HRVATSKA: Subašić – Vrsaljko, Ćorluka, Lovren, Vida- Rakitić, Badelj – Perišić, Modrić, Rebić – Kramarić
The scoreline will suggest that Croatia did not play well today in their pre-World Cup friendly against Brazil, but that is not the case at all.
The Vatreni fell 2-0 to 5-time World Cup champions Brazil but owned the chances in the first half. Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren nearly missed a goal as the ball whisped by the post and Ivan Perišić should have buried a ball in the box.
The biggest take away from this game was the work load Ante Rebić put in. He pressed hard on the wing and showed grit and attitude; something that Croatia desperately need. He will be a valuable asset come World Cup time if he keeps this up.
Luka Modrić played 60 minutes and play well, although he was left without options on numerous occasions. Ivan Perišić had a bad day at the office and did not look like his usual self and Šime Vrsaljko got turned inside out by Neymar, which lead to Brazil’s first goal.
With subs coming in during the second half, Croatia’s structure became diminished which created zero scoring chances. All in all, not a bad performance; especially in the first half.
Ante Rebić was Croatia’s Man of the Match in the 2-0 loss.
I didnt see the game but sounds like the A-lineup was 0-0 with brazil which seems pretty okay to me. See how we go against Senegal i guess
Forget the result, I thought it was a solid hitout. Our midfield was excellent with Modric starting the attack and Badejl providing great cover. We’re probably our best two players with Rebic as well. We should slaughter Nigeria and Iceland. Just need our quality to turn up and put in.
Brkic, was this the first time you’ve watched Hrvatska play? Perisic has been playing like this for at least a year (last year summer break for sure). It’s not his left back, it’s him!
I think our starters played well, except for Perisic. We are not the same team without him playing ar his best.
Rebic does well on the left wing alone. I would place Perisic on the right.
@Vida
Honestly. I have no idea anymore.
I want anything that can ensure that we get the most from Modric, Perisic, and Kramaric.
If it means yet another change at LB to support Perisic, then so be it. If Modric is more useful in a deeper role, then so be it. Maybe Krama is better suited as a second striker, between Mandzo and Modric. I don’t know anymore, since these past three friendlies, our players have been sort of coasting through the games (probably trying to avoid injury).
I was impressed with both Lovren and Badelj today. Badelj is technically a free agent, so he may be very motivated to play hard this summer. If Lovren continues to play like this (as well as Corluka) it gives us options with experimenting with Vida and Vrsaljko in the wingback positions.
It’s just a shame that this back four lineup didn’t really work as well as I had hoped, because it really does eliminate a weak link in having to play Strinic or Pivaric. I would probably try this back four again against Senegal, just to see if this Brazil match was just an outlier. I would love to have our best four defenders playing at the same time.
I’m not worried about our central midfield at all. Modric, Rakitic, and one of Badelj/Kovacic/Brozovic works fine. Perisic is our undisputed LW, Krama up front, and we have RW options in both Rebic/Pjaca (or an out of position Krama if we must).
The starting lineup is there, it’s just a matter of trying to arrange them to ensure that our star players (Modric, Krama, Perisic) get what they need.
Against Senegal I would like to see another option at LB to see if that brings Perisic more into the game. I like Vida, but he’s out of position on the outside. I would also like to see us dominate the midfield/possession because this team should be able to do it. Obviously, I want to see some goals too (more opportunities). Today’s starting back 4 may be the right combo for Argentina to open with and try to sit back a bit more to frustrate them.
I think Badelj is key. Lovren/Corluka with Badelj sitting in front felt pretty solid. Badelj/Corluka/Modric were all subbed before the goals were scored.
Don’t really care about the result I think it was a good friendly in terms of getting guys ready but there are some concerns in my opinion moving forward. First defence I think corluka and lovern could work well I though lovern looks in good form even though just friendly. I wasent a big fan of vida playing left back I know strinic sucks but o just thought vida looked out of place and seemed to give a a lot of distance between himself and attacking players in fear of being burnt nothing about today made me feel good about that position. Also friendly or no friendly last theee games 1 goal and that was a penalty creating chances is a concern and dalic has to get something going.
I’m not sold on modric playing so high it just doesn’t fit in my opinion which doesn’t matter but for large parts of game today and last time against Peru the ball is t in his feet enough. Also I don’t think rakitic and badelj are as good starting the play out of our end and moving the ball back.
