HNK RIJEKA 2 – 2 GNK DINAMO ZAGREB
Dinamo traveled to Rijeka for some exciting mid-week HNL action for a makeup match that was rained out several weeks ago.
The two clubs were eager to show who had the better team, and early on, both tried to assert dominance on Rijeka’s home field of Kantrida.
Trouble struck Dinamo early in the match with the injury of defender Lee Addy. Addy was removed from the match in the sixth minute and replaced with Josip Simunović.
Dinamo then struggled to show dominance in the first half of the match as Rijeka controlled the pace and the ball in the first 45 minutes, despite being without the league’s most prolific goal scorer, Leon Benko.
Benko made a surprising move yesterday and left the club on a transfer to join Chinese Super League club, Dalian Aerbin. The league’s top scorer would surly be missed in such a high-profile match, but with the likes Andrej Kramarić and Anas Sharbini they would certainly fill the void left by Benko, who has scored 15 goals this season before his departure.
“I think this is an opportunity for our other players to shine because I believe that we have a very good offensive staff. There are now players like Krstanović, Kramarić, Ayaji, Sharbini, and I believe we have a good team and a good coach who will be able to incorporate the team without Benko,” said Srečko Juričić, sports director of Rijeka.
Sharbini played an outstanding match, scoring Rijeka’s opening goal and putting them in the lead into the second half.
Sharbini scored his goal in the 13th minute of the game after taking on a slew of Dinamo defenders, one of which he put on the ground with his quick footwork before taking a shot that was defected into the net past Antonijo Ježina.
Rijeka doubled their lead in the 55th minute when Andrej Kramarić struck from the penalty spot after Arijan Ademi made a reckless challenge in the box.
With Dinamo down 2-0, someone needed to up their playing and take responsibility for Dinamo’s lackluster offense.
The young Alen Halilović was there to make the difference for the Modri today.
Halilović made several spectacular runs with an without the ball, but it seemed at first that his maturity level still lacked, and needed discipline and better team work to achieve success.
But the 17-year-old’s skills shined though and Halilović received an aerial back heel pass from Duje Čop just on top of the penalty area where he struck it home past Ivan Vargič.
Only two minutes later, Halilović collected a through ball from Junior Fernandes and sent another left-footed strike past Vargić for the game-tying goal. The goals marked Halilović’s first and second league-goals of the season, and third goal in all competitions this year.
The match became stagnant in the later stages with both teams seeming to be satiate with sharing the points, but Fernandes did have one last attempt on goal, but Vargić was there to get the slightest of touches to ensure Rijeka secured a point.
Dinamo remain on top of the league table with Hajduk Split trailing by six points, and Rijeka behind by nine.
It’s so hard to determine if a player should get called up to the repka if he is not playing for his club. We can go back to 1998. While there was no doubt that Suker would be on the repka and playing, there was doubt as to how effective he would be. His performance for Real Madrid during the 97-98 season was below his standards and he was hardly getting meaningful minutes in their big games. Remember the Champions League final he came in as a sub just so Real could kill the clock in injury time. He still managed to score some goals that seeason for Real, but nowhere what he was doing in previous years. His form took a real hit the following club season.
And that goes back to the debate if these young guys like Rebic and Halilovic deserve to be on the roster based on showing nothing so far with their club sides. But, the counter argument that has been posed is also valid. It’s not like the other options being considered are forcing Kovac to make him pick these guys (Kalinic, Ilicevic, Vida, Petric, Da Silva). I doubt there would be any outrage if any of those guys were not called up. So, do you guys with guys who have some experience and have made some contributions to the repka or do you go with young kids who have no experience but could surpirse and deliver. We have a few months to find out.
@Olly Rebic had a great run at the 2013 U21 World Cup for Croatia. And has looked the part when coming on as a sub for the A team as well. Injuries have hampered his time in Firenze so I agree his club performance has been lacking but for Croatia within the past 7-8 months or so he has played well and looked deserving of a spot IMHO
Santini was red hot in Belgium scoring a goal per game at one point. He was worth calling up, at least as a sub (instead of a bum like Kalinić).
But he’s cooled off considerably since. Overall, still a good season for him, on a mediocre club, in an okay league. He won’t get any callup for Brazil, but if he improves on this next season, then he’ll likely get a look at least as a sub.
santini, sounds way to WOP for me, leave him at home;)
I’ve been to see Niko Kranjcar play twice this season and he’s not been good. I thought he would slim down and take the Championship by storm, but he’s not fit enough. The best he can hope for is a place on the bench, Halilovic is not better than Ilicevic, Caktas or Pasalic no way. And if Sertic is a Croatia player then he has had a better season then the out of form Badelj.
What has Rebic even done this season? 1 goal in the Coppa Italia. Is that really enough to go to the world Cup. Livaja hasnt done much this season but even he’s done more than that. In my opinion players who performed during the entire season should take a place on the plane. Santini’s been a good goalpoacher and is hungry. I think he deserves at least a try in a friendly. Sammir had a go when he isnt even Croatian and was not committed to Dinamo and Benko got a chance when he is old now. At least Santini is still young and Croatian.
IvicA nemoj govorit obot serbi ! Me samo govrimo obo Hrvati !! Za Dom – Za Dom !!! Hajduk ,i HNS i USA !! Nishta Viša !!
Bojan is an anomoly.
It’s very odd to see him NOT make it anywhere. He started off great at Barca, then he plateaued. Then he was unsuccessful at Roma, Milan, Ajax…it’s painful to see.
Must be those Serbian soccer genes taking over. 😉
My 23 that i believe should go to Brazil
Pletikosa subasic kalinic.
Srna corluka lovren schieldenfeld vrsaljko pranjic milic milovic.
Modric rakitic kovacic badelj perisic halilovic kranjcar.
