Goal.com may not be the ultimate measuring stick when it comes to soccer reporting, but earlier in the week, they named both Luka Modrić and Ivan Rakitić to the 2013-14 La Liga Team of the Year. Others on the list included Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Gareth Bale and Diego Costa, to name a few. Although Modrić only scored one goal for Real Madrid this season, he has pulled strings in the midfield to perfection with a team that has already won the Copa del Rey and is one match away from lifting a record 10th Champions League trophy. On the other side of the spectrum, Sevilla’s captain, Ivan Rakitić, has scored 13 goals this campaign for a club that will play in the Europa League final while just missing out on Spain’s last Champions League berth.
Put together these two Croatian studs with Mario Mandžukić and Ivica Olić, who have absolutely tore up the Bundesliga this season, and the World Cup is looking very promising for Croatia. Going into the last match of the season this weekend, Bayern Munich’s ‘Super Mario’ Mandžukić is tied atop the Bundesliga score sheet with 18 goals, alongside Borussia Dortmund’s Robert Lewandowski. But we can’t forget about 34 year-old Ivica Olić, who has been lights out the past two months, tallying 14 total goals this season for Wolfsburg in a year where they still may earn a Champions League berth.
On top of all that, Southampton’s Dejan Lovren has been a stubborn rock at defense in his first year in the Premiership and will likely move to a bigger club after the World Cup. Mix that in with Darijo Srna’s résumé and the hustle of Vedran Ćorluka, and who’s to say Croatia can’t turn heads in Brazil?
If an X-factor like Ivan Perišić or Mateo Kovačić can play to their fullest potential, we shouldn’t just expect to get out of group play, but we can expect a monumental upset over Spain or the Netherlands in the Round of 16.
Croatia was one Ivan Rakitić header away from dethroning the champions at Euro 2012. There’s no reason they can’t do it this time around.
Ziva “@H……he threw something on the field. Of course he should be arrested for that. If some throws something at my house, or even worse inside the fortified basement, I would want them to be arrested as well. Nothing wrong with that.”
Once again, Ziva making excuses for the Political Correctness Church & its THOUGHT POLICE. Like everybody here doesn’t realize the penalty for a throwing a banana is FAR worse than throwing a plastic bottle?
You are a useful idiot to the very people you CLAIM to be against.
@AnteB. Vukojevic is indeed serbian! From Knin or around Knin is where he is from. You can take that to the bank Jack!
Schifo’s dad is a Slovenac. Dude’s name is Janez. Could be one of those Austrian-Slovenci with that Austrian last name.
Schildenfeld is another Simunic he can cover his role in the back half. His background is also German which is a good thing which Jovanovic won’t like. For anyone wanting to buy any gold with Ustasa logo’s on it go to Split shops not Zagreb they have it. Club form doesn’t always translate to country form just look at one “Lionel Messi”.
I don’t think anyone is disputing Rakitic’s capability of playing the DM role. I think people just believe he is better utilized as an AM.
Question is…does whatever we gain with Rakitic playing the AM role make up for what we lose in starting someone like Vukojevic as the DM?
Rafa Marquez? Salcido?
I thought these guys were pretty old, does anyone follow the Mexican league?
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/114/mexico/2014/05/09/4807053/tom-marshall-herrera-picks-balanced-roster-for-world-cup?ICID=HP_HN_1
Anyone else going to watch Mexico vs. BiH?
@Armada:
Soul Champ is 100% correct.
Rakitic plays a variety of roles at Sevilla including DM as recent as their last game.
I don’t think it is conjecture at this point.
I understand if you think Badelj or Vukojevic will provide something different or more desirable.
@ Armada and Ziva
Momci
In the moment of NOW – Raktic is our MVP and best DM.
He has played this postion for Sevilla on many occasions and played it against Iceland.
You do not agree … That’s cool.
But majke boze you make it sound like talking out of my basement !
Personally I can go DM or AM for Raketa.
I know he can play both effectively.
Uvijek Vjerni .
As far as Ziva coming in on cue and letting us know about the short term pain for long term gain thing goes,its usually Bobo ,his trained basement monkey that takes care of those things for him.As well as Puppet suker,etc.
I must say that my son has been rather mature and well behaved recently.As I always ,he must remain true to himself and stay edgy and a little controversial in the way he challenges our thinking,just not too much over the top dumb ass stunts,aqnd a tad more balance.He has been good lately,which deserves more support from tata.My role may have to change soon……
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6LohnQpCm18/TPObuLioL0I/AAAAAAAABw0/oPVuXiQjOgk/s400/computer_monkey.jpg
Madrid to pay 40m Euro buyout clause for Raketa?
http://gol.dnevnik.hr/clanak/svjetski_nogomet/modric-dobiva-drustvo-jos-jedan-hrvat-stize-u-real-madrid—335262.html
cue the typical Ziva response to the Scotland game in 3, 2, 1….
“guys, it was all about about short term failure for long term benefit”
you’re welcome
True though.
Especially it being the last game of a terrible 2nd half of the qualifying phase.