I do like rebic and vrsaljko in the line up sometimes both can be a little clumsy but both add and edge and toughness this team needs. Badelj is great in his position if I had to change anything out strinic in switch modric and rakitic for Senegal
Perisic needs run instead of finishing (absolutely suck)@
efficiency on strategy in a high demand!
………….Kramaric………………Mandzukic…………….
…………..Rakitic…………………..Modric………………
Perisic…………………Badelj……………………Vrsaljko
…………….Vida……..Lovren……Corluka………………
………………………..Lv Kalinic…………………………….
I lost $5000 on this game, anyone have Vlad’s #? I think he said he’d cover our losses.
I like Kramaric, but let’s face it, if Mandzukic cleated Silva (which would have been a red in a non-friendly game) then went on to play like shit (like Kramaric played) this board would have lit up with the Mandzukic haters calling for his head.
Don’t worry boys by this result. At full throttle we will beat them.
@Maminjo
What would you like our starting lineup to look like against Senegal?
I won’t criticize, just curious.
@Toronto Croatia
LOL.
Rakitić’s foul-to-hug ratio is off the charts.
@lorno. I lost took your advice you cover me? Just joking.
It’s always interesting to see how people view games differently…
Here’s 10 mins of non-bias game highlights … none seem to contain Rakitic..actually when you see him in any of these ..hes probably jogging as the play is going on around him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuD4FN91WM
If you guys think hes doing for the Repka what he does with Barcelona …I don’t know what to tell you
Considering how engaged Rakitic was for the Croatian NT today and in the game against Mexico, I would say that Rakitic played better today than in a typical Barcelona game.
One part that amazed me was how Rakitic was cool under Brazilian pressure, and while under pressure, Rakitic made very precise passes to the midfield and to the wings, thus starting some form of “offense.”
Also, Rakitic made only a few passing errors, which was great to see.
Gotta agree with you Rakitic played good as a holding mid.
He’s played well the last few games. He plays even better once Modric gets subbed out lol.
What do you expect to see from a player in Rakitic’s position Toronto? Do you know what his role is? I’m perplexed by anyone attacking Rakitic in the last few games, the guy has done very well for us!
Really? What did you see Rakitic doing that impressed you? Most of the time I saw him was when he was knocking over a Brazilian player then picking them up and hugging them.
I also thought Rakitic looked good.
Toronto Croatia,
I think Rakitic was one of our best players on the pitch today.
Kovacic: dribble dribble pass back 10 yards, dribble dribble pass back 10 yards. He’s got 0 confidence in himself to put this team on his back. Just terrible every time he hits the pitch.
God this is Modric’s replacement? We’re in deep shit.
Our headless chicken Kovacic drives me nuts. So much dribbling skill but terrible awareness at times.
Last time Mandza and Krama teamed up they smashed Ukraine. Have to play with 2 strikers going forward.
Mandza and Krama are also defensive workhorses that can help out.
If we go down 2-0 in a game…we gotta play with two strikers!
It’s too bad Mandzukic was injured, and wasn’t able to come on for 20 minutes. We coulda used his THUNDER and POWER!
It seems like Brasil got too comfy when our War Dogs got subbed out (Modric, Badelj, Rebic etc.). Mandzukic sure as hell woulda ruffled a coupla feathers. He’s got the size to really bully the defense.
Man, Woulda loved to see Mandzu combine with Kramaric up top at the end of the match…kinda like a little man big man combo….in order to get a goal.
@Toronto Croatia
He just needs an Alves behind him, a Busquets beside him, and a Messi in front of him. 😉
Sorry meant a 5 midfield unit on a defensive style not 6.
Vatrena cast please explain to me 1 goal in 4 games and how the 4-4-2 formation is outdated?
Last time I recall we went 4-4-2 was ’98 and ’08. Think we got out of the group stages. Fyi 4-4-2 can translate to 6 mid on a more defensive style. The difference is you’re playing with 2 strikers. We have 0 choice!
I’d still like to see Rakitic play for the Repka how he plays for Barcelona
The positive from this game is Corluka and Lovren. We suddenly have a lot more depth at CB than we thought.
The negative from this game is Vrsaljko making a lot of mistakes and not being able to send in a decent cross.
Another negative is Subasic panicking whenever someone passes him the ball (where he kicks it out of bounds, or to the opposing team). In the first half, he even palmed a ball straight forward a few yards in the center of the box near some Brazilian players!
I can see Vrsaljko bouncing back, but Subasic has been like this for a while now. We’ll see what happens next game (as both will likely start again).
Vida at LB was okay defensively. Not sure if Vida has anything to do with Perisic’s performance.