Mandzukic olic eduardo jelavic rebic
Hajduk RULES !!
It should be said, even to this day, many in Barca still say that Bojan Krkic is one of the greatest technical footballers that they have ever seen. He is playing without confidence and hasn’t found the right system for his slight frame.
The move to Barca seals it though. Halilovic is definitely going to Brasil now.
The Halilovic to Bojan Krkic comparisons are nothing more than a likeness in physical stature, or lack there of. I have been following Barca for ages and when Bojan was exploding in the junior ranks, scoring a few hundred goals in the academy he was primarily used a forward. When he was called to the senior team, again they used him as a forward or as a forward on the wings in a 4-3-3.
As long as Halilovic is kept in the midfield his slight frame will not be a concern, especially in Spanish football.
He will have the perfect opportunity to learn from one of the most beautiful and intelligent football clubs in the world. Just as they stick to Football and they do not attempt to do the kids accounting. He can learn from Xavi, Iniest and Messi on what it takes to be a professional and the joy of making the extra pass to one of your teammates.
Even playing for the Barca B team for half a season to a full season will be a far better experience than playing for Dinamo in the HNL.
Robert Muric will be the next big money move out of Dinamo. Marcelo Brozovic and Ante Coric are up on deck.
Does anyone know the transfer fee for Halilovic?
Cheers nepoznat
No. Yesterday had nothing to do with the signing. This was in the works for a while.
So do you think Halilovic’s brace is what finally pushed the deal through?
Funny how Halilovic happens to score 2 goals the day before the Spainards come to close the deal. Mamic anyone?
Modric has spoken of his desire (media interview) for Real to do the treble this season.It obviously would be a huge achievement and their form is looking pretty good.For Modric to be considerd to be a “true”champion at the end of his career,this type of thing will be vital if he and Real can do it.It will atleast be important to add some decent silverware to his cabinet.I think it was the Spanish Cup that he picked up 2 days after signing with Real and after spending 2 minutes on the field,So a trebble with him being a vital player would be nice to see !
@Rob I he can’t leave Fiorentina on loan this season because of a FIFA rule that you can’t play for 3 teams within one season and he played for Split and Fiorentina already
Has Rebic left Fioretina on loan? haven’t seen his name on the team sheet for a few weeks
As a Dinamo fan we’ve far from seen much of Halilovic this season. A couple of good performances in a season is not enough for a Croatia call. My personal opinion is Pasalic has done more than Halilovic this season. Caktas is at present a better player than him as well and i must stress i am a Dinamo fan.
Huseljinovic also was justifiably ahead of him and if Sammir had not lost his head Halilovic would still be on the bench. Doesn’t bother me too much if we let him go and hope he progresses abroad. Barcelona should loan him back to us if he goes abroad as he needs a full season in the team and he’s not had one yet.
Rijeka fans should let Benko leave for one last pay day for all he has done for them in the last two seasons. With Kramaric, Sharbini and Krstanovic on their books they have more than enough. With Benko around Rijeka could not get Anas a place in the team so he should take his chance.
That we are even having this chat about Halilovic shows not many Croatia players had a great season. Sammir got games for Croatia and i doubt he will get a call ever again. Croatia team needs a remould. Glad Jelavic is back in the frame.
Petric, Simunic never to be seen again i don’t think. I think they are finished with Croatia. Olic deserves nothing but credit to still be going strong at 34 and would be happy to see him end his career with Croatia at the World Cup. Eduardo is worth a gamble as a substitute.
Nikola Kalinic should not get a call till he finds a new team. Would not surprise me to see him in Dinamo in the summer. In my opinion the striker who deserves a call as 5th striker is Ivan Santini. Over the season he’s been good.
Livaja and Rebic have talent but need to put it together. Rebic will go to the World Cup though, despite only scoring one goal in Italy.
^ ^
Keeps me lean and mean!
You should give a try Ante. 😉
Poglavnice,
A vegetarian?! Ajme meni! It’s ok, you can still eat lamb though.
It’s funny how we have a resident Čedo on this site, and we’ve accepted him as that little bitch friend in the group whom we’ve all grown to love.
Svaka ti cast Ziva. You always call it correct on this site. Many don’t appreciate it or despise you for it but without you this site lacks something.
I thought Serbs loved Albanians so much that they let them have their heartland of Kosovo.
How did that quest for a Greater Serbia work out? Thanks to inept leaders like Slobo, Karadzic and Mladic, in the end it turned into Lesser Serbia.
….good choice for your hero
@Karadzic not that I am a fan of your crap but at least your trolling here makes some sense in a Srbija v Hrvatska way… HAET’s trolling here makes ZERO sense
Croatia gave up it’s culture once it joined the EU as far as I am concerned… it’s only a matter of time now
look I agree with Nepoznat, Croatia should embrace multiculturalism by letting their Albanian, African and Turk friends into their countries but us Serbs will just stick with Serbs
^ ^
It would be cool if someone, somehow (I know people will say do it yourself) could make a calendar of upcoming key dates for Croatian sports and have it permanently on this site.
lol right you are Lovro! then again the thread was just fine until HAET came along and I took his troll bait
When you have a lack of qualifying or tournament matches from November 2013 to June 2014, it opens the door for threads like this.
Maybe the Swiss friendly will be a short-term cure.
C’mon June.
@HAET
Have you ever consider a career in politics?
Anyone as passionate about something as you really should.
@Anonymous
To tell you the truth nothing.
It took about a week to figure what the hell to eat but living in Vancouver it’s pretty easy.
Hardest thing was telling my mom.
All she said was ”Sine, growing up we only ate meat once or twice a week.”
Was pretty blown away by her understanding.
Nowadays I get veggie versions of filovane paprike, and pitas. Sound delicious, right guys! 🙂
My stari i never had to tell because he died a few moths prior to that. Not sure how that conversation would have went… Also, he was the best cook of meats and sea foods I’d ever known so I told myself, “I’m never going to have a roast or sea food as good as what i used to have.”
