Atletico Madrid won La Liga. Real Madrid won Copa del Rey.
And the two Spanish clubs will meet in Lisbon, Portugal this Saturday (2:45PM ET kickoff) to battle it out for the Champions League crown. Luka Modrić is expected to start alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in this match before he joins the Croatian national team for pre-World Cup preparations.
Should Modrić and Real Madrid succeed, they will be the first ever club to win 10 Champions League titles.
(This post will be updated throughout the weekend)
kranjcar hurt
obviously, you have never been to Europe. Even 2-ply is a luxury.
Hey guys breaking news from HNS, just wanted everyone to know that they changed the toilet paper from a 2ply to a 3ply at the training camp in Bad Tatzmannsdorf.
I will be back with more earth shattering top secret news before the World Cup.
@ziva
Really? You are sad. . Keep it up you are worth the laughs.
@Denis:
You are a trend setter.
He probably got sick of people thinking that a girl was getting a piggback rid on the back of Super Mario’s back.
niko krancjar hurt
Some of the Luka comments are hilarious!
@avz…….sure you do. Had to respond. Plus, I wasn’t wrong. Don’t know how someone can be wrong when they make a statement on the current situation.
Luka Modric followed my lead and cut his hair…
https://twitter.com/SBNationSoccer/status/470616488106147840/photo/1
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Please Ziva I don’t give a crap about you. Just funny how you are wrong again and can’t admit it. Oh well. No one here carries the kriz so get over it.
@avz……..in my place? How so. I comment on the present. When Modric was sold to Real i said it was a great move. When he was playing like shit, I said he was playing like shit. Now, his playing great and I have said he is playing great.
And I wasn’t wrong on Halilovic. Circumstances changed. when I said, it was a correct statement. Plus, I was only repating what I high ranked rep from the savez and Dinamo was saying. Still stand by it.
But, thanks for turning this into another ziva istina referendum. Just another example of how some of you wake up and want to post about me. It’s cool. I’ve accepted the “kriz”.
@B……..So, this is news. Him cutting his hair. Well, not to be outdone. Corluka goes the other route. He lets his pubic hair grow out so the “bumps” down below are not as easily visible.
Modric cut his hair
Sneaky iPhone !
Kovačić will have space to run and attack.
If Kovačić has a breakout in Brazil then we will make some serous noise.
Kovač has to I dull supreme confidence in Halilovic.
Rakitić will bring it, Modrić is at the peak
Devastated with last nights result, really wanted Atletico to win, football can be a really cruel game. Onwards and upwards, Mali on Saturday, regardless of who starts and the fact that it’s a friendly I still want to see a solid victory.
thank you soul champ for putting ziva in his place.
still waiting for his halilovic guarantee of going to the world cup
It’s heartbreaking to see Atletico lose, especially when you know that Deigo Costa and Courtois are probably gone to Chelsea next year. Others might be sold as well.
But it’s good to see Real Modrić win.
Modric and DiMaria were outstanding. Both of them were huge this year in CL games, especially DiMaria.
Now, a two week play wait before Brazil.
I thought Modric, DiMaria and Ramos played best.
Modric and DiMaria earned tons of free kicks.
Subpar from Ronaldo and Bale, by their standards. Bad game from Casillas.
I don’t care for Real Madrid’s right back whose name escapes me. He seemed slow to react on his few overlapping runs.
http://www.espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1801797/32-teams-32-days-croatia?cc=5901
Espn review of Croatia today. Interesting note, croatia ranked 28th of 32 nations in passion for soccer. its based on a measure of coach’s salary vs gdp/capita, attendance for qualifiers (60%), and number of fifa clubs
Srna – Olić – Mandžukić – Rakitic – Modric…
Have all put Croatia back on the map when all the money is on the line for major European trophies.
There was a conspicuous absence of Croatian players competing on this club level for years.
These guys are inspiring the next generation of talented players in Croatia. To je veliki stvar.
Last night Modrić blew me away with his level of stamina and determination. Khedira was not ready and Luka had to cover for him on many occasion. To deliver that corner at the end of stoppage time with all the money on the line…truly world-class.
Real should buy Rakitic and go on a run for the next 5 years. You have two of the most powerful attackers( 7/11)in the world in their prime…ironic that they also need Mandžukić to balance the field.
From Crottenham to … Real Hrvatska or Pravi Madrid.
Graeme Soeness = Ziva Istina .
Now you know why we have to be rigourous on the site.
Brazil here we come !
@Bobby
That’s just Cro media at its finest.
Kovac says: “Provjeravamo Bubnjića da vidimo može li biti rješenje za lijevu stranu. Igrači će nas svojim radom prisiliti kako ćemo odrediti tko će igrati ”
…and somehow 24sata and all these outlets headline the article as:
“Niko Kovač otkrio: Bubnjić je naša prva opcija za lijevi bok!”
Niko Kovac stated today that Igor Bubnjic is our first option for left back.
another guy who should learn its better to say nothing than to say something stupid 😀
http://www.squawka.com/news/the-ox-is-having-none-of-it-twitter-reacts-to-graham-souness-calling-real-madrids-luka-modric-a-5-a-side-player-ahead-of-the-cl-final/114464
Lol,I dont want to take away from him on his big day though! His intent may have been to have the Grb on his back,but then apparently they were told to drop the flags around the waist.At least he didnt kiss anyone and cause a stir with that 😉
he wanted to put the flag around his calves, the flag wouldn’t fit
Bravo to Luka,the pain of the transfer saga and settling in has now all been worth it.
@Rob-Well that stuffed up Luka in being told to wear the flag around his waist,he had the Grb part around his bum rather than at the front.It didnt look quite right.Mandzukic last year had it around his front,a much nicer look than on the bum!But 3 cheers for L:uka on his huge day!
Did you see the guy walking around talking the players to wear the flags around their hips.
Sponsor wants to maximize their exposure.
Ronaldo – classless and tasteless.
Good for Luka.
