MODRIĆ IN DUBROVNIK TO SIGN NEW DEALSoccernet.com has reported that Luka Modrić has signed a six-year extension with Tottenham Hotspur squashing any transfer talk of him going to Chelsea or Manchester United. Agent Zoran Mamić was right by his side to sign the new papers.
This is the right move for Modrić. He just helped Tottenham to their best season in history and gets to stay with fellow Croatian buddies Vedran Ćorluka and Niko Kranjčar for a Champions League run.
SHOULD MODRIĆ HAVE TRIED TO GO TO A BIGGER CLUB?
THE KIDS AT WHITE HART LANE ARE ECSTATIC!
Phil vs Chi not bad for ratings…Cinderella Phili vs a Young up and coming chicago…two decent size markets….NHL from the sounds of the book seems to be the least corrupt of the leagues due to their miniscule TV contract and insignificance in the USA….That being said they do have a deal in place with NBC thats a cooperation deal unlike any other tv deal that profits are split btw league and network 50/50…this is very recent litterally, last year it came into existance. Right around the time when Pit and Det went to 7 games:) Read the book tell me what you think. What you will find out is interesting story lines play a big faactor in generating ratings. However, to answer your question why did Pit and the Caps go out? Not sure really….but just like wwe the most popular wrestler doesn't win every title fight either but that doesn't mean the outcome isnt staged.
@Bronk
Why did the penguins and Capitals get upset?
Denis, The Fix, by Declan Hill focuses on soccer, but the other book the Fix Is In, even though it isnt soccer related will give you an idea of how the leagues themselves actually fix games within the league, so teams they want to advance do, so they can max out on TV ratings, so they can charge networks more money for broadcasting rights. I would never have thought of that angle. I normally thought it was some external criminal element. It never even entered my mind that the leagues could be pushing certain teams along to generate ratings and tv money. Tv money fuels these leagues including soccer, which is how they generate the majority of their revenues.
The fix focuses in on the crimial betting synidicate which is rampant in soccer. This is why when you see an odd play and you say to yourself why would a professional be it a ref or a player do that or make that call, you start to wonder was the fix in.
This is why I am totally convinced that Tomas was on the take that game against Australia. He tried to handle the ball in the box a number of times in that game. We were lucky the ref didnt whistle it every time. However, it gave one goal away and that was enough to put us out. A pro at his level to make those mistakes is incredible, which makes it hard to believe. Which makes me question whether he was trying to throw the game. You might also throw in Jerkan with his handball against Germany in Euro 96 also that put us out.
@King Bronk,
Another Splicanin on board. We have a lot of love from Canada here at CSR, great to have you with us.
I'm going to look into both books. Match fixing doesnt come as a shock to me. I don't follow MLB(baseball is barely a sport), NFL(my football is round), and NASCAR(Let's drive around in a circle for hours, god chasing his tail concept), I do follow the NBA…. NBA is rigged.. Players and teams just fail to show up for "certain" games.
Sports is a billion dollar industry. So much money circulating around the world. Someone is cashing in, and someone is in a dark Brooklyn alley paying off his debt with his life.
Awesome! I would love to see what they would say to the topic of match fixing. I am writing from Toronto Canada. I was born here, but my dad is from Split and my mom is from Hercegovina. So as you guessed it, we support Hajduk over here. Having said that after I did some research into the topic of match fixing, I have come to the conclusion that it's much more rampant than at first meets the eye. I strongly recommend that you guys read these two books. As sports journalists I think you guys would find it very interesting.
The Fix: Soccer and Organized Crime by Declan Hill
The Fix Is In: The Showbiz Manipulations of the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and NASCAR
By Brian Tuohy
I think you will get a whole new perspective on this issue just like I did. It's really rather shocking.
Having said all of that I think this site is amazing! You guys do a great job.
Thanks Denis!
@anonymous…
first get a name, why are you hiding?
second, yes, we are all Yugos here in disguise. You are a "veliki Hrvat" I bow down to you..
can you come up with something better than: "I don't mind Vidic, Olic seems to like him" ?
At least quote the person that said this.
@King Bronk,
The next big interview we get, I would be sure to ask about match-fixing. Actually, if we have a few days prep before the interview, I will ask you for a question. Sounds good?
Where are you writing us from?