@HAET look up the definition of genocide, there is no white genocide going on… do you know how crazy you sound when you say that? and who said verbal abuse based on nationality is ok?
the links/sourcing bit was about George Washington and USSR guy.
how do you propose we force/flood 3rd world non-white countries with white folks who don’t want to leave the 1st world to be there?!? there is a big, no HUGE difference vs 3rd world people wanting to come to 1st world for a better life for them and their families vs attempting to force whites to go to 3rd world for a worse life
nepoznat: “You are on the losing end because you are part of a small minority of people who are racists and who can’t see past the color of other peoples skin”.
You sound like an old man who thinks what the main stream media & mommy professor say is true. The internet is exposing the false narrative of “race doesn’t matter”.
Actually, you are on the losing end b/c you are part of a declining minority of people who are anti-white white traitors who can’t see the ongoing program of White GENOCIDE. It’s hard to see when White GENOCIDE when you’re an anti-white.
nepoznat: “My guess would be to keep racists and hooligans from affecting the game since it should be free of such nonsense like racist chants or bananas thrown at people etc. So it is in response to racism brought into the sport by people like you.”
“People like me”? What does throwing a banana onto a soccer field have to do w/ being against White GENOCIDE? And why is verbal abuse based on nationality A-Okay, but verbal abuse based on RACE the worst thing in the world?
nepoznat: “Sorry I don’t take lessons from people less intelligent than me… but don’t be offended because that is most people so it’s nothing personal.”
There’s nothing dumber than a dumb man who thinks he’s smart.
nepoznat: “If you wanted me to believe you there you should include links to valid sources to back up those claims”
Really genius, you need links to realize that ALL & ONLY white countries have been and are still being flooded w/ 3rd-worlders and that FORCED integration/assimilation is the LAW in many white countries & that anti-whites such as yourself call anybody who’s against this a “racist”?
Anti-racist is a codeword for anti-white.
@HAET oh really? only a problem with racist crap?!? Then why did I just call out Ziva for his repeated trolling and hating on people for their looks, their hairline, their clothing choices, etc
You are on the losing end because you are part of a small minority of people who are racists and who can’t see past the color of other peoples skin, etc and most people my age (35) or younger don’t care about race/gender/sexual preferences/religion/etc and as more older people die off (who seem to be more racist) than your side will shrink more and more and more
If Halilovic continues to play like this he will likely get a shot at the World Cup. The key is that he plays well, and earns his spot.
@poglavnik
what was the hardest thing to give up when you went vegetarian? Prsut?
@nepoznat, people are constantly talking about things on this site that have nothing to do w/ sports, but you only have a problem w/ pro-white speech b/c you’re an anti-white traitor.
How am I “on the losing end of this race issue” exactly? You’re saying white people are going to endlessly be FORCED to “assimilate” w/ a never ending influx of non-whites in our own countries?
Why don’t you accuse everybody here of being “obsessed” w/ this Croatian soccer issue?
@HAET maybe it’s because Poglavnik isn’t a huge douche bag coming onto a sports side ranting about PETA and veganism and whatever else he cares about??
ya think that has anything to do with it?!?
@nepoznat, why don’t you ask Poglavnik why he cares so much about ‘animal rights’ & call that “bullshit”? Animal rights is A-Okay but the right for my RACE to exist & to live in peach AND prosper is “evil” and “racist”? Are you demented? What the fuck does animal rights matter if there’s no white people around anymore?
LOL at the irony of YOU of all people questioning others for telling you what to care or not care about!!!
Are you somehow surprised your own shitty medicine tastes so shitty?
@Nepoznat, why do you care about that BS so much?
Who the fuck are you to tell me what I should or should not care about?
My guess would be to keep racists and hooligans from affecting the game since it should be free of such nonsense like racist chants or bananas thrown at people etc. So it is in response to racism brought into the sport by people like you.
Sorry I don’t take lessons from people less intelligent than me… but don’t be offended because that is most people so it’s nothing personal.
If you wanted me to believe you there you should include links to valid sources to back up those claims… besides all those unrelated claims would mean is that people 1) lie (no shit), 2) change their mind (no shit) and/or 3) are wrong or make bad predictions (no shit)
And since I’m not lying, I won’t change my mind, I’m usually not wrong and I actually have a pretty good prediction record it seems like a waste of a post from you. And that isn’t even pointing out that it’s obvious to everyone that you are on the losing end of this race issue that you are so freaking obsessed with
@Nepoznat, why do you care about that BS so much?
Who the fuck are you to tell me what I should or should not care about?
@nepoznat, stop justifying White GENOCIDE you anti-white traitor. Your little Bob Marley song can just as easily justify getting rid of nations such as CROATIA you fucking hypocrite.
Here’s another question you anti-whites can’t answer:
Why is loyalty based on a citizenship piece of paper A-Okay, but loyalty based on RACE is the worst thing in the world???
If “RACE has nothing to do w/ soccer” then why is the slogan “no to racism” constantly being shoved down our throats every time we watch a soccer game???
Nepoznat: “You may not want to face the truth but the fact is nothing you do is going to stop whatever forces are working against your point of view”
LOL! is that what you think? I guess my little history lesson above went completely over your head, huhh? Go tell Nike that them constantly plastering the slogan ‘Just Do It’ for decades had no affect on sales and that they wasted their time and money. LOL!
Go tell anti-whites that constantly calling white people “racists” for decades had nothing to do w/ FORCING ALL & ONLY white countries to “assimilate” w/ a global herd of 3rd worlders.