MAHWDRITCH
my ears still hurt
my children kept yelling at Gus Johnson
mandzukic needs to teach modric how to wear that flag
aussie commentators praising luka atm
… even if you’re wearing it like a skirt, lol
haha cool he does have one after all.. good onya luka
cestitke modricu!
i was just gonna say that too mishko
if we have to put up with mr arrogance with a portugese flag around his neck then someone better give da man a hrvatska flag pretty quick
Luka better have a Croatian flag.
.
all important*
Congrats to Luka, he battled manfully and put in thecall important corner. Now on to the more important business of the world cup and beating brazil first up
Anybody know what Verane did?
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OMG, now a penalty against Athletic. I kinda feel bad for them because they played with a ton of heart.
Now it’s 4 – 1
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cool.. it’s good luka’s going into the world cup as a winner.. hopefully this gives him confidence for the opener v brazil
MARCELLO 3 – 1
Bale is a very relieved man right about now, he cocked up many chances
HOLY SHIT REAL BALE MAKES IT 2-1
little lukica with the corner, nice header from ramos
Bez Modrića nema srice
They’re level 1 – 1
MODRIC ASSIST!!!
HOLY SHIT GOAL.
This is more a brawl than a football match.
.
bale fucked up a couple of times for sure
i have to say that atletico goalie is a stud… jesus 22 and that controlled and calm
Modric is playing well. Atletico is just that good. Casillas was at fault for the goal.
is it just me or is modric off? seems like its not the type of game real wants to play but they all seem off
was that goal modric fault? thats what it kind of sounded like from the announcer
Faak!!!!
Modric down! Very slow to get up!
Wow. This will be a disaster of a season if Real do not win. No la liga and maybe no champion title today.
Athletico just scored.
@ dannyj
i’m terrified watching this. i feel every time he touches the ball someone is going to break his leg
also, i’m not sure how many times i can here the announcers say MADric
fuck i almost don’t want modric to play right now
JMs point is less about player’s culture and more about utilizing every resource and looking under every rock with potential to play for a NT and doing everything possible to bring in as much talent as possible. Aggressively and proactively getting these players to commit to the NT. Something we have not done but should be doing more of, if we want to be successful.
Then again with this approach you might sway some more “second choice Sertic” type players who many of you would not be on board with, but I agree with JM it’s something USA, Hrvatska and all teams should do, maximization of resources and players available to you from which you can put together the most talented squad
Yep cultures much different. That is why Klinsmann is looking for US-eligible players who grew up in Europe and encourages top players in the US to get to Europe ASAP.
jm- it’s simple, the population doesn’t have the soccer culture as I mentioned yesterday…how could anyone compare a US trained soccer player vs a European trained player?
@Denis, I hope to GOD that doesn’t happen, plus he’s on loan, maybe Kiev will want him back or too much money for him. But then again I don’t know how any of that works.
.
kranjcar back in epl. I wonder if harry will go shopping and we will once again watch niko rot on the bench.
Reading Bubnjic to get the hard look for left back
Espn has been playing a special “US Soccer March to Brazil”
What I found very interesting is it talk about how the US soccer federation openly and AGGRESSIVELY courts players with dual citizenship. As Ziva said, there are 7 players with a german connection on the team. And they even have clips of when they trained in Frankfurt and invited Green, the 18 yr prodigy of Bayern Munich, who Germany wants, to come train with them.
A country of 300mm and the world’s largest economy finds this necessary to do, but our Savez can’t even give a guy like Drmic who openly wants to play for Croatia a phone call? Once again, pathetic management.
QPR!!!! Joey Barton back in the EPL next fall. Beautiful.
I read a brief article this morning on the preparation for the WC, I like Kovac’s analysis and overall direction he is going. Even though he has personnel challenges at left back he seems to be logical in his approach to all 3 games…I just hope the rest of the guys can stay healthy….looks like they are doing a lot of physical preparation this week!
Was aware. He still pulled up lame
I wonder if Ziva actually did some research and actually saw that he had a hamstring problem prior to the game. The jokes are funny and all, but do your homework.
I was actually watching all of it and he showed some decent pace. Hope it’s not serious, still rather see him in Brazil than some prospect who has no idea what he’s doing on a NT level.
Still rooting for QPR, hope they can pull this out. My boy Joey Barton needs to be back in EPL causing mayhem.
Kranjcar doing what Kranjcar does best………pulling up lame and leaving early so he can get his BigMacs even quicker. I wonder if Ivanisevic’s ex-wife is watching.
Kranjcar just taken out because of injury.. He was playing well up until then.
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http://www.vecernji.hr/hrvatska/celnik-komunisticke-partije-hrvatske-sljedece-godine-ulazimo-u-sabor-940665
Having my morning coffee and reading this article. Made my stomach turn and take a look at some of the pics of these jugo trash lovers.
Loving forward to the game today. Have a good day everyone.
*which you can then SEW on over the blue collar
Not see on
If you want away jerseys they are relatively easy to make if you have someone who can sew. Home ones are harder because more checkers means more sewing
I bought the HNS badges on ebay and they iron on like the names and numbers which you can buy locally or online
The easiest way to get the checkers is to find red and white striped material. Then cut into vertical strips of red and white squares connected, then line up 3 strips but stagger the middle one so the white boxes are next to the red boxes of the outer two strips. Sew the 3 strips together to become one checker board strip. Repeat for the other arm/sleeve. Then it’s just a matter of sewing the combined strips onto a blue t shirt you can buy at any clothing store and ironing on the badges and name plus numbers
If you want to do it right like my mom did, take an old red t shirt or buy red tee shirts and carefully cut off the collar which you then see on over the collar of your custom jersey and voila your kid is rocking a damn good copy of the real thing!
Hope that helps 🙂
They are 3 and 1.. It’s hard to find anything decent…those custom ones are great! Your mama has it going on!
