HRVATSKA (4-2-3-1): Livaković – Barišić, Perić, Ćaleta-Car, Jedvaj – Brozović, Modrić – Perišić, Vlašić, Rebić – Petković
It was a tale of two halves – but in the end – Croatia got the job done and punched their ticket to Euro 2020 Saturday night in Rijeka with a 3-1 victory over Slovakia.
There was a bit of fan frustration in the first half as the Vatreni were taking short corners and couldn’t finish in the box, but all that changed after the restart once Josip Brekalo came on for Ante Rebić- who never should have started in the first place.
Vlasic got the opening goal with a beautiful low shot inside the left post with Dinamo’s Bruno Petković heading home a corner for the game winner. Ivan Perišić adding some insurance with a wonderful volley late in the second half.
It wasn’t the smoothest of qualifying campaigns as Croatia never really had the proper distance in the table to breath calmly. Hungary and Slovakia were always in the picture and Croatia needed the last day of qualifying to book their fifth straight Euro berth. But at the end of the day, The Vatreni had a perfect 4-0 record at home and only lost one on the road – to Hungary. That’s not too shabby at all coming off a World Cup Finals appearance with a huge target on your back.
Post-Match Report
great right up Vuki. interesting stuff
Yea, maybe.
He’s pretty steady. Probably good enough for a mid table EPL team.
What u guys think the ceiling is on Barisic? Epl after rangers?
I think the best thing is even if we get in a potential lull after euro if modric and Rakitic retire
We have got the young talent integrated and will have a tourney under their belts
With the likes of Kova Perisic Broz Rebic vida Lovren and whoever sticks around as vets with the very young talent all coming up
Hopefully any lull will be short lived
This is not like it was in the early 2000s
The pipeline is flowing And that is what matters the most
But as u guys say
We need guys to make right career choices
Maybe one of these lost guys will find their way and make another potential talent at least for a sub
Even there is still hope for A guy like Rog and I had held hope for krovinovic but that ship has prob sailed
Regardless nice that we don’t have a playoff this time
But still had to finish the must win game
Good for the kids to have to go through it
Man, I already completely forgot about Ante Coric, Andrija Balic and Alen Halilovic. Almost forgot about Pjaca too.
I knew I shouldn’t have grouped Caleta-Car in with the rest of the big n’ tall defenders, lol. I know he is good, he’s just been frustrating me as he seems to be at least partially at fault for the goals in all three games he’s started for us (Iceland, Azerbaijan, and Slovakia). His man scored in all of those games.
I also don’t like seeing our youngsters go to Serie A, but not because Serie A only choose to develop Italians…it’s because they don’t develop anyone (including Italians, lol).
But Coric, Halilovic and Balic were visibly kinda weak physically, and don’t seem to have a hardworking mentality (Coric with his childish demeanor and video games, Balic with his poor conditioning and crazy dad, and Halilovic with his big head).
But, we are insanely lucky to have this conveyor belt of talent.
Good write up vuki. I read it
Oh I forgot to say who I’d play next to Modric. Basically was going to say that for now I say stick with Brozovic, but if Rakitic gets his club situation sorted and plays well he might be able to take it back. Also, Kovacic could take it if he continues to play good.
JESUS. I’m sorry for the essay. Anyone that takes the time to read that is a real trooper. I just get carried away because I’m so passionate about Croatian soccer. Especially things that people don’t often talk about.
This is gonna be another one of my super long posts, so apologies for that and appreciate anyone who takes the time to read it. Parts of this post are in response to Maminjo’s post so read his first.
I was really focusing on certain players yesterday. Those players were: Caleta-Car, Peric, and Brekalo when he came on.
Peric was very obviously nervous early in the game, but once he got settled in he was definitely solid and honestly better than I expected him to be. Other than the goal, played as well as he did against Manchester City. His passes weren’t bad and was going on runs as a CB and like someone mentioned before he actually kind of helped create the first goal.
Maminjo, I wouldn’t say Caleta-Car is just another tall defender. His passing is REALLY good for a CB. Very similar to Corluka when it comes to his passing. He was pinging some long balls to our wingers and came up with some really nice ones. He isn’t super fast, but I wouldn’t call him slow necessarily.
I agree with everything you said about Benkovic. He is currently our best talent at CB in that age bracket and if he goes out on loan, he will likely get a spot on the roster next to Caleta-Car if he continues to play well at Marseille.
I’ve been championing Domagoj Bradaric for a spot on the roster for months now. Ever since he made his move to Lille he has looked good. Except he’s a LB not a RB. I think they just keep him on the U21s so they don’t struggle in their qualifiers and because Barisic is still the starter for now. We are basically set at LB for years to come now though as we have at least 3 younger players that will be competing to possibly overtake Barisic if he slips up. Domagoj Bradaric, Borna Sosa, and David Colina. Even the guy I’m about to talk about can play in that position, but I prefer him at CB.
That man is Josko Gvardiol. He is currently 17 years old (about to be 18), scored in his first start for Dinamo and started for the U21s in their win the other day. He is, in my eyes, our future starting CB and one of his youth coaches said that ‘if he isn’t a national team regular by age 20, someone should go to jail.’ He rates him that highly. If anyone is more interested in his best abilities here is a recent scouting report on him: https://footballtalentscout.net/2019/10/22/josko-gvardiol/
With the U21 call-ups. I can’t see Kalaica getting a call-up until he starts playing for Benfica’s main squad. He currently plays for their B team. I would like to see Uremovic get a chance, but I just feel like he is behind some of our other guys, but definitely worth a look. I really liked him at RB during the U21 Euros, except he’s naturally a CB like Jedvaj. Ivanusec and Moro are highly likely to get called up at some point before the Euros and I expect at least one of them to be called up. More likely that it will be Moro as he is more versatile in the same vein at Rog, but in my opinion, a more technically gifted player. Also because if for some reason Vlasic can’t play, we can just slot Modric at CAM while still having Rakitic/Kovacic/Brozovic/Moro to play the CM/CDM spots. Toma Basic is highly unlikely because of how little he’s been playing this season, unless he’s injured and I don’t know about it. Ivan Sunjic has a chance at a call-up. Was a strange move for him to go to the English 2nd tier but the fans there love him and he plays regularly so he must be doing alright. I mention Borna Sosa already, it’s really just a toss up between him and Domagoj Bradaric as to who gets it.
You mentioned Orsic really breaking out now. I actually knew about him from playing FIFA. He was in the South Korean league a few years ago and was one of the only fast Croatian players on the game. He got into the FIFA team of the week a few times because he was scoring goals over there in the same way that he does now in the HNL. I was hoping he’d get a shot back when Pjaca first got injured, but knew he probably wasn’t even on the HNS’s radar. He’s unlikely to ever be our starter unless he can overtake Rebic once Perisic slows down AND none of our younger wingers like Antonio Marin break out.
I agree with everyone saying Vlasic is definitely the starting CAM now. He is perfect for the way we play. He is direct and can score on his own which is what we need with Modric and whoever else we have playing next to him (I’ll get to that in a bit). He can press for the striker and when we lose the ball our 4-2-3-1 formation switches to a 4-4-2 or a 4-4-1-1. This is why I still say Kramaric at striker FOR NOW. Petkovic has been a good fit so far, but is inconsistent. I mentioned before how every international break so far he plays great in the first of the 2 games, starts off decently in the next one and then slows down as that game goes on. Maybe he is tired, I don’t know. But, Kramaric can create chances out of nothing even better than Petkovic and his finishing is definitely better. The main valuable thing Petkovic brings that Kramaric doesn’t is his aerial ability. Kramaric CAN score with he head, but it’s usually only if the ball is placed on his head. Petkovic can go and get it. For now, it’s still Kramaric’s job to lose in my eyes.
