When it comes to mentalities, Croatians tend to have an “us against the world” mindset. In the past two major tournaments, they’ve played against both tournament finalists and host nation. They’ve been on the receiving end of terrible decisions favoring the biggest nations. From Vedran Corluka’s jersey being torn apart in the box against Spain to Fred falling down as if Dejan Lovren directly kicked him in the shin, common phrases such as “what if” and “everyone is against us” have been uttered by many Croatians.
Going into Euro 2016, the federation’s ongoing issues became another obstacle for a Croatian team that really needed to do something special. The expanded format presented a more accessible route to play in the knockout stage. It was time for this talented squad to move on from the past four years of mostly underwhelming performances.
By outplaying Turkey and dominating Czech Republic for 70 minutes, they’ve finally put together consecutive positive performances and reached the knockout stage. Stakes were still high going into the match against Spain. Despite Ante Cacic resting players carrying injuries or yellow cards, he still played Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Perisic to counter Spain’s unchanged star-studded starting eleven. Nobody knew what to expect from a Croatian side featuring inexperienced players such as Marko Rog and Marko Pjaca.
The passing wasn’t very crisp, possession was lost on far too many occasions, and organization from defending set pieces proved to be an issue. Those were inevitable concerns for a team starting young players at key positions. They rectified their shortcomings by relentlessly pressuring Spain and constantly pressing forward without any fear.
Rog and Pjaca personified the team’s fearless attitude. Rog constantly pressured Iniesta and forced him to make safe passes. As you can see from Slaven Bilic and Ian Wright analyzing the star midfielder, Czech Republic and Turkey failed to close him down in dangerous areas. When Iniesta gets space, he’s more than likely going to deliver a decisive pass. Alongside Milan Badelj, Rog consistently harassed every Spanish midfielder. It was an admirable performance from both central midfielders. Somewhere, Niko Kovac has to be wondering why he didn’t start Badelj over Marcelo Brozovic as a holding midfielder. Badelj continues to improve following a subpar performance against Turkey.
While they clashed with Spain’s star-studded midfield, Pjaca kept taking on defenders and trying to create scoring opportunities. It took time for him to get into the game. The first half was difficult, due to Croatia’s lack of possession. As the game wore on, the highly rated prospect was challenging opposing defenders at will. According to Who Scored, he completed seven dribbles. This was a positive learning experience for the in-demand winger. Besides not tracking back defensively at times and diving theatrically, Pjaca played his way into becoming one of the main options off the bench. He started the game-winning counter attack with a nifty pass upfield.
Despite his limitations as a striker, Nikola Kalinic was outstanding against Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos. Winning headers and holding up the ball effectively hasn’t been a problem for Croatia, as Mario Mandzukic does it on a routine basis. Distributing the ball effectively is an issue for Mandzukic. His decision-making lets him down on far too many occasions, although he did link up well with Rakitic and Perisic against Czech Republic.
Kalinic proved to be a revelation as a lone striker. He remained composed, while linking up with Perisic and Pjaca to create positive attacks. Despite not being the aggressor that Mandzukic is, Kalinic’s calm approach was extremely beneficial. His intelligent run caught Ramos off guard to score a well-deserved equalizer. Mandzukic’s runs are mostly effective from using his sheer size. A change is needed for particular matchups. Utilizing Kalinic showcased Croatia’s other striking options.
It was a great performance for a player, who wasn’t even called up for the 2014 World Cup. Kalinic is infamously known for his inability to score goals and getting into a heated argument with Darijo Srna. The once-forgotten striker made a strong case to start over Mandzukic on Saturday. His chemistry with Perisic gave Spain fits, especially on the second goal. It takes proper timing and execution to produce a successful counter attack. Kalinic’s patience to find Perisic is something that deserves to be acknowledged. Combine his craftiness with an excellent goal and forcing David De Gea into a near game-changing mistake, Cacic may want to stick with him.
Despite all of their efforts, this historical win wouldn’t have occurred without Perisic. There hasn’t been a Croatian player this lethal since Eduardo during Euro 2008 qualification stage. Juanfran is one of the top right backs in the world. He struggled to contain him, which includes failing to run back on the game-winning goal. Perisic’s speed, technical ability, and remarkable stamina were displayed in a man of the match performance. Gareth Bale and Dimitri Payet have some extra competition for the player of the tournament award.
The looming concerns going into the tournament were well documented. Phrases such as “mental midgets” were used to describe Croatia following an extremely disappointing 2014 World Cup campaign. By coming back from an emotional setback and defeating the European champions, they are ascending from dark horses into potential favorites. Although a much-easier bracket will benefit them, why can’t this team beat the likes of Germany, France, and Italy?
They should be at full-strength going into Saturday’s game. Tin Jedvaj played admirable against premier competition, but Domagoj Vida was missed. The young centerback lost Ramos on multiple corners and was mainly responsible for the first goal. Vida’s physical style coincides well with Vedran Corluka, who continues to play at a high level. Ivan Strinic will likely return as well. After Sime Vrsaljko’s shaky performance, Strinic can’t afford to pick up another yellow card. The back four needs to maintain their balance.
As long as Luka Modric remains healthy, there is no reason why they can’t reach the quarterfinals. The threat of Cristiano Ronaldo can be diminished by Modric’s exceptional control and distribution in the midfield. He seems to have a strong rapport with Badelj. That will be crucial against an unbalanced Portugal midfield. Mandzukic and Brozovic are likely to reclaim their starting places, although it shouldn’t be guaranteed following Tuesday’s monumental victory.
Euro 2012 was a bittersweet tournament for Croatia. They played exceptionally well against Spain and Italy in highly competitive games. It was difficult to say goodbye to Bilic, who is beloved by most fans. Coaching instability and unsteady morale surrounded them over the next three years. With Ante Cacic proving to be a no-nonsense player-friendly coach, the squad appears to be more united than ever. When a talented squad is on the same page, the possibilities are endless. That was proven against a team, which hadn’t lost in the European Championship since 2004.