Those players must’ve been shitting themselves after that 2nd goal!
Unless it was all planned just to get Strunjak Stimac out, right Ziva?
Poglavnik- now that’s funny!
Good for Lovren!
I wouldn’t have minded if the whole team came to blows after going down 2-0 to Scotland.
I’d expect nothing less from people who actually give a fuck.
@ nepoznat
almost forgot about that… per the article, it seems settled according to NK – plus I highly doubt NK would let bullshit like that fester into the WC… Strinic is no defensive stopper by any means of the imagination, but if him and Dejan gotta pair up, they have to put this nonsense completely behind them and win us some games in Brazil.
Darijo saved the day apparently:
http://www.croatiaweek.com/croatian-fa-fines-lovren-and-strinic-e20000/
@Armada don’t you remember them nearly coming to blows during the Qualifiers? I forget who but I believe another player had to separate the two. It’s pretty well known they had a huge dust up. I think Lovren was giving Strinic shit for being at fault for a goal (again)
I agree this is Josip’s last hurrah, hopefully CAS gives him that chance for it to be his last hurrah anyways
@ nepoznat
why shouldn’t they play together?
and based on Simunic’s play, I’d agree he deserves a start somewhere. We just can’t rely on him much longer as a first choice CB… Joe is getting into his upper 30’s and playing garbage football in the HNL – after the WC I’m sure NK will seriously look at phasing him out.
Just wish some of our younger guys had the fire in their stomachs that Joe has.
@Armada I like Lovren just fine, I just know he should not be playing with/next to Strinic. That being said I would play Josip over Dejan based on quality of play in the qualifiers and Lovren’s unfortunate injury (although his form is getting back to very good for club)
As for DM Males is out of the running due to injury:
http://hns-cff.hr/news/4612/males-zbog-ozljede-propusta-brazil/
if i had to rank player contribution to the past qualifying cycle i would do as such
modric, mandzukic, rakitic, srna, simunic
perhaps as far from club form as rakitic was, he provided a goal and assist to beat macedonia, the clever pass to set up the mandzo olic first goal vs serbia, and delivered the cross vs iceland that lead to the mandzukic goal. as the lowest goal scoring team to get into the world cup, these small contributions still rank you highly on the team
Why would the site take down Oluja’s comment? Nothing wrong said
@Armada………….well said. Some people seem to think you can plug anyone in that role or any role. I’ve always advocated requiring a license or some sort of online certification to be allowed to post on here. Some of the comments are just mind blowing.
@H……he threw something on the field. Of course he should be arrested for that. If some throws something at my house, or even worse inside the fortified basement, I would want them to be arrested as well. Nothing wrong with that.
@Soul Champ………..How can you say Rakitic is Croatia’s MVP. Based on what???????? Don’t confuse what he has dome at Sevilla for what he has done with the repka. He is not even in the top 5 of the most valuable players on the repka over the last few years. Listen, I hope Rakitic can play the same way for us that he does for Sevilla, all of us do, but we have not witnessed it so far. Its not even close. If we are going to make a list of the MVPs for Hrvatska over the last few years, the following players are and have been more important than Rakitic based on their play, with the emphasis being BASED ON THEIR PLAY FOR THE REPKA…………Modric, Mandzukic, Pletikosa, Olic, Schifo, Corluka.
Regarding Setic. I’m not sure if you spoke with a common friend or not, who is aware of what I did, but I did check in with FIFA’s “Competitions Division” on the status of Sertic months ago. More due dilligence and just wanting to see how far along in the process I could get than anything else (its amazing what you can lie about and nobody checks to verify if you are telling the truth when dealing with these FIFA people), but if there is a chance I can provide anything that rules him out of getting cro paperwork, than good for all of us. Last thing we need is a non-Hrvat playing for us.
@ Soul Champ
how is Rakitic our best DM???????? When does he ever play DM aside from the handful of times he has with the NT and it was a failure.
Guys – I get it, we need a good DM but it seems like some people on this site just think we can plug in anyone to the position and make it work (Rakitic, Lovren, etc.)
Why not Olic? Dude has a great motor, still has good speed, he has experience on the wing, does killer step overs. PERFECT FIT.
Why not…..Niko Kranjcar? He’s a midfielder. PERFECT FIT. Or better yet, Alen Hallilovic!!! DONE.
I wonder if some of you watch football or in general just “get it” when it comes to the tactical side of nogomet.
For DM, we should be looking at the following guys for us in Brazil if we chose to roll with a DM – Badelj, Vukojevic, Ademi and Males. In an emergency, we could move Rakitic and maybe Kovacic to the role. That’s it.
@ Nepoznat
Got a question for you… do you not like Dejan Lovren? Do not think he should start at CB in Brazil?
@ faux
Agreed.
But in that first half we want to keep a clean sheet and Rakitic is also our best DM.
He does the same shift for Sevilla.
Also, an explosive Kovačić on the counter would skip past Brazil.