The midfield/winger/striker lineup was fine. The only problem is that they played like zombies and we didn’t really pressure Brazil at all.
Brazil seemed like they were actually trying. Aside from maybe Rebic, we weren’t really working hard to get the ball. This was another Peru/Mexico game. I doubt we will play like this in the real tournament.
Solid first half and for those that watched we did look better regardless of the possession stats.
We let Brazil have possession but they did zero with it in the first half. Once Modric was subbed off it was a very different game. Rebic was lively and aggressive. Our B team isn’t as good as theirs. All in all not bad for a friendly.
I will agree with the lack of scoring being an issue. The link up between our midfield and forwards is lacking. I do like the way we approached the game with a counter attack strategy…that’s how we have to play the big boys to win.
Corluka and lovren are solid. we have no strategy going forward. im starting to think kovacic has high functioning autism, especially after that one time he said, “benzema is the best striker in the world”. Are you watching closely? i know he was hard to spot, but perisic did in fact play.
I was thoroughly impressed by the team today, despite the fact that we conceded 2 silly goals.
The coordination among our midfield players was much stronger than in the Peru and Mexico games. In the Peru game, the midfielders looked lost, and we could not string together several passes and utilize Kalinic/Mandzukic effectively. If we bring a similar sort of midfield mentality to the WC like in today’s game, I won’t have any complaints.
Lovren and Corluka – excellent job. Solid performances.
Badelj – he definitely stepped it up since the Mexico game.
Perisic – disappointing, albeit not surprising concerning his past level of performances with Croatia. It may have to do with Vida’s unnatural LB position, which may have caused a dearth in service to Perisic. A same thing happened between Strinic and Perisic in the friendly against Peru, although I saw some improvements in Perisic’s performance when Pivaric was in the LB position.
As shown in the Mexico friendly and today, we need some work in finishing. At this point, Dalic knows what Croatia needs to work on.
Overall, I am pleased with our starting XI (minus Perisic), and I can’t wait to see what changes Dalic will make.
^ ^
Me
Good call Stef!
It’s pretty sad that eating domaci food and drinking rakija in the morning is what I’m looking forward to most during our 3 games.
My expectations are bottom of the barrel.
I’m becoming one of these guys that are just happy to be there. Anything else (a couple of goals, a win) is a bonus.
Didn’t watch game
Saw highlights
Result is whatever. Brazil is much better. Just being in the game 0-0 with 30 minutes to go is an achievement
Not much to do about neymar goal. He’s one of the best. Messi obviously well capable of doing the same and not much we can do about it
At the end of the day, they are who we thought they are
Croatia is a slightly above average team that has a shockingly difficult time scoring
Yeah let’s play 4-4-2 and get torn up. Outdated for rmation.
Give me a fucking break on Vrsaljko, Neymar makes defenders look stupid every game. He got beat once, Shit happens. Over all decent game, Brazil scored on our second string. We’ll be okay in the World Cup.
Ante I love you bro but saying they played well is a terrible evaluation of the game.
Do we realize that we have scored 1 goal in the last four games and it was a penalty. Moving forward we are in serious trouble.
It’s evident we will have no choice but to play 4-4-2. You need to score to win games. If this trend continuous I don’t see much happening at this years WC! Same ol shit.
Thank God I’m not coaching because I’m speechless.
Wait, I forgot about Spain, they’re still all White, right?
Is Croatia the best White soccer team in the world?
Best thing about the match:
Our kits looked tight!
And Corluka looks ready.
Otherwise, meh..
I thought we were the more likely of the teams to score in the first half. Once we subbed off Modric and some of our other starters it went down hill. Vrsaljko did not play well. Maybe the knock to his head put him off his game. Also agree Perisic didn’t influence the game… maybe because Vida was on that side with him.
Modric was the best player on the pitch even though he gave the ball away cheaply on a few occasions. Lovren/Corluka combo was solid. Rakitic needs to take more responsibility especially when Modric is off. Overall not as bad as the score.
We will go as Modrić, Perišić and Kramarić goes
merp
Over exaggerate?
How often do we see people flipping over some guy not being call to the NT? Most of the time it’s some very fringe player that’s pretty insignificant to the overall strength of this team and yet on the flip side we see people carving Corluka, Strinic and then mentioning Kovacic has to play!?!?
If anyone took notice today, Corluka was very solid and smart! How was Kovacic, Car, Jedvaj (whom I like but seems mentally challenged at times), while questioning Badelj and bashing Corluka!
Halilovic would have done shit in a game like today!