@HAET Well I do hate ads and avoid them at all cost but trust me if your brain has control over your eyes you can command them to watch the pitch and not read the unrelated crap on the sideboards. Honestly the only time I look at the sideboards is at Euro / World Cup games to find out what town/stadium the match is at if I don’t already know
me with the skin color? I was just responding using/referring to your past and repeated remarks about whites, etc.
Besides I love Bob Marley and his song War which borrows from Haile Selassie’s UN speech seems like common sense to me:
Until the philosophy which hold one race superior / And another / Inferior / Is finally / And permanently / Discredited / And abandoned / -Everywhere is war – / Me say war.
That until there no longer / First class and second class citizens of any nation / Until the colour of a man’s skin / Is of no more significance / than the colour of his eyes / – Me say war.
That until the basic human rights / Are equally guaranteed to all, / Without regard to race / – Dis a war.
That until that day / The dream of lasting peace, / World citizenship / Rule of international morality / Will remain in but a fleeting illusion to be pursued, / But never attained / – Now everywhere is war – / War.
@HAET why do you care about that BS so much? why do you come to a sports site to repeatedly post that crap? You may not want to face the truth but the fact is nothing you do is going to stop whatever forces are working against your point of view… IMHO you’d be better off ignoring it and just have some fun watching nogomet with us
you just get yourself too worked up and freaked out over something you have no control over and wind up at a sports site posting this unrelated crap like your head exploded
getting this worked up over something out of your control and that keeps you on edge all day every day can’t be good for your heart health
@nepozat, BULLSHIT. You can’t not look at the side boards & watch the game on the pitch at the same time, it’s impossible to miss the adverts on the side boards – that’s why companies pay millions to advertise there – DUHH!
What’s this mommy professor “skin color” bullshit you keep spouting? If “RACE is just skin color”, then it doesn’t matter if there’s no more white people (who look like your son), or if the entire world becomes white???
@Poglavnik at least if you did that your commentary would be relevant to the conversation! HAET comes to a sports website to talk political BS… very different than your example
A better example would be:
@HAET
In regards to off topic personal views…
I’v been an animal rights activist and a vegetarian for nearly 10 years but you don’t see me berating people here at CroatianSports.com.
I don’t try changing people that are set in their ways via an unrelated outlet meant for Sports not food preferences, I just choose to not associate with the ones I disagree with.
No point in wasting your breath with the same people about the same topics on a site that is dedicated to a different topic than you want to discuss…
@HAET
In regards to off topic personal views…
I’v been an animal rights activist and a vegetarian for nearly 10 years but you don’t see me berating people when they talk about eating animals.
I don’t try changing people that are set in their ways, I just choose to not associate with the ones I disagree with.
No point in wasting your breath with the same people about the same topics…
For those of you who tow the anti-white political correctness party line, here’s a little history lesson:
There was a time when George Washington called anybody who called for Independence a traitor; then a bit later on George Washington was literally killing people who were against Independence.
There was a time when highly paid Sovietologists were saying the Soviet Union was indestructible, the next day the Soviet Union collapsed, completely.
@HAET don’t look at the side boards and you can easily miss it as I apparently have
Interjecting any commentary about someones appearance (including their skin color) is offensive to me, and meaningless in a sporting context. I will give Ziva a pass on Kranjcar’s chubbiness because weight can impact a players performance but skin tone, hair color/style, tattoos (even though I hate them and think they are stupid), etc have no business being part of our discussions here which are supposed to be about sports not politics or race relations or what have you
Good point.
Most laws in Croatia are pretty grey to begin with and there’s always a back door.
The difference between Halilovic and Muric is that Halilovic has always been a Dinamovac while Muric came much later from a smaller club, hence the lack of loyalty.
@nepoznat, you can’t watch a soccer game w/o seeing the slogan “no to racism” constantly being plastered on the side boards, you can’t miss it; stop lying. What exactly have I said that’s “offensive” in YOUR opinion? My RACE not being constantly “assimilated” out of existence in our own countries is “offensive” & “racist” to you? Well then I find the slogan “no to racism” EXTREMELY offensive – as a matter of fact, it’s downright TREASONOUS & CRIMINAL. Anti-racist is a codeword for anti-white.
You can get around that as well. If a social worker and parent are present, the kid has the option of filing a lawsuit against his parents once he turns 18.
if a player wishes to break the contract, his parents and lawyers will urge for him to actually sue his parents in order to get out of that contract.
He will argue that any contract signed when he was a minor is no longer valied and it wont matter if his parents and a social worker signed it.
Livaja never signed a professional contract with Hajduk and was free to leave. Muric’s advisors found a loophole to get him out of his contract as there should have been some kind of social worker present when his parents signed on his behalf. Those mistakes will not be repeated by teams again (ok, maybe by Hajduk)…
@HAET actually I never saw the slogan during any soccer game, but that is because I am usually too busy watching the play on the pitch
If I saw it I probably wouldn’t be bothered by it because “no to racism” is not offensive but actual racism like some of your posts is offensive
@nepoznat, you recently complained about one of my comments by saying “I’m sick of this racial BS”.
So then you must get violently ill at seeing the slogan “no to racism” being constantly shoved down your throat during every soccer game. How do you even manage to watch any soccer game?
That deal he did (or did not) sign could have been voided when he turned 18. It wasn’t worth the paper it was signed on. Just like Muric’s pro contract when he signed it. It all would have depended on the parents if they honored the contract or not. All indications are Halilovic’s parents didn’t want to screw Dinamo, so in reality its a moot point. But, that contract is not worth shit. All you have to do is point to Muric and Livaja as examples. You will see more of this moving forward now that we are in the EU.
@The neznalica……I can understand bringing one of these kids as ball boys, but all three ball boys??? Come on. Jedvaj???? Kid hasn’t played at all.
@nepoznat……..are you really following a 17-year old kid on Facebook???? Man, and I thought grown men wearing a jersey of another adult male on their backs was strange or of someone who is actually younger than them, but following a teenager on Facebook just may be a new low in the jock sniffing heirarchy.