This reality despite what some of fellow Hrvati have realized is that Rakitic is our MVP. Because he can play all three positions up the center. Modrić is our best CM but Rakitic can rock out at AM and DM. Kovačić has the 10-20 meter burst that all great AM need.
Brazil-Cameroon-Mexico:
Will all be open on the counter…Kovačić is our fastest AM.
HRVATSKA CENTAR
Kovačić
Modrić
Rakitić
If another DM can emerge (Ziva blocked Sertic papers!) then we can put Kovačić on RW and have Srna/Vrsaljko over lap when he cuts in.
Rakitic has extraordinary range and pinpoint passes from the DM I have seen it for Sevilla on many occasion.
Kovac will want to create a result against Brazil and he will do it from depth defending from the back through the middle.
@Soul Champ:
I agree about including some youth, but they need to be playing fairly regularly.
Perisic is not old, he is just inconsistent.
I agree about Rakitic as a DM, but he is our best option behind a lone striker.
You all know about the Alves incident whereby a fan threw a banana close to him, so he picked it up and ate it?
The media universally praised Alves’s “strategy” for handling “racism”. Alves himself said “If you don’t give it importance, they don’t achieve their objective” – well, they threw the banana missile launcher if fucking jail, and neither Alves nor anybody in the media protested that draconian measure – so somebody is really insecure about racial identity.
The Political Correctness Congregation just can’t help themselves, every single thing they do or say is doublethink.
Poglavnik: “Iv always been on team Vuki!
He might look like a caveman and play a bit like one too, but he’s solid in my books!”
In Europe, if you say something like that about a non-white, you’ll be charged with a “hate speech crime” & thrown in jail. They put you in a cage if you discard a banana peel within a 100 meter radius of a black person. This is what you get when you justify “consequences” for “hate speech”, you lose your free speech. And I’m supposed to believe Europe is “civilized”? It’s more like TYRANNIZED.
@ Ivica
I pledge allegiance to the ANTI-vuki movement.
He is a fouling clumsy magarac !
Brazil and Mexico’s rabbits will have his ass running in place.
Actually, against Brazil, Raktic may have to sacrifice for the team and play DM. This will allow us to retain possession and counter. There will be opporunities to catch the home side on the break as they will want to go forward in waves.
Man if we could tie Brazil that would put serious pressure on the rest of the teams in our group.
We need some speed on the wings to keep their wing backs honest. At least Perišić runs well. Vrsaljko has to get some run on the right wing.
Let Srna shoot is load vs Brazil and get us this tie score. Then you can sub him off against Cameroon and Mexico.
Germany bringing another young squad.
You need young legs at the WC.
Tie goes to the young stud.
Not a betting man, but curious about the odds.
http://www.worldcupodds.com/group-a
Vukojevic is in no way a Serbian last name. None at all bits beautiful actually 🙂
LMAO
Isn’t Vukojevic a Serb?
He’s from Bjelovar. His first name is Ognjen. He looks like a Cedo. I’m surprised this was never discussed before.
(I’m resorting to propaganda in order to recruit more anti-Vuki folk)
@Faux Cro
Vuki was getting benched a lot last year and they were desperately trying to get rid of him (they only managed a loan deal to Spartak).
He had a period where he lost his starting spot again this year, but he’s been receiving regular starts since the winter break. He’s probably in form right now.
^ ^
I think he plays quite a bit.
I’ve never had a problem with guys like Vukojevic because they player to their potential.
It’s the Rakitic’s, and Lovren’s, and Perisic’s of the team that i have a problem with.
If these guys play to their full potential then we could do some damage.
Vukojevic has his strengths, but his passing is weak and he gives away a lot of fouls.
I don’t expect any calls to go our way against Brazil and Vukojevic will definitely pick up at least a yellow.
Is he playing much in the Ukraine?
Iv always been on team Vuki!
He might look like a caveman and play a bit like one too, but he’s solid in my books!
@ IvicA
I was just waiting for YOU to reply–the leader of the Anti-Vukejvic fan club.
Vukojevic can put in a tackle, press, and close down spaces. And yes, tactical fouls too. But you make it seem like Vuki’s a buffoon.
The way I reckon, we are gonna be overrun against the Brazilians. And we need Vuki to help stem the tide. He did it against Spain, and he was instrumental against the Serbs. And guess who got Matic red-carded? Yep, that’s right Vuki. The guy was breaking up plays left and right.
Maybe we can go with someone else against Cameroon and Mexico. But against Brazil, we need some steel to shore up the defense.
invite sent RepkaCro
Not that I agree with it, but this is probably what Niko Kovac plans on playing against Brazil:
—————-Olic———————-
—–Perisic—Kovacic—–Ilicevic—
——–Rakitic——-Modric———–
Pranjic–Corluka—Lovren—Srna–
…Then against Cameroon and Mexico, he will start Mandzukic up top and move Olic to LW with Perisic pushed to RW. This is the flank formation he went with against Switzerland.
I’m hoping he tries something else in these next few friendlies because I don’t like these lineups. But if we see this again (like we saw against Switzerland and Iceland) it looks like his mind is made up.