Twitter: @Allen_Strk
@Crnkovic
“Just bear that in mind, and ask yourself who wrote his speech.”
After asking myself who wrote his speech, I can’t believe it, The Wordsmith Jimmy DiFanti wrote his speech as well, did you know that he even wrote John Kennedy’s speech?
So let me get this straight. A guy that takes the username poglavnik is a rabid environmentalist? LOL. Has never posted about the topic on here in all the political discussions that have taken place but now brings it up as his number one concern? LOL. A guy that angrily says that humans are parasites and nothing other than saving the wildlife matters, but spends his time following soccer and posting on Croatian Sports? LOL. Yeah, seems legit poggy. I take it back, you are actually funny. Onya mate.
I don’t expect to see Kovačić for the rest of the tournament unless it’s a late time wasting substitution
So any news on starting line up? Will we play kalinic and mandzukic? If we need to sub mdflder, has kovacic lost to pjaca?
WTF happened in here.. lol i miss one evening of posting and the whole thread is a clusterfuck of shitposting now? Geez fuck
@elvis, you are seeing half the picture clearly. You need to see the other side too. Your criticism of political correctness and faux leftist mendacity is accurate. You need to see how the other side of the coin operates. The side you think you’re on. They’re two sides of the same coin…don’t be partisan to fake ideologies. Just see look for truth, it cuts through both sides like a knife through butter. Because they’re not real sides. They’re make believe divisions to keep common people arguing with each other instead of working together to create a more just, fair a better world. Divide and rule. Don’t be loyal to one side of a false division. Be smart. Be loyal to what is right….I wish you good luck.
Yeah Allen, even when croatia is playing great people have to feed their kids, and deal with reality. It’s not rage, it’s frustration. And it’s part of life. Your friends are there to help you deal with it, to listen to each other and to give sympathy, solidarity and advice. It’s fine. There’s a limit to how much we can praise our boys, without repeating ourselves over and over. In other news…..U BOJ!!!!!
“Even when Croatia is playing great, the comment section is still filled with rage. Unbelievable.”
True.
Even when Croatia is playing great, the comment section is still filled with rage. Unbelievable.
15 years of Putin.
http://russia-insider.com/sites/insider/files/field/image/15_years_of_putin.jpg
Britain abandons EU. Who’s next?https://www.facebook.com/RealBenGarrisonCartoons/photos/a.731915903535389.1073741827.731890386871274/1112248415502134/?type=3&theater
Back to the second dearest thing to my heart..
Less than 24 hours to go til we bash some more Iberians!
@poglavnik, melbcro is not selfish, certainly not in terms of his fundamental nature. He is an imbecile. It’s different…
Hehe only joking melbcro…
Yeah I like what he had to say as well. When I was in croatia last summer I was making exactly the same arguments to my cousins and friends. They disagreed with me. The reason is that whenyou have a small pond, like England or croatia, it’s easier for a big fish to control it. A mamic for example, or a rupert Murdoch. They say “yes I’d rather be run by some beaurocratic clowns in Brussels than by some petty crook in zagreb”. I’m anti EU but I do have some sympathy with that perspective. I would hurt me to see croatia join the EU after all we’ve fought for. But what does farage want? He wants a better deal with the smaller crooks, because he is not invited to the big table. Just bear that in mind, and ask yourself who wrote his speech……
@Crnkovic
There are exceptions but the majority of the planets problems can be directly attributed to human selfishness.
Narrow minded people like Melbcro are a perfect example.
Thanks again for discrediting the only thing that truly matters in this world.
And no I’m not “trolling” as the kids say.
And here’s another one with him
https://youtu.be/f_VK8vb6F9E
I liked what he had to say in both
Here is said video:
https://youtu.be/UGA5SsrfJkE
@poglavnik, human nature is complex. You can’t say humans are greedy by nature that’s nonsense. Mother Theresa = human nature. Adolf hitler = human nature. It’s up to us to make decisions about want we want to do. We have free will. We are empowered to chose whether to be assholes who get confused by stupid us vs them arguments and end up exterminating ourselves through greed and stupidity. Or whether we actually want to cooperate, learn and find a way to live sustainably and respectfully….the human nature argument is hogwash. It’s a choice
@melbcro, it is true that the lefties are throwing their toys out of the pram. It’s hilarious
🙂
@elvis, farage is a cunt. Saying what people want to hear is how you gain support. The question is, what do you do with the support they give you? Just like trump, he knows that people are disaffected and unhappy so they tell them this and that. If they take power they use it to priveledge their own business interests. You think trump or farage actually have principles? Of course they don’t they just want power. Just look at their backgrounds. Same on the lefty side. Look at Obama. Same shit, saying what people want hear at the time. They’re all just corporate puppets, paid to put on an act. Come on guys
Nigel;
“Last September I went to Croatia. I wanted to find out whether a proper national debate is going on; whether there was a fair campaign.
What did I find? I found that the EU is doing everything it can to bribe the political class in Croatia — doing it quite well, really, too. Already the EU has given 320 million euros to Croatia in what is called pre-accession aid. The EU has just spent a million euros on a blatant propaganda advertising campaign, telling Croatia that the EU is their only hope.
This conversation needs to get back to soccer asap
I don’t know how closely you keep an eye on social media Ante, but the fucking meltdown from the lefties is a sight to behold. They are fucking losing it lol
Poglavnik, I don’t think you are being even remotely serious. Your trolling is boring.
Agreed. His talk on how Croatia was bribed into the EU was superb.
Ante B,
@ Ante B
I admire anyone who stands up to the EU, and Nigel Farage should be commended on his role in brexit. I also love how he ruffles the feathers of the leftist elite and regressives. Seeing them lose their shit whenever Farage pops up is glorious. But I’m not sure the UKIP will be able to survive long term, in many ways you could call them a single issue party. They’ve won their battle, good chance they’ll fade into insignificance.