Everyone that’s saying Brekalo is for sure our starting wing is right BUT I still stand by playing Rebic when we need to really press like we clearly were doing against Slovakia. Yes he lost the ball a few times, but he also got it back from just straight up running. I do think Brekalo is much more well-rounded and will ultimately be a star for us if his development continues, but I just don’t think Rebic has much, if any, impact off the bench. Especially if we’re losing. Brekalo, like Soul Champ mentioned, has been HUGE in every game that he’s come off the bench. Ever since that 3-2 win vs. Spain where Jedvaj scored the rebound from his shot to win it. Brekalo is our man going forward, but I still think Dalic should rotate them based on the situation.
Last topic I want to touch on is our forgotten younger players. Since Marko Pjaca has been mentioned. He may not ever be as good as he could have been, but he still has a chance to be a decent player. I think him being pushed aside by Juventus could end up being perfect for his recovery. His agent said that he will either have to transfer or just play for the U23s. Basically he will be forced to be very patient and with some hard work, he could heal up just right. I doubt he will have that explosiveness, but I genuinely think if he works on other areas of his game such as finishing and positioning, he could still end up being a quality player. He’s still only 24.
I’ve gradually lost just about all hope for Halilovic. He absolutely should have been at least a good player. But his mental strength is so bad. He thought he was a top player before he actually was because he was beating up on U21 national teams and playing in the 2nd division of Spain. Then moved up to the first division and did well, but lacked consistency. Then he made 2 terrible moves. I believe it was Valencia that wanted to sign him, but wouldn’t pay him enough so he went to Hamburg and flopped because he didn’t put in the work. Was loaned out and did alright again. Then decides to sign for Milan and flops. He was looking okay on loan in Belgium, but they stopped caring about him. He’s slowly getting more minutes in the Netherlands, but it’s really just up to him as to whether he wants to work to be at least a good player and possible option for the national team.
Andrija Balic and Ante Coric were 2 of the 4 top, top talents that we had when I was in high school next to Halilovic and Vlasic. Only Vlasic has panned out and he almost wasted his key development years in the same way the other 3 did. Balic, Coric, and Vlasic are all born in the same year as me. In fact, Balic is exactly a week younger than me (in case anyone cares how old I am). This is why I’ve followed their careers ever since I heard about them at Dinamo and Hajduk. I remember watching a game while in Hrvatska between Dinamo and Hajduk that ended in a draw, I believe it was 0-0, and was wondering why none of the young guys were playing. Anyway, Balic and Coric both made dumb moves that I initially though would be decent for them. They moved to the Serie A where it is now pretty evident that you’re only going to get tons of chances to prove yourself if you’re Italian. Both of them rode the bench and got very few chances. Balic genuinely looked decent whenever I watched him play and even scored a screamer in a game against Inter that I remember watching live. However, he just never could cement a place in the team and is now playing in the Serie B on loan. Coric waited another year before leaving the HNL, but it was still too early and was the wrong team for him. Roma’s social media accounts really liked to show off his little tricks he would do in training, but clearly he wasn’t going to get a shot. He’s now on loan in the 2nd division in Spain and not even starting every single week. They both still have genuine talent, but just need the right coach and the right attitude. As for Halilovic, he just needs a kick in the butt. Maybe Niko Kovac can take control of a mid-table/bottom of the table top 5 league team, sign them all and develop them like he did Rebic, haha.
So the under 17 World Cup final was today and Mexico is winning 1-0 with 6 minutes left and Brazil gets a VAR penalty to tie it and then win it in injury time. VAR strikes again. It has made soccer much worse. It’s only used for the benefit of FIFA’s darlings.
Truth Troll, you dolt… Lovren has been playing a good amount in recent weeks (including champions league and against City), and playing quite well at that.
Now answer questions you ignore from above.
Prove that if Rakitić did start, the result would have been worse than Vlašić starting? Prove that you were the only one to predict Vlasic would start in the absence of Rakitic.
Link to these alleged “Pjaca will never be the same”, and “EVERYONE” coming after you, posts please.
Do it, oracle of troll.
Huge injury time goal for Ukraine today against the Serbs. Keeps them as a #1 seed for the draw and will knock the French to a #2. The Serbs have to go to Norway in the first playoff game in their group in March. If they win that, they probably have to go to Scotland and win that to qualify.
@ dannyj
I agree with maminjo largely except for where he says no one would’ve predicted vlasic to replace rakitic when i actually did
But agreed that there has been heavy integration of youth into weaker veteran spots in this cycle so from here it will be tough for more Additions to come on
The biggest remaining veteran weakness is lovren who was questionable even in form but now that he doesn’t play, is a even bigger question mark. And i think his qualifying cycle was pretty poor
So i suppose a guy like benkovic perhaps has the best shot… But barring injury, I’m guessing they leave lovren in there. He’s one of those replace one tournament too late kind of guys
Vlašić made the move to CSKA to ensure that he plays his game.
No one brings what he brings, he has stamped his attacking midfielder starting spot in the team.
Curious to see how it goes between Brozovic and Kovačić?
Brekalo > Rebić.
But I can see how valuable Brekalo is as the joker off the bench.
Depth in games is finally being accessed by Dalic.
Vrsaljko is being methodical in this latest come back.
He has just enough time to become fully fit.
If he has his burst back then Jedvaj adds depth across the back line.
Dinamo’s group stage run has been massive for our national team players, especially for Livakovic.
@ Ziva
Your corny Self-hating Hrvat ass is running out of ideas now that we are such consistent contender.
Maybe you should flip the script and enjoy this run?
Challenge ..
5 positive posts that uplift the Croatian people for every one basement BS post, from now until Euro 2020.
After the tournament starts you can climb right back into your cave of despair and doubt.
Stay thirsty my friend.
We’ll need a strong seeded team in our group so that we rise to the occasion. We always play well against solid teams. Like last year we smashed Arg but they were a basket case.
But if I had to pick one, I would say Filip Benkovic
(assuming he’s loaned out to Celtic this January as he is rumored to be)
@ Dannyj
Which young player can surprise by the start of Euro?
Hmm…It’s a tough one because we just integrated four young players (Vlasic, Petkovic, Barisic, and Livakovic) into our starting 11….and we have Brekalo as our supersub coming off the bench and playing significant minutes too. So, none of these players would be considered a ‘surprise’ to us if they did something remarkable from now until the Euros.
I would have said Brekalo or Vlasic, but these guys already surprised us. Nobody here would have guess that Rakitic would have been replaced by Vlasic so quickly and effectively.
The only other impactful ‘young’ players out there who could surprise us are Mateo Kovacic, Filip Benkovic, Mislav Orsic and maaybe Domagoj Bradaric.
Re: Orsic…
Poor Orsic developed at the worst possible time…when we had TWO wingers break out over the past 18 months in Rebic and then Brekalo (while still having our World Class winger in Perisic).
I think Orsic is an incredible player…but both Rebic and Brekalo are excellent too. They are also younger and established themselves sooner. Orsic was just a year too late. He would be a great substitute.
Re: Kovacic…
He shouldn’t be considered a surprise at this point, but he plateaued these past several years and most of us consider him behind at least four of our midfielders in the pecking order. But he has had a career year at Chelsea, and he could end up playing a significant role for us at the Euros (if there are injuries). Still, similar to the Orsic situation…there are too many players who established themselves sooner than him to start.
Re: Benkovic…
Filip Benkovic has a LOT of potential, and if he does go out on loan to Celtic in January, then I think FOR SURE he gets called up for the National Team.
Unlike guys like Peric, Caleta Car, Katic, etc…simply being big n’ tall is not his main trait. He’s a lean, tall and FAST defender, in the same mold as Dejan Lovren (but taller, and probably smarter).
I doubt he gets to start ahead of our Lovren/Vida pairing, but if there is any sort of injury or suspension to those two AND if Benkovic goes out on loan and does what he did last year at Celtic, it would be too hard to ignore him as a replacement. I actually think if he gets a single chance to start, with out A team, he would shine. He’s exactly what we need back there.