@Faux Cro Lovren & Strinic side by side is a recipe for disaster
jebes to pranjic sucks and perisic doesn’t do anything anymore. krancjar is better than him
Vukojevic doesn’t tackle, he fouls.
This won’t bode well when we’re playing against a whistle-happy referee against home nation Brazil. It also won’t help against fast Cameroonians, and tiny little Mexicans who collapse at the touch. If Vuki plays all three matches, he is bound to get a red card.
But I don’t think Kovacic is our answer either. Kovac is probably going to go with Rakitic as our DM, and sacrifice the potential offense he brings simply because we have noone else.
@ Faux Cro
Perisic is a LW, it’s the position he plays best at. Also I would put Kovacic at RW, and put Vukojevic at DM.
(4-2-3-1): Pletikosa–Srna, Corluka, Lovren, Strinic–Vukojevic, Modric–Kovacic, Rakitic, Perisic–Olic
I wouldn’t play Kovacic at DM. He is not humble enough to play that role. His talents are best utilized in attack.
We need someone that can win balls, play simple passes, close down spaces, put in cynical challenges, and provide clearances. Now this is the part Vukojevic come in!
I don’t know why there is such an Anti-Vukojevic fan base on these boards. It’s puzzling. He can put in a good tackle, and get into the rough n’ tumble. He’s proven himself against Spain.
I mean someone has to be down in the engine room, getting their elbows dirty, shoveling coal into the fire. This job ain’t for prima donna Kovacic and Rakitic.
Let’s put it this way. Vukojevic reminds me of my Dida’s Mazga. He wasn’t the smartest or prettiest beast around. But he sure could plow a Polje like you wouldn’t believe. Man, I sure do miss that Mazga.
Occasionally played left back at Tottenham and against Turkey for HNS
…and what about Corluka? I saw him playing right or centre back, never left!
@Ziva:
He plays on the left side for Wolfsburg and I think that is his preferred position.
I could be mistaken, but I have seen him play on the right.
@ nepoznat
I am looking to get the switzlerand croatia friendly from a couple months ago. you said you had the collection? would you be able to help? my email is repkacro@gmail.com
Does Perisic actually play on the right side????/ Everytime I have watched him play for Cro or in the Bundesliga he is on the left side.
—————————-Olic——————————–
—Pranjic—————Rakitic——————–Perisic—–
————-Kovacic————–Modric———————
Corluka——Lovren————-Schildenfeld——–Srna
—————————Pletikosa——————————
————————–Olic————————————
—Perisic————–Rakitic—————————Srna
————–Kovacic————-Modric———————
Strinic———Lovren————-Schildenfeld———-Corluka
————————-Pletikosa————————————
My concern is Strinic and Perisic on the left side, but what options do we have? Lovren as Left sided Center Back should help.
I know most of you don’t like Srna as a winger, but Corluka is a solid right back and Srna will keep the Brazilian LB honest without pulling Corluka out of position.
Do we use attacking wingbacks against Brazil, or do they play conservatively?
@Bobby V……….disagree about letting the coaches vote. Take a look at some of the votes for the FIFA player of the year by the coaches. Plus, the voting by the coaches in college is a sham as well. Too many personal interests and coaches don’t view other teams during the season. They have their own games and what they see on tape when scouting opponents. I think the media is more qualified to vote than coaches.
^ ^
HA!
Yeah it would’ve been nice if it ended with some highlights of the 3rd place game.
fuck at 6:10 i just turn that shit off… just like watching braveheart… ill watch it a hundred times before it goes down hill for wallace
if anyone needs to vomit in their mouth a bit, check our Puppet Suker’s commentary on this FIFA video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJbvgwmJNZk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4dl1uVM41Y
Never seen this video before.
Enjoy!
@ Bobby
Yeah, that’ll fix it right up bud. Think you’re onto something here.
I’ve defended the rankings before and I understand how the points accumulate, but, USA ahead of Netherlands and France?
Get rid of the point system and have the coaches do it – like in our college system.
Modric Corners. Rakitic Long Free Kicks. Srna Close Free Kicks and Penalties. Easy Game.
I wish Gradanski had some type of choice post war instead of being dissolved.
If the politicians spent have the time worrying about the economy and not fascism, croatia might be on a better path than it is now. The only reason they talk about this anti fascism crap ( something that died a long time ago) on a regular basis is because it still gets peoples reactions and it camouflages the shitty job they (politicians) are doing politically and they know the media will ride it big time as long as people continue biting that bate.
Heck some of us can go out tomorrow and say Hajduk was obnovljen whatever date it was when they rejected Tito and beograds invitation to move there and be the military team of yugo.
I think the reason he didn’t show up in Split is because it happened on Vis.
we got a winner………..Nije Bitno is on to something.
Remember, those islands were big supporters of the “anti-fascists”, rather the people who were in a position of power were supporters of the “anti-fascists”.