Not a topic to be brushed aside because of boredom.
It transcends politics and religion.
It’s the one common ground we should all have but unfortunately there are way too many people that think like you.
The Brexit was won by the white working class of the UK. They are tired of being marginalized in their own country.
Have another Vegemite sandwitch you wogs.
MelbCro,
What do you think of Nigel Farage? If you have an opinion about him, that is.
Lol poglavnik you still going little fella. You’re cute poggy hehehe
Agreed Poglavnik. Greed and dogma is hardwired into Homo sapiens. Give it some time. We’ll go way of the dinosaur….
Gotta laugh though…. The yawning thing… Isn’t Melbcro that douche bag who said we couldn’t cheer for West Ham because Bilic became the manager last year? Just saying yo…
Man? Being a man is a social construct, why are you triggering me with micro-aggressions? I’m off to my safe space where the real world can’t hurt me
Too enlightening for your mind it seems.
Thanks for your efforts.
I’m a lesbian in a mans body
yawn, you aren’t even remotely amusing poglavnik. Try harder next time pal.
So where does everyone stand on the whole gender fluid controversy? Your all wasting time talking about politics, war, animals and humans. Need to focus on your genders.
Brothers
^^
Keep closing your eyes.
Hopefully all of Melbourne isn’t as ignorant as you.
Humans are pretty fucking far from cultured and civilized. We’re greedy and stupid. Other than chimps we’re the only animal that randomly kills for no reason. You ever see chimps gang up and beat another chimp to death for no apparent reason? U should look it up.
We’re the dominant species on the planet so it’s up to us and our “brilliance” to sustain it.
Humans are shit!
Too busy fighting over who’s imaginary friend is better.
lol at least Crnkovic is interesting, you are just plain boring poglavnik. Yawn zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
@Melbcro
You’ll change your stance on that in the next 10-30 years.
I guarantee it!
When the oceans die we die.
Poglavnik, something that creates culture and civilisation isn’t a parasite.
@Crnkovic
You forgot that we also defeated the Mongols. You left that out.
Personally I can’t fucking stand America, but I’ll be damned if I choose something anti-Western over it. Why the fuck would I work against my own self interests Crnkovic? Western civilisation and culture should be rigorously protected, especially from those within who are trying to undermine it.
We are not parasites. More like ants. We build and consume and conquer.
I like nature but to be honest the only animal worth it’s weight are Dogs. Mans best friend.
@Melbcro
We’re a fucking parasite.
This planet will outlast humans long after we nearly kill it.
Nothing would be better for us than a major pandemic.
“trust me do some research, you will find out…”
research what? What an idiotic reply
@Crnkovic
Yeah, I heard something about that.. 😉
Um… haven’t read it since High school which was many moons ago. Double speak = Political Correctness. The War in IRAQ was stupid which most agree. We went in to save that shit kingdom Saudi Arabia. However, much of what the U.S. has done for a long time was to fight communism which I agree with. Strange thing is that after it was defeated it transformed to hide. So much so that it has infected the US government today.
wahhabisim is not a fucked up version of Islam, what they advocate is Islam. Was is America’s fault when Islam in its very early years picked up the sword, invading all of the middle east, North Africa and then invade Europe itself? Please, Islam in inherently violent and imperialistic.
To one of the Anonymous’s above,
The only thing I would change in your statement is the following to make it accurate in CAPS:
“…and DID defend the names of the BBB members who were INCORRECTLY identified recently on social media.” I do not generalize ALL Torcida, BBB, Armada, Kohorta, etc. members as hooligans to the chagrin of many. However the actions at the Czech game were wrong.
Adhering to Misko’s ‘post a link or you stink’ mantra, enjoy:
http://m.dnevnik.hr/clanak/vijesti/hrvatska/prozvani-pripadnici-bbb-a-prvi-put-javno-progovorili-o-masovnoj-histeriji-kojoj-su-izlozeni—441259.html
Like you said, to each their own.
@Anonymous
Exactly!
Our population is 3 times the planets sustainability levels and that gap is only growing.
The planet is done people!
The Rubicon has been crossed.
Save your unborn children the burden of living in this shithole.
In other news, croatia – Portugal tomorrow.!!!
Nice poglavnik. He he
@melbcro, trust me do some research, you will find out…
lol Poglavnik, wildlife ffs. Fuck the animals, humans are number one son. This is our planet, they can go find their own. Oh wait, the stupid shits are unable to produce a space program.
@elvis, have you read 1984? If not read it. Islam is not an enemy. The elements of Islam which are a threat to our society are also a threaten to every one. Including the idiots who follow it. Wahhabism is a fucked politicised version of Islam which has been whole heartedly support by the US precisely because it is destructive and destabilising and weakens the sovereignty of Middle eastern countries. Therefore if you identify Islamic extremism as an enemy, which it is, then you have to identify America as is it’s mother and therefore a far greater enemy. So if you do a little research and use some logic you will see that this is true. I’m sorry if that is hard to accept. But it’s the truth. What can I do? Example if my father is a big time drug dealer, gun runner, gangster who goes around killing people if they step out of line. At home he’s nice to me, I like him, he’s my daddy. But when I grow up a bit and I find out what he does, I have some choices to make. I can say “no that’s my papa he’s the good guy, it’s those other small time gangsters who used to live down the road that are to blame” (the Serbs)…..understandable, but wrong. Or you can say “daddy, it’s not too late, stop what you are doing and make it right” or whatever. The point is, you know, pull your head out of your ass
@Poglavnik
You don’t see animals in China because they have been eaten by the Chinese. They will eat anything.
Crnkovic I agree with you that the US wars for oil and its involvement in Libya was dumb shit. But your implications that it is the reason for Islamists is some epically intellectually dishonest analysis, one devoid of real substantial context
The planets lost HALF OF IT’s WILDLIFE IN THE LAST 40 YEARS! Think of that for a minute?