This is the only one I saw for sale for little kids (but it looks nothing like the real jerseys from any year)
http://www.soccer.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=8921384
DinamoDennis how old are your kids? I have a 5 yo and a 16 month old and could not find jerseys near that size. I enlisted my mothers help to custom make these:
http://i.imgur.com/P4B8i7Y.jpg
Where can I get a kids jersey/shirt online for cheap?
@majstore
Thanks!
@poglavnik……it is one shop owner. Probably purchased by hrvati. I will trust the sales figures provided tot he savez by Nike. England gear clearly outsells Croatian gear in N. America
@Nepoznat:
You are on fire.
Your son sounds like mine. Always tracks back to defend and consistently from an early age would pass.
Don’t Croats with Russian sounding last names (Razov) hail from Dugi Otok?
Atletico vs Real is win-win for me.
If Atletico win, then it’s a well deserved La Liga and Champions League victory for a ‘David’ team over many ‘Goliaths’.
If Real win, then Modric looks like that Messiah that took them to the promised land.
So, IMO, I don’t care about the outcome. I just pray to God that Luka stays injury free. That’s the only way we lose.
Unlike some of our Ovci ljudi.
I am looking forward to majstori Saturday.
Warm up with Niko Kranjčar, playoff not to big a moment and may have a bit of magic left in those technical toes.
Then the main event, Modrić the X-factor in shifting that powerful Athletico D.
Call me what you like, but I see both Niko and Luka scoring tomorrow to lift their respective sides to the promise land.
@Ziva
I know you’ve always said that Nike doesn’t give a shit about Croatia and no one other than us buys the merchandise, and I’ve always been under the assumption that our stuff actually sells really well and that there is a good demand for it. Maybe it’s just the shops i got to here in Vancouver, I don’t know. Anywho, just got back from a good soccer shop here that always has a new and big selection and the owner tells me that Croatia is the only gear that Nike would send him in both the Home & Away jerseys. He said they wouldn’t even send over both England uniforms!
Any thoughts?
Pletikosa srna carli lovren bubnjic vukojevic modric kovacic rakitic olic eduardo idemo1-0
Crven bijeli plavi ne crni!
this will be better a way ..
Modric played well.. Ronaldo Flop of the match
and Atletico wins champions title !!
O WE GOING TO MISS MARIO MANDZUKIC VS BRAZIL
TheGoldenChild
http://webshop.ferivico.hr/dresovi-i-hlacice/hns.html?p=1
or
http://www.prodirectsoccer.com/Search.aspx?q=croatia
Prodirect had the black polo’s as well, but I guess they sold out of them.
Svircic can give you my email, no problem. I’ll email him later!
@Nepoznat
Done!
hopefulyl corluka gets hurt
Looking to buy the new black trainers and black and silver checkered shirts that the coaching staff are sporting for the NT. Let me know if any of you have connections to make this happen.
Slavonac & Poglavnik can you get in touch with Svircic and pass over your contact info for me?
@Slavonac come to NJ and start coaching here please!
My son loves to score goals but I can tell from scrimmage time with him that he is a very stout defender. Reads the build up well, always hustles back to get into position to defend and prides himself on smashing the ball away from the other team not allowing them to score. Even the “coach” (who actually did play at Bolton way back when) commented that he seems like a natural DM. The problem is he was always the best or 2nd best kid on his team so if he didn’t get up and go for goal they would rarely score themselves lol
also it seems like he is only damn kid on the team that will ever pass the ball!
Drugs are bad just like many other things are mmmm kay
In moderation, meh to each their own.
^ ^
You’re only as old as you feel!
It’s no worse than pop, chips, hamburgers, smokes, or alcohol if you ask me.
nepoznat- I coach select boys…every practice is 90 minutes…fitness, skills, and then for the most part scrimmage but implement game situations I want to work on….
these parents are shocked when i make them do sprints, situps and pushups…repetitive skills/drills and off the ball movement…every single kid wants to score goals but none were ever properly taught how to pass, stop the ball, chest, shoot, cross…its a freakin joke….and all they want is for their kids happiness…this is select soccer not some house league…I am literally annoyed at how delusional some folks are…
BTW- am I old if I am against any kind of drugs? I’m 45…I think all drugs are bad but I am not against people that do them…to each his own…I just think drugs=bad…am I crazy?
@Smrk
Reminds me of this chick that used to go out with us.
Talkin all big how she could keep and out-drink us all, until one of us noticed how often she was going to the bathroom (hint, hint) and we called her out on her shit.
Still don’t think she out-drank any of us…
^ ^
Sounds like the right way to me my friend!
I think he had to hurdle my outstretched leg but my tackle was totally clean LOL
@Slavonac & @Poglavnik when my Luka was in a 3-5 year old “soccer” class in town rec (not league just putzing around sometimes with a ball to get some exercise, etc. and light scrimmage) last fall they had a parents vs kids scrimmage as the end of the last “class”. So while we went easy on the kids, when I was 1 on 1 with Luka on a break or down a wing I played as I normally do with him… and by that I mean slide tackling or arm extension to make him run further around me to get to the ball etc and the first time I went into him with a slide tackle when he let the ball get too far ahead of him while dribbling, all the other parents gasped and hawed like OMG. I got up brushed the turf off and said, what? that’s how WE play!
😀
@Smrk
“Party assistance” is cheating when you’re trying to out drink each other!
Never danced like cocaine, heroin or anything like that. Raste trava zelenaaaaaaaa zelenaaaaaaa is a different story.
Pfffffffft drinking.
I will crush an 8-ball of blow in a night easy when I’m in a party mood. I challenge any of you lightweights to beat that.
I live for it as well, but I have responsibilities that don’t afford me the time anymore…my kids take up most of my time so its quite impossible! keep playing buddy, every once in a while I do scrimmage with the kids and end up feeling sore the next day…thats one part I don’t like!
^ ^
I still live for it twice a week!
I’m pretty sure i could speak for most of us here and say that was not the case growing up with a Croatian dad!
sounds like fun….I miss playing, I just coach kids now…that’s a whole challenge! I’ve never in my life imagined that parents could be such coddlers of their kids, its quite shocking to know just how much people treat their kids like babies!