I keep mentioning we will go as Perisic goes and I stand by that! At this point, he’s completely irrelevant and has his head up his ass! Persic looks like a frustrated baby and I’m not sure if he can be helped…the guy obviously is mentally weak! If he gets going, we will be 25% better than we are.
These are 3 friendlies where dalic gets to experiment with what works, relax everybody, you think they’ll give 100% in these 3 friendlies, no chance! Rest assured come june 16th we’ll see a different team.
Let’s not over exaggerate for a friendly.
If the game ended 1-0 with just the Neymar goal ..I would have said it wasn’t too bad
This is three friendlies in a row where we look like we have concrete blocks tied to our ankles.
I’m hoping it’s all because of it JUST being a friendly and they will step up once the tournament begins.
Kovacic was terrible on that play vs. Neymar. He didn’t challenge for the ball. If it was Modric or Badelj there, they would have put a foot on the ball, and not let him score. NO WAY Kovacic starts over Badelj. And Kovacic needs to move to a club were he can be starter.
Rookie mistake by Jedvaj, he didn’t play much this season and it shows. Second goal shouldn’t have happened.
Pjaca looked a little rusty, but he had some bright runs. Just needs some more minutes to tune up.
And I think no matter which striker you put in there, if there is no service, they won’t score. But I would still go with Krama over Mandzukic. As Kramaric is able to drop back, pick up the ball in midfield when things are tight. He also created a wonderful opportunity for Rebic, with a lovely cross.
I think overall Croatia did well. I think it was our subs that let us down. And most important thing no one was injured.
WTF……
Garbage…..no pace….good luck to us!
Was at the game. Whole team looked a joke.
Although I dont blame Subasic for the 1st goal …2nd goal he could have been better positioned…I will say that Subasic is probably one our weakest links.
1st half looked promising for Croatia … 2nd half seemed like we were just throwing guys on and seeing how they perform.
Kovacic doesn’t have the soccer mind and vision to be another Modric.
Kovacic looked like a damn pedestrian today as well!
I just wanna point out to some of you. Every fucking day of every week I see people listing off players that have no business being in the team….look at how these goals were scored and look at Jedvaj, Car and if we include Bradaric, Halilovic, and whoever I see some of you listing…learn that this is not a Saturday picnic, this is a very elite competition.
If Kovacic and Pjaca look like pedestrian, how do you think Halilovic would look?
Our lack of offense is starting to become disturbing. Other than a pk against Mexico, we’ve gone 4 straight games without scoring a goal during the run of play. Yes, 3 of those were friendlies and not time to panic yet. Time to worry? Absolutely. No threat whatsoever in the attacking third. Somebody please put your foot through the ball and take a shot. Strinic, maybe isnt a good option, but he is our best option at LB. He at least provides some attack from the flank which is where all our offense seems to come from. Vida out there, doesnt cut it.
We always are good for giving up absolute garbage goals, it’s a joke. Subasic not at fault, but he scares the shit out of me. I’m sorry, every fucking game it seems like they let some guy score while they just sit there and look at him .This is not good
Jedvaj OMG!
Uffff jebote….Jedvaj looks like a fucking beginner!
Fuckin Embarrassing
In this game, it wouldn’t matter who we played up top. Brazil is just dominating possession, and we look like we’re exhausted or (hopefully) not trying cuz it’s a friendly.
But I still start Kramarić because if we continue to have trouble sending balls in the box (and I don’t expect Vrsaljko to suddenly be able to do this) Kramarić can then drop back into the midfield to bring the ball up.
So let’s go back to this conversation about Mandzukic vs Kramaric. I’ve already said I prefer for Kramaric to be our starter but be honest and tell him how you envision him scoring if we can’t get him the ball inside the box?
It doesn’t matter who plays striker of the service isn’t there!
Both Vrsaljko and Perisic are mentally fragile!
Worried about Lovren and Ćorluka prior to the tournament… Yet it’s Vrsaljko and Subašić that are very, very shaky for us
You are absolutely correct, corluka is and has been our most underappreciated player. Those who say he’s slow don’t know shit
Vrsaljko taken on a ride
All this talk about Corluka being slow and scary…fuck that, he wouldn’t let someone walk right through and shoot like that!
Perisic wants the ball served to him on a platter…I’m so annoyed with him!
Fucking Subasic with his stupid out of bounds kicks, scary
Rebic needs the ball played in front of him so he can run onto it…that’s when he’s at his best!