Ever been to China? You wont see a fucking bird in the sky or creature in the streets.
All you fishermen, remember the stories of how profitable fishing you used to be?
This is what matters people!
Not your fucking bank accounts, cottages and cars.
Wake up!!
Ok, back to losing myself in footy…
And there we go, Crnkovic’s comment on Islam exposes exactly what I’m saying about him. Islam is a genuine threat to western culture, both through its politics and its violent jihadism. And the reason its such a threat is not for what Islam does alone, but for those in the regressive left who empower it by shouting racist at anyone that wants to shine a light on the reality of the ideology of Islam. Its the flavour of the month to be an apologist for Islam and is just one of many instances of the left creating a myth of victimhood for the ‘other’, who of course they must protect even if it works against their own self interest. Pure fucking insanity.
What I do find alarming is the merging of Corporations and left wing governments. How is this possible? Facebook, Google, silicon valley all influencing government policy for their own enrichment?
Anonymous. I get what you’re saying. Just to remind you guys that Croats have a proud history of resisting outside control. We stood up to the ottomans like no one else. We undermined and resisted the venetians along our coast, by piracy and insurgency. I am against imperialism and oppression in all it’s forms. Whether it comes from venetians, Turks, the USA, the EU, the world bank, the Serbs. You name it. They’re all the same to me. Some of you people (a lot) have had your wires tangled big time. Fight the power
The right and left labels are useful in politics. Throwing them out just because you don’t like them or they don’t fit your agenda isn’t even remotely a productive solution to anything. I’d say you are the one trying to create distractions with your mental gymnastics. A broad right/left view of things is real and very much appropriate way to describe political discourse. And it very much fits the current culture war being fought in the west. There is no label more appropriate in my opinion than ‘regressive left’ to describe those on the wrong side of that war.
I called you a faux centrist for a reason, I’m not saying you are a literal centrist. I’m having a crack at you for you claim of right/left being a false dichotomy. People who are usually on the most extreme ends of either side of the political spectrum are always the first ones to feign ignorance and claim they aren’t right or left. Some kind of strange attempt at populism? lol
Crnkovic interesting thoughts and points regarding labels and philosophy. The biggest enemy to mankind is the dogmatic mind…
I stand with tax the rich and sterilize the poor
Having 5 or 6 kids is not the answer!
This planet CAN NOT sustain 7 billion people. The world population was 3.5 billion in 1970. In another 30 or 40 years we’ll be at 10 billion people. What then?!
….is it ok to invade a foreign country, killing hundreds of thousands of people, in order to gain cheaper access to oil? Is it ok to assassinate gaddafi because he was in the process of creating a new currency that would give poor african countries a chance to develop their economies? Is it ok? Answer: no, it’s is the most fundamentally evil act that can ever be committed. All other atrocities follow. Rape, torture, genocide the works, they all flourish and flower out of the destruction and chaos which war creates. These wars have been carried out in order to create financial profit for big business interests and they have been overwhelmingly carried out by the UNITED STATES of AMERICA and it’s cocksucking allies. You’re worried about communism? LMFAO
Islam is an enemy no doubt. However, it is the left that says let them in and grant them immunity for their behavior.
Crnkovic you sound like a young Austrian Artist. Full of crazy ideas and stuff.
Guys it’s really embarrassing that so much of the diaspora are still teaching their kids about the big bad wolf of communism. Neo-imperialism has a new imaginary enemy at the gates. Islam. Keep up with the times….
Hehe. Lol mixed grill
It’s not mental gymnastics. What I’m pointing out is that different political terms and labels are used by different agendas to create support for different aims. So rather than create a label to try and fit me into, stick to the issues and consider them on their own merit. Do you disagree with anything I’ve actually said? If so, how and why? Faux centrism? That’s a bullshit term if ever there was one. Centrism? That’s nonsense in itself. I’m certainly not a centrist. I believe in right and wrong. That doesn’t live at the centre. Centrism validates the false left/ right dichotomy. So I would never claim to be a centrist. It looks like centrism to you because it doesn’t fit into any of your mendacious political categories
Crnkovic, Tito and your system lost. Spare us your cynical theories. Strap on your man bag, your plaid short sleave dress shirt, put on your prada shoes, your fancy watch and giant sunglasses and go eat some sushi man. You’ve made it, long live the west.
Wow, Crnkovic that is some mighty mental gymnastics right there. You are absolutely part of the problem mate, faux centrism masquerading as intellectualism.
Like George Soros.
@melbcro. Actually classic liberals were against the monopoly of power by the monarchy. Where is the most concentrated power these days? It’s in the hands of BUSINESS interests, not government. Business interests have long since bought off government. So a true liberal today would be someone who is against the unaccountable, unregulated power of corporate networks. In other words, a communist. Go figure
@melbcro
That’s the whole point. People on all sides are getting completely lost because of all these overlapping labels. Personally I describe myself as an anarchosydicalist. That means you are against any form of unaccountable authority. Including big government, including big business. The word liberal has different connotations in different places, and has changed massively over time. Just look at each issue separately and use common sense and logic to arrive at the most ethical, moral and sensible perspective. Left and right wing is a false dichotomy that only serves to distract people from the real issues, which is broadly that we are being controlled and exploited by tiny elites whether you call them communists, or business men, liberals or dictators. The hatred on both sides of the false divide for the other side is damaging to our common interests…..
@ Crnkovic
“So I start asking them, these liberals, what’s so bad about leaving the EU?”
Classical liberals believe in smaller government, the people you are talking about aren’t liberals if they support the EU.
Hey leftists how many genders now? I lost count after Harkonnen…..
When people talk about communists they usually don’t mean it literally, but its good to remember what can happen when the far left gets it way. And people should be concerned with the way the regressive left is hitting peak insanity at the moment, they very much have passion for that communist style authoritarianism.