Id said many times id rather have Mujo,Pasalic,Jedvaj on roster than Vukojevic Vida Ilicevic
According to reports, Halilovic will play for Barcelona B. the earliest would be next year I imagine, because the European transfer window is now closed, but I’m not sure if that applies to the B team.
The report claims that it’s a €10,000,000 deal up front and €5,000,000 once he plays his first game for Barca ( which may become a hindrance if he doesn’t develop properly) and other incentives, no mention of a percentage of future deals to Dinamo yet, but we will see when/if the deal is finalized (although it appears that it will be).
Apparently, Halilovic signed a new deal with Dinamo last month, so there was never a worry that he would flee at seasons end, like Muric.
look at this picture posted on Alen Halilovic’s Official FB Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ALEN.HALILOVIC.OFFICIAL.PAGE/photos/a.136603469831424.31697.136600323165072/278580115633758/?type=1&theater
Ziva,
“Dinamo” gets part of the money. Sure, and I’m thin. We know to whom that money is going to.
If the transfer figure truly is ~15M Euros, then it’s good to hear.
I hate seeing big clubs pay peanuts for our players (ie. Radošević, Perica, Pašalić, etc). It shows that they really aren’t that serious about developing them.
Seeing Inter pay 11M for Kovačić was good because it puts pressure on them to play him, or at least sell him (too expensive to just let him not develop and lose him for nothing).
Even though 15M is not that much for a team like Barca, it’s still pretty significant to spend that much on an unproven 17 year old, especially from a team that tends to develop their own teenagers and spend this type of money for players in their prime.
The clause is part of his contract. If he is sold by Barca, Dinamo gets a portion of the money.
Same thing if he hits a certain number of targets (La Liga matches, Champions League matches, titles for Barca with him on the roster, etc)….Dinamo gets money for that as well.
What now… would he go to Barca now or at the end of the season. Also, would he most likely be loaned out?
nepoznat-he doesn’t come across as anyting other than a regular teen…he has a ton of media attention so I guess sometimes his immaturity might show…yeah man, he is committied otherwise he could easily get a spot after this WC with BiH!
I won’t believe he signed to Barca until the club announces it.
@Slavonac I think he is committed to Cro too
Wow he signed to barca. Touche. Hope he does a good job over there. His career starts now.
I think and believe, based on what I hear from people in ZG, Halilovic is definitely committed to Croatia and loves Croatia! I was on the fence for a while about him but have since changed my mind. i dont think its good that we pick holes in every single Croatian athlete, coach or just anyone…and we tend to do that without knowing all details. Halilovic isnt Livaja…for the most part he’s a good kid (and so far, no tattoo’s…Ziva…thats one good point right?) and a great future prospect with even now some incredible talent. One of my favorite players, Zvonimir Boban also had his ups and downs as a young player…Halilovic should be spoken about in high regard, if he was an Italian, german or English I doubt people would be carving him as much as we do with our athletes!
@ Slavonac & PR-L,
I couldn’t agree with you guys more. Even if Halilovic and/or Pasalic went to the WC as spectators and didn’t play, just the experience of practicing with the senior in that setting would be invaluable, similar to what the English did with Walcott when he was their age…
In the past we had marginal guys like Bosnjak who were well past their primes and didn’t even get a whiff of playing time and that was poor foresight on Cico’s part…
It will be interesting to see how Halilovic’s contract is worded should he be sold. If he sells for Kovacic money, I doubt a condition for future sales will be included. Should he sell for less, then it becomes more likely, but the kid is 17 so I do not think a team like Barcelona is looking to flip him… Actually, I’m curious to find out if Kovacic/Dinamo included such a clause in the Inter deal.
10 million Euro + 5 million Euro bonus?
http://sportske.jutarnji.hr/alen-halilovic-potpisao-za-barcelonu-dinamu-10-milijuna-eura-plus-jos-pet-od-bonus/1169056/
all the best luck Alen, hope to see you in Brasil
I’m sure a lot of people will be worried and point to Bojan Mrkic as an example of a highly acclaimed kid who didn’t make it at Barca.
Each individual player is a unique case. If he is the real deal we will find out within the next few years.
Deal is done accoridng to Cro media.
Barca knows scouting way better than any of us, and as this article states the kid has a very good chance to be something special, perhaps very special:
“In the case of Halilovic, still a very young man, the fact that such a high ranking member of Barcelona has gone all out to handle his transfer will speak volumes about the potential they believe he has.”
http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/02/27/the-man-who-could-cost-manchester-united-two-summer-transfer-dea/
I’m pretty sure its obvious that Halilovic is committed to cro.
I agree with Ziva on his last comment. Firstly, yes, I am right. Secondly, it is wrong to want to tie him to Croatia. As I have said with Sertic, many times. I do not want Croatia to be anyones second choice. If tears do not come to your eyes when you hear Lijepa Nasa during the World Cup or the Euros, then you should never wear the checkers.
Lets be real, the Barcelona camp is no beginner at scouting talent. They are fiercely after Halilovic. With that in mind, I would want this kid to play for Croatia and see him getting some minutes at the WC because he knows that he MUST make the most of it if he gets that opportunity.
I agree with that.
But, the one thing I totally disagree is tieing him up to Cro so he can not play for BiH. If that is trully a coancern with him (and I don’t think it is at this point), but if it is, then i would let him go to BiH and I would pay for the bus fare to Sarajevo.
@ Ziva – First off, you are wrong with Ilicevic. The game you are reffering to was one appearance and granted, it was awful, but so was everyone that game. Whenever he was called up for friendlies prior to that he either had to withdraw due to injury, or, in the case of the run up to Euro 2012 he excelled in his cameo appearances and then once again had to withdraw due to injury. He has always been pretty solid for his German clubs.