Challenge Accepted
^ ^
Yup.
Just pick-up, rain or shin, 52 weeks a year.
It’s well organised and nice and competitive.
A lot of Caribbean and English dudes…
you play in Vancouver?
Where I might have some people beat is in my recovery.
Saturday nights we average about a 40 oz bottle of Vodka between 3 of us, plus maybe a beer or 3, but come every Sunday morning at 11am, after sleeping about 5 hours, I’m running harder than just about anyone on the soccer field.
Needless to say, the rest of my Sunday is a write-off…
I am not affraid to say it since i have won plenty drinking competitions around cro and US. lets leave it ta that this is a football forum.
Idemo Dalje!!!!!!
hahaha…Poglavnik…when I was in my early 30’s we’d go to Croatian soccer tournaments in Western Canada and drink like pigs until 3 or 4am…play at least two games per day…win the tournament and drink on the way home…then sleep for 2 days straight!
I wouldn’t be dumb enough to say i could out-drink people on this board even if amongst my non Croatian friends (who can all drink a lot) I can put away the most.
At 6’2″ 175 i’m also a lot skinnier than those bastards.
Total different ballgame when it’s all Hrvati though!
well, when I’m in the right mood and there is kubasice, sir and kruh on the table, I can definitely hit 12 to 15 beer on a good night…6-8 kad ne stoji dobro! throw in the loza…i jebiga…tko vise moze brojit?
i Like ice cold Ozujske during games or nice ice cold gemist/bevande.
I’m with Chupe on the vino, but he’s got me WAY beat with the quantity
5 litra vina
Rakija. Shot for shot. Ajmo
Id probably embarrass most of you drinking wise can drink 0.5 in 3 seconds drank gajba ipo by myself which i around 15 liets beer in one night drove home got pulled over and blew a 0 and the cop said ti si na sok veceras bravo mali.
@IvicA
I’d give you a go 🙂
Vodka shots all night!
With the odd sip of water…
Pfft. I’d drink all you pussies under the table.
Could be. I’m betting a promise was made to Green that he would be included on the WC roster if he pledged to the US or at least he would be viewed very favorably.
I also wonder if there is a potential for some friction in the US locker room. They do have a decent-sized German-American presence on that team. Could that lead to some issues? In most team sports no major issues arise when everything is fine, but when you lose a game or two, the smaill items that were brewing tend to pop up if there is not a strong, vocal leader. Who knows….just speculation on my part.
I’m still looking back at all of the media coverage here in the US from the Donovan cut yesterday. I can remember when there was no live soccer on US TV and the World Cup was actually broadcasted on tape delay (1990). And yesterday, it was the lead sports story. I guess that shows the progress and recognition the sport has made in the US.
Klinsmann’s comment is spot on. I went to a Brazilian wedding a month ago (we were the only gringos at the wedding). The ceremony was scheduled to start at 3pm. They didn’t start walking down the aisle until well past 4:30. The staff were dumbfounded at the disorganization. But none of the Brazilians cared – they all had a great time, especially the bride and groom. Kids running around like crazy with no parental control. Probably the most laid back wedding I’ve been to.
Which goes to Klinsmann’s point. Brazilians are the antihesis of the Germans, and the Germans can’t cope with disorganization. Brazilians (and to a lessor extent, South Americans) thrive in chaos. Wouldn’t be surprised if at least 3 of the 4 semi-finalists are SA teams.
@ Slavonac you are right he said he is building for 2018 that this tournament is for experience. thats what JK said.
@ Nepoznat i Hope we dont pull a 2006 were we fight hard v Brazil lose and then lako cemo with cameroon and Mexico.
I also read in the papers today that Sammir Mocinic Badelj Vukojevic Brozovic Cop Bubnjic are fighting for 23 man spots.
Ziva- BTW…it looks like Donovan was passed over on a Halilovic type of situation…am I right.
Klinsmann chose to take a kid with 1 cap and no 1st team minutes with club team over Landon Donovan…
@Ante B
Sniff… thanks. 😉
I don’t think there’s anyone here I wouldn’t enjoy a drink with.
@Ziva
Come on!
We all know Dalmatinci are the cheap ones.
I would just use the money that I stole from someone else to pay the bill!
Another good read:
http://gol.dnevnik.hr/clanak/nogomet/reprezentacije/svjetsko-prvenstvo-evo-tko-je-banuo-sasvim-nenajavljeno—337299.html
http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/23/world-cup-2014-whos-your-dark-horse-of-the-tournament/
World Cup 2014: Who’s your dark horse of the tournament?
Kirsten Schlewitz May 23, 2014, 1:45 PM EDT
According to Wikipedia, a “dark horse” is “a little-known person or thing that emerges to prominence, especially in a competition of some sort.” In the context of the World Cup, it’s the countries that are unlikely to really lift the trophy, but still could give the big-shots a decent scare.
In other words, the phrase “dark horse” doesn’t apply to the likes of Brazil, Spain, Germany or Argentina. It’s not usually used to describe England, who’ve got a solid history but rarely come close to the Cup, or to talk about France, who also have history but are in a bit of a rebuilding phase.
And it’s probably a bit of a stretch to talk about, say, Honduras as a “dark horse”, as they’re highly unlikely to suddenly “emerge to prominence.”
Finally, Belgium? Colombia? Please. These teams no longer fit the distinction of “little-known,” with their names being bandied about since before they even clinched a trip to Brazil.
So with that criteria set out, let’s talk about four teams that really could cause a few upsets in the 2014 World Cup:
…
Croatia
It’s hard to imagine that a side that could barely make it past Iceland in their UEFA playoff match could emerge as a true challenger in the World Cup. But those were Niko Kovač’s first games in charge, and there’s a feeling that under the new manager, Croatia might really flourish. He’s got a plan and he’s sticking to it, and with that clear guidance comes confidence amongst his team.
