So the undefeated streak at Maksimir is over. England definitely got their payback from last year with a 4-1 revenge smashing of #5 Croatia. And frankly, the Vatreni never really showed up for the game tonight in Zagreb.
From what I saw, the game revolved around two key plays that gave England all the momentum and killed all chances that Croatia would have. Pranjić’s inability to clear the ball in the first and Robert Kovač’s disputable red card right after half time was basically the whole game; why?- because England capitalized on both of these Croatian blunders.
First off, you can’t make silly little mistakes like Pranjić did in the first half when he tried to clear the ball but kicked it right into Robert Kovač’s back, resulting in a fantastic opportunity for Theo Walcott- which he put in the back of the net using a low shot that just got under Pletikosa’s fingertips. It was just one of those plays that don’t go your way. It happens all the time, you can’t crucify anyone for it. But at the same time, England made the best of it.
(Above) Fans at the Gaffe Pub in Dubrovnik are stunned by England’s third goal Wednesday against Croatia. (Photo by Branimir Kvartuč)
Robert Kovač was then caught up in another unorthodox play right have the restart. He and Joe Cole both went up for a header and Kovač caught the Englishman in the head with his elbow. It did not appear intentional or malice in anyway; just one of those defensive elbows when you’re going up for a 50-50 ball. The referee called a foul on Kovač; but it wasn’t until Joe Cole stood back up, stumbled a few times and fell back to the ground with a huge gash in his head that Slovakian referee, Lubos Michel, decided the foul was worthy up a straight red. Walcott then added a second goal, almost identical to the one he had in the 1st, only minutes later for England which gave them all the control they needed for the win in Zagreb. Pletikosa didn’t look sharp as Walcott knew exactly where to put the ball- low and far. ‘Pleti’ just can’t get low fast enough to get those far post shots from an angle. I’m finally with Denis on this one- look out for a possible Runje start soon! The only chance he got, Runje was spectacular against Poland at Euro.
Rooney added one more goal for the ‘Three Lions’ in the 63′ with a shot from the middle of the box. Second half substitute, Mario Mandžukić, felt right at home as he scored his first goal for Croatia in the 78′. It brushed aside the clean sheet England had in the works on a play that should have never happened. Darijo Srna clearly had a high kick on John Terry that should have been called as he took the ball by himself down the line before dishing it to a wide open Mandžukić.
It was nice to see Croatia score a goal but it was ultimately England’s night. Even more, it was teenager’s, Theo Walcott’s night as he ended his game with a hat trick only 8 minutes from the final whistle.
I thought Croatia played well in the first 20 minutes. They had some good chances on net and kept knocking on the door. I thought a goal was inevitable for Croatia in the first half hour. But it never came. And when the Pranjić mistake occured in the 26′, Croatia could not put on the same attack they had been planning to as the air was slowly being sucked out of Maksimir Stadium.
Don’t get me wrong, we still had our opportunities as Rakitić and Srna both had beautiful chances on free kicks. But just as the rest of the night went for Croatia, Srna crushed the ball into the wall while Rakitić sent the kick into the seventh row. Missed opportunities, calls that don’t go your way along with England capitalizing on every mistake you make is not a winning formula- for any soccer team.
I can’t wait to see how Bilić justifies this loss and what his plans are for the future. The whole team didn’t show up but our strike force was unseen. They barely got any touches, and it’s unfair to put Olić and Petrić on the spot but I have to say it- Eduardo would have changed the game. He singlehandedly beat England in 2006 and set up that beautiful pass to Olić at Wembley for the second goal.
If Croatia can grab the 6 points from Ukraine and Andorra in October and get healthy over the winter break, I think we’ll see an entirely different and more electric Croatian side with Eduardo and Kranjčar back and the possibility of a Cvitanić call up.
No, Russia beat England 2-1 at home and England won their game at Wembley 3-0.
Didn’t England beat Russia 3-0 in Moscow last year? And what happened after that and at the euro’s??? One game means and says little besides the 3 points.
Death to Lubos Michel!
how many major tournaments have Bosnia been playing in in recent years?
You forgetting England have new manager. A very good one at that.and some pretty good players who have been under performing for far too long in a england shirt. This performance from England has been coming. It wasnt the fact Croatia didnt show up, England just didnt let you play. And it showed cos croatia got frustated to quickly and lost it before they was down to 10 men. The new manager will make England realise their potential. Wembley will be very interesting. Just dont expect to get a result there Croatia.
I’m happy for Bosna as I hope Ciro can take them far. I just hope you’re not being serious about your comment above. Bosna playing against Estonia is like their World Cup, it’s the only time they can shine. You played well against a 70% Spain team (they missed a PK) and still have a long way to go as an association. But mark my word, they will give more teams in that group some trouble.
HA HAHAHAHHAHAH YOU LOST AHAHAH YOU HRVATI CANT PLAY fUtBoL for SHIT …well now BOSNA on the other hand…as i said before…is the GREATEST TEAM IN EUROPE!!! THEY CRUSHED ESTONIA 7-0 AND CROATISHIT ONLY WON 2-0 AND 1-0 AGAINST ESTONIA!! AHAHHA BOSNA BOSNA BOSNA!!! ZIVILA BOSNA!!! WC CHAMPS
Just got to say finally an Arsenal star on the England side. Even started ahead of becks. Thats wut SGE saw in him!!! I am Happy!!
Yo Denis Where u been??
I agree with all points- Pranjic time and again left Walcott unmarked.Whether he had a bad game or has been found out, we’ll see. I’ve long thought Runje is a superior keeper to Stipe but I don’t think he’ll become no.1- he’s not from Split…We looked tired and uninspired after the first 20- it was like the team thought that our home record would just take care of itself.
That said, I was not entirely surprised with the result. I wasn’t happy when I learned the draw last spring. England needed the win more than we did. For us, perhaps it was a case of “oh, England, they’re crap- we’ve already beaten
them twice and we’ll do it again- no problem”. This result continues the tradition of Croatia only being good as underdogs. At least now we might win at Wembley.
Todays game was an eye opener for the team. I would not be so upset if it was a 1-0 loss or even 2-0. But 4-1 come on.
But like Ante said, after the first goal they just stopped attacking and fell back to playing defense.
I just hope that by October 10th they can regroup and come out and play like they can play, Like the Champs they are!!!
Pete