Secondly, thank you for proving my point. As I said a few posts earlier, we do not have a dynamic group of 23. We have a set of reliable 1-17 players. That then brings up the argument, how do you select the remaining players? On what basis? One spot will always be to carry a third choice keeper. That leaves you with 5 spots, the back end of which will most likely not see the field. I would much rather give it to a guy that has all the potential in the world rather than a fringe player who most likely will not even be in the conversation 2-4 years from now. We have more then a few guys hovering around 30 year old and above. The baton will have to be handed over eventually.
Lastly, who knows he doesn’t thrive given his chance? Goetze and Draxler have.
Do I believe he warrants a call up? No, not on his play up until now. However, he is still far more talented and dynamic then anyone else we could possibly think of for the last name on the roster.
@Ziva
In regards to Halilovic: “Well, neither one of them did shit last year.”
Well as of this year (so February as far as the HNL goes), he does deserve it! A young superstar talent thats actually starting to produce deserves every opportunity to fulfill that potential.
“People want to put him on that list because he “could” be good” – Ziva…if he wasn’t good, he wouldn’t be playing soccer at the level he does and there wouldn’t be as much International interest in him as there is.
every generation or so there are special players…the majority of people…people that know and have experience believe he is one of them!
My only concern is securing him into the Croatian national team. Although Ziva you’re right, the kid isn’t doing much right now to live up to all the hype, i feel like he will progress into an amazing player similar to that of Modric only more of a goal scorer. I personally do want to see him get the call up and maybe come in on the 80′ minute mark against Mexico or Cameroon. Just for the security and knowing that Croatia is his only option.
you guys make great points about having 23 players who deserve to go and can make an impact. Do we have 23 players like that? No.
But, based on production on the field so far this club season, I don’t have Halilovic on that list. People want to put him on that list because he “could” be good. Well show me something that warrants it. Again, yesterday was a start. Now, lets see more. The first half of the season was a disaster for him.
At the end of the day, you guys are correct. He will make the roster. If he shows something in the next two months than yes I would be inclined to take him over guys who have had chances and failed (Ilicevic), have had their time (Petric, Kranjcar and Eduardo), are not even croatian (Sertich) or are fringe players needed to carry the ball bags (Badelj).
I just need to see production out of him, that’s all. Because, we know what will happen once we are at the World Cup. We will start to hear fans and the media asking for him to play. I just want to see a reason why he should be called up and possibly be given minutes.
And don’t be surprised if the following conversation took place already between Tata Halilovic and Mamic…..
Tata Halilovic……..you know Zdravko, we can sign with a club starting in June and you and Dinamo wont receive any sort of transfer fee.
Mamic…………..pa nemoj tako. What do you want?
Tata Halilovic……..I want you to make sure Alan is at the world cup.
Mamic………….no problem, i run the savez. I hired my Puppet Suker and I hired and fired Stimac. I got Kovac the job and he is a kum. I’ll make sure he is in Brazil. No worries
Tata Halilovic……..I’m still amazed Suker is president of the savez. How can you hire a guy who has the reading comprehension of a 6th grader. Listen, you better get my son to Brazil or I still have BiH as an option for the world cup.
Mamic………….ne boj se. Mali ide na SP. And as for Suker. It is so easy to control the uneducated.
@ Ziva Istina – By that argument, can you please provide me with a list of 23 that do deserve to go to the World Cup? Because I am hard pressed to find a full 23 that have had a strong year.
As I have said many times, players 21-23 are going to be as fringe as it gets. I have always advocated calling up at least one youngster who shows enough promise that we can all comfortably agree that this player will play a significant role for us down the road and for many years to come.
If at the end of the tournament we can actually say that players 21-23 are what cost us from advancing, well, that is a greater indictment on the starting 11 and players 12-20.
“Maradona was left off the 78 World Cup team and guess what, Argentina didn’t need him. They won it.” – if Croatia wins the world cup then I see your point.
I dont see too many of our subs as a major “tactical” or “attacking” improvement…thats why I said to have him rather than a “fringe player”…who most likely won’t see much if any playing time. regardless of what we personally think, sometimes an immature kid can take the pressure of such a tournament better than a senior guy…his maturity level is low and he may not feel as much pressure!
if Croatia was stacked and we had several MUCH better options, I agree…earn your spot. In this case can you name 3 standouts that you believe would contribute much better than him…remember 3 standouts that will likely play little. You mentioned something…you said something along the lines of IF we are healthy and are not in yellow card trouble, we can play with any big team…I read that as if our general starting 11 with possibly 1 or 2 interchangeable players…that leave’s approximately 9 more subs.
Well, neither one of them did shit last year.
Pasalic has played well this season.
Halilovic has not. I fail to see how anyone can say Halilovic based on his play this year deserves to be on the repka. I guess you guys have low standards. Forget the hype around the kid. What has he done on the field? Yesterday’s game is a good start, now he needs more games like that before I change my mind.
Who has been the best player under the age of 18 in Cro this year? I will say Pasalic and its not even close. Again, the little bosandzero will probably be the better player and it probably wont even be close by the time each of these two guys are 25. But, I am a person who rewards hard work. Pasalic has played better and it it comes down to taking one young kid to be the gopher boy in practice, well Pasalic deserves it at this point in time.
And you are wrong about the comment of having no further incentive to showcase and sell. Halilovic’s contract will have clauses in it. If he is sold by Barca, Dinamo will get a certain percentage of the deal. If he has a certain amount of La Liga or Champions League apperances, Dinamo will get a fixed amount. So, it is still in Mamic’s financial interest for him to be on the repka.
@ Ivica – Unlike Halilovic, Pasalic has been solid and consistent throughout the entire season. Also, over a year ago is when he scored 17 goals for the Under 17 side. That being said, many European scouts as well as those who follow the junior program were well aware of him. Stories linking him to Leverkusen have appeared long ago.