Bein commentators talking about a yugo starting 11
Rebic has been really bad, can’t dribble, has had one ok moment where he tackled Marcelo 50/50 but it was called a foul when it should not be
Passing when he should run running when he should pass
Brazil really pressing the start of the second half.
thanks for the link works well!
We are pressing Brazil high so even though they have some possession, it’s not too near our goal…I prefer this style but we have to ensure we stay compact in the middle of the field.
Rebic looks like he’s into this game, Perisic is a spectator so far!
Perisic, hello? touches the ball 2 times in the first 2 mins and its both turnovers, then disappears for the rest of the half.
Beginning to think Badelj is under appreciated
Lovren almost with a goal. Not a bad half…we need to stay compact and Perisic needs to get going.
I know we always talk bout this
But do these friendly yellows carry into tournament???
Not a bad half … a bit on the rough side
reddit.com/r/soccerstreams
I think I found a decent link online.
https://www.totalsportek.com/highlights/brazil-live-stream/
Then choose External link 3
Just reading a play by play
We sound like we are playing tough and creating some chances
Any links??
Is Brazil playing with their top 11?
We don’t expect too much from the like:
1) Perisic
2) Subasic
3) Pivaric
4) even Pjaca
in the world cup!
Perisic looks like a spoiled kid…FUCK he needs to wake up!
Not likening vida at left back giving William way to much room I know strinic is the best but I don’t think vida suits playing there
Subašić is shaky
That last flurry where Croatia was sending balls into the box… Would be where Mandžo would be awesome to have.
Maybe not retire Mandzukic but I agree Kramaric should start
Kramarić pressuring defenders better than Mandžo.
All he needs is to do is score a header, and we can officially retire Mandžo lol
ps there was never a way Lovren wasn’t going to start in Liverpool. Ante K- fake news?
I meant to say when you have two good wing options, Mandzukic is still a great choice for striker even though I believe Krama is the better option. It’s very likely Mandzukic would be selected for aerial balls.
Kramaric is not as slow as people are saying.
Badelj and Lovren are my biggest concerns in this game. Corluka too.
Strinic not starting. Sweet, but we still going 4-1-1-1-2-1
Maminjo…I’m not sure you fully read my comments. My first choice for striker is Kramaric but in a situation where you want to have two very good wing options, you don’t use him there when you have Perisic and Rebic as options. He’d be my #1 striker.
Anyone have any links to today’s match?
@Maminjo- it isn’t that we think Mandzukic is better than Krama, we just don’t think he is as bad as many make him out to be.
Game time soon!
Links? Did someone say it’s on bein sports?
Lovren and kramaric are starting today!
Our boys have arrived https://ibb.co/jRTsLy
Boys looks like you guys can relax. Kramaric is starting today.
Maminjo, I agree.
@ LAknat
I too have been praying for your “god” Halilovic.
Dalić is going with the core veterans.
@ Svima
Dalić has to utilize the entire squad for us to get out of pool play.
Kramaric will play his part.
Mandžukić is weapon in front of goal. He has big goals in him.
Out of a possible 270 minutes of pool play … Give him 120 to make something happen.
That leaves 150 for Kramaric.
I am not interested in either one of them playing anything but striker.
Both are too slow for what we need on the wings.
Halilovic is a solution of lacking right forward, I don’t know what is in Dalic’s mind. Maybe because He is too afraid of getting rid Mandzukic. So He will think that Mandzukic could be in that post as well.
Dalic didn’t think about the present of a God and despise it because He is an Atheis. Surely He neglected Halilovic that can be a solution for a Right Forward and bring someone like Bredaric instead!
RE: the multiple Mandzukic support group posts above…
Mandzo does have a unique skillset, but that doesn’t make him a better option than Krama.
Mandzo’s greatest skills is his aerial ability, his ability to position himself in the right place for easy tap ins, and his ability to play defense as a striker and pressure the opposing defenders.
Problem is, in most games we…
– Dominate possession, rendering his defensive abilities useless
– Rarely send crosses into the opposing box
– Put up any shots on goal by our central midfielders, leaving Mandzo with zero tap-in opportunities
So, what is the point in ever playing Mandzo? Even in a game against Argentina, I can see Kramaric linking up nicely with our midfield on a counter. I can also see Mandzo botching a lot of counterattacks with his poor touch… and I don’t necessarily see a reliance on Rebic sending in crosses to Mandzukic as the better option than simply having Krama and his amazing technical ability. Argentina has a weakish backline and goaltending. Krama would probably nutmeg a defender and unload onto their goal the first chance he gets (while Modric and Rakitic watch in awe). I see that happening moreso than Rebic putting in a solid cross to Mandzo’s head.