Re: Bradaric…
He’s starting for Lille, both in French League games and Europa League as a 19 year-old. Also starts for the U21 team instead of our U19 team. That’s pretty damn awesome. If Vrsaljko cannot get back to form, and if Jedvaj were to get injured…I’m sure this kid gets a look. Very unlikely turn of events would have to happen (and I definitely think we NEED Vrsaljko) but having such a young and successful RB on our U21 team is great. I think he continues to have a strong season and would be hard to ignore at least as a call up.
Speaking of which…I think there will be a couple of surprise callups from our U21 pool like Moro, Sosa, Ivanusec, Sunjic, Basic, Kalaica, Uremovic etc…but they won’t actually play.
It’s a hard question to answer because we essentially replaced a THIRD of our starting 11 from the World Cup already, so the likelihood of a surprise is lower.
The biggest surprises kinda already happened during this qualification cycle, and now we will be well prepared for the World Cup without having to ‘test’ anything.
Looks like Krama and Rakitić lost their starting jobs to Petko and Vlašić for these Euros.
It’s hard to argue not starting Petko and Vlašić now (especially with their insane offensive efficiency).
Now, we just gotta test out the various CBs in our next few friendlies (in case Lovren or Vida are ever suspended/injured) and make sure that Vrsaljko comes back healthy.
Livaković is our #1 keeper now too. Let’s hope he gets better over the season and doesn’t continue the Croatian goalkeeper tradition of being the worst player on the field in every tournament we are in.
It does appear Barisic is the man going forward
So him vida Lovren and Vrsaljko
Jedvaj finds himself as the all important sub that can pretty well fill in anywhere back there if needs to?
Ok here is a fun one
Besides the young guys already on the team
Who can surprise by the start of euro and actually be a potential player who could play for us?
Moro?
I figure I’ll give the truth another shot at being the best predictor
Not many had Petkovic on any radar after World Cup
So are there any other potential pleasant surprises in store?
It was fun to watch the 2nd half, and enjoyed that come from behind win. Looking forward to what’s in store for 11/30/19, and the draw…
dečki,
ignore the piece of shit.
Hopefully we land in group F that’s basically homefield.
When did anyone call bullshit on your suggesting it may not be that bad of thing to have Vlašić forced to start?
Another genius prognostication by the oracle of Troll.
Truth Troll,
In what world did Rakitić start, and we were able to contrast the results between Rakitić and Vlašić starting?
Link to these alleged “Pjaca will never be the same”, and “everyone” coming after you, posts please.
I would go to Twitter but i haven’t fully embraced it yet
The truth is hard. Tough to deny though my call on vlasic for rakitic is looking spot on though
gbvh^
and ronaldove taps in a ball that was going in anyway — first class dickhead.
(sorry “the truth,” not addressing you anymore. go to Twitter.)
Hahaha Četniks could’ve finished qualifying with 3 points and some momentum going into playoffs and they blow it in last second to tie Ukraine 2-2! It would awesome if they fail to qualify for a euro that they are giving spots to.
Sometimes i think maybe a thank you would be nice for the constant steering in the right direction i do on this board
But instead I’m met with insult
But it’s ok. I can carry the kriz
I remember when i told you guys pjaca would likely never be the same and everyone came after me hard saying how could i day such things!
As usual eventually they realized i was right! Only two years later!
“The first is the obvious one
I was right again.”
Mr. The Truth, take this self-centred garbage to Twitter, where everyone, yourself included, can be the centre of the universe.
Get over yourself.
thank God we came through. Can’t wait for the summer. All these mungies and pakis etc in the Toronto area this summer will get used to see me driving around in my beamer with Cro car flags. They wish they were Cro.
Shut the fuck up truth troll. Suggesting maybe it’s better Rakitic doesn’t have a chance at playing doesn’t make you right about anything.
Well a couple observations
The first is the obvious one
I was right again
Many of you clung to the old guard of rakitic but even before his Barcelona and repka absence drama, i highlighted it was time to change the guard and inject youth with the likes of vlasic
Three goals in four games…. All seemingly from the same spot… Looks like my diagnosis and prognosis was spot on again
Will be awkward when rakitic is back to full health
2. I really changed the world when at half time against Slovakia in the first game, i posed the question, ” is Bruno petkovic good, cause im seeing some things here”…
Croatia proceeded to win that game huge in the second half in no small part to petkovic and he’s gone on to score at a very high rate for Croatia
Whether him or kramaric is best up top is still a debate and i might still lean a fully in form kramaric, but at least it’s a debate we didn’t think we could have a few months ago
Glad to see i still have the eye for talent
3. Good qualifying campaign from Croatia
As always, went down to the wire.
But there were no easy games in this group.
And even the ones they didn’t get 3 points from, they usually lead in and one could say faced unfortunate circumstances
But if you look at overall goal differential of this group, at +10 Croatia clearly displayed itself as the best team, especially considering that differential did not come from beating up on minnows
Been since maybe 2008 that Croatia won a group, so hats should be tipped
Petkovic has a lot of poise.
I know we say it doesn’t matter who we play because we play better against the big boys. True. But looking at the possible locations for the group games, it appears that some of the top seeds get to play in their home country in the group stage. Only Belgium and the France/Ukraine top seed would play at a neutral site. That makes a difference. If Hungary can win in Wales Tuesday, group F would have Germany and Hungary. Imagine if Croatia was drawn into this group. Good for those wanting to see Croatia play close to home. But I don’t see any way Hungary wins in Wales.
Here are the teams and where they would play:
Group A: Italy (Stadio Olimpico, Rome)
Group B: Russia (Saint Petersburg Stadium), Denmark (Parken Stadium, Copenhagen)
Group C: Netherlands (Johan Cruijff ArenA, Amsterdam), Romania (National Arena, Bucharest)
Group D: England (Wembley Stadium, London), Scotland (Hampden Park, Glasgow)
Group E: Spain (Estadio de San Mamés, Bilbao), Republic of Ireland (Dublin Arena)
Group F: Germany (Fußball Arena München, Munich), Hungary (Puskás Aréna, Budapest)
Just looking at this, it appears that the #1 seed in group B would have to be either Belgium or Ukraine/France. That is interesting since Belgium and Russia were just in the same group and if it is Ukraine, Russia and Ukraine in the same group would be interesting. Obviously, the Russians and Danes would want Ukraine to get a result today (and possible draw them in their group). Otherwise they get Belgium or France, which is much tougher.
>>Anonymous says:
“Who cares who we get, we have to meet them at some point.”
that is one of the stupidest arguments i ever hear in sports talk. not true.
and BZ let’s not forget that Modric guy. calm, cool, collected, fearless., majstor.
@ BZ
Well said.
Barišić has made us forget we even had a LB issue for over a decade.
Petković is his own type of predator that bangs in the big man goals that you need to be successful.
Vlašić is probably the biggest blessing as the first #10 since Boban.
Strong athlete who is prolific in the final third.
He makes our creative midfield even more effective.
Vrsaljko comes back healthy at RB?
Brekalo has got more Prosinečki in him that anyone in 20 years!
Are we going to have a better crew in 2020 than 2018?
Plus Dalic is getting more and more big game experience.
Modrić lifts Euro Cup as his ultimate feat for Croatia?
We will have a motivated talent pool of players performing for their clubs the rest of the season to earn a spot in our squad.
This Euro will launch the next generation of world class Croatian footballers.
Bog i Hrvati.
Strange how so many posts were about Rebic and Brekalo!? Neither was the story.
Vlasic-ice cold
Barisic- Keeps improving and has solidified himself as our LB for the foreseeable future.
Peric-interesting pushing up, looks like a disaster waiting to happen, but was the reason Vlasic was given an opportunity to break the ice.
Petkovic-loved watching him channel Mandzukic and Rebic, tracking back when everyone else was tiring. Kramaric gonna keep faking injuries to try to save face.
Agreed.