And then there’s the pint-sized pot of magic known as Luka Modrić. The Real Madrid midfielder doesn’t get much of the spotlight, but it’s clear he’s one of the anchors of los merengues. So too with his national team. Playing alongside Ivan Rakitić, the two build up Croatia’s play, and if Inter’s Mateo Kovačić is added to the midfield, things could really get fun. And up front, there’s the man everyone is hoping to sign this summer, Bayern’s Mario Mandžukić.
what say you?
@Chupe without Mario I’m probably more inclined to go for the point. Try to keep it 0-0 until 60-70 min and maybe pip a goal on a counter, then hold on and come away with a near miracle 1-0 win over Brasil at WC Opening Match in Brasil
Hopefully we can get an early goal, or one right before or after the half while holding Brasil to 1 or less so I can breathe the last 45 min!
http://www.jutarnji.hr/foto–vatreni-u-austriji-pet-najvecih-problema-koje-kovac-mora-rijesiti-u-iducih-tjedan-dana-/1193704/
@ NepoznatPlay for the point v Brazil or go for it and lose 3-0 or more?
I read the article this morining in the papers and that first lineup is attacking style that second lineup i think that is a 0-0 lineup defensive.
here is today’s must read article boys:
http://www.jutarnji.hr/mogu-li-vatreni-iznenaditi–brazil–pogledajte-kakvu-je–taktiku-kovac-slozio-za-carioce/1193750/
Have you ever been to the church in Mahattan? I was there a few times, the priest took us for a little tour and showed us the hall at the back…do many Hrvati attend that church?
@ Slavonac
Ohh in no way was I trying to do the military lifestyle thing… I went #1 to get my head straight and get off the partying/drinking/trava/etc. wagon #2 if you serve for 4 years, they pay for your schooling once you get out, which is what I took advantage of…
mehhh after a few scotches/bourbons/rakijas, I guess you would hear some NY accent out of me haha
Ziva- although I think he is accurate in what he said, I do think they will not be affected as he says…they have delegates that will address things, players will be able to concentrate on what they have to…..it may create new jobs for the German team…maybe guys giving traffic updates and people ensuring hotels are up to German standards…players will see little of this!
hahaha….you guys are cracking me up!
Ziva- I knew it…man I’m smart…were you a “little house on the prairie” fan as well?
nepoznat-you should be a private eye or work for some governments statistics recovery useless and needless info department…you’d be incredible…;) just kidding!
Svircic-hahahahaha….dude you’re funny!
gotta link for that? hvala
Back to soccer……..I read something from Klinsmann that made me scratch my head a bit. Curious to see what you guys think.
Basically, Klinsmann said he doesn’t expect Germany to haver a good World Cup because he thinks the chaos and disorder in Brazil will have an impact on that team. He said Germans are so structured, disciplined and prepared that when something happens to throw them off their plans, they don’t receover well. Klinsmann said he doesn’t expect many things to go correctly down in Brazil. He thinks it will be a mess. From traffic, delays, issues with logisitics, hotel accomodations, getting to the practice fields on time, etc. He said all of this will have a negative impact on teams, but none more so than Germany because the German culture and routine never allows thme to have to deal with such issues. Some of you may recall that last year Germany was planning to build their own base camp (lodging, faciliies, practice field, etc..) to avoid some of these issues. Well, even that was delayed and wont be fully operational.
You guys crack me up. Just spent an hour or so going through all the comments.
Ziva Istina has turned this website into a multi-million dollar website. you can buy CroatianSports.com stock by searching “CSR”. I can’t reveal his identity. All my millions will disappear.
I hope Klinsmann returns to the restaurant where I work. Next time I will ask him if Rakitic is better than Donovan.
Anyone coming down to LA this summer?
Allen “outraged” Strk is finalizing his flight to LA as I type. Hopefully, he comes through.
@Slavonac,
Layrite
http://www.layrite.com/
.
@Slavonac he was active on Facebook within the past week or so and easy to find there but looks like he hasn’t posted here since March 6th (if my google query was correct… btw can you tell by my love of data, numerics, searching aka data mining that I do business intelligence for a living lol)
@slavonac……..I was a big Beverly Hills 90210 fan back in the day.
cool man…I could never imagine a military life but I totally respect those that make the decision to do so…
even after a few pints?
@ Slavonac
Was actually in the US Navy for 4 years (was stationed in Norfolk, VA) and lost all of my NYC accent! People don’t believe me when just meeting them that I’m born and bred in NYC 😉
…the interesting thing would be to get into Ziva’s head for 5 minute’s…it wouldn’t surprise me if the guy love’s romantic comedies, long walks on the beach and is an avid soap opera/sitcom watcher….he has to release his stress from all that pessimism some how…just kidding Ziva!
what happened to Radman Livaja?
nepoznat- you are stubborn tko mulac, but a very likeable guy…and you always have your hilarious twist on the discussions!
thanks Slavonac I’m looking forward to the soccer lesson! but in reality I shouldn’t be on anyone’s list here IMHO
I wanted Radman Livaja on my serious football list too, can’t believe I forgot him and yes he seems to know some crazy minutiae about football & Croatian nogomet
ohhhh…and IvicaA- I have to get back at him for all the jabs…I’ll see how sharp he is in person.
discussion over a few cold pivcek’s:
1) Ziva Istina- I’d like to ask him what has made him so pessimistic?
2) Svircic- what hair products he uses…the man has great hair!
3) Kvartuc- what he did with the money his mom gave him for singing lessons?
4) nepoznat-give me a course on “utilizing the internet for quotes and stats”…give him a course on soccer 😉 !!!
5) Iggy-just to hear him swearing…classic!
6) Armada-I always like to hear those guys from NY-NJ area speak…sounds funny!
7) Petar Radman Livaja- just because the guy knows a lot of useless facts..interesting guy!
.
I saw that but what good is putting no number on a Top X list? besides I wouldn’t be able to bust your chops about #MathFail if we allowed the no number bit!