@Živa
There are always about 2 or 3 youngsters that are called up, so it’s not out of this world that both Pašalić and Halilović are both called up. They deserve it.
But Pašalić has only really stepped up his game this season. You didn’t even know who he was a year ago. So it’s funny how you have such an anti-Halilović stance because he’s only recently been playing well, yet the same argument can be made for Pašalić.
Whatever. The bottom line is that they are both big talents who any coach would pick for those last couple of non-playing spots. Otherwise, teams like Chelsea and Barcelona would not have purchased them.
This isn’t a Mamić callup (especially now since there is no further incentive to showcase and sell). Now, if Niko Kovač decides to call up Arijan Ademi or Jozo Šimunović, then you can scream murder.
@vatrena cast…….fair point about Eduardo. Its not like we have other options. And if we do, are they better?
Hoping we don’t get any injuries or card trouble because we lack quality depth at forward
The move to Barca seem immanent. The kid has tons of potential. A move to Barca would be ideal because he can learn from the likes of Xavi and Iniesta on how to be a real teammate.
Just as long as he Barca doesnt send him down the Bojan Krkic route. Halilovic’s lack of size will be okay as long as they keep him behind the striker.
As for Pasalic, I was advocating that he gets a look weeks before he was sold to Chelsea. Of all Croatian youth prospects, he is by far the most in form. He looks to be a dynamic midfielder. Looks like a young Lampard. Just as long as his shooting percentage in the World Cup is better than Franks.
Kranjcar i could honestly care less about.
its kinda like vukojevic i guess, he isnt having the best season either but his skill set is something that we could use in certain situation which is something i think we both agree on.
@ziva
I say we call up dudu because well i dont know who else id call up. is there anyone really better than him that deserves a call up? in my opinion if he has a good game he has a really good game. we can use that, sometimes we see sparks of the old eduardo and he scores and i think just because of that he is worth the call up. id rather have him than kalinic any day. so at the moment even though he is not having the best season, who else is playing so well that deserves it more than him other than the usual mandza, olic, “jelavic if he gains some steam”.
Maradona was left off the 78 World Cup team and guess what, Argentina didn’t need him. They won it.
I agree with everything you have said. But, I am also a big believer is having to earn your way on the team. Halilovic has not earned his way. Take away all the hype of this kid. If his name was Ivan Halic instead, would anyone be claiming he should be on the WC roster.
As everyone here, I think Halilovic has the potential. But, he has not earned a invite to be on the roster just yet. He needs more games like yesterday. If we are going to award young kids with potential then Pasalic from hajduk deserves a call up. I’m not saying Pasalic will be a better player, but if we are going to reward a young kid who has potential then right now Psalic should get the nod over Halilovic. Right now. A lot can change from now until early May.
At the end of the day I think he will be on the roster because Mamic always gets what he wants. As for anyone saying it is a moot point if Barca comes and buys Halilovic before the World Cup. I say not so fast. A future sale by Barca of Halilovoc will also land Mamic and Dinamo money. I’m sure there will be a clause worked into his contract where Dinamo will get more money if he is sold for a certain fee and for a certain number of La Liga and Champions League appearances.
Ziva- I most often agree with you and even in this case have similair thoughts as you do. Something I think you miss the mark on is that I believe everyone, including Kovac understand that Halilovic has a very big possibility to be a future star…and with that said, sometimes those types of kids are difficult to handle. Maradona was left off Argentina’s team when he was Halilovic’s age and his coach openly admitted he made a mistake, they’re relationship was not good after that!
Halilovic receives praise from everyone, I’m pretty sure its not easy for him to deal with all the publicity and stay level headed…he’s still immature.
we can all say Mamic calls the shots BUT in this case, Kovac has to look at the future. Halilovic is a sub on the NT…if you think of it this way, would you worry about having a fringe player that may never play a single minute or maybe play few minutes…or a kid that just might surprise you for a few minutes…or even shit the bed. either way, I say its worth the scarifice as long as he maintains a “team first” attitude!
So, your logic for using the Brazilian born hrvat is based on nostalgia and not recent performance? Hmm, last time the Cro national team did something like that was in 2002 when Puppet Suker was included on the World Cup roster. And he didn’t deserve to go. I guess we can take the Brazilian born hrvat as a tour guide and he can get some of the guys out of trouble (Corluka when he frequents a strip club) when they go walking around the city.
As for Kranjcar. I’ll take your word he is playing well at QPR. I have only watched him play once.
I think Kranjcar and dudu both deserve a spot in the WC. Kranjcar has the size and power to knock in long range shots and has played well at QPR this season and is familiar with the other players on the NT and is a good option to have available. And dudu deserves a spot because he has been a consistent asset to the NT. Last time i checked he was second in scoring behind Suker. With all the dedication and heart he has shown for Croatia, he deserves to play in his home country against Brazil. It would mean the world to him. Thats why i want him in the starting 11 becasue in a situation like that i feel he would play the best soccer of his life.
Also, just saw this on Halilovic.
http://www.marca.com/2014/02/27/en/football/barcelona/1393502016.html
He would play with Barca B team until he proves himself.
As for the question posed earlier about which 18 yr old show go. Halilovic is 17, but for forget the age, his play this year does not warrant a call up. Now, if he has more games like he did yesterday then we can talk in two months. Don’t forget, this is the same Rijeka team that lost to NK Zadar (aka NK Bjezigrad) recently. So, its not like the little bosandzero is doing this against the top notch competition. But, as I said, if he can do this for an extended period of time then he will have earned an invite. Right now he has not earned an invite. I don’t think anyone can argue otherwise. As for who should be taken? If we are going to take a young player for “experience” as most team do, then give it to a kid who has earned it. Pasalic at Hajduk is 18 and has earned a call up if we are going to reward a young player. He has played much better than Halilovic.
