Here we go! I am officially nominating myself as president of the ‘Marco Pašalić Right Wing 2026’ campaign! For nearly half a decade, the Vatreni half lacked a 2-sided attack down the wings. Perišić + Rebić was the last time Croatia had a duo who could run at opposing defenses. Now that Ivan Perišić has surely shut up any doubters (including me) since returning from major knee surgery, Modrić and company are one starting XI spot from becoming another dark horse at the 2026 World Cup in North America with 6 matches left in qualifying. The days of playing non-wingers like Kramarič and Mario Pašalić have to end. Hear me out Dalić!
Look, the dude is playing in the MLS for Orlando. Obviously an eyeroll to many to consider him part of a World Cup starting XI for Croatia. But the dude is a ripe 24 years of age and is doing what was asked of him in the MLS. This week alone, Pašalić scored three goals in two matches. For the entire MLS season, he has 9 goals/4 assists in 20 games. You really can’t ask for much more.
We need a true winger to play opposite of Perišič and Marco Pašalić is the answer. We now have a true #9 in Budimir. We can play Kramarić in is natural supporting striker roll behind Budimir. Two true wingers on the outside of Modrić and either Kova or Sučič…I don’t care. Pick one. The midfield trident of Modrić, Kovačič and any #6 is just too slow in my opinion. Croatia can afford to be more aggressive as opposed to playing “possession ball”.
Pašalić for right winger in 2026!
CILIC!
If Belich’o , our half Croatian/ Irishmen 16 year old signs with Croatia, rather than Brazil, he will probably have that position wrapped up for the next 16 years starting 2028.
Cilic with the upset !
Highlights of DZ first friendly (the one today (the 2nd) was behind closed doors)
***.youtube.com/watch?v=2IGq_Ffkz6k
Varela #23 looks real good (can’t believe he’s 16) – someone pls find him a Croatian girlfriend ASAP – and get him married before the World Cup (so he can take on Croatian citizenship and we can cap him) – to set up Mudra for the 2nd goal (really nice seeing him in the DZ kit)
First goal Vidovic (playing LW in first half) dropped deep – Ljubicic was involved in a give and go back to Vidovic – and onto Kulu for an excellent finish
*Kule
Anyone have any news, or even rumours, about transfers for the likes of Fruk, vidovic, matanovic, beljo, ivanovic, biuk, or others? I heard here about sporting Lisbon interest in ivanovic but not much else
From what I have seen in media:
Perisic staying at PSV for another 2 years.
Dinamo is keen to sign Beljo? haggling over the transfer fee.
Vidovic is back at Dinamo for 1.5 million transfer fee from Bayern.
Some talk that Matanovic might be heading to Trabzonspor in Turkey ?
Fruk is still with Rijeka.
Biuk has gone back to Spain.
Kacavenda has gone on loan to LASK in Austria.
Thanks. All that is good news. Kacavenda needs to play, he is a good player, same for all of them. But I think fruk needs to show what he has in a better league. He is such an intelligent player I think he could surprise a lot of people, if he plays for a team with quick strikers he would cause havoc with his ability to see the direct ball and execute quickly
The most important player on your list is Franjo Ivanovic.
Eintracht want him as a potential replacement for Ekitiké, and Sporting want him as a replacement for Gyökeres.
Union SG is asking for 30 million (which is probably what he’s worth), and even though playing in Portugal or Germany will be good for him…I think he’s also just fine staying at Union SG for another season (since they won the Belgian title and are playing in Champions League now).
Matanovic to Turkish league is such a sad prospect… hopefully it’s just a false rumor.
Agree with Maminjo. I also think it’s fine if Ivanovic stays at USG this season— where he gets to enjoy first team football and experience the Champions League. Btw, I don’t really fancy the idea of him moving to Sporting… yes they are a great club but imo, playing in Portugal doesn’t seem to be much of an upgrade from playing in Belgium.
Fruk is already 24. If he wants to enjoy a great career, he definitely has to move to a better league this summer. Have hardly read any transfer rumors about him so far. Maybe the price tag Miskovic slapped on him (€20m?) is causing interested clubs to hesitate or just walk away.
@MART
What’s your opinion on Toni Fruk? Anything that comes to mind really. I guess you’re among those who have watched him play the most since you watch HNL and our national youth teams.