Just look at who showed up, Josipovic. Those are his people out there who invited him. No chance he would show up in Split in front of the real fans. This was nothing more than back slapping by the liberal scum.
@ Ante B – good question. Something i’m going to ask my dad later. My guess it’s just the anti fascist groups in cro trying to glorify their BS through a big club (in that region) cause they didn’t want to go play in Serie A back then, in a league under fascist Italy.
Another Masters series event in tennis…………which means another early exit for Doper Cilic.
http://www.index.hr/sport/clanak/gulbis-izbacio-cilica-iz-madrida-modric-navijao/745357.aspx
has anyone posted this song?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrFo8JGYJA4
is the official song for us? i’m fan – not a song that gets you pumped up, but decent song regardless
Was really hoping Severina got it…!
😉
My only dislike is of their club. Otherwise I’m a terrible Dalmatinac hater when I have buddies like the guys who run this site and the local posters.
it’s alright to hate Dalmatinici dude… no shame in that
😀
Now there’s a proper argument ^
Shut up Ante B. Everytime you open your mouth you sound like an idiot. I don’t know who’s worse. Cico with his stupid spelling mistakes or you coming with your all caps rants like you have tourette
Can one of you Hajduk guys explain the following to me without telling me I hate Dalmacija and Dalmatinci…
Obviously Hajduk, like Dinamo, has terrible parts of their history. According to the article, “Hajduk…koji je za vrijeme Drugog svjetska rats PRESTAO djelovati…i koji je splitski klub POSTAO SIMBOLOM ANTIFASISTICKE BORBE…i OBNOVLJEN.” How can a club that supposedly has a 103 year old history 1) be obnovljen and 2) stop functioning and yet “zivi vjecno”? Sounds like hypocrisy. Yet Gradanski and the ZG klubovi were dissolved on June 6 and Dinamo founded 3 days later.
Pletikosa & Milic just won the Russian Cup:
http://hns-cff.hr/news/4633/pletikosa-i-milic-osvojili-ruski-kup/
none of the above!
Which of the following are least likely to happen:
A. Rakitic success in the air
B. Corluka at a health clinic
C. Kranjcar doing yogo and on a diet
D. Ciro Blazevic refusing to talk
the only “aerial” part about Rakitic’s game is his hair!
LMAO you guys are cold
@nepoznat
I’d rather have Modric taking corners so we can utilize Rakitic’s aerial game in the box.
I think all the South American teams will do well.
Colombia could do very well. Their team is deep.
Chile might be without Vidal which sucks, and I feel so bad for Ecuador with Benitez’s death.
I used to play for an Ecuadorian team so I’ll definitely be pulling for them!
As far as “free speech” Simunic goes, I just want to see him on the mic again! 🙂
having Rakitic taking free kicks may be a good idea but I think Srna is still very useful
@Ernest I think Darijo’s free kicks and corners have declined over time. Vintage Srna from 2006, 2008 he would just curl the ball into the goal by himself
Put me in the camp to have Raketa taking the free kicks and corners, he has been amazing for Sevilla in that role the times I have seen them play. Modric has been delivering some real nice corners for Madrid lately too
That dead ball you speak of took place in March 2013.
saying srna is no longer a force on free kicks is a joke. He lost a step no doubt but his dead ball qualities have improved if anything. That ball against serbis basically hit Ola in the chest.
Greece benefits from beating the teams below them and being able to usually tie the teams above them.
@dannyj yeah you probably posted more than 1 link in a post
oh cause the links in it… i see
why does it say your comment is waiting moderation now when you post?
is sertic really a big improvement over badelj? i haven’t really seen much of either one play and i am not nogomet expert but their ratings on who scored are both good and near the same… i don’t know too much about french league but even though hamburg at the bottom of the barrel, i believe playing in germany is better competition…
really how many chances has milan been given… kalinic has been given more chances to play im sure and for me is less deserving
milans rating http://www.whoscored.com/Players/42435
sertich rating http://www.whoscored.com/Players/44883
consistency gets you in the top 10, regardless of how we feel if a team is more quality than another, playing and getting favorable results vs higher and lower ranked teams will always ensure you a better place in the rankings.
@Ziva I think Falcao will be back and I think Chile will win Group B
I agree Greece in a top 10 is crazy, then again I wouldn’t have Portugal as #3 either
Bayerns new jerseys
http://gol.dnevnik.hr/clanak/svjetski_nogomet/procurili-novi-dresovi-bayerna-na-cije-vas-podsjecaju—335081.html
hahahaha look at Surjak in that 1st pic!
http://www.24sata.hr/nogomet/hajduk-je-utakmicom-obiljezio-70-godisnjicu-obnove-kluba-365653
Columbia had a very good qualifying campaign, but with no Falcao (there are rumors he might be back), I can’t see them making much noise at the WC.
Swiis are young, have some very nice talent, but it might be too early for them at this WC.
Greece being in the top 10 just makes me shake my head.
I am expecting a lot from Belgium over the next few C and Euros.