You should ask the former Fifa President that question. Its not me saying this stuff. Take a look at the sources that I provided.
Ignoring the man behind the curtain doesn't mean he's not there. 2002 WC South Korea Semi Fianls tons of legit goals disallowed KOing Italy and Spain so South Korea could advance. Ya there was no match fixing there. Another example, 1998 France vs. Brazil WC final, Ronaldo nearly dies of a heart attack on the eve of the final and still plays thanks to Nike and Brazil plays its worst game in 20 years. Barca vs Chelsea just last year in the CL semis.. over 8 missed obvious PKs not called Koing Chelsea, setting up the sexy match up Messi vs Ronaldo in the finals. I guess the ref just had a bad day and UEFA just got lucky to get its dream final.
Some of this stuff appears obvious.
Where are the black helicopters?
Take a look at my links that I posted. There is your proof. Its not always a win or a loss its covering point spreads too. Why then did Stjepan Tomas never again get called up for the national team after that game? Why did Bilic play those tactics? Would england have beaten us on that day? Probably…but to lose by 4 goals…I think that needed some help.
You have a former fifa president saying england in 66 and germany in 74 were rigged. Why is Cro above all of this? Also, don't forget that the croatian gambling mafia seems to be at the heart of this all.
Are there outside influences that impact high level international matches….sure. Are the games fixed??? Who knows, but I would not rule it out. Look back at the 02 WC and Italy-S. Korea match. Was that match rigged or was the ref inexperienced and was in way over his head. Both sides can make a valid arguement
First to Cro…..the Cro-England in Wembley game was not fixed. We played a better team with a depleted line up and questionable tactics. It was the perfect storm for Engalnd. Going into that game I dont know of many people (unless you are a complete homer) who did not think we would get spanked. Was the Cro-England game in ZG fixed a few years back when Robinson whiffed on the pass back to the keeper??? NO.
Tomas in 06…..just had a brainfart. We see it every now and then in soccer. Remember, the ref gave Aussie Joe 3 yellows, so some would even argue the game was rigged in our favor.
As for the recent claims from the English FA rep…those are only claims and there was no proof. Show me proof. I am not saying there is no match fixing at the high international level, but show me proof.
As for the HNL…..certain matches are fixed. I have but on these matches and made some extra knowing after being told the result in advance. But, remember this, there are plenty of games in Cro that are said to be fixed and the result does not end up the way many thought it would. so, who knows.
Well dan if you take a look at my articles and interviews in my posts what you will see is that its not just the local level but also at the international level too. In fact what you see WC tournaments are being rigged. This is not me saying it but a former fifa president who is saying it.
Why are all those posts deleted?… Because you're all a bunch of yugos! "I don't mind Vidic, Olic seems to like him"… You Gypsy!… Why do you think olic, srna etc got banned from that Russia game a couple years back? Because they went to a yugo club. Stick to baseball you yugo yanks! No wonder you all love spurs, america loves the zids
Match fixing will never leave the prva hnl. When you have two dominant rich clubs against 14 other financialy struggling clubs what do u expect. And this is why the cro soccer will always be in the shits, it will never improve. As for the England Croatia match seriously there was no fixing there, it was just idiots like mamic who were pushing to put shit dinamo players like mudzukic on and I don't think they would make that mistake again. And for the Australia match, comeon, seriously? U might as well say that the Aussie keeper kalac was in with the act too because he let kovacs' shit kick in. Don't get me wrong fixing does exist, but only largely at local levels were the idiots can get away with it.
Watch these interviews: Is soccer just like WWE Wrestling where the results are regularly fixed and predetermined. Is Soccer just sports entertainment and not sport any longer. Is it all on the level?
Possible Vatreni Match Fixes:
The 5-1 loss to England is suspicious. Nevertheless, a
game that right away comes to mind is Australia vs Croatia 2006 in the last World Cup. Stjepan Tomas a very reliable defender and his inexplicable desire to play volleyball against Australia which cost us a PK (could have cost us a few more because he did it a number of times in that game, the ref just didn't call it) a goal, the match and the tournamnet. Take a look for yourselves at the highlights. Is it just me or is he really trying hard to touch that ball and give away a PK.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBBo182Wjyc&feature=related
Interestingly he never played for Croatia again after that game despite being a very good defender in Turkey for years after 2006.