A lot of time left to earn a call up.
Also…….why are players like Kranjcar and the Brazilian born Hrvat who currently plays at Shakthar assumed to have guaranteed spots for the World Cup. Have those two earned based on their play this season?
is that really a good move for him to go to barca? will he even play there, they just be thinking we want the next modric
ok he was 20ish, so still quite a bit older then halilovic would be this year
ok i know haililovic has been slow this season but are these 2 goals out of no where or has he been picking up his play? how old was krunchie when he went to world cup in 06?
There are talks of Halilovic being sold prior to the WC. If this happens the point of Mamic forcing him on the team for a sale becomes moot.
Love him or hate him, no-one could deny that Mamic is an exceptional wheeler and dealer.
The follically challenged Rakitic is ofn his final months at Sevilla .
Thank U Armada 87422567885356 , good Tie ! Thanks 4 Helping the Most Loved Team In Croatia & Throughout the World -Our Bili HAJDUK , move Up !! Nice to see Arrogant Mamic/ dinamo tie. Finnally !! Bog ,Hrvati , USA , Hajduk , i HNS !!
What 18 does deserve a call up if he doesn’t.
As far as finding the right club and not wanting to move to a bigger one just for the payday, Ivan Rakitic has shown to be one of the smartest.
He seems so happy in Seville. His family is comfortable there, he’s making good money, and is considered one of the best players in Spain.
Why would he upset that kind of situation? He could probably go to a bigger club, but, you always risk being benched, losing playing time, upsetting your family situation, and making yourself miserable. Not worth the extra few dollars he would receive.
Smart man – he has it all going for himself – well done.
This last call up for the Swiss game was all a scam to make it appear Kovac is in control. He is not. I like Kovac and I think down the road he will be a decent to very good coach, but have you guys not followed the savez for the last 10 years. You think Mamic would have allowed Kovac to become the coach without his blessing. Come on, the families are connected through marriage.
I agree it is normal to see an 18 yr old called. Usually one that deserves a call. As of today, the bosandzero does not.
@Ziva
Halilovic will be called up, not because Mamic says he will, but because Kovac makes the call to pick him.
Kovac did not call up Sammir, Ademi, nor Halilovic to date (Stimac regulars up until that point), yet you don’t give him any praise for this. Instead you choose to wait in the shadows and make conspiracy theories about things that haven’t even happened yet.
Kovac has actually called up more Rijeka players than Dinamo ones. Since that’s the case, I can play the Ziva card and accuse Kovac of being in bed with Daniele Vopli.
You can make up all the storylines you want about Kovac looking for an excuse to appease Mamic, but calling up a young mega talent with the last spot for your World Cup roster is not out of the ordinary. If he called up some obscure young talent from Dinamo, then fine, but Alen Halilovic has displayed a lot of talent and it’s totally normal to see an 18-year old prospect receive a callup as a non-playing member of a World Cup roster.
Bravo Mamic
http://m.rtl.hr/article/-dobro-da-ga-nisam-vidio-jer-bih-mozda-dosao-u-napast-da-mu-udarim-vritnjak-/?category-id=4&article-id=26420
Suck a bag of dicks jovanovic.
@ Ivica
100% agree with you. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t get called up for the World Cup. Most teams will call up a couple of young talented players for the experience. Kovac is not Mamic’s bitch and I think he’ll prove that.
At the same time, what is wrong calling up the odd talented youngster to showcase them in the national team so that they can be sold ??
Granted Mamic had Stimac in his pocket but generally speaking, I think it’s a good thing to keep the HNL and other smaller leagues like it afloat.
I am all fore calling up young players if they deserve it. His body of work this year does not warrant a call. More games like today will get him to Brazil. Either way he is going because Mamic says he will.
LOL @ Ziva
…And it begins.
Now you’ve confirmed your reason to cheer against Niko Kovac for, just as I mentioned this exact example last week.
Look man. There are always a couple of youngsters that are called up as the last few players on a World Cup roster. Every team does this. Halilovic is a big talent, and if Cro does decide to call up a couple of young players, you’d better believe he is going to be one of those players. Mamic or not.
Has anyone from HNS approached Branimir Hrgota from Borussia Mönchengladbach?. Atleast he has been getting more minutes than all our other young players and shows potential.
MAMICU CIGANE ODLAZI IZ SVETINJE
ahh, the good news continues………….
http://www.24sata.hr/nogomet/marko-livaja-je-opet-izbacen-iz-mlade-hrvatske-reprezentacije-355432
Just look at him covered in all that dirty dried ink on his arms. He just screams trouble maker and me-first attitude.
If Petar Krpan makes the 1998 World Cup roster, Alen Halilovic makes the 2014.
He will be included – 100%
Ziva,
think you’re spot on with this one.
Kovac was probably thinking that if Halilovic continues to play like this it will be easier to explain his inclusion to the repka for the World Cup. Because there is no doubt in my mind Mamic will get the kid on the roster. The whole not calling him up last week was done for show to give the illusion Kovac is calling the shots for the repka on gets called and who doesn’t.
I’ve followed Cro soccer for too long and spoken with too many people to know that Mamic will eventually get what he wants. Remember, this is the same clown who said Puppet Suker and Strucnjak Stimac would be savez president and national team coach long before they got the gigs.
God Of Halilovic for Brazil!!
Where’s LAknat with some insight?
Niko Kovac was in attendance for this match. Wonder what hes thinking about Halilovic after this clutch performance.
Halilovic is clearly one of the most talented youngsters ever produced in Croatia. Up to this point in the season, it has been more about the hype rather than on field performance with with his game. The past few weeks he has started to show he is stepping it up slowly but surely. If he comes on strong during the next 2 months, he gets the call to Brasil.