Chile will be a tough out at the World Cup
FIFA World Rankings: May 8, 2014
Position Nation Places Moved Points
1. Spain 0 1460
2. Germany 0 1340
3. Portugal 0 1245
4. Brazil Up 2 1210
5. Colombia Down 1 1186
6. Uruguay Down 1 1181
7. Argentina Down 1 1178
8. Switzerland 0 1161
9. Italy 0 1115
10. Greece 0 1082
11. England 0 1043
12. Belgium 0 1039
13. Chile Up 1 1037
14. USA Down 1 1015
15. Netherlands 0 967
16. France 0 935
17. Ukraine 0 913
18. Russia 0 903
19. Mexico 0 877
20. Croatia 0 871
Fifa.com
simunic’s form with Dinamo has been average. But, to be fair, the league title was decided a long time ago and its not easy to get up for meaningless games in front of 2,000 people when you are a veteran who has played many years in the Bundesliga.
@Armada On the LBs, Pranjic hasn’t even been playing LM/LW for club, I think they have him in central midfield role
And we have cover for Darijo in Vrsaljko, and future cover for Josip/Vedran in Jedvaj/Simunovic/Datkovic. LB hopefully we can get Toljan. I actually feel better about future depth for defenders than I do for forwards, especially since we lost out of Drmic and likely lose out on Hrgota
I think this could raise a bigger topic if Simunic wins….I’m actually hoping he does and never realized until just recently that this could be a defining moment!
I’m sure the liberals and self-hating hrvati would still spin to say the only reason it is being said is to spew “hate”. Everything offends them.
@ Nepoznat
Joe did make huge plays for us, but how many times did he get burned? I mean for that tackle against Sulejmani even, if he was athletically better, would he have needed to take his head off to ensure Sulejmani didn’t have a 1 on 1 vs. Plete? Again, Joe was INVALUABLE for us during the quals and his decision making and leadership skills (which are the best on our team) basically saved us from not making the playoffs.
But our backline is our weakest part of our squad.
Our midfield is slowly shaping up to be one of Europe’s best. Our attack is lead by the Bundesliga leading scorer and we have some potential studs waiting in the wings (Rebic, Perica, etc.).
Our defense is consisted of a bunch of journeymen/half way decent LB’s (one of of which will probably start for us at LB, but normally plays on the wing). A RB on the down swing of his career who really has lost a few steps, is no longer a force on free kicks and is a galaxy class diver. A CB who has lost a step and potentially might have a slew of STD’s 😀
we need some new blood back there and while its always hard to decide when to start passing the torch, due to this whole ZDS fiasco, i think its the perfect oppurtunity.
if Joe wins his case what would this mean in the future for the phrase “Za Dom, Spremni”!?
would the fact that (if he does win) FIFA accepts the term as non offensive mean that “officially” Croatians don’t have to worry about being perception when using the phrase anymore? will it be internationally recognized as an acceptable phrase? will Jovanovic protest?
I hope to god Joe wins the case! Even if he doesnt start for us, it be nice to have him come in and close out a game for us. The ovation he would get wold be pretty sick! Also like Ziva said, it be nice to hear the self hating croats and serbs cry over it.
This is the link i ordered off of. You can get Mandzukic jersey or if you go to the option where it says “color” there are 6 options. 2 for mandzukic home and a way, 2 for regular jersey home and away with no name or number and 2 for customized jerseys home and away you can put your name on and number on. Me and my family and many friends (20 of us all together now) have ordered them and received them. They are as close to legit as they come. Comes with nike authentic tags patches logos the whole 9. Its worth the 17 – 20 dollars trust me i wouldn’t scam you guys.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Croatia-Jersey-Soccer-2014-Home-Red-Away-Blue-soccer-jersey-World-Cup-3A-Thailand-quality-Croatia/1740691211.html
sorry this may be the correct link:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Sale-promotion-Jersey-Croatia-shirt-away-blue-TOP-Quality-2014-World-Cup-soccer-jersey-shorts-kits/1765682147.html
@Anonymous please login so we know who we are chatting with, thanks
I ordered this one:
http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/6067492353.html
Although when I ordered it it said the color was Blue not Brown LOL. There are $20 ones which I think will be more authentic, they say Thailand quality A+++++ or something. That’s the one Nije Bitno bought.
Hopefully I’ll have mine within a week (it’s been shipped) and I will post pictures
@Armada without Simunic starting we lose in Belgium and in Srbija and we are not at the World Cup to begin with!
And as for Sertic, it appears we never had a chance to get him for the same reason Bosna has no chance to get Halilovic… because neither had the other country’s passport at the time they played for their first national team:
http://www.jutarnji.hr/srebric-nikada-nije-rekao-istinu-vrbanovic—sertich-je-za-fifu-bio-i-ostao-francuz-/1189549/
I’m not 100% sure in Sertic’s case that is can’t play for us because he didn’t play for the A squad and he didn’t represent them in a Finals tournament for youth teams. Alen on the other hand has played for the A team AND played in Finals tournament for Hrvatska (U17 World Cup) and I believe either or both of those complicate a FIFA nationality switch
Nepoznat, where did you order the jersey from?