Matanovic just needs to play every week. It doesn’t really matter where. IMO his problem is his physical size, he is tall and strong and hard working and skilful, but doesn’t quite have the power to carry the big centre forward role. You can see that his energy is spent when he gets to the crucial moment and it’s a weak shot or he gets pushed off the ball. This is natural for a young player. So he needs game after game for that extra 5/10% power to arrive in his body and game. After that he can be like our didier Drogba. Even a season in lower league than turkey would be good for him. Anywhere that he will be first choice. He can join Oxford united for all i care. Would be good for him. He is one of those that needs to take a step down for a season, get his power and confidence then sign for mid table top league club. In 4/5 years he can be one of the top strikers
Toni Fruk has had a good season with Rijeka but yes, he really needs to move on to a stronger league. I think that might happen after Rijeka completes all the UEFA club qualifiers? I think after that Miskovic will sell him and Fruk will probably want to move on.
For me he is a good player in HNL and that is all, and I never thought watching him play that he was going to be something special. Dalic has called him up a couple of times for the seniors, but I think it is just a token gesture as a reward for Fruk’s good performances for Rijeka.
Dalic knows what he’s doing, and if he believes that this little MLS player deserves a go, then I’ll be fine with it. But when I see all you guys with no idea saying he should come in, I believe he may not be ready.
Let’s just wait and see.
100% Totally agree. Yes, have always liked his unique qualities and is exciting to watch. Don’t want him to become another Mislav Orsic: Under-utilized and Under-appreciated. He was roped a few well-placed goals in his short time.
He has the driving energy of Rebic, but is controlled to execute better, and keeps his shots on frame.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; Marco is a starter for me. He’s not one of our strongest, but he’s one of our most unique. Left-footed, constantly wants to take shots outside of the box, likes running at defenders. The NT misses a lot of that directness he brings. Guys like Mario Pašalić and Majer tend to take their time in the build-up, which slows us down and lets teams bunker.
I clearly remember one moment late in the Czechia match, when I had to do something else and was coming back to watch the game. From a distance, I saw on the screen one of our boys charging down the right flank and eventually edging his marker to pass the ball to his teammate. I was like, wow haven’t seen something like that on our repka in a long time. Then I realized that “speedy winger” was none other than Marco Pasalic..
Inter did not have a stellar first half.
Down 1-0.
If this keeps up, hopefully we will see Sucic early in second half…
Gotta be Sučić time.
Anon have your čiste gaće handy.
Monday 3pm EDT
Pero not starting again 😢😢😢
Mkhi
Asllani
Barella
Preferred in midfield
He’s new, relax …. geezus.
Might as well have the same article about Musa for striker
He’s already scored about as many goals for Orlando in these past six months, than he did for his entire two seasons at Rijeka.
He needs to get back to Europe, and quickly.
The other day when he scored two goals for Orlando he barely celebrated. Almost like “yeah this is what I do, this league is too easy for me”. The commentators were kind of shocked by how easily he put it away from outside the area, their voice always hyping the action and this Croatian just scoring bangers and then looking a bit embarrassed because it’s too easy. So I agree Maminjo, he needs to get back into European football asap, continue to become a top player
He needs to go to the Bundesliga.
Unfinished business.
He definitely needs to go to Europe as he is playing in a lower level league. I am not sold on him until he does something in Europe.
Relax
Marco just taking a one-year sabbatical so he can bang some Florida chicks on the beach
He’s young, good looking, excellent personality, million dollar smile and making some $$$ as a pro athlete
Let him have his fun he’ll transfer back to Europe after the MLS season is done
i agree with Crnkovic . Makes sense to see what he has in some qualifying.
I think it’s important to remember that a lot of countries have players that don’t play in top leagues. Tournament success means one month in which everything falls into place. The right spirit in the camp, players feeling inspired and hitting form together is much much more important than a players club form or club level. There is no doubt that Pasalic is a player who can make a difference with his aggressive actions from the wing. He should be given serious minutes during qualifying to make his case for a starting spot.
Marco P for right winger in 2026? Amen to that!
I agree. But, I also don’t think we can assume Perisic will be in the same form in a year. Hopefully, he is — or else I’m not sure what our chances will be.