The first half of Croatia v. Turkey started with the Vatreni in complete possession of the ball with minimal chances on goal. It was a stale 20 minutes where Turkey got the best chance of the half with a header which needed to be saved off the line by Subasic. Croatian defender Vedran Corluka had to sit out for five minutes for a bloodied head due to a Turkish elbow. That’s when Croatia woke up and really got their momentum building.
Following a Croatian corner, a soft Turkish clearance in the air was beautifully volleyed home by Real Madrid man Luka Modric four minutes from the halftime whistle to give Croatia a 1-0 lead going into the break. This has to be considered Modric’s best goal in a Croatian jersey.
But who’s was better? Modric or Payet to start the tournament?
The second half showed much more dominance from Croatia with zero results. Srna hit the crossbar off a free kick while a Perišić header skimmed off the post as well. Brozović found himself open in front of goal with a sliding attempt but was a quarter step too late as the ball went off his toe. Srna had a wide open attempt on goal from 10 yards out but lost his composure shooting wide. Croatia could have easily put Turkey away 3-0 but the finishing was suspect. Perišić looked like a champ on the left wing with Modrić running the midfield like he usually does.
The butterflies should now be gone going into Friday’s game with the Czech Republic. Croatian defender Vedran Ćorluka will be given a ‘medal of honor’ after the match for the performance he put forward under those circumstances. Ćorluka was elbowed in the head in the first half which caused an open gash, streaming blood down his face. He was then kick in the face later in the second half but stopped the game a total of three times do to his continuing bleeding head.
One thing Croatia needs to do for the next game is revisit their ‘bandage doctor’ situation.
CROATIA STARTING XI: Subašić – Srna, Ćorluka, Vida, Strinić – Badelj, Modrić – Brozović, Rakitić, Perišić – Mandžukić
—————————————————————-
To my dearest North American Croatians,
Set your alarms. Get a good night’s rest. Because there’s no sleeping in this Sunday.
After being embarrassed by Mexico at the World cup two years ago, Croatia are back on the big stage at Euro 2016 when they face off with familiar foes Turkey in Paris Sunday afternoon. This is undoubtedly Croatia’s best team since the Golden Generation took the field in France in 1998.
Now the Vatreni are back in France looking to get out of group stage for the first time since 2008. And they were handed a favorable draw. Turkey and Czech Republic are average European sides with reigning European champions Spain on the decline. A win against Turkey would get Croatia’s momentum going; putting pressure on Spain, who play Czech Republic on Monday.
Turkey denied Croatia a berth to the Euro 2008 semifinal with a miracle last second goal. But Croatia returned the favor three years later in a Euro 2012 playoff, embarrassing Turkey in Istanbul 3-0.
How will this chapter end? Post your predictions below.
Here’s my 4K HD Analysis (not really):
Great win. Would have been better with one more (or two) goal(s). I’ve been hyping up Perisic to my soccer buddies and he definitely backed it up. Dude’s crossing is superb, actually almost too good considering couple opposite players were late in receiving balls that had the Turk D completely beaten. (The Brozovic miss was especially bad as he was simply too late or too slow in his run)
Modric. Boss. No commentary needed.
Srna. Right hand man. I think Cro might have went to the right flank a bit too often early on but I get the strategy… plus the wing was wide open on the right side so why not concentrate there? I know a LOT OF PEOPLE ON THIS SITE were saying Srna should retire before the Euro and I was guilty of thinking he was a spent force, but I can say he proved that sentiment wrong. Yea he had a terrible game against Norway last year but he was very very good in the Turkey match.
Corluka was f-in phenomenal. Bleeding from the head and going about his business looking like the Croat from ER back in the day. LOL.
I would like to see two strikers against the Czechs in a 4-4-2 but this won’t happen. Anyone else see a benefit in Kramar Mandzu starting together?
Rakitic’s mere presence demands attention. Notice how easy it was to get to the wings. That had much to do with attention to Rakitic in middle. Like Steph, if you double or triple him, opportunities open up elsewhere.
Regarding Srna, would be surprised if he misses the game, but as we all know Vrsaljko can easily replace him.
Nothing can replace Perisic’s pefectly placed low crosses. They bring such mayhem, and are a joy to watch.
http://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2016/06/09/57596d2de2704e22198b46a5.html
Speaking of Modric I like what he says here about Ramos. I’ve thought this for years.
http://m.thenational.ae/sport/euros/luka-modric-backbone-of-real-madrid-even-more-crucial-to-croatia-at-euro-2016
And another article Ramos calls Modric the backbone of Madrid. Class!