Also, I’m kind of sick and tired of hearing about how it isn’t Kramaric’s time now.
The dude is 27 years old! He’s got another three good years in him before he begins his decline. Why continue to invest in a 32 year-old who actually HAS declined over the past year or so, instead of playing the player in his prime who has rapidly been getting better in the past year or so?
@anonymous- “he scores the goal he’s supposed to.”
Nobody is supposed to score against 3 time champions league Real Madrid, and Mandzukic has done it 3 times in his last 2 starts vs Real Madrid
Kramaric is coming into his own. His flaw is he is slow as shit! Dude has no pace. Dude is a talented player.
kalinic number 1!!!
Don’t feel like arrguing anymore, but he scores the goals he’s supposed to , and in my opinion the percentage on that is not good at all, what can I tell you, I’m debating between him and Kramaric, and as far as I can see now, for me it’s a no brainer on who the better scorer is, that’s my opinion, your entitled to yours.
I’m praying Perisic can play on the right side tomorrow, if he can boom! Rebic and Peisic are athletes…they can run havoc. I feel something good coming…i hope lol. One thing about Perisic is he seems comfortable shooting with both feet.
….your comment where you say he scores 1 goal in 30 is fucking retarded…you’re talking about Kalinic!
You need to chill when we discuss. I read most of your comments and I’d say your opinions are valid. In the case of Mandzukic and service…I’m prett damn sure that 80% of the reason the entire team wasn’t scoring or creating chances is because we all lacked confidence in the team/coach and in each other. When we play how we can play, we have the players to do that job…with all that said….this last part of the qualifying was absolute shit service and shit scoring. We could have had far more goals than we scored.
Mandzukic isn’t Messi, he needs balls in the box and he’s usually good at finishing!
Look, I’m sorry, but my God, every single person I know feels the same way about Mandzukic, Jesus Christ, enough with the he needs service bullshit, when was the last time he scored for us?? Yeah he puts pressure on the defense, but you need someone who can dribble, shoot, goddamnit, please don’t tell me I don’t know what I’m watching, it has been absolutely painful to watch him play for the last 2 years for us. Come on already, he looks like a maniacal rugby player out there, didn’t you see the goal Kramaric scored with his head against Greece?. You guys act like he’s the only guy who can score with his head. Out of like 30 headers he scores 1 big fucking deal
its gonna be a gigityyy gigityyy good time
I’m not sure if your comments anonymous. My first choice would be one with Kramaric as striker but that would include someone that’s effective down the right side. If Dalic wants to experiment with this lineup and formation, I don’t see an issue with that.
Damn, you’re a negative Nancy!
Lol, Vrsaljko has replaced Srna and Rebic replaces Brozovic, they’re the changes from that legendary Portugal performance, Lol!
Mandzukic Lol! So instead of getting no service from Brozovic, Rakitic and Perisic he’ll be looking to get service from Perisic, Modric and Rebic.
One way or another I’ll be laughing at the end of this match!
@soul champ. We gotta figure that out and soon. Good point!
Cilic into the last 32
Coric lost unfortunately
MANdzukic is a aerial assasin.
Love to see him start as this team needs his physical confidence.
You flank him with Rebić and Perišić and Modrić right behind him, Vrsaljko from the RB, Strinic from LB … you may have the Bayern Barron for Croatia.
Dalić is plus one in my book for having different plans for each opponent.
Kramaric is offers different qualities, but the athletic finishing is the domain of MANdzukic.
MANdzukic needs service … but who converts like him?
Did you see him v Real Madrid?
I will say that Kovačić is a game changer and needs minutes.
Badelj is solid at CDM … but Kovačić is a different level.
One thing our team lacks is a tough guys…Manzdo and Rebic are it. You need the grinder who the other team hates. Look at the clips with Mandzukic and Messi in champions league. Mario purely fucks with him. We need that kind of player.
I’m with you Lika but don’t waste your time trying to make that point. There’s a lot of people that have no clue what they’re even watching.
I’m absolutely stunned how stupid some of these posts about Mandzukic are. Mandzukic has so manny qualities that a lot of strikers don’t have…defensive…winning balls in the air…scoring with his head at will…just pure pressure on defenders with his size and work rate. Mario if he can get service is a weapon.
Dublin…Rebic had a better than average last 3rd of the season so yeah, people are excited and hopeful he’s gonna make a difference for us.
…most people that love the game and Hrvatska, feel pumped up for any game!