I think we should all go to a simplier way of life. We should all find a good wife and have 5 or 6 kids and have a farm. Grow your own food and make your own straw hats. That way we can avoid politics. When you get old your kids will have to feed you so you don’t have to worry about social security. Money would be worthless and we wouldn’t have to worry about all these muslims and stuff.
Seems to me that some think that being poor with more kids than you can feed as something noble? I don’t think it is. I believe a women has a right to choose.
How about educate people instead?
How about tax the rich and sterilize the poor?
Tito had a mansion? Big deal. And trump doesn’t?
No it’s not forced labour ELVIS. The kids went to work because the family needed the money. The family needed the money. The family needed the money because they were poor. They were poor because they didn’t own the means of production or their own land. Therefore they had no choice. That’s what a freemarket creates. It’s also what exist in totalitarian states like the ex Soviet Union. The Soviet Union doesn’t exist anymore, why are you talking about communism. Communism exists only in Cuba and North Korea. Not even china. Certainly not russia. So why are you talking about communism? Stay in the real world
Just want to say that it’s quite tiring the political talk. I’m arguing the case for greater freedom and power In the hands of the people. I just picked my kids up from school, in oxford England, and all the parents are literally inmourning, crying about the result of the referendum. I’m like WTF. So I start asking them, these liberals, what’s so bad about leaving the EU? They start talking about how much they like croissants, and the second world war etc I’m shaking my head. IS THAT IT? You guys are sad because you can’t pretend to be French anymore at breakfast? And they’re all thinking I’m a right wing nutter. Then I come on here and start arguing what appears to be the opposite side, and people are thinking I’m a communist. LMFAO
Crnkovic I read that they are starting tours for Titos old masion. he lived very very well didn’t he. Want tickets?
WTF…… noone wants little children in sweat shops….Thats not free markets that’s forced labor. Kinda like what they did in the Soviet Union.
Agreed Brkic. Nice overview
@Crnkovic
I agree with your post. There is always a fine balance. I believe in free markets with appropriate regulations. The debate just circles around what is “appropriate”.
You want kids aged 8 to work in a sweat shop? No? Congratulations, you are not an asshole…..
I’m very positive about this team and our chances vs Portugal and beyond, however I want to comment a bit on our defense.
I was very pessimistic coming into the Euros about our defense calling it our “Achilles heel” and although there have been some pleasant surprises, I still have some concerns.
On the plus side, Corluka has performed like a warrior and been extremely solid. His experience has trumped concerns over lack of speed. Aside from the boneheaded handball, Vida has slotted in fairly well. I strongly believe that our best 11 (egos and team cohesion aside) includes Lovren, but I don’t think there has been a huge drop off with Vida in that spot. Strinic who only played a handful of games for Napoli this year started slow against Turkey, but impressed vs. the Czech Republic. The biggest surprise for me has been Snra who I thought was way past his expiration date. Named to many “all Euro squads” of the group stage, his passion and class have shined brightly.
As for the concerns, we have conceded 3 goals in 3 matches which is not great and there have been a number of other good chances given away by needless mistakes. For example, Ramos seemed unmarked on a couple of headers in the recent match. Our organization at the back in the first 30 minutes of the Spain match was poor and it looked like we were chasing the ball around while Spain passed it along our 18 yard box. This could be because of some of our alternates lined up against Spain, but it’s difficult to say this definitively since Turkey and the Czech Republic didn’t have the kind of possession or skill level to test the theory. As much as Badelj has been given credit for freeing up our creative midfield, he has been somewhat disappointing when compared to his form at Fiorentina. I was an early backer for him to fill this role, but I believed he would be better. In fairness he has also improved in his role as the group stage progressed. Vrsaljko did not have a great game vs Spain. Although he showed some flashes of his upside he gave the ball away too frequently. I don’t think he should be slotted in at LB but could spell Srna if we want to inject some speed/fresh legs as games wear on. Jedvaj also showed some inexperience and could fill in as an extra defender if we’re playing with the lead, or as an outside defender from the start if needed, but probably should not be relied upon as 1 of the 2 central defenders. In fact, I would be concerned about anyone outside of Corluka/Vida as our central pairing.
Given all of this, one thing not mentioned is how our tactics and midfield play has helped our defense. The old adage of “the best defense is a good offense” has proven true since other teams have had to respect our attacking ability (5 goals in 3 games is solid, especially for a team playing with a lone striker). Although our possession percentage has not been overwhelming, what we do with our possession is second to none in the tournament.
Although Portugal was not the best team to draw at this stage, we ended up with a much easier road to the final than most of the other top teams and we should be favored in each match until the final if we maintain current form. If we can improve a couple of shortcomings at the back I really like our chances!
If you want banks and corporations to stay out of government you need to have something called regulations, otherwise known as laws. All this talk about free markets is coming from people who basically don’t want any limits to their profits. One example is child labour. In the good old days. Little children worked in mills and factories, they lost arms, got killed by machinery, didn’t go to school, died young etc. then a bunch of liberals started saying “hey this is not right”. These kids should be in school not on the factory floor aged 8. ( I know dumb liberals right?). So eventually they persuaded government to take action and they passed laws to say you can’t have kids working in your factory. Guess what the factory owners said….?
Drum roll……………..
That’s right, they said “hey, that’s not fair, it’s a free market, if the kids want to work, and we want to employ them, you can’t stop it”
Think about that for 5 mins
Right, how you going to do that?
Right you need to keep the corporations and bankers out of the government. Only then can we enjoy our free markets.
@elvis, there is no such thing as a free market. In reality what you have is varying degrees of state sponsored corporatism. A good book to read is nice and easy to follow – “23 things they don’t tell you about capitalism” by Ha Joon Chang. He’s a South Korean economist. No communist just a very smart economist. The idea that communism is the enemy in 2016 is absolutely laughable. Wake up. This ain’t 1956. Lol. Elvis, what’s wrong with Trump? Haha
My only worry about the hype surrounding the whole “Croatia’s B team beats Spain’s A team” is the fact that our players played with no real stress since a loss meant nothing in terms of advancement. This next game is do or die….hopefully they can play with the same grit and the mental midget label can be lifted if the going gets rough.