Yes, your reading comprehension is as good as my weight management.
“Top 3 or 5 or no number even needed guys you’d like to sit down and have a drink with.”
Things we learned today:
– Ante B is not very good at math, his Top 3-5 request is now up to about 10 including him
– CSR’s version of Finkel is Einhorn is now Ziva is Razov
– Differences between US raised football players vs Continental ones
– Some Serb (had to be? lol) made Luka look like a bitch and wrote Vatreni in near Cyrillic for ESPN’s Hrvatska poster
I miss anything?
Poglavnik is going to kill me. He also makes the list. Vatrena cast too kada ne sere bezveze
Luka, the little legend will handle the trophey!
or should I say Razov?
😉
a less funny but more football related group for me (most of my fave posters here) would be:
Poglavnik
Slavonac
Nije Bitno (no cigs allowed please! lol)
Faux Cro
Svircic
and of course Ziva… anyone who doesn’t have Ziva on their list isn’t a true CSR fan!
Nepoznat, true.
Ziva, odi u kurac, ja castim
^ should say all my fellow Crazy Croatians as I am proudly one too 😀
to drink with? I’d have to go with all the Crazy Croatians as I love a good laugh and all us clowns together would be hilarious
Ziva
Cico
Iggy
AllenOutraged
HAET
@Ante B
What about my oz mate iggy, who 45 cunts into one post thats got to count for something?
@Ante B…..I would order the first beer and not only that, the tab for the drinking session would be on me. I mean, come on, I’m not a hercegovac. I’ll pay.
Forgot to add that if I ever did meet him, I’d buy a beer and order it in proper Croatian. I’d do the same for most of the guys here. That’s a question right there:
Top 3 or 5 or no number even needed guys you’d like to sit down and have a drink with. For me: Fisto, Nije Bitno, Dr Prle, Luka, Drina, the founders and Ziva Istina. That would be a proper meeting of the minds.
I think ever since I started posting here, I never really wanted to know who Ziva was based on the fact that some people just choose to be private and use a moniker and others put eerything out there (like yours truly). I have my guess on who he is but at this point, I just don’t care and I don’t mean that in an asshole way. He’s a character so let’s just leave it at that.
Does anyone know if Niko is starting for QPR?
Who is Ante Razov? lol 😉
“but one of the american players said they don’t see the allure of Europe unless they are on a big club that plays in the Champions League”
that’s not really what I meant. I was talking about soccer itself, knowledge, understanding, technique…some countries excel while others do not…there is a system, step by step from the ‘grass roots” of learning basic skills…at what age to develop different areas…and then into the far more complex portions of the game. I think different European countries develop their kids far earlier…also, many European kids mentality is better, culture of the game is stronger, respect for the game is better, overall soccer aptitude in Europe with players and spectators is a world of difference in comparison to the US system…therefore perception and opinions vary!
let me add this as well regarding the euopean soccer perspective v. euro soccer…..
I don’t remember which player said it, but one of the american players said they don’t see the allure of Europe unless they are on a big club that plays in the Champions League. He said nobody grows up rooting and wanting to play for Club Brugge or Sturm Graz. He said from a financial point of view it doesn’t make sense to leave MLS for a mid-tier club in an average league. Better marketing opportunities to stay in the US than go to Europe and the pay scale has increased in MLS to keep some of those guys home.
Now, I don’t really agree with it. I prefer a player to challange themselves. But, it gives you a sense of their thinking and I guess maybe not wanting to leave the comforts of home.
@Dannyj message me on XtraTime so I know who you are other there brate
hvala
nepoznat-as you may have noticed, I comment here from time to time then disappear…and then come back. I often have little time to comment from home unless for some chance my kids are studying or at a weekly activity where my wife has taken them, I sometimes travel for work and have little time to really dig deep into who’s who on this site. I hardly remember the personalities on here other than maybe you, Dr Prle, Poglavnik, IvicaA, Armada, O’Harovic and a few others…but when I do have time I read comments and make them as well.
I’m not sure if Ziva is Ante Razov…if he is, he definitely has fooled me, he told me he lives on the East Coast…if he actually lives in LA, next time I go there I owe him a bottle…I can leave it with Svircic.
I think an American taught player has a far different perspective on soccer than those that are schooled in Europe, I can say it is a world or difference from Canada…and even a few of my good friends that have done very well…ie…playing in Scotland vs other parts of Europe is very different…so if Ziva is Ante and was schooled in US, its obvious why he sees things the way he does. soccer isnt just soccer…there is a different way of learning, many European countries are extremely advanced and have incredible systems where I think in the US it is getting there, but not there yet!
I didn’t know about the Ante Razov article but I think it was good…Razov did well in the US, so did Segota, but he failed miserably in Croatia in ’86! perspective is very important…where do you get your understanding and opinions do matter…Razov has his opinions based on his US experience’s…different schools that produce different understanding of how the game is played.
if there were an exclusive ‘Ziva Istina’ reveal, that thread would definitely break the post record for one thread on this site haha
and Ante (Ziva’s Stepdad) would be out of a job.
Ziva is Cico’s alter ego, like sasha fierce is beonce’s
Hmmmmm………you could be on to something.
@Razov well considering the CSR guys are friends (or at least acquaintances) with Razov you may be on to something!!! 🙂
Did you know that Ante Razov posted an article here? Shortly after posters requested Ziva to do just that right? And one must assume Razov is a poster here at the site, but who could that fit? Well we’d have to look for a very knowledgeable poster, perhaps one with allegiances to US NT? is that already too much coincidence for you? well there’s more if you dig deep enough through your memory or the sites threads over the years.
Ante B could confirm if he wanted to, but he won’t… the CSR guys must be sworn to secrecy because I have attempted to eBeat it out of them to no avail
Here’s a Razov piece from the time machine:
https://croatiansports.com/?p=10729
😀
Have you guys ever considered that maybe I am friends with the guys who run this site and we came up with the idea of a “Ziva Istina” character to drive more responses/conversation to the site? Could that be it?????
