say
Well let’s say we take the lead against Italy are you not all worried that since we could not hold a lead against Albania that we also won’t against Italy? We have a coach who brings in Baturina, who has never played a major tournament, at the end of the game instead of Stanisic. I think we could somehow take the lead against Italy but can we manage to keep it? I’m really not confident.
And I agree with those who say we have been offensively better than in the past, but that has been at the expense of defense. So what have we solved really?
Agree that was a big tactical mistake not bringing on Stanisic for Juranovic.
Going to be a nerve-racking 90 minutes on Monday, but I have faith in our boys. If for once our defense can just hold up, I can see us edging out the Italians. Bog i Hrvati!!
@MART
Thank you for your earlier comment regarding the U21s. And to think I had the luxury of worrying about Mladi Vatreni back then lol…
Croatia should beat Italy with out a any problem..go Croatia ???????? all the way … hrvatska…
Balkan deda formation and lineup on YouTube…. 3-4-1-2(3-1-4-2)(3-5-2)
Starting lineup
————-Budimir——————Kramaric———
——————————Sucic——————————
—Gvardiol—Modric—-Kovacic-Juranovic—
———————————————————————
———-Sutalo———-Erlic———Stanisic———
—————————Livakovic—————————
Possible subs
————-Ivanusec—————Petkovic————
—(Pjaca)————-Baturina———(Pasalic)—
—-Sosa——-Majer —Brozovic——Marco.P.
—(Perisic)—————————————————
———Pograncic—–Erlic———Vida—————
—————————Livakovic—————————
This has to be it… makes use of our players strengths and the players we have to make changes when need to..
This starting lineup spells grit and more pace and press on wings without losing much at back where Kovacic or Modric will drop at times to aid in defence.. but the threat going forward here is huge.. even if we started our trio this should function really well.. just feel that Sucic especially and introducing Juranovic or Stanisic or both can add depth defensivly and speed offensively.. this sets up scenarios for M.Pasalic or Pjaca or Ivanusec/Pasalic to add another dementiin where need be if so… Perisic and Sosa can offer different qualities on the left wing if need be as well
Defense needs help
Brozo is a great defender
delusional ~
I like the formation 4 – 2 – 3 -1 and also the players in the starting 11. I think that Pasalic will play on the RW and Sucic in the middle. Modric has to play as a defensive midfielder in front of Erlic and Sutalo. This should suit him, it will mean less running for him, similar role that Kroos does for Germany.
I can see us scoring, but the defence has been the problem conceding 5 goals.
Hopefully the central pairing of Sutalo and Elric will work out. Second half bring on Pjaca or Ivanusec on the left and Majer into the midfield and Marco Pasalic on to the RW if chasing a result. I would not be bringing on Perisic the guy is not fit and unable to take players on in a 1 on 1 situation. Pjaca might be able to do this more effectively against a tiring defence in the second half.
Brozo will play hard!! Against Italy
Kova is good but Modric must start
Perisic must start as well for me
brozoshit!!
So Sutalo is at fault for goals 3 games in a row, and is now awarded a 4th must win game? Interesting.
For a Dalic lineup its not terrible, but it still irks me to play without wingers.
Budimir and Mario uptop is exciting as a aerial threats, but will they get any crossing service with no wingers or attacking fullbacks!??
Brozo is not nearly as shocking as some are making him out to be. I’m not a fan of 3 CMs so its fine that one sits, and since brozo has the lowest ratings its fair that hes the one to be benched.
If we’re down a goal by halftime, sub out the fake wingers and put in two real wingers (Marco P and Pjaca/Ivanusec). Around 65th min put in Petko and Majer.
I think this game will finally go our way. Really hope the back 4 can remain disciplined.
And Brozovic for Kova
Maybe Majer for Susic
I like the lineup but I would put Perisic in for Kramarić
@ Maminjo
Stanisic can cross or score in the final third.
He has been in big games for Leverkusen all year.
I think he will be highly effective on Monday.
Mario Pasalic is goal scoring threat and his due for one.
Curious if Dalic can be proactive with plan B, C, D, and E for Monday.
Need to be three steps ahead of the Italians.
Yes, I like Stanisic starting and I thought it was a big mistake replacing him with Juranovic last game.
Pasalic and Sucic are both hot right now, and replacing the cold Brozovic and Majer with them is justifiable.
Budimir has done more than Petkovic so far, and Perisic at LB isn’t as good as Gvardiol there…so taking a chance with Erlic (who is familiar against a lot of Serie A guys) makes sense.
The only worry is that…these player swaps all make sense in a vacuum…but do the the pieces fit together?.
I am pretty confident that both Pasalic and Budimir will fight for positioning and get their heads on at least one cross each…but will we be sending any to them?
If we plan to dominate possession and are parked most of the game in their half…do Majer and Petkovic make more sense to have out there for their technical ability in tight spaces?
The good news is that we have subs, so I hope Dalic uses them.
Last game, there were too many mistakes in the starting eleven and it cost us a goal. Hopefully we get it right this time, and we won’t waste an entire half and need to rely on a collection of subs just to get back into the game.
Pasalic and Budimir on the field at the same time is intriguing for headers…if you have someone to swing them some crosses.
Unless it’s Gvardiol sending them in, I don’t see them receiving anything from Krama, Sucic or Stanisic.
This is essentially going to be a 4-4-2 lineup, as Pasalic isn’t technically gifted enough to play tika taka with Modric and Kova.
I’m expecting a good game from Gvardiol, and if we score it will likely be from some individual brilliance.
We’ll see how this goes.
Agreed, and it’s absolutely crucial we score first!
Mario Pasalic can score and he knows Italians well.
Sučić is not a left winger but I’ll take him on the field any where in the attacking third.
I actually like Stanisic for this one as his final ball has been sharp.
Gvardiol on the left is a must.
Erlic is ready and knows the Italians as well.
Kramarić is not a winger but is our best finisher.
Budimir needs to go beast mode for 60+ minutes.
Actually glad Dalic needs to coach to win as he has been way to comfortable with his conservative team selections.
This could be the point of inflection for us as we evolve our national team set up.
I am more worried of slipping into third tier oblivion than competing with the elite teams.
Italy are not Spain and the like.
We need to knock them out and keep them below us.
My father in law told me years ago VETRENI means fiery, put this on the field against Italy, just play with no fear, it’s all or out
Even if we beat them they will likely get through with 3 points and decent goal diff, so it isnt necessarily as important for them as it is for us.