Portugal had a very weak qualifying group and these Euro games have not been good of them. They have showed little the last couple of years.
Yeah. Idemo!!!
The game will go either way we have a 50% chance.
They beat us 3 times I assume we’re due. On paper we are the much better team but it’s that X factor Ronaldo I’m worried about.
No need to be scared either their good enough or not!
There’s no point in pretending if you can’t beat Portugal pack your bags and go home. So Croatia 2016 either you rise from the ashes above that ’98 team or get buried like the other generations. They keep yapping how this is the team Croatia team ever, ok now prove it to us!!!
The game will go either way we have a 50% chance.
They beat us 3 times I assume we’re due. On paper we are the much better team but it’s that X factor Ronaldo I’m worried about.
No need to be scared either their good enough or not!
There’s no point in pretending if you can’t beat Portugal pack your bags and go home. So Croatia 2016 either you rise from the ashes above that ’98 team or get buried like the other generations. They keep yapping how this is the team Croatia team ever, ok no prove it to us!!!
Idemo,
I’m in Florida, family gets back to Zagreb yearly. Usually for winter, and my wife and son stay for a couple months. Trying to raise a proper little Croatian boy.
On topic, I like the chances for Saturday and making a deep run in the tournament… I think I have fully bought into all the hype.
I thought the EU was being run like the Soviet Union. Mad leftists and social engineers trying to flood Europe with illegal migrants to increase their votes and their power structure. I say good for Britian. Croatia needs to kick out all the worthless communists and have a free market spring.
Im scared of the Portugal game too! I dont want that depressed feeling lingering over me all through Sunday and into early next week
What wrong with Trump?
What? You a trump supporter BZ? I give up. SMH
Guys don’t skip Crnkovic’s opinion piece above, because an opinion piece that ends with “satan worshipping ass suckers” demands your utmost attention!
Phew, thanks !!
@Iggy, I’ll hold you sweetie. 🙂
I dont feel good about the portugal game.. im fucking SCARED!!!
Subject of brexit. In the words of the late great bob marley, in the song Zimbabwe…..”every man got the right to decide his, own destiny, in this judgement there is, no partiality”. Why should Britain be ruled by the EU? Why should croatia be dictated to by the IMF or world bank or any other beaurocratic organisation that doesn’t have the nations best interests at heart? So yes my right wing brothers and sisters I whole heartedly agree. BUT. BUT. BUT the people who have been campaigning for brexit have been doing for all the WRONG reasons. The are doing it because they want to be free to run the country as their personal fiefdom, to be able to make more profit for themselves and their friends at the expense of the average man, to get the average man to vote for that they are pushing a xenophobic anti immigration agenda appealing to fear and selfishness amongst the population. As usual in a capitalist “democracy” both sides of the political coin are pushing for the solution which priveledges their own business interests. “Which hand would you like to get punched with people? The left or the right? You get to choose. Thank god you live in a democracy” ……………………errrr. THE GAME IS RIGGED. THEY ARE ALL LYING. Trump and Hilary are BOTH satan worshiping ass suckers. FACT
“The Croats are tactically sound like most European teams, who give nothing away in defence. The specialty of this bunch seems to be the ability to launch counterattacks at great pace with few touches.
“It could be a different experience against Portugal, if Ronaldo’s team chooses to play a defensive game and waits to hit on the counter. Croatia have to look to create space in this case and unveil Plan B. With Modric and [Ivan] Rakitic in midfield, expect them to that.
“This lot is perhaps low on flair than the one that won World Cup bronze in 1998, but scores high on tactical discipline, team work and determination. Experience tells me these are valuable traits in knockout games.”
hello guys..
waiting me so badly for my reliable assessment?!
we play well against Spain, seems SS Cacic still keep his foolishness, but anyway it because our players help him so far.. so here we go ->
GK Subasic …………. 6.0
I give him credit for the penalty save, but i kinda blame him for late reaction to lunge the ball from morata and let him scored
DF Corluka ………….. 7.0
really impressive to manage defense area well, keep the ball away from our goal post
DF Jedvaj ……………. 6.0
he had struggle and really uncomfortable assigned as a central defender, because he actually a libero (cross and overlapping). if there was vida alongside corluka and without DMF badelj, he surely outstanding in this match.
LB Vrsaljko …………… 6.0
i didn’t see his contribute neither his skill on dribble, he rely on Perisic so far to piercing from left side
RB Srna ……………….. 7.5
tremendously awesome for his cross also he ran well consider of his age, but seriously i am impress for his tireless
DMF Badelj …………… 6.0
yeah he was assigned as a shield for our defense, but in this case we don’t need his presence coz he just halted jedvaj for overlapping. Jedvaj would become a scapegoat for our losing if that happened. i would love to deploy Vida instead of activate DMF and causing a talent in a vulnerable position
MDF Rog ………………. 6.5
was SS Cacic knowing that he just released a bull for spain?
i hope that was true and i come to admit him for a nice strategy. yeah somehow i feel wonder if someone in the middle of pitch go ramming! but heey, don’t you know football can be deceptive with a magic red card!
MDF Rakitic ……………. 8.0
he was awesome for his technique and keep the ball well (even spain can’t steal from him), conduct for our attacking and organize it well.
AMF Perisic …………….. 8.5
i really love to see his nice dribbling and run like a bullet.
the more thing -> he can score, and do you know what?!
i think he can be a top score for this tournament> mark my words..