Japan had them on the ropes at the last WC too. They’d underachieved before but that Brazil match really impressed me and they were unlucky not to beat France. They’ve grown and they’ve got the weapons. They seem to be rounding into peak form. That loss to France should only build some character. Sometimes you’ve gotta lose some before you can win.
I’d be happy if they were on the other side of the bracket. More than any other team. Then probably Spain. Even England I’d want to avoid. Not because of the talent on their team but because theyd want revenge. Dutch are looking solid but kind of young. I think a veteran team like ours could take them. Portugal Italy and Germany dont scare me right now. Of the big nations Id actually like to play France as much as any other in a knockout round game. They’ve have had some unimpressive wins lately. Worst thing about playing the French is you’re basically playing against UEFA as well.
I forget who asked about the dream
Maybe Maminjo. It was me with the bad dream
This is the first game I haven’t watched since forever
I saw the score at halftime and I’m like oh God the dream was right
Was so happy when I saw the 3-1 score line
Someone please post the game replay if they find it….
We are in now focus on staying healthy
Securing the defense
It ain’t a party if we aren’t there
Everyone knows that….
We can relax for a bit and wait for the draw
And what about our group at Euro 2012. Italy and Spain. We got screwed by the ref, otherwise Spain may have been out of the tournament. Meanwhile, they win it with the two finalists being our two group opponents Italy and Spain.
Who cares who we get, we have to meet them at some point.
Bring on anyone we are on top of the world
The titles ours no one can stop oh wait yes I forgot the dodgy draw and corrupt refereeing will do it’s best to prevent it from happening
Look out for the var too don’t slip up in the box
Poglavnik
The issue I have with Belgium is that they have been anointed as the best team in the world for many years now… But (aside from Brazil and England in this past World Cup) they’ve actually beaten nobody.
They are pretty good now, but I thought they were very mediocre at WC2014 and at Euro2016. They had three tournaments in a row where they were drawn into unbelievably easy groups.
The Brazil win last summer was the first time (since they beat us in 2013) where they actually beat a top 15 team. They lost to Argentina, Italy, France and Wales in these past few tournaments… and barely squeezed by a lot of garbage teams like Algeria, Tunisia, and the US.
Finishing third in one of the past three tournaments, while being drawn in joke groups in all three of them, doesn’t deserve a first place ranking for them for the past few years now.
If they get drawn in a group with Portugal and a strong second seeded side like the Netherlands, I think Belgium would get bounced.
Not really worried about any seeded team.
Getting in is all that mattered to me.
Qualifications are actually harder for us than the actual tournament… especially since we’ve had quite a few injuries.
We were in the Group of Death in the World Cup, and we clean swept that group with not much effort.
The teams I actually want to avoid are the ones that either play anti football (like Denmark) or a team that would get us into card trouble (like a gritty foul-heavy team).
Belgium are probably the best team.
I thought they were the best at the last WC followed by us. They were all over France other than for about 10 minutes which was when France scored the lone goal in that match.
Prolly want to avoid belgium i think, at least we dont get france
We are getting Italy . I know it .
Most of the first two seeds for Euro 2020 have been decided. A few changes might happen. Here is what it looks like right now:
#1 seeds – Belgium, Italy, England, Ukraine, Germany and Spain.
#2 seeds – Croatia, France, Poland, Switzerland, Netherlands, Russia.
Ukraine would switch seeds with France if Ukraine loses to Serbia and France beats Albania. A Ukraine tie tomorrow would ensure they stay as a #1 seed and France stays at #2. This also assumes England beats Kosovo, Spain beats Romania and Germany beats Northern Ireland. All pretty safe bets.
For the #2 seeds, I am assuming Switzerland wins their group with Denmark dropping points to Ireland. If Denmark wins in Ireland, they would be a #2 instead of the Swiss.
No matter what happens, Portugal will be a #3 seed. So whatever group they are in, that will be the group of death.
We will be very strong and make another deep run in the tournament, could even win it. The Azerbaijan came was fluke because we were over confident and unfortunately play done to competition level sometimes. No worries there.
Also they need to play many more meaningful games in Poljud.
The first half you were all shitting your pants …but the boys eventually took their chance…a great intervention on goal 1 by Dino…you can now relax and have some sausage and vino…now who do we get in the draw..will our defense be a major flaw…if we can’t best the lowly Azerbaijan…how will we beat our neighboring paesan…I see us advancing from the group …then laying a big smelly poop…it’s just a silly game you overgrown boys ..the real issue is ,why do your wives have so many toys ??
Brekalo looks like Anthony Scaramucci
I will prob go to Italy or Hungary or anywhere close to cro as I’m going this summer, anyone else thinking of going
VOLIM PITI VOLIM PITI
They’ll do the draw on November 30 for the 20 teams and then leave the four playoff teams as TBD. We’ll know at least two of Croatia’s three opponents.
FUUUUUUCK YES! First half was giving me heart attacks. This team has too much talent to miss euros. Hopefully we can go far because it will likely be the last time we see Modric & Rakitic with national jersey on.
@Poglavnik your boy Josip came on and saved the day.
I’m confused..
The draw is November 30th but the 2 leg playoffs aren’t until March? So the draw and groups wont be complete til March?
Come on UEFA..
And soon the draw!
November 30th.
I’m as interested in the cities we’re gonna play in as I am in our opponents. A rarity in that sense with this 12 country shit.
Amazing. I can’t explain the happiness right now I’m feeling. So much relief. Bring on Euro 2020. So happy for our boys. Amazed by Brekalo and Vlašić’s performance. Luka looked amazing out there, Perišić played great too. Perić with a very strong game and Čaleta-Car played really well too. Jedvaj strong. Barišić great. Livaković with not much action but looked controlled. Rebić was eh, but it’s okay because Dalić made a huge substitution by bringing in Brekalo. Oršić and Kova were great once they came in. AJMO. I’m so happy
After seeing a sub par performance 1st half (even though we had our chances) I left the Cro Sports/Community Centre for a change of scenery and hopeful positivity from our boys and we delivered nicely ! Brekalo right off the bat making an impact instantly/arguably coulda started but tough choice at times on who you start between those 2. Bull in China shop Ante who stifles defences with his constant pressure but laxidasical in his challenges or Brekalo who stifles defences with his on the ball running/shooting and slalom moves. Cracking out the sljivovica we’ll done boys!!! Was never in doubt with our quality/depth Can’t wait to have most/all our starting back line ready for euros as mid and attack look excellent! Good experience for the youngsters though!
Za Dom Spremni !!!
Petkovic has the classic Croatian footballer trajectory.
He’s this eras Dado Prso.
And here are the player documents:
https://www.reddit.com/r/SoccerCRO/comments/csikns/youngnot_established_croatian_footballers/
The ‘player card’ document is out of date right now but is still pretty useful. CroatiaU14 and I agreed to update it around January time as half way review. I updated the stats spreadsheet earlier this week. The national team stats will be added probably after the next club week as it’s honestly just more convenient to do them all in bulk. Also, Ante and I had a quick email exchange, kind of just waiting on him to get at least the stats spreadsheet onto the site as I figured it out for wix, but I’m sure he’s pretty busy.
rebic should just stay home istening to that balkan trash serverinawhore cleaning his ears, and get another haircut.
I was waiting for the next post to post the young player of the week but since you asked…here is the young player of the week thread:
https://www.reddit.com/r/SoccerCRO/comments/cxqsge/croatian_young_player_of_the_week_thread/
@filip
True that.
Just trolling you Dalmatinci. 😉
Hmm, Bruno Petkovic has a higher goal rate than Suker for us
Vuki, U14!
I need your analytics!
I dont know where to find that shit.
Ok Poglavnik but the Poljud crowd was amazing!
It would have been an undefeated record in all games, if it wasn’t for that 4:1 loss to England from Bilic and then Stimac being appointed and we lose two to Scotland and Belgium at home for World Cup qualifiers.
Still…three games since like 1990 is pretty damn good.