Mamic nedaj se.
I know we have a lot of talent vs. personal feelings type convos on here (like the whole Sertic saga, which looks like its finally over) but while I’d want Joe to be part of the team in Brazil. From a talent perspective and from a perspective of what the team needs, I’m glad we’ll most likely be seeing Corluka and Lovren in the middle. Corluka/Joe scare me in the middle vs. teams with athletic forwards. Both make up for lack of speed/athleticism with good positioning, but too many times during the qualifiers one of them has gotten burned by a quicker forward.
Lovren has been playing too well in the EPL for him not to start. He knows his stock is high and if he puts in a good tournament in Brazil, he basically guarantees himself an offer from a big EPL club. This tournament will be a coming out party of sorts for him I feel. As much as I want Joe in Brazil from a leadership and experience POV, from a talent and team needs standpoint, we need Dejan starting in the back with Carli.
Now, I know some will counter this argument (now paging Sertic’s #1 fanboy, Nepoznat) by saying “Well, Sertic would of been our best option at DM, but people didn’t want him cause Croatia was his 2nd choice — your discounting talent due to your personal feelings!”
Negative, friends. If Sertic was such a stud, this would of been signed, sealed and delivered a long time ago. I would say Sertic is in the same ballpark as a Milan Badelj, IMO. Decent on the defensive front, can jump in on the attack and link up the forwards and middle of the park guys like Modric/Rakitic.
But Sertic would of been in no way a game changer, whereas Lovren definitely will be. And again, this has zero to do with Joe’s comment – I WANT him in Brazil, I’m not sure if I want him as our starting CB vs. the likes of Brazil and potentially another top notch side if we make it to the knockouts.
Man, if Simunic could get the ban overturned, I can’t wait to hear from the Serbs and the self-hating hrvati in cro. You can bet they will be having a meltdown.
This sounds promising for Josip!
http://fenix-magazin.com/21942/lausanne-danas-dan-odluke-za-josipa-simunica/
@ Ziva
139 tweets? sounds like your past the ’embracement’ period…
Rakitic has yet to impress me when playing for the Repka.
I’d love to see him finally step up in the World cup.
Other matches, but have to figure out how to get from city to city down there.
What tickets are you looking for? Additional CRO tickets or tickets to other matches? I’m looking for Arg/BiH in Rio.
ChiCro – I will send you an email. Our internal travel plans have not yet been finalized. We also have tickets to USA/Portugal and USA/Germany. Will probably sell USA/Portugal (this game is 5 days after the Cro/Cameroon game and don’t want to spend that many days in the jungle).
hahahaha…..dude….give it up please….tko stara baba ponovis…
we are gonna have to get you some new material Ziva…I like the funny ad ons you make but its time to freshen up your arsenal!
Somewhat. I’ve yet to fully embrace twitter, but need to take advantage of its potential.
you really are trying to promote that twitter handle hey?
Cico javi se…………….
Since some of you guys are discussing tickets for the World Cup, I may need a few more while in Brazil. If you have any to sell when down in Brazil, feel free to contact me on my twitter handle: @ziva_istina
Ivica,
Its weird. I actually calmed down, took a breathe and somehow realized you were f’ing with me to get a meltdown. For some reason I just didn’t think you honestly meant that. Your posts are way smarter than that. I honestly have no idea what else to say about Mamic that hasn’t been said already.
and update on that first leg of the cup…
1-0 for the good guys – Tomecak with the goal
Rijeka were actually down to 9 men in the closing minuites and Arrogant Mamic/Dinamo Intl team couldn’t tie it up.
SHAME!
BOG!
easy on the Istrijanac zingers… haha
@Ante B
I’m just messing with you.
I expected a meltdown from you. Rather disappointed by your laissez-faire response. What are you, an Istrijanac now?
@BostonCro
For finals, I will DEF go back to Brazil and use both tix myself if Cro or US are playing (unlikely, I know of course…but still). Semi’s are +/- for me. Wld need to take alot of time off of work, but might do.
I am def NOT going to the 2nd round or QF round though (I am using every group phase game). Tix are CAT1.
what’s you email? Mine is radcro1@yahoo.com Wld be fun to connect at the very least and grab a drink in Manaus or Recife.
Oh my goodness so you aren’t joking! Sorry Ivica but I gotta throw it on ya…
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5hfYJsQAhl0
None of it. It’s a 9 year streak and I wouldn’t call them a powerhouse. The second part is a complete fabrication and I’m not taking the bait. Especially after all of the conversations about Mamic on this site. It’s not worth it to get into it. Again. For the 117th time.
@Ante B
Is any of what I said not true? 😉
story*
I know his tory will change 100 times from now to summer but as of right now they are saying Rakitic is going to Real
http://www.index.hr/sport/clanak/spanjolci-uvjereni-rakitic-na-ljeto-stize-u-real-hrvat-je-odusevio-ancelottija/745158.aspx
Ivica,
Are you joking or just higher than a fucking kite?