Then again, maybe I am just like this. I like to discuss soccer (serious discussions at times), but I also like to joke around. And so what if I am negative in a joking manner. There are always some truths in jokes (Kranjcar’s weight, Colruka’s STD’s, Suker’s intellect level, etc.)
Ziva…are you Ante Razov?
It took 8 posts for someone (Duvno moje, ne volim te vise) to realise. Someone (ziva) posted multiple times without noticing. You Americans are all a bunch of yugos just as everyone thought, no wonder you guys are the laughing stock when you come here on “vacation”….. But hey, ESPN is number 1 right?
hahaha…from what I hear, Ante was a very opinionated guy…you never know?
He seems to think Ziva is Ante Razov. Don’t know if it’s true or not, don’t really care either.
The reason why people jump on Ziva though is due to his know it all attitude and incessant jumping on / negativity towards other people and things. He has something negative to say in pretty much every thread on here. And most of the time it’s the same boring played out lines we have all heard before.
It’s annoying.
People enjoy proving people that shit talk ad nauseam wrong. This shouldn’t be all too surprising.
you know who Ziva is?
I wasn’t jumping on Ziva, I agree with his gist that Donovan has performed better than Rakitic for respective NTs, however that quote is mixed in talking about club and/or country performance. And the “better than” line is not qualified to just NT and comes after discussing club play and can only be read as combined or overall talent comparison
I threw more than enough clues out there (and not very cryptically either, go back and read my other posts in this thread carefully) in this thread to piece that all together and for you to discover who the mystery man is 😀
nepoznat-what are you talking about here?: “@Slavonac he represented Team USA (26 caps and 6 goals), is close friends with former Coach Bradley and his son Michael, etc. He lives in USA still. Hard to not support Team USA in those cases”
nepoznat- however you interpret what he said really is a matter of semantics…the bottom line is that until very recently, Rakitic showed signs of being a world class player but was not consistent and did little to separate himself from the “tad above average” player. other than his skill, who could argue anything on Rakitic’s behalf and and clearly say that he actually was better?
its only been this year that Rakitic has “proven” he is a great player with his “club”…so my point here is who really cares if Ziva felt Donovan was better or not, Rakitic had yet proven he was great…I would never argue that 1 average player is better or worse than another…in my opinion, they are both not worth talking about!
it appears as if you guys want to jump on Ziva because he compared an American over a Croat…in this case, the American did more for his country…hands down…not much to argue if you ask me!
@Ziva I used a 5 second google search to find a quote where you said Donovan was better than Rakitic because Slavonac didn’t recall it.
I see why you want us to ignore the parts of the quote that go against your narrative that you only claimed Donovan better than Rakitic at a national level but clearly you weren’t just talking about national team performances in that quote.
5s search goes like so:
site:croatiansports.com ziva istina donovan better than rakitic
@Slavonac he represented Team USA (26 caps and 6 goals), is close friends with former Coach Bradley and his son Michael, etc. He lives in USA still. Hard to not support Team USA in those cases
@nepoznat….you are taking apart one or two sentances instead of looking at an entire paragraph(s) and ongoing discussions. Why not go over eveything I have said. To repeat for the last time…………………..Only thing I care about is how our guys play on the international level.
But, thanks for waking up and thinking of me so much that you have to go look over previous posts.
@Ziva Istina I agree with you on Donovan has performed better for USA than Rakitic has for Croatia, anyone arguing differently is wrong. However the quote I dug up is a mixed bag with club performance taken into consideration as well, see the first sentence talking about England (can only be a reference to club performance or playing unless you meant Landon was going to attempt to switch representations after playing for the US for like 15 years LOL), and the “better than” line that follows it is not qualified as a reference to international performance only, it’s left open as in meaning overall performance, and when following a reference to club playing it certainly appears to reference club form as well
Since I can see some of you have reading comprehension issues.
Let me get this out of the way now……..Let’s say Rakitic finally performs at a high level for the repka this summer (and I hope he does because nobody would celebrate a goal by him dowen in brazil more than me). Don’t come running on this site and saying I was wrong. I am not. All I have ever said is that until this point (today, may 23) Rakitic’s play for the repka has never matched his play at the club level. This is not even debateable. Then again, I guess for some of you it is. Which makes me wonder how you guys view a soccer game. Some of you guys are so in love with a certain player that you fail to see his flaws or a bad game or two.
Ziva-here is where I have a bit of a question mark….it may be because Canada has no soccer program but anyways, I’m curious to understand something.
I love soccer, as a kid I cheered for Argentina…at first because of their uniforms and later because of Maradona…Argentina is a soccer nation. As I got older, I learned the differences in styles of play, tactics and the idiosyncrasies that made each nation different…ie, Italy was defensive…Brazil offensive.
I have never saw US as an interesting soccer nation, my US customers don’t know a thing about soccer, few Americans have made much of an impression in soccer…as an old school person that you are…what attracts you to US soccer?
@Slavonac the part before the and can only be interpreted as “Donovan is a better player than Rakitic”, otherwise he would’ve said there “”Donovan is a better player than Rakitic for country”. Note the preceding sentence is still talking about club ball and performance, etc
At the end he tries to back talk about it not being about club level performance and overall player talent but if you read the first 2 sentences again you will see those were not qualified on international level only
@nepoznat…..yeah, i stand by that. He was a better player on the international level. Let me ask you this. Over the last 6 years: whose performances would you have taken for Cro: Rakitic’s performances for the national team or Donovan’s peformances????
@Razov you played for Team USA but US team is still 1b?
nepoznat- I interpret that comment as I had mentioned earlier…read these key points:
“But, I just think he is a better player than Rakitic and has shown to be a better player on the international level”
“Dude has scored BIG goals for the US when it matters”
all he is saying is Donovan is more valuable to the US than Rakitic has been for Croatia….he isn’t wrong. If Rakitic took the bull by the horns and won games for Croatia, this topic would never have come up!