And STILL undefeated at home in Euro Qualifiers!
What is that, close to 40 games now?
25 years?
Does any country have a record close to that?
I know Brazil have been damn near unbeatable at home.
Ok Rijeka and Split.
Good job but back to Maksimir for the foreseeable future please.
No card suspensions, so that’s great.
Also, hopefully no injuries prior to these Euros.
We need Vrsaljko to get back into shape, and test out some more CBs in our upcoming friendlies from now until the Euros.
If everyone stays healthy, we will be stronger next summer than we were in Russia!
One of the favorites to take the tournament. If not on paper, because of heart and team play.
Congratulations to everyone
Let’s hit the piss
See you all at the euros
God damn we love to leave it late don’t we
It’s the Croatian way haha
I’ve got those same genes too. 😉
Yeah that Vlasic family amazing athletes obviously.
Anyway we do ti in style, first from our group, GOOD JOB EVERYONE !
Clutch is an understatement.
These guys are averaging like a goal per game.
@Pog
They totally have. Vlasic is a beast of a player. Great athlete…those family genes aren’t too bad!
I had Vlasic Petkovic and Modric getting on the scoreboard 😉
Vlasic and Petkovic have become clutch!
Sta sam ti reko .
Dobro rodjak bijo danas
=U=
Za dom
Brekalo is the beast!!!!!!
Who was the dude here that dreamed about us losing?
He probably only dreamed the first half.
Brekalo changed the game…nuff said
Gonna be in Zadar next summer for the Euros…………
Uboj!!!!!
@ Iggy
Second yellow for pulling at Brekalo. Blatant yellow.
On to the Euros!!!!
what was the red card for i was in the toilet lol
PERISICCCCCC!!!
WE R GOING TO EURO BOYS !
Brekalo again making an major impact. I don’t know if I’d rather he come off the bench all the time because he’s consistently been able to come on and change the game!!
Ajmo!
Uboj!!!!!!
11 vs 10 now let’s go!!
Vlašić has scored the first goal in every game he’s started in I think
Look what I said earlier. Vlasic, Petkovic and Rebic (who’s gladly been subbed) need to step up and 2 of the 3 did!
Damn I’m smart!
😉
man i must be our lucky charm as soon as i started watching we took control GOOD JOB IGGY LOL
PETKOVIIIIIC
Like I said deep doo doo
fuck yeah.. sub made and 2 goals immediately
YES VLASIC !
Goal
Why is Rebic still on
Please explain
oh god wtf is this disaster i have woken up to
This crowd in Rijeka sucks.
Kolinda was right about them. 😉
Slovakia is bunkering.
I don’t trust Rebić over Brekalo in a bunker game… Plus he might get a second yellow.
I’m liking Petkovic.
Tricky player.
He can create a half chance from not much.
U know when a splicani ie Rebic is pissing off another splicani which I am signs are not good
I hope Dalic puts a rocket up Rebic arse
Might have to pull out a cattle prod too
Brekalo for Rebic.
Kovacic for Brozovic.
Starting Rebic was good. We just should’ve been up a goal in that first 20 minutes or so.
Our defending is balls.
Hard to relax as an attacker when anything that gets turned over becomes a threat.
Rebic in form is our new Ivica Olic.
We need more from Vlasic, Rebic and Petkovic! They need to create their own chances and push us through this!
Agreed that was not Perics fault caleta is a cocky fat arse
I don’t see Kovačić playing this game
Rebic is great at pressing and is strong on the ball. He’s definitely out of form and it’s showing.
If only we had some quality depth with our defenders….
We just need to sub in Brekalo for Rebić.
This has to happen right away.
This reeks of the year of our Lord 2000 I’m afraid.
Brekalo will definitely get introduced. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Kovacic worked in later as well. We will need some speed and dribbling to break the Slovaks down. Petkovic is looking like a solid striker option for us going forward. Nice touch and technique but it’s not happening for him yet today. We will score in the second half.
Za Dom!
@vuki
I don’t like Perić… But that goal was moreso the fault of Ćaleta-Car and Jedvaj.
Can people stop defending Rebic he’s screwing us over
Get past the fluke goal against Argentina people
He’s costing us big time
Petković, Vlašić and Perišić are good finishers… It’s just that the Slovak keeper made a couple of excellent saves and Petković uncharacteristically botched a couple of very good chances.
Brozovic is in pedestrian mode too
They all acting like they don’t want to go to the euros
Rebic was still the right call to start imo as we saw with the pressing early. Peric was doing well until the goal. The striker got in between him and Caleta-Car and he was always chasing. Bad slide from Jedvaj there. I think it would be smart to bring Brekalo on now for the second half. He will be fresh and can play more direct. Only way I see Slovakia winning this game is if we don’t score.
Fuck…Petkovic should have scored at least one of those!
I hate to ask…but what happens if we lose?
Get Rebić out.
We’re actually pressing pretty hard, but it’s obvious that we don’t have any finishers
Slovakia gaining confidence.
We are half a step shy of scoring several goals.
It’s frustrating…but we will score (once Brekalo replaces Rebić)
Can someone please take Rebic off
He’s having a shocker
He’s losing the ball far too often
So… I guess Brekalo is saving the day again?
Our back line is definitely our Achilles heel. Need Sime back and need to develop some of our younger CBS.
Horrible defending thus far. Tentative and slow.
I’d be surprised if don’t score… It’s just that every Slovak longball is looking like a half chance
Wow is right..
Shitty defending.
World class attacking.
Beer league defending.
Weak goal, thanks to our weak defenders
I’m in my car….wtf?
What tha faaaaaaack.
We look very interested!
The atmosphere in Rijeka is helping.
Hopefully we maintain this pace.
Wow. Just wow. I can’t believe we are down
Good creative movement in and around the box.
A few half chances blocked and missed.
One header directly into the keepers arms.
We’re breakin em down.
We look great!
Very impressive so far.
A goal is due.
What’s happening
I can’t watch
We look good???
Fast tempo.
Nice and physical.
We’re bullying these bitches.
I think Mandzukic’s influence is still felt.
He taught these kids well.
I can’t find the game anywhere. Keep me updated guys!!
10 minutes in and I think Slovakia have crossed centre twice.
Starting Rebic is smart.
The press looks good.
We got this!
Game time baby!!! Let’s get this
Enjoy the game everyone!
Mile – thank you for the tip – your directions work perfectly (never knew you could watch on TSN.ca before you said) – game just went up – idemo Hrvatska !
@Mile
Yea, in the final round of fixtures Wales and Slovakia would be playing their opponents at the same time, so they won’t know what the outcome is.
They just have to play for the win and see what happens.
It is good that Wales is winning today. In the off chance that Croatia loses today, they can still qualify with Wales beating Hungary on Tuesday. Wales may think their chances may be slim because Slovakia beating Azerbaijan at home would knock them out. But you never know. And the games Tuesday are at the same time, so no matter what happens today, Wales will be going for the win all out on Tuesday. I don’t see Hungary beating Wales in Cardiff. A lot of crazy things need to happen for Croatia not to qualify in the next three days.
Could someone please post a working stream at kickoff, hvala.
Could someone please link a working stream for kickoff ! Hvala.
thanks Mile.
F ing cogeco.
Good news is Wales is up early…
Looks like Cogeco customers have no access. When you click the TSN Go Select your TV provider, on the Cogeco link it says Cogeco customers no longer have access.
Sorry man, that sucks.
Wales up 1-0.
not working…please provide link and then a sign in is what? I am with s.,hitty cogeco….
KarlovacKing, read my posts from earlier today about logging into the TSN website to watch the game. Ignore the other idiot Mile posts.
can someone link the TSN link please
@mile
Much appreciated. The TSN link works.
According to Croatian newspapers: Rebic in the starting 11, not Brekalo.
Oh no it was poop again! I’m running out of underwear!
Uh oh here comes the fart again
hey dudes, any links to the game? Am from the Toronto suburbs…and have cogeco and it looks like they are showing some fing HOlland game.