Check out these Interviews by Match Fixing Whistle Blower Declan Hill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N39YbFzBA_M&feature=fvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfRgBYrhRR4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_WmPcHOWYI
Next time you get to interview Stimac, Novakovic or any other higher ups in the soccer world ask the real questions. Ask how much match fixing really goes on in croatian soccer and soccer in general. How Big of a problem is it? I would love to see what they have to say.
Is everyone all excited about the World Cup?
How on the level is this Tournament?
Here is another interesting article where a former FIFA PRESIDENT Joao Havelange ADMITTING that the 1966 and 1974 World Cups were fixed.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2008/06/26/753029/1966-1974-world-cups-were-fixed-former-fifa-president
Check out this headline
http://momento24.com/en/2010/05/17/england-accused-spain-of-trying-to-bribe-referees-at-the-world-cup/
Top head of the English FA accusing Spain of trying to match fix the world cup. I wonder if he knows a thing or two about this to be so concerned?
Any thought?
Its halarious. No one here wants to talk about the whole match fixing angle. Do any of you think that the Vatreni have ever fixed a match? What about the Hrvatska Prva Liga, do any of you think the results are on the level?
Lets talk about something of relevance here besides Modric inking a deal with the Spurs or a possible transfer of Srna.
How about the real story in Croatian soccer is that
Eduardo's agent is in jail. (Soccer corruption you don't say.) How about that fifa is investigating over 200 match fixes including games in croatia.
How about a croatian crime syndicate seems to be at the heart of a lot of this. Just ask the Germans.
Here is another story did Bilic lay down for England in the 5-1 loss. Its hard to believe any manager is that dumb to play 3 strikers against England with a depleted line up. Its no secret he wants a coaching job in England in the future. You look at it from that angle then everything makes sense. Comments?
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2010-05-20-3000755526_x.htm
http://www.croatiantimes.com/news/General_News/2009-11-24/7386/Croat_cops_arrest_match-fixing_suspect
It sounds like the Srna deal went through but he just has to sign and pass the physical.
http://chelsea.theoffside.com/chelsea/chelsea-have-signed-srna-say-4-4-2-com.html
Some good commentary below the article. I like the one from the Canadian. Like I said, I think he'll suit the team since he is an agressive defender who can give a team a surging style of attack. Whereas someone like Corluka can control the ball in the back and midfield and make pinpoint passes to strikers and attacking midfielders. Srna's dead ball kicks also made his resume look good for Chelsea. I think they were lacking in that department.
@King Bronk
Great literature is always appreciated on this website. Both books seem worthy of a look. Something tells me that you are writing us from down under. Where you from mate?
@JP
Thanks for the feedback
@Slaven
You answered your own question. Berbatov signed a huge contract at ManU… hasnt lived up to his potential.. or at least worthy of the $$$$ he received… This could be the same case for Srna.. If he doesnt produce for Chelsea(of course he has to sign a contract first), Ancelotti wont be afraid to bench him.
@Dukic
It was nice to meet you at the Croatian street party on Sunday. Did you get a CSR shirt? shoot me your email. Find me on facebook if thats easier.
he shouldve gone back to play for zadar.
PHEW! glad Kovac has called it a day. He'd have been a waste of time signing for an extra year. The guys finished.
We still need a centre back. I'd be happy to see Kristjan Ipsa, Tomislav Mikulic sign though they do both have first team slots. Would say Schildenfeld but he's best off signing permanently in Austria.
If we can get a guy of the right age and talent from another HNL1 club that'd be fine. Bagaric from Lokomotiva or Bunoza from Karlovac will do.
I can only see Srna playing if they change their line up and formation to this
Cech
Ivanovic, Terry, Alex or Cavalho, Cole
Srna or Cole, Essien, Lampard, Malouda or Zhirkov
Anelka, Drogba
That is possible and if so it'll be a great move, but i can't see it. With Ballack and Beletti and potentially Cole on their way though it is possible.
Chelsea pays everyone "big" money. If Srna were to make the move to London, his pay would still be behind Drogba, Lampard, Terry, Cole, etc… So, while he would have a big salary, he would not be one of the highest paid guys on the team. So, there would be no gaurentee he would get playing time if he does not produce right away.