FW Pjaca ………………… 7.5
yeah i like his body balance, also he can endure 90 minutes with tirelessly run.. even he came to defense area and helping for our lack formation on defense.. we were really exposed right there!>
FW Kalinic ……………….. 7.0
he was good, he catched up our rhythm well..
our counter with him really kind of effective 1
England out of the EU is great for me personally the dollar is busting out against the Euro and Kuna. Come Tuesday when I’m in Zagreb my biggest decision is going to be whether I convert my dollars to Kuna or hold on to them as dollars. Good for the English people to decide to be free from those one world government faggots called the EU, were un-elected people make decisions and policies for the rest of the EU. This is a great day.
Shut the fuck up Anonymous, what a surprise that an pro-authoritarian lefty such as yourself is burning right now. Regressives at their best lol
Ta huliganska govna svojim nasilnim metodam nisu nista bolja od mamica i sl. Huligane treba zaustaviti svim sredstvima, uvesti drakonske kazne, otvoriti Goli otok, samo tezak fizicki rad i batine mogu imati efekat ne tu bandu. Pa ti bacaj baklju kad te ceka tri godine Lepoglave ili Golog otoka bez mogucnosti pomilovanja , pa se zaposli negdje u Europi kad ti bude u radnoj knizici i dosjeu crvenim stajalo osuda zbog nasilja i huliganizma!
Inace kako saznajem, prikupljaju se podaci i imena .Ekipa koja ce ih srediti se sprema. Jao si tim gadovim kad se vrate u HR !
Very good article
http://www.firstpost.com/sports/euro-2016-interesting-croatia-now-the-the-team-to-beat-and-luka-modric-isnt-even-playing-2848764.html
@ Ante B
Makes sense that you want Croatia to leave the EU, since you are a nationalist who recently wrote that you are, in most cases, sympathetic to the Croatian hooligans and tried to defend the names of the BBB members who were identified recently on social media.
To each his own.
Give me your opinion on this article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/25/business/international/brexit-financial-economic-impact-leave.html?_r=0
@anon
Do I have to believe you?
You’re are jugo scum, just like hooligans.
I have a Rodni list, domovnica, putovnica and OIB broj. I also have a house on the coast.
And I think You are Jugo scum if anything. I support the Croatian Economy.
@anon
You are jugo scum, just like hooligans.
Thats a Ž in LaŽio and not a Z.
England out of the EU! Congrats to Nigel Farage, he was right all along.
Croatia needs to follow suit. EU-nijo, meni nista, tebi sve, ma jebem tebe i sve tvoje zute zvijezdice.
@Zagreb
You’re jugo scum, just like hooligans.
Did you see that, I changed it up a bit!
Lazio = Trump
same disease, get some help
@LZ
Nice contribution, well done champ!
something wrong with me mentally, and what would that be?
You’re are like hooligans you jugo scum.
But took us to the quarters in ’08 euros and taken west ham to a very respectable place in the epl when no one expected them to place that high. Good on him
i know its euro cup time, but croatia representing on the nba draft, need a separate thread for it…
oh yeah bilic is the man, the man who missed out on the 2010 world cup, yeah he is the man, lmfao
@Lazio
Get a life, something wrong with you mentally.
Bilic is the man
apparently Bilic has been the best commentator ?
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/23/euro-2016-pundits-battle-sofas-pundits-slaven-bilic
@Anonymous
Lazio says:
Only I know that Vrsaljko is better than Srna, that’s why I say Vrsaljko should start, because I believe you have a better chance of winning if you start your best players, but that’s just me!
Then, look at this:
https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/745865721389924352/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
No fucking clue – and he’s not the only one.
You good person Anonymous, I agreeing with what you sayed about Lazio, you did tooken him too skool! For me you are dis sites CHAMPION, I wish I knowed you!
Kranjcar got signed by Rangers? How did he manage that??
Really think having Siminic on the staff is paying huge dividends for the boys. Heart of a lion and so much pride in our rich culture. Would love to be in the locker room to hear him revving up the boys
@Anonymous
Well done for giving it to Lazio, that was a silly comment on his part, a question for you though, how long did you have his comment in your holster?
That’s some great planning! Kind of sad as well.
@Anonymous
Credit to you for posting your comments with the username Anonymous when dealing with me, this alone makes you very smart, good choicce for a person like you.
You’re just like hooligans you jugo scum.
And in other news Niko Kranjcar is off to the Ranger. I wish him all the luck. I love that guy, he scored many goals for us.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36606304
Have I missed something, has Vrsaljko been playing RB at the Euros?
I’ll go watch the replay, I may have missed something!
You believe Srna is better than Vrsaljko? Make a case please, I’ll love to hear it you little twerp!
You’re just like hooligans, jugo scum!
Read this:
Lazio says:
Only I know that Vrsaljko is better than Srna, that’s why I say Vrsaljko should start, because I believe you have a better chance of winning if you start your best players, but that’s just me!
Then, look at this:
https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/745865721389924352/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
No fucking clue – and he’s not the only one.
I’m telling you guys, this Saturday this Spanish ref is going to be handing out cards like candy. Trust me on this.
.
Bender to Suns
@Mile, that article is laughably bad.. as you said, not sure that guy watched a single match?
So we do get to wear the checkers? Good ! Although i must admit i don’t like to change when we are winning in blue.. Im scared !
@Crnkovic
I made that comment, and of course you have to agree, because that’s what happened!
morata was offsides on the first pass before the goal where our defenders went for the ball
Agreed on the analysis of Spain’s goal anon. And the water polo cap.
I hope Corluka puts that water polo cap up for auction or on eBay.
I want to buy it and make Ziva Istina sniff it.
^
That’s exactly the way I seen it, exactly!
Fabregas tried to put through a ball for Morata, Jedvaj had it covered and cut it off, Silva was on his own on the right side because Vrsaljko decided to help Jedvaj out where he didn’t need help, and of course we know what a lovely pass Silva made leading up to the goal.
I thought Corluka was a bit slow in picking up Fabregas’s run also, I saw it coming from a mile away from my recliner!