So worried about this game…we need to come out and score early to ease the nerves.
Another game to watch is Wales at 12…if they win vs Azerbijan then even if disaster happens today and we lose, Wales then could win the last game vs Hungary and we would still get in that way…
I’d prefer to win today and not worry about anyone else. But I just want to get there first.
I don’t know if that’s meant to be a troll comment Az, but I genuinely still think the likes of Balic, Coric, and Halilovic can do something. Those 3 along with Vlasic were our biggest talents a few years back, but only Vlasic has panned out so far. They still have tons of talent, but just made bad moves early in their career. Had they all stayed in the HNL at least another season each, I think maybe they would be at least slightly highly rated players now.
Bring in balic and coric..together with halilovic brekalo vlasic, we will be a force to be reckon
Croatia 2 Slovakia 1
@Mile
Take it as a form of flattery. Although it’s so childish…really wish these moronic posts could be moderated somehow but it is what it is. Thanks for the info about the TSN go stream. Had no idea it would still stream online if it wasn’t on the TSN channels.
I thought I’d also post an interesting little tidbit. Given our D is a makeshift lineup, I found out that there actually is a little familiarity with Peric, Caleta-Car, Jedvaj and Livakovic.
They played together against Spain 3 years ago in a U21 game and won 3-0. And it looks like they’ve played together a few times. It’s Not an ideal back line but is a bit more reassuring than having never played together.
https://www.transfermarkt.com/spielbericht/index/spielbericht/2578411
On the site, you can actually link players and to see if they’ve played in a game together etc.
I have faith we get a result and pull through today. We have enough quality and depth even with the injuries to carry us through. An early first goal will go a long way!
Ajmoooooo!!
Dude, what are you, 10 years old? And if you’re going to post stupidity, change your screen name to I’m a Loser or something to that effect.
Oops i thought i had to fart but turns out i pooped my pants instead. Not again! So nervous. The game is on tsn
And the easiest way to get it from your laptop to the TV is to connect an HDMI cable from the laptop to the TV. Then you can watch Croatia qualify for Euro 2020 on the big screen.
For the TSN coverage, the easiest way to find it is go to TSN.ca, then click the LIVE button on the dropdown menu. At around 2:30pm Eastern time, the Croatia/Slovakia link will be there. Click the link, then click Sign in to Watch, then click the TSN Go Select your TV Provider. Click whichever provider you have and then it brings up a user name/email and password. Once entered, it will connect you to the game.
To see if it works anytime before the game, try it for the Scotland/Cyprus game at 9am or the Azerbaijan/Wales or Russia/Belgium games at noon.
Croatian Canadian, if you have TSN, you can watch it on TSN.ca. You can use your cable/satellite login on the TSN page to watch it. Look at my post from yesterday. I am simply connecting my laptop to my TV and watching the game that way.
3 – 0
Petkovic 17′
Vlasic 39′
Modric 79′ (p)
Vidimo se u Lipnju!
@Pro white guy
May I suggest that your pro-white comments pertain to Croatia only?
For example, who are the white anti-whites in Croatia’s ruling class? Or is that not important for the white Croats to know?
Aren’t you here to educate us?
If you don’t know, then why don’t you just admit to parroting what you read in articles on the internet without really understanding anything?
Do you think it’s strange that all these migrants coming into Croatia are Mohammedans? Why Mohammedans, why not Catholics?
If I was planning a white genocide in Croatia I’d be bringing in black and arab Catholics knowing that there’s no prohibition on white Catholics marrying, copulating and procreating, with black or arab Catholics.
So please educate us, how can this white genocide plan succeed in Croatia, what has to happen for it to be successful?
What sort of Croat are they really trying to create with all these shenanigans?
Lol, my comments have been deleted as well.
Who’s getting pumped
I’m pumped
Hope the boys are too
If we control the midfield, which we should, we don’t have a major worry. Our worry might be scoring…we never know how these guys will come out.
I’m hoping Modric can have a good pre game speech and tell these guys to play like they’re possessed.
Regardless of all our missing players, this team can easily play with Slovakia…I’m confident with this lineup vs a team like Italy. The core guys are definitely Modric, Brozovic, Perisic and the rest are very capable of having a fantastic performance. A big part of playing well is their mindset and approach to the game. When we played Wales, we went to hibernation mode after the first 30 minutes…we didn’t look like a team wanting or needing to win. If we play with a high tempo and intensity, we will win and without a lot of concern.
Olmo was always honest but he is
Still a cunt.
Jews are not white.
I’m nervous as hell for tomorrow. All we need is a draw to qualify and get first. But without having Rakitic, Kramaric, Vida, Lovren Mitrovic. It won’t be easy win. I’d be satisfied with a draw. Slovakia will be looking for a draw because a loss would pretty much disallow them to qualify directly. Unless Wales loss/draw to Azerbaijan & beat Hungary. Slovakia will slap Azerbaijan no problem. The game won’t be televised in Ontario. Only games I saw on TSN was the Azerbaijan & Wales fixtures. None for Slovakia lol. You think they show the World Cup finalists play an average team. Yet they show Turkey-Iceland.
@Ante Kvartuc, why do keep repeating the same lie that the reason you delete pro-white comments is because they’re political when everyone can see those are the ONLY political comments you delete?
2-0 Hrvatska
I thought Žuti was fired?
How is he coaching BiH today?
Olmo gol for Spain today.
And I just noticed that Italy/Bosnia and Romania/Sweden are on TSN.ca right now, just like Croatia/Slovakia tomorrow. I just logged in and it works, so we should be good for tomorrow.
ok got it…thanks again!
It will be on TSN’s website. Right before the game, do the log in thing I described. You should see it. Here is a link to TSN’s coverage this weekend. You will see Croatia-Slovakia on TSN.ca.
https://www.tsn.ca/2020-uefa-euro-qualifying-schedule-1.1317667
Mile…forgive me but I can’t find tomorrow’s game? WTF!?
Oh nooooooo! It’s going to rain for the game! Rain is going to make me wet myself again!
Enjoy the game Slavonac.
Anonymous, if you have TSN, you should be able to get it on TSN.ca as per the instructions above, assuming you have an online account with your cable or satellite provider.
…although I still haven’t seen our game on the schedule!
works…thanks soo much Mile!
Here in Vancouver it doesn’t look like TSN will show it.
Ok, so if you have a Shaw user ID and password for Shaw’s website, that works to login you into TSN’s website. You would go to TSN.ca and scroll down to What’s on TSN. Tomorrow it will show Croatia vs. Slovakia on TSN.ca. When you click the link, it will take you to the 5 TSN channels and the TSN.ca channel. You click the Croatia game and it will give you a pop up login screen where you click TSN GO – Select your TV provider. Shaw should be on the list. Click Shaw and then enter the same login and password that you have for your Shaw online profile. That should connect you to the game. Try it today if you can to see if it works.
yes…shaw
Do you have TSN as part of your TV package. And if so, who is your provider?
subscribe to their online site for a fee per month or to the channel on tv? I’m not sure how I can be a subscriber without paying for their site?
Slavonac, it’s on TSN.ca. If you subscribe to TSN, you would be able to stream it.
I like the Euro tournament better than the World Cup based on overall quality BUT it doesn’t have the same prestige as the WC!
Argentina wasn’t necessarily a shitty team at the WC, at least not on paper although they had very poor chemistry and the mentality of the team was garbage. I thought they were a classless bunch of gypsy’s…lead by Messi who proved to be a classless douche bag!
European minnows can be dangerous and they usually aren’t as disgustingly dirty and classless like many of the South American and African teams.
anyone in Vancouver know if we will get the game televised…or am I going back to my links?
Some idiot is using my same screen name to post idiotic nonsense, like the stuff above and some racist nonsense on another thread. What’s wrong with people?