The Modric deal…..If Luke becomes the player that many of us hope he becomes, then he will never finish this deal at Spurs. This was done to keep him happy for at least one more year. If Man U or other big clubs come calling next summer, he will be gone. The length of these contracts mean nothing, the bigger clubs will pay the money for the transfer fee. Spurs is a good club, but they will never challenge for the EPL title, yet alone the Champions League.
match fixing…..hell yes in the HNL. I've bet on games in Cro where I was told the result before the game took place. With the national team???? I doubt it.
If Chelsea are going to pay Srna big money, why would he end up on the bench? Modric gets enough respect at Tottenham to start and play full games. Can you say the same about Berbatov at Man U?
Robert Kovac retired from football.
I actually believe Modric should have stepped up to a bigger club. At present there is nothing to suggest Spurs will be top 2 in EPL or capable of making a deep run in Champions League. Inter, Chelsea, Man Utd are bigger clubs and Ballack is going. Lampard is getting older. So there was space for Modric in that team. Same with Manchester United. Modric would have been a big big success there.
As for Inter that'd be great for him to play in a league that suits his style a lot more. Staying at Spurs is the easy option. Its a no pressure environment. Spurs can even get away with finishing in midtable. Its not had a lot of recent success.
But having said this i think if Spurs keep players away from the bigger clubs that's eventually going to harm clubs like Chelsea and United and may bring them down a level.
Chelsea been relying on elder guys like Lampard, Drogba, Anelka, Malouda, Cole for too long. The market is such that its getting hard for United and Chelsea to freshen up there team. They'd like for example to have Aguero but his price is so high that it's hard to get him.
I am also not sure about Srna at Chelsea. Where will he play? He's not that good at right back for a club of Chelseas standard where 1 mistake is magnified. I would never pick Srna over Ivanovic and the rest of the formation isn't suitable for him.
Srna will be like Zhirkov if he went to them and would end up on the subs bench. I think staying in Shaktar or someone like Liverpool, Atletico, Milan, Juve or Fiorentina is more suitable for Srna. If he stayed in Shaktar and played in Champions League with a increasingly exciting side i can't see how that'd harm him either.
If anyones interested Mario Carevic has signed for Kortirjk. I wander if Kortrijk are gonna be the new Lokeron in Belgium who had a load of Croatians last year and ahem got relegated. Hopefully Carevic does better with Kortrijk.
You might be onto something Bronk…
http://www.croatiantimes.com/news/Sports/2010-05-31/11305/_Eduardo%B4s_ex_agent_goes_to_jail
Seeing Mamic with Modric just about says it all doesn't it? Who are the 2 bald dudes?
@Denis… loved the pictures good idea.
How on the level do you think soccer is? Do any of you think that the Vatreni have ever taken a dive and lost to fix a game? Do you think the Hrvatska Prva Liga is rigged? What about the Champions League and the Up coming World Cup?
Check out these two books:
The Fix: Soccer and Organized Crime by Declan Hill
The Fix Is In: The Showbiz Manipulations of the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and NASCAR
By Brian Tuohy
These books are mind blowing!
What do you guys think?
I heard that the offers from Chelsea and Man U were higher than Modric's original pay so Tottenham gave him a raise in addition to the extension.
Srna to Chelsea would be good for him. I think he would thrive in the EPL.
Rumour intensifying:
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6182007,00.html
Brilliant News, Am really glad Modric decided to stay, Its was never a question since Spurs qualified for CL,Was it..
He definitly made the right descision,he had the choice of staying on with a team that gave him his oppurtunity & playing alongside fellow Croats with a regular starting spot,where he could very well become a Tottenham Legend & imprint his name into Hotspurs History books..
Or he had option 2 where he could have chosen to go to chelsea & fight for a regular starting position & play along side Ivanovic & his good old pal Matic..
Option 3 was to go to Man U, where he could end up another BerbaFlop,I also hear Sir Alex is trying to lure Krasic to his camp,Vidic is also there..
Vidic isn't to bad,I dont mind the Guy & it seems that Olic speaks higly of him, Vidic was the only Serbian player who didn't rip out the Serbian flag when his club won the Prem Title, I noticed that Ivanovic was waving it around & so was Stankovic at Inter, I dont like to see players waving there national flags around when the club there representing has nothing to do with there country of birth,I didn't Agree with Darijo Srna's actions at the Euro Cup with Shaktar, keep the National flags at International Games..KaPish..