Are some of you really freaking out over a potential line up in a friendly.
First, Sportske Novosti routinely gets line ups wrong. Second, who cares how they play or who plays. This is to experiment.
I see a lot of love for Rebic? Is this based on one game against Bayern? Because he had a very up and down season. Hope you guys are not getting your hopes up based on a guy who has shown he is not consistent.
Mandzo is 6’3″. Somehow got a find a spot for him. Like him or not in the air he’s opposing. He can sky!
Anonymous, you’re seeing things bro! Almost every single manager in the game would want Mandzukic and yet you describe him as if he’s some pussy.
Good point mb13. Interesting post.
What I am interested in with the Argentina match is whether Dalic takes a page from Zidane’s strategy book and plays Kovacic in a man marking role against Messi.
He employed this strategy to varying degrees of success last season. With the one obvious issue being Kovacic letting Rakitic fun free because he wasn’t sure what was required of him in the moment. He was obviously given instructions to stay with Messi throughout he match. I believe the first match Kovacic was asked to man mark Messi, Messi was a non factor.
Thoughts?
We will bomblast Nigeria. You watch. They not good enough. Period.
I personally would rather see my grandmother playing before I see Mandzukic. In the first minute, he falls to the ground, acting like he was decapitated, then , a minute later he’s acting like someone elbowed him in the head, and he’s yelling at the ref. Fast forward ,5 minutes he’s starting to have words with an opposing player, has to be separated. 5 minutes later, perfect pass to him in the box, but he somehow falls down and doesn’t even get a shit off. So if this is what you guys want to see, I hope you enjoy it. Kramaric is 10 times the player he is, anyone can see that
Whomever starts, now is the time to step up boys! …not vs Senegal.
Regarding Corluka, if he can hold his own vs Brazil Lovren might just leave the team because he is not starting!
I personally love Mandzukic, he has a unique skill set…cardio for days. Kramaric his time is coming…but i think Kramaric is our super sub at the moment. He needs to literally kill it and take Mario’s spot.
@Crnkovic
Your username is racist. I am offended.
On another note, how did the Palm Winos play today against England? Did you watch the game?
sigh of relief as mandzukic is not winger and no one is out of position. im all for kramaric starting but dalic may be on to something with this lineup. mandzukic, rebic, and perisic are all really good at high pressing and have great defensive work rate. apparently, this is dalics strategy versus argentina.
but against nigeria and iceland we need kramaric playing center forward all game. im glad we have alot of depth.
Well mandzo picked up a knock and had to leave training today looks like maybe out for tom ?
@maminjo i never called anyone racist. even when they are. lol. i prefer to analyse and educate, not throw around insults 😉
hey. nigeria lack concentration. they were neither physical nor disorganised against england. in the first half they werent physical enough. they always start slowly though it usually takes the african teams 20 minutes to get going in a match. thats a cultural footballing trait not a racial one. know the difference. regardless croatia must try and score against nigeria early….
@Lika Joey
Yup. We already have a solution at RW, and it’s Pjaca.
He’s only played one game for us (Mexico) and apparently, that is good enough to determine that he’s not an option and that we should now demolish our two best players in Perisic and Kramaric, just so we don’t have to start Pjaca.
Of course this is hyperbole, and I am hoping to see Pjaca and Kramaric in the game tomorrow with the hope that Dalic realizes that Kramaric and Perisic MUST start (when the real games begin).
England 2 Nigeria 1 2nd half
Shhh, don’t say that Nigeria is disorganized or physical or Crnkovic is going to call you racist.
😉
Rakitic looks like hes picked up a minor injury in training and would be surprised if he saw the field tomorrow. At times he disappears for the national team, but I think hes our best set piece taker, whether it be corners, free kicks, or pks, which is huge for a team thats not known to score many goals through flowing play. Nigeria looks very unorganized and lack discipline. They are physical but our midfield, should dominate and create chances. Of course as Im writing this, they score a pretty nice goal.
Dalic said this line up is really supposed to mimic the one he will use against Argentina. And that the line up he will use against Senegal, will be the one he will use against Nigeria.
-Mandzukic is starting because I think he’s gonna have him utilize his high pressing game. Defense starts at the top. But Kramaric will get plenty of minutes too! And in some games he will be the starter, depending on the situation.
-Perisic is being tested on the right, as he is the more versatile of the two wingers (Perisic and Rebic). Plus it looks like Rebic is much better down the left.
-Corluka is starting just to give him minutes, just to see how he does. Come tourney time, it will come down to Vida or Corluka partnering Lovren.