Anywho, I think they take care of business tomorrow. As for next year, I think this tournament will actually be tougher than the World Cup last year. Even before the tournament started last year, I said that if Croatia was to do any damage in a big tournament, that this was the one. They had stars in their prime, big teams like Italy, Netherlands and Chile didn’t qualify, and other usual favorites like Spain, Germany and Argentina were fielding their worst teams in at least ten years. And then Croatia played to their potential, teams like those mentioned were ousted early, and their path to the finals was clear. However, for next year, you have a rejuvenated Italy and Netherlands. And the likes of Germany and Spain will look for redemption. On the flip side, there will be bottom feeder teams like the Nations League playoff winners (one of Georgia, Macedonia, Kosovo and Belarus will be at Euro 2020, how ridiculous is that?!). And in a few hours, Finland may qualify directly (who would have though that?). So it will be an interesting tournament, made more so by the fact that the games will be held in 12 different countries.
WERE GONNA DO IT BOYS
clear path into euro and then by mid-next year who knows what can happen
i expect us to perform pretty well, i’m already thinking about next mid-year cos we’ve done it fellas
iggy guarantee we r through 🙂
That was me btw^ I cleared all my browsing data and cookies and didn’t realize it removed my name.
Has anyone noticed how kova can switch the field of play with Chelsea on an effortless 50 yard long ball..but he gets 15-20 yards from Goal and he hits a 3 bounce clanker….it’s in his head now that he can’t shoot on Goal,and until he fixes that mentally he’s doomed to never be a goal scorer.
That’s an interesting comparison Maminjo. It’s not one that I really thought of, but the things you mentioned are definitely true. The main difference other than the Moro being more willing to shoot is that Kovacic has basically always had elite dribbling ability. I love watching him go on those solo runs and wish he would try to go all the way to goal every once in a while. He would probably get through quite often since people are so used to him just playing a layoff pass to someone nearby at the end of the run. We always say that if he could add some more attacking ability he could be world class. Maybe something as simple as being more selfish with a couple of his dribbles can add that.
I think Moro might be another Kovačić.
Statistically, he’s a gem and is very good defensively. Passing at an elite level, and maintains possession well.
You don’t see him much in the opponent’s third after his injury, but unlike Kovačić, he actually does crack one on goal from time to time. Also, Bjelica plays him pretty deep, so maybe he’s been told to stay back.
let’s hope it’s not rain rain like it was vs Kosovo a couple years ago, remember that debacle? Bloody hell lol
But here we are back again for another installment of the heart break Croatians
Last time we had to win just to get in playoffs
We can rely on other results
Got to finish for Petars sake
Bad memories of that slugging around against Kosovo
How the heck that game was allowed to be played we will never know
Hopefully some fluke shit doesn’t happen again
Luka plays good in the rain.
His mudder was a mudder.
Have a decent amount of money on the Croatia (-200 got in early as I previously documented), but now I’m a bit concerned with the weather. Might be pretty wet out there, as the more skilled team, that usually lowers the skill
gap.
Know it’s going to Rain, but hopefully it stops in time for the field to normalize. Hoping to avoid a flukey tie, or catastrophic loss because of a slip.
I haven’t seen Ivanusec play outside of the u21 euros last summer. He showed some sparks of solid talent. Interested to see more of him to get a better assessment.
I love you long time with sexiest shoes of balkanserviastan, for the right price I love you long time sucky-fucky. LOL
LOL, watch my lousy boring porn video, love me my sexy shoes you americans for the right price i shit out baby for you, for the right price, long live balkanserviastan!!! LOL
Bed time fellas. Time for me to put the plastic sheet on the mattress
Mr. Black yes he’s definitely better than Rog. But I’d say he’s about even with Moro, but I feel he will be better in the future. They’re two different players. Ivanušec has speed and is very affective on the attack while Moro lacks pace but is very good defensively. He can occasionally be clumsy though as shown in Dinamo’s previous CL game
Oh I have creamed my pants after my dream in croatia winning 7 0
Uh oh! I wet myself again! I’ve been naughty again. Time for mommy to change me before i put on my pjs! So nervous for the game
I saw some games of Ivanušec and I really believe he’ll be the next big thing in Croatia. No doubt that he’ll end up in Croatia’s starting 11. Already far better than Moro and Rog.
Ivanušec with another goal in the u21 game today. Pretty sure he’s scored in all three of the last three matches he’s played in.
Lithuania U21-Croatia U21 1-3
Important win for our youngsters.
Oops there i go wetting my pants again! I guess I’m also worried about the game
For the fifth time it was nice beating the French Wogs but Tennis’is gay.
I’m scared too. I wet the bed again a little last night
^ not the real Iggs.
But WTF is happening with our Davis Cup team? Players sacked the coach on the eve of a major international tourney or some shit? Who do they think they are, the Vatreni?
😉
Im Scared…. Somebody hold me….
And if we score early, imma get nervous. Cuz we don’t know how to hold a lead against mediocre teams
I am not optimistic about this game. We get excited watching them play. But who knows how much the players actually care about playing for the Repka? They got money, families, everything. I don’t like that saying “ When they put the checkers on” like they probably play to not get hurt. I don’t blame them. The clubs pay them. Except for the youngsters, the seniors prolly aren’t phased about national team games
I’m good markHO just filled my script momma is dancing a jig.
@MarkHO
You think every cono is something to look at?
@MarkHO
Was actually feeling your first few lines there but damn dude you’ve got your own problems there.
Betting line:
Croatia -229
Draw +358
Slovakia +652
All of this prognosis is giving me psychosis…who plays where,in the end do we really care….grown men kicking a ball, if they win we stand tall…if they dare lose to the Slovaks the kids might get a few drunken smacks….does the outcome really affect your lives …when you are all being governed by your miserable wives…does it matter the outcome of the checkers…when your women are repulsed by your flacid peckers!!
@BZ
We’re talking about integrating our two or three biggest young talents with the rest of the first team, in place of older veteran players (who are not playing on their clubs).
Why are you referencing a game where we had an entire B team play our A team?
Dalić didn’t shut anyone up.
He actually started Krama in two games, and went with an unproven young player in Rebić every single game.
He also went with Brozović too, who was also in and out of the starting lineup until the Argentina game happened.
Nobody on the planet wanted Bradarić even on the team, and almost everyone was against Kovačić and Kalinić starting.
BZ, if anyone was claiming for Filip Bradaric to start, over any of our 3 world cup starters, I don’t think I’d ever take them seriously. I do get where you’re coming from, but now truly is the time to start getting the young guys into the team. They don’t have to start yet, but they need to get some minutes and play with the other guys that will still be there after the likes of Modric, Rakitic, Perisic, Lovren, and Vida are gone.
I think this next tournament will be the last one that we have them all at their peak. Most, if not all of them will probably still keep themselves available for the next World Cup and won’t retire, but who knows how good they will still be. I expect Modric to be more of a Pirlo type by then with less physical ability but the same or better passing ability so he would still definitely be of use to us, but maybe he won’t be the starter. Perisic is still a beast, but has definitely shown some signs of slowing down. Rakitic seems to be getting injured a lot recently, but I won’t judge him until after he gets his club situation sorted out. Hopefully he isn’t in a similar situation by the next World Cup. Lovren and Vida are both good defenders in my eyes. They probably won’t get replaced before they are ready to. But I just hope that if we have someone truly better than them by that time, the coach has the guts to drop them to the bench.
At the end of the day, yes we have to respect everything they have done for us. They are all legends for our country in my eyes, but everyone gets replaced one day. And I know we don’t want to see another situation like Pletikosa at the 2014 World Cup where a player like Subasic who is clearly better simply isn’t starting because we want to give our older guy his last hoorah.
I remember people wanting the young guys to start before the World Cup. Guys calling out Rakitic, Mandzukic, and even Modric.
Kramaric, Kovacic, Bradaric, Rog, N Kalinic were popular alternatives.
….until Dalic shut everyone up with the intra-squad scrimmage that ended 7-0 in favor of the old crew.