@slavonac……thanks. I am glad you understand what I have said. I’m a fan of Cro first and the US team is 1b for me. Donovan scored many big goals for the US and set up some big goals as well. As someone who follows soccer with passion and loves the game, the guy delivered for the US.
He in a way parallels the career Asanovic had for the repka. Always performed at or above what he did for his club teams.
Donovan was a bit of a pizda. Could have done much more in Europe if he wanted to fight the first time around in teh Bundesliga. Then years later when he was loaned out to Everton he decided many games in his 10-wk loan stretch. But, he did not want to make a full time move to England even though he has a number of offers. That didn’t sit well with me. But, his play for his national team was outstanding.
Last three World Cups: Donovan 5 goals in 12 games. Croatian national team 4 goals in 6 games.
now this is comical…hahahaha…sorry to you American guys but every once in a while I just can’t imagine what makes these people so darn arrogant.
some guy that was recently cut from the US team…Brad Evans???? who the F*** is this clown????? this guy was cut and then sends a tweet to Cristiano Ronaldo saying “You got off easy this time @Cristiano”…..WOW….has anyone ever heard of this clown? he’s telling Ronaldo “he got off easy”?
ridiculous!
@Slavonac here’s one from Sept 2013 “I just think he is a better player than Rakitic”:
Ziva Istina says:
I am no lover of Donovan. I still dont understand why he didnt go to England full time when he had the chance. But, I just think he is a better player than Rakitic and has shown to be a better player on the international level. Dude has scored BIG goals for the US when it matters. The same cant be said about Rakitic.
Right now I would take him over Rakitic. Not in a a few years because of his age, but right now I would. Again, when was the last time Rakitic carried us to a win……..oh wait, never…….The crybaby American Donovan has.
And, this is not a debate about play at the club level. Raketa can score 50 goals this year in La Liga and it wont impress me until he does something for the repka.
https://croatiansports.com/?p=16191
Luka’s nose looks far too different than in real life!
@ Duvno
I like the graphic of Luka and Mario, but poor choice of script.
as a Canadian-Hrvat that has watched Donovan on occasion I’ll chime in to this conversation, I recall the debate between the many here vs Ziva. I think many of you have misinterpreted what he said vs what you think he has said….he’s always kept with the same version, Donovan has done more for US soccer than Rakitic has done for Croatia…and that is absolutely 100% true…no two ways about it!
things can become misinterpreted or twisted to suit your argument but at the end of the day, I never once recall him saying Donovan was “better than”…although he actually was “better for” the US than several of our players have been for our team….that is clear as day!
I am not a fan of Donovan, I think he has talent but he is missing some qualities and its why I believe the difference between being successful in Europe vs North America is pretty major…most Europeans can play in N. America…most N Americans cannot play in Europe.
Why is ESPN’s Croatia poster practically in Cyrillic script?
The epl playoff game will be, besides chapions league final most fascinating game to watch before the Vatreni start.
The Thinking Drinkers World Cup of drinks, part 1
Looking for a new way to enhance your enjoyment of the World Cup? Why not sample the best alcoholic drink each participating nation has to offer, with Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham’s handy guide
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/the-filter/10850087/The-Thinking-Drinkers-World-Cup-of-drinks-part-1.html
Croatia
Bolfan ‘Primus’ Riesling 2011 (£12.20, 75cl, jascots.co.uk)
Dressed like a load of gingham tablecloths and having twice been beaten by Scotland in the last 12 months, it’s easy to see why Croatia are not being talked up as serious contenders. But with Real Madrid’s elusive Luka Modric at the heart of the midfield and Bayern Munich’s Mario Mandzukic up top (he’s only banned for the Brazil game), expect it to be neck and neck between them and Cameroon. As the inventors of the neck tie, the Croatians may well pull it off. Similarly unappreciated is the nation’s wine which often, and unfairly, gets dismissed as cheap but not very cheerful. The biodynamic winemaker Bolfan is among the best and its Riesling is full of fresh mineral character – perky with plenty of passion fruit and peach.
so true. And in Niko’s case he is eating for three.
I read that QPR’S wage bill is higher than Atletico’s, i hope Niko can help get them to EPL. Niko is still one of my favourite players to watch even if he is eating a big mac while trailblazing through the midfield. Fuck, a mans got to eat!
that is true as well. If anyone bitches about the amount of crazy money in the modern game, then Atletico is your team tomorrow.
I hope for an entertaining game and that Modric finishes the game not injured.
Modric aside, F Real Madrid and their millions.
For pure sporting reasons I’d absolutely looooooove to see Atletico take it tomorrow.
Well, Donovan aint my idol, but nice try. I just break it down scientifically without any emotions.
Let me ask you this….what I have i ever said that was wrong about Donovan. Dude delivered for his national team. I hold him in the same regard I hold Alojsa Asanovic. Both guys played at above their club level when it came to their national teams. What is so hard for you to realize about that?
I hope Modric can win the game, but more than anything I want him to come away without an injury. But, I’m sure you’ll have your jersey on jocksniffing. Remember, one day you will have to explain to family members why a grown man wore a jersey of another man they don’t even know.
@ Ziva
What is tougher to deal with these next couple of days…your American Idol Donovan getting the mien shaft from Klinsman or Luka Modrić lifting La Decima after man of the match performance?
Also Mandžukić being hunted by all the top CL clubs that need someone to actual score GOALS!
There is still time to atone for your treachery against the Croatian athlete.
Simple statement :
“In the past 5 years I have let my basement BS skew reality and have spewed self – hating veliki Hrvati pizdarija. ”
“My parents have done their best for me and it is now time for me to GROW UP and venture outside Mama’s womb.”
Then you can really enjoy La Decima!
ESPN doing America proud once again. Ironically it is a reflection of the majority of posters on this site.
http://espnmediazone.com/us/photos/galleries/2014/05/02/2014-fifa-world-cup-international-posters/#photo-11
(Picture 22 of 34)