-Look to see Brozovic come in during the match.
I’m excited, hopefully Dalic pulls the right strings. So far not having Mandzu as a winger is a positive sign. And so is including Rebic in the starting 11, who is in breathtaking form.
Nigeria down 2 already its not even half time.
Slavanoc, Pjaca needs some minutes tomorrow he is are only right wing player.
In my opinion, if he starts with this lineup it’s because he’s trying to find a solution for our obvious hole we have down the right wing. He’s already said and we already know that Mandzukic is not a wing player on this team, we have options down the left but not so much down the right so he’s trying to see if Perisic can play there and play it effectively. The reason I think Mandzukic is starting over Kramaric is because he wants to see aerial service….and in that category, Mandzukic is better in the air and harder to mark.
The sad part is that Kramaric is being benched because we just don’t have a solid right sided solution.
Dalic is looking and experimenting with options. Maybe Kramaric will start for the tournament but he needs these games to see how this situation will unfold.
He’ll switch off Mandza off for Krama in the second half. Let Krama fight for his spot. He needs the motivation
This is not a good starting lineup.
Instead of playing our most potent offensive weapon (Kramarić) in his ideal position… We choose not to start him at all.
Then we move our second-most offensive weapon (Perišić) out of position, at Right Wing, making him less effective.
What’s worse, is that our players will probably play well DESPITE this bad lineup call, motivating Dalić to move forward with this lineup at the World Cup.
Sigh. I just hope he’s trolling us.
This is not a good starting lineup.
Instead of playing our most potent offensive weapon (Kramarić) in his ideal position… We choose not to start him at all.
Then we move our second-most offensive weapon (Perišić) out of position, at Right Wing, making him less effective.
What’s worse, is that our players will probably play well DESPITE this bad lineup call, motivating Dalić to move forward with this lineup at the World Cup.
Lovren was given some extra time off and didn’t train enough to start this game. Corluka needs the minutes to get fit. Lovren is our starter vs Nigeria.
Corluka doesn’t have the pace we need against fast break attacking teams.
@toronto Croatia I think this is Dalic’s starting line up test. I think this is it. Lovren and Kramaric will be subs. Brozovic can’t start over Rebic. I just don’t know if perisic will be as effective on the right side.
I think I see what Dalic is doing …
Ask yourselves this question…would you guys rather see Kramaric, Kovacic, Brozovic, Lovren potentially get injured vs Brazil?
If any guys get injured in this game (please not Modric) …we could potentially have just as strong player replace them for world cup time.
Now If Modric WERE to get injured it would be Kovacic as a replacement for world cup time. So Dalic is smart not to just throw everyone onto the pitch vs Brazil.
Perisic can play both sides he’s good with both feet for crossing and shooting, over the years I’ve seen him play good on both sides. I think come time for sp lovern will be starting. I think corluka needs minutes and dalic needs to see where’s he’s at.
As for mandzo and krama, i think krama is a better striker and I agree he might be best striker since Suker, but mandzo is also a big leader on this team and offers a all around good game, plus a lot of heart, between rebic and Perisic there’s a lot of goal potential there also. No matter what mandzo is on a VERY short leash krama will get a lot of minutes and could take over starting striker sooner than later. Most important thing is that dalic is playing players in proper positions ie no striker playing midfield.
Corluka over Lovren is a mistake…can perisic play on the right?
He is starting Mandzukic in a win-win situation for him:
If Mandzukic sucks out, then he has an excuse to start Kramaric over Mandzukic.
If Mandzukic is successful vs Brazil, then he knows nobody can complain about him starting Mandzukic over Kramaric.
I expect to see Kramaric get plenty of minutes this game.
Badelj over both Kovacic and Brozovic? Guess he liked what he saw out of an attacking Rakitic vs Mexico. Can’t say I blame him. Badelj- the spotlight is on you!
Strinic starting vs Brazil? Oh boy, guess Dalic too scared to try a better formation. I hope he goes 3-5-2 for 2nd half.
Let’s hope he’s starting Mandukic for Argentina strictly because of his defensive contribution. Otherwise it would be a shame to play him over Krama!
What a shame Mandukic is starting over Kramaric!
So many people have been saying for a long time that Kramaric is better. I think Krama is our berst striker since Suker.
Well, this would be a shame but not unexpected
I struggle to see a world in which mandzukic deserves to lead the attack over kramaric
But this is nothing new. Pretty much everyone on this site probably agrees with what i had said a long time ago now
Although sadly, ive also long predicted that mandzukic would start no matter what