Something tells me the same would happen if he did it again with Rebic-Petko-Perisic-Rakitic vs Brekalo-Kramaric-Orsic-Vlasic…but nobody will see it until Dalic feels obliged to shutdown the noise again.
Doesn’t matter.
This is all practice for the Euros. Mandžo will be 34 at that point, probably declining more, and likely not better than Kramarić nor Petković.
We are currently doing the same with guys like Brekalo and Vlašić, taking over spots from guys like Rakitić (who we’d never think would be better off on the bench for us, but may decline as well over the next year).
This is why I am bummed about Benković’s situation.
I think he would’ve taken that next step too if he stayed at Celtic. Having our current back four enriched with a healthy Vrsaljko and a rising youngster like Benković for these Euros puts us into contender status.
Mandžukić retires and now doesn’t even play for his club.
With Brekalo and Vlašić he would have feasted with finishing opportunities.
Ćorluka had a great national team career but his body just broke down.
Livakovic > Subasic.
Mandžukić is a big game beast.
There is no doubt he could have added something to this group.
The challenge would have been what role would be a harmonization?
Start and give him 45 – 60 minutes?
Super sub against tired D and give him 30-20 minutes?
His body has not lost his power or stamina, always underrated technically and simply dominant aerially.
His hunger is unparalleled.
Curious to see where he ends up in January?
Rode ce zabit dva ajde Bruno za Dom , glavu kroz zida !!!!
=U=
Agree with Chuvvers, gonna be a walkover, cakewalk, nothing to worry about !
The attention that Brekalo draws when he’s on one of his runs is amazing and invaluable.
Take a look at some of our goals in the qualifiers and hit pause as he passes the ball – on one goal, 4 guys are looking at him and have to helplessly turn around to watch Petkovic score.
Won’t have to worry who starts on defense. Slovakia will cross into our half of the field with possession only a few times each half.
@DannyJ – I think we’ve had some good defenders in the past as others here have pointed out but it’s been a while since we produced a defender with the quality like our midfield. I think it’s a mental thing personally.
Is Croatia’s pool of players the deepest we’ve ever had? Do you think the players who recently retired were done anyways/would have taken the spot of better younger players OR would they have made us even better with something left in the tank and or experience added?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpbkOUIekr4
Zajec slaloms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WhB8VMuPd0
Ivan Buljan
Jarni..
Bilic..
we had plenty of good defenders..
Siniša Mihajlović
Born in Vukovar
Velmir Zajec was a very good defender.
Ya good stuff
Let’s hope he recovers full by next summer
We sure could have used him this cycle
Probably wouldn’t be in this mess
But hey it’s the Croatian way!
Vrlsajko is starting to work out with his team.
Ya u would think defenders and goal keepers would be common nuff
With the size and athleticism of some of them
Maybe it’s just not a cool position so many don’t go for them?
Q
When/if we can produce a Van Dijk or De Ligt semifinals in tourneys would be expected.
We’ve never had a defender even close to the the talent we can produce in midfield or the attacking third. Big time Achilles heel. Kind of strange.
@ Truth
Nema Problema anymore. No more ackward drink orders.
“yo get me two Budweisers amigo”
https://www.croatiaweek.com/croatia-among-worlds-best-for-english-language-proficiency/
So Jedvaj best chance later on for us Is to play cb?
Yeah, the only call-up from the ‘average’ players that I like is Josip Juranovic. Granted he was only called up because of injury. I like him because he is a RB that was originally a CDM so his knowledge of when and when not to attack is naturally better than a player who started as a winger when they were younger and then moved back to RB like I’m guessing Bartolec did. I’m not sure I’d start him over Bartolec, but I’d like to see him get a chance to play in the friendly to see what he offers as who knows if Vrsaljko will ever be the same. I like Jedvaj, but he’s not a long-term solution at RB.
@Vuki
Yea we actually have a lot of defenders, but we don’t really know how good they are because they don’t receive a callup to even practice with the squad.
These guys are playing first team football, on better teams that Dalić’s political callups (Škorić, Melnjak, etc). Now it might actually hurt us because of this injury situation. Complete unnecessary risk, just for some brownie points with local fans.
Katić is a Hercegovac.
No way is he switching to play for Bosna, even there’s even a hint of a chance to play for Cro.
Jozo Šimunović has almost zero chance to play for Cro, and still couldn’t go through with his fake threats to play for BiH.
Only Croats that play for BiH are the ones you’ve never heard of, and are strictly using it for their careers (if it even helps).
Yeah, it’s quite frustrating that Dalic wastes call-ups on the likes of Skoric and Melnjak. When we have better, younger options like Pongracic, Katic, Benkovic (though he needs to sort his club situation out first), Domagoj Bradaric, Borna Sosa.
I’ve seen things about Katic possibly switching to Bosnia. He’d be quite dumb to that in my opinion. Yes, he’d have less competition, but he has no chance of winning any kind of trophy/accolade with them. It won’t really bug me much if he does considering how many others we have, but still would be silly of him.
I cannot say I have watched many Red Bull Salzburg games however it does appear that Marin Pongračić plays regularly and is a CB. Does anyone know why he did not get the call up? I would also like to know why Katić was not called up given the CB situation.
Rebic or Brekalo…pick your poison. Either one will be good in this game.
The bigger issue is that CB pairing of Caleta-Car and Peric.
Peric is not starting material for us, and is extremely slow.
Caleta-Car was shaky for us too, but this is a small sample of two games (and he plays on a good club team, so we have to go with him).
I guess Katic and Uremovic are not even good enough for a callup?
I don’t watch Rangers or Rubin Kazan games, so who knows if they are better. Katic is a long, tall CB who may have the same issues as Peric. Uremovic though has been a U21 and Kazan regular for a long time. Kinda surprised we won’t even test him in practice with at least a callup.
Good news is that none of Bartolec, Melnjak, or Skoric are playing (even though they continue to be called up). Massive liabilities.
Brozo and Modric (for sure) will have to fall back and provide cover.
If Slovakia were smart, they would cherry pick all game and try to beat the offside trap, and pressure Peric whenever he has the ball at his feet.
Peric cannot keep up with fast defenders, and he takes a long time when handling the ball. I can see him making a bad goalkeeper backpass, if he is under pressure. He doesn’t have that touch.
I also agree that Rebic is probably the better option but I don’t necessarily think he’s in form. Will that matter in this type of game? Who knows…maybe Rebic putting on our colors might give him extra motivation to prove something. Generally, I’d never want a player that hasn’t been getting many minutes to play over someone getting regular minutes but I’ve seen Rebic when he’s unleashed and know what he can do. This is a one game scenario where we need a good result…surely Rebic can dig deep and make a statement.
I agree with you truth. Brekalo vs. Rebic is the debate that we’ll be having until the Euros. But I still think Rebic is the guy for this match. While Brekalo was actually alright defensively against Wales, we need Rebic’s pressing. Keep Slovakia off the ball as much as possible.
The dookie will be with you…..always
As much as i love brekalo, i wonder is rebic is better for this game. The more pressing and defending we do up the field hopefully means less defending our actual questionable defenders will have to do
Kovačić is in the form of his life.
No one can slalom like he can in the middle.
He needs to play a part on Saturday. We need to run for 90+ mins till the end.
Oršić is on fire as well.
This match could be a Brekalo break out party.
T – 4 days ..
Someone has been posting under Suba and saying we are deep do do
I am the true Suba and we are not in deep do do
We are on solid ground
Sounds like we have an UDBA presence on this site
Beware of the dark side of the force
Once you go down the dark path forever will it dominate your destiny
Good line up. I’d like to see orsic get some minutes too
Agreed pog
Still have Kovacic while not an impact player per say a solid sub and Rebic who can make an impact
Very capable lineup.
Modric and Brozovic might have to shield and sit back a bit more but if we can’t get a result at home with that lineup we’re not worthy.