How many times would Jedvaj and Vrsaljko have played together?
http://gol.dnevnik.hr/clanak/euro-2016/novinar-l-equipea-ugodno-iznenadjen-hrvatskom-na-euru-kako-je-moguce—441228.html
This newspaper has Croatia as the best team in the tournament and Cacic as the best coach in the first round.
The reporter also asks, ” How can a country of just over 4 million people have so many great players?”
Can’t accuse him of wearing homer glasses. Just think about some of the phrases you’ll never read again if we go all the way.
If only we had Lovren in central defense we would have 3 clean sheets……… Lol
And jedvaj with a school boy mistake on their first decent attack
@ Allen Strk
Vida was missed?! Wtf!? Dude he gave away a penalty playing volleyball against czechs and was out jumped on way too many lobbed balls in the box against Turks and Czechs . Way too many errors from him to keep him in starting 11.
@ Allen Strk
Vida was missed?! Wtf!? Dude he gave away a penalty playing volleyball against czechs and was out jumped on way too many lobbed balls in the box against Turks and Czechs . Way too many errors from him to
Bobby V
Appreciate the support. I understand your issue as well. Since ITV is an English channel, they were going to bring up Lovren at some point. Unavoidable subject, since he plays at such a big club.
nitro……tko te šiša
@ Allen – btw, good article above – liked it much better than the Lovren one I jumped on you about 🙂
I know Blazevic does it all the time and uses much stronger language, but was surprised by Bilic.
It was about his timing more than anything. Just by re-introducing the subject right before the game against Turkey didn’t sit well with some, including me.
A former coach should know better. No way he even mentions it if he were on the side of Cacic. He disguised it as saying “I just wish Croatia had its best players there, we need all the good defenders we can bring”.
Not if the defender upsets the atmosphere Cacic has brilliantly created. He understands that character, in a short tournament, can be more important than talent.
hey guys, so here’s a quick update from France before i hit the town. This time over here has been a lot of fun, but tough on the body.
I spoke with my friend on the team yesterday and here’s the word and general observations.
1) Like I had mentioned before the Spain game, Kovacic fell out of favor with Cacic after the Czech game. It looked like brozovic was going to drop back and fill that spot and pjaca replace brozo on the wing. Once croatia was guaranteed knockout stage, cacic fully turned things over and rested any one with a yellow card. His lack of trust in kovacic remained though
2) CACIC DOING THE IMPOSSIBLE! How can a manager both infuriate Mamic and become his best buddy? Seemingly impossible, but Cacic has done it like a wizard. Mamic was going off on Cacic after game’s one and two by pulling the last minute switcheroo and not playing Pjaca (some say Cacic waited till last minute, to keep the Mamic pressure off). But now, after Cacic threw Mamic the Pjaca and Rog bone in the last game, he is back in good graces. Nothing better for a player’s market value than playing key roles in a victory over arguably the best team in the world. At this point Mamic even hopes Pjaca and Rog don’t play anymore because he’d like the Spain game to be the last impression the players give buyers from the Euros. So Cacic has both gained player respect for defying Mamic and at the same time, is once again Mamic’s good graces after the spain win!
3) LIne-ups/injuries: Still too early to tell on line-up for Spain-Portugal, but I hear Kalinic-Mandzukic is a serious debate as is Pjaca-Brozovic. Modric’ injury is looking better and he’s looking very probable for saturday!
Stef T.O
Thank you. I think this team is ready to get over the hump, but then again I’ve picked every Croatia game wrong in this tournament. Predicted a draw against Turkey, win against Czechs, and lost against Spain. Prob need to keep my mouth shut for the rest of tournament, when it comes to predictions.
Bobby V
Not sure how Bilic criticized him. I think Slaven rates Lovren highly and wishes a solution occurred between both parties. No idea why you would lose respect for someone over a small difference of opinion.
Yes
modric playing saturday?
Bobby I watched that interview I think he criticized the situation more than the coach, the situation is shitty no matter what side you look at it from
Yes, Croatia will be wearing the checkers against Portugal.
Lost a little respect for Bilic, when, right before our first match, he criticized Cacic for omitting Lovren, which I thought was the best move he made – and the fact he made it early and without hesitation.
Where you at jole jopa josip
Joe I know mixed marriages are hard.
My father-in-law would call me Jole… Josip can work. I have been a round for a while, commenting occasionally, I will take a more active approach going forward on topics an outsider can understand.
I also agree wholeheartedly, I have excellent taste in women…
Check out this SI guy’s article on the group stage. I don’t think this loser has seen any Croatia game. This whole article is laughable. He doesn’t even mention Croatia until he picks a “Team of the group stage”. And that choice is hilarious.
http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/06/23/best-euro-2016-group-stage-payet-iceland-bale-ronaldo-kiraly-mcgovern
I desperately want us to showcase that nice home kit… But we’ve been winning do much with our blue kits
😉
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp15nccGW4w
Bilic boss
Joe you are now Josip
Welcome to the site Joe, no passport required. You must have excellent taste in women.
Do we finally get to wear our home kit on Saturday? I assume since we were 1st that we are the “home” team and Portugal will wear green.
THis has been a great tournament to watch so far…. being an american married to a Hrvatica(?) my first taste of soccer/football/nogomet came in the 2008 euros. I have closely followed the Vatreni since then and lurk on this site all the time.
I try not to get into any of the discussions because it feels like it isn’t my world to be involved in. Not to dissimilar to the family dinners in Zagreb :-D.
Ajmo Hrvatska!
Ironically it takes the expanded knock out stage for us to have enough points to easily qualify for what would let us qualify in any other year!
The Portigese have just as much to worry about us.
Perisic is our Ronaldo.
As always great article Allen. It’s hard to get excited because they have disappointed us on so many occasions. I will wait until the Portugal game is over. If they can finally get over this “mental midget” hump only then will I believe. I’ve been crushed too many times! Look for the Portugese to exploit our heading issues on defense. Ronaldo will score Saturday but the question is how many? We need at least 2 goals to have any chance. Hope to God luck is on our side as were due.