I will be in Brazil for the first two matches!! Boston Cro, ill be wearing a Cro Waterpolo Hat at both games!!!! SEE you in Brazil.
@Armada – I live and work in the city. Yes, we are as rare as a Rakitic header.
@ChiCro. Will keep you mind. Right now need 2, possibly 3 tickets. What are you doing with the rest of your TST tickets? Especially Match 64? And what category are they?
@Ante B
Ruined the club?
Mamić has turned Dinamo into a powerhouse, currently on a 10-year title streak.
You guys are just a bunch of ungrateful whiners who are jealous of Mamić’s success. Purgeri can’t appreciate anything. Even if Boban ran the club, they’d be doing the same thing to him as they are to Mamić. Mamić is a hero.
Kvarner > *
No it’s not! It’s a good feeling…and that from a Dinamo fan. It just shows how much Mamic has ruined the club that even the normal fans don’t want to show up. Plus when you ban 1,000+ BBB supporters, it’s bound to happen.
Nothing screams Croatian Cup Final like having less than 5,000 people in the stands with 4,500 of them being Rijeka fans.
Fucken Mamic.
Damn, sorry to hear your wife is going with you. Too bad you cant get more than one game away from her.
stream: http://blogsportskatv.blogspot.com/p/ch3.html
Rijeka with 1-0 lead in Zagreb in the Kup game! Forza 😀
@BostonCro – yes, I wll be going to all 3 group phase games (I got a TST-7 Croatia package). My wife will not be attending the Cro-Mex game with me. There prob will be tix on the street in Recife to buy too, but if you are looking for just one seat, we should get in touch. I’d obviously rather have a Cro get the extra ticket next to me.
@Armada…….good one.
Or, trying to find some Hrvati up in New England is like Kranjcar passing up a Big Mac
@ BostonCro
where abouts in Boston are you? Trying to find some Hrvati up here in New England is like Vedran Corluka trying not to bang dirty sluts in Brazil next month; nearly impossible.
Yeah, it is going to be a disaster travelling down there. It didn’t help that our own savez sold away a good number of our ticket allotment to a German ticket agency.
There will be a good size crowd for the Brazil game, but there wont be many hrvati for the Cameroon game or the mexico game, although there will be a ton of mexicans for that game. So, two of the games will have an away match feeling for us.
So, who here is travelling to Brazil? I’ll be there for two weeks in June. Have tickets to a number of games, including Croatia/Cameroon. Won’t be there for the Brazil match and tickets to the Mexico game are hard to find right now.
From a travelling fan’s perspective, we didn’t get the best draw. Our games are quite spread out, including the Manaus match, and we get stuck playing the host in the opener. This is becoming a bit of a logistical nightmare. Would rather have had Australia’s schedule (all three games are in the south).
@Nije bitno I didn’t get mine yet, it’s in transit currently. Don’t forget though I bought the cheaper version (16.58 with shorts and numbering + my name), not the Thailand A++++ quality $20 one so mine might not be as good (but is fine for my purposes)
High level performances at the club level don’t always translate to high level performances at the national team level.
I still think our forwards are a question mark because at the national team level they are inconsistent and have had goal droughts
For me the key is going to be Rakitic. If he plays like Sevilla Rakitic then we are going to be in good shape for the Cameroon and Mexico games with plenty of scoring chances for our forwards. If we see the same Rakitic we have watched before with the national team then we will struggle to score. Right now opposing team can flood the middle to negate Modric’s influence. If Rakitic provides support and really is that true playmaker we want him to be, then everything changes.
http://pixelbark.com/1891/epic-nike-world-cup-commercial-take-it-to-the-next-level
this one is pretty darn cool as well though its not cro related
Cool Ad.
http://www.ftbpro.com/status/john.andrews/917463/video-croatia-s-produces-world-cup-advert-that-is-shockingly-good
If we don’t make it out of the group with in-form players like Modrić, Rakitić, Olić, Srna, Lovren, and Mandžukić (with Kovačić and Perišić making late runs into good form) it would be a total disaster for us.
For the first time in a while, our strikers and goaltending have been extremely solid at club level. Our midfielders (which are always steady) are having career years. Our defense may be a bit shaky (as always) but they usually surprise us during tournaments.
Here’s hoping Kovač figures things out soon.
Nepoznat – did you get the jerseys in yet? if so how do you feel about them? I think they are as close to legit as they get.
haha za dam autocorrect fail
Personally I think Chile will win Group B
Vote for Croatia’s slogan for Brasil’s 2014 World Cup:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/games/be-there-with-hyundai/vote-slogan/index.html
For some reason there is no Za narod svoj… or more importantly no ZA DAM, SPREMNI!
The Chileans have good women and yes they might finish ahead of the Netherlands or even Spain could drop out in the group stage like France did in 2002.
Chile will finish ahead of the Netherlands.
Absolutely there’s no reason why we can’t aim for the World Cup finals or even winning it. We have the talent. Just need some luck and mental toughness.