Heres to hoping that we’re the ones to break Spains record Euro unbeaten streak.
One thing for sure others have touched upon
Modric played lights out for sure
But what I noticed most was his fire and emotion
That’s what we need to see
People say rakitic should be captain but modric and corluka got to be top choices
Czech Spain game was too early on the west coast
Can only wake up for our games
I think in qualifying Czech and turkey split games?
turks will play hard against Spain after prob media lashings back home let’s hope they beat them up some
So do u guys think more or less same formation for Czech game? Vrsaljko may play if srna gone
Something tells me srna gets back
One of my good friends is a Scouser, born and bred in Liverpool and he has refused to show Hodgson any respect. He called him an absolute joke since day one. I don’t even know why either. Every time theyve played well I’ve tried praising Hodgson and he’s never been on board. For some reason he thinks Hodgson is absolutely clueless.
So yeah, some English fans hate the guy.
“On another note I find it amazing that UEFA had done nothing against England or Russia for the violence. If it was Croatian fans we would of been sent home or points deducted”
good point Ivo!
@Slavonac
The answer is no, the fans have not come down on him like we have some who have come down hard on Cacic and the savez.
I said it before, you have people with an agenda/narrative to come down on Cacic, this team and the savez.
On another note I find it amazing that UEFA had done nothing against England or Russia for the violence. If it was Croatian fans we would of been sent home or points deducted.
Lived the way we looked. I agree with most of the comments about the players. Any critique is splitting hairs.
Badelj did not have a good game at all. Luka who obviously had a great game, also had his usual incredible defensive performance too. This made it seem as though Badelj did well at cdm.
Also don’t agree with the praise for Brozo. I felt he wasted opportunities that alternative players would have capitalized on. I seriously think the game would have been 3-0 w Kramaric or Kalinic starting instead of Brozo.
Don’t get me wrong, Brozo is a good player, but as a wing/forward ( which is essentially what he played) he left some meat on that bone.
Watching Spain right now, they look good, it’s going to be a tough game. This games look like the game we had with Turkey. My only concern is that the Cze team does have some fast guys that are going to give our back line some trouble.
But at this point with 3 points we have to win against Cze to make sure we go through and then put maximum effort to beat Spain, especially after how we got fucked the last time we played them.
so I have a question to those that have been calling Cacic a 2nd league coach. we all know he doesn’t necessarily have a superb resume, he’s been laughed at on here for including his 2nd division coaching credentials and for being one of Mamic’s men.
on Saturday I watched some of the England vs Russia match, a game where everyone watching was saying England is by far the better team and should easily get through the match.
the key point most people noticed was that Roy Hodgson, a man with a much better resume than Cacic and a man that coaches one of the bigger European nations, decided to play Wayne Rooney in midfield…I wonder if the English fans are calling him the same types of names some of our fans call Cacic?
The mood every time they got a free kick or corner In The stadium
Thanks man, it took some restraint !
Yeah i was worried about the fans cos i _did_ hear a couple of flares go off and i thought, here we go again.. but i guess it was nothing or nothing of note, especially when u consider the russian and engerish thing.. compared to them we’re God’s little angels now 🙂
But seriously, what annoys me is we already have to play our next 2 games behind closed stadiums for pretty minor offences. Errr, shouldnt Engerand and Russia have to play their next 10 games with no fans if UEFA is going to be consistent? But of course that won’t happen…
iggy im proud of you… one long post without any use of the word cunt!!
we can all agree the boys looked good… sure there are things to improve on but did u see the favourites france looked pretty darn shaky
i haven’t watched all the games but we look as good as any team right now
positive thoughts… and lets keep the discussion friendly guys. you guys seriously need to lay off the religion… guess what i love jesus, guess what im a croat, guess what i don’t really consider myself a catholic. crnkovic is a muslim… and a seems to be a very nice guy and knowledgeable poster. respect all that deserve respect.
i heard the fans were really well behaved even partying with the turks… its very nice to hear…
we can be the loudest and best fans in the world and don’t have to be a bunch of douche bags at the same time
lets enjoy the hopeful nice run guys.
and thanks to the boys who continually put their time into this site… i have learnt so much about the game from posters here… even ziva
For a while early in the match i thought are we just gonna pass it down the side and try a cross for the entire match so yeah that might be an issue against some teams.. but then again we created a lot of chances even in the second half.. it really should have been 3-0 imo.. Im happy with the team selected to play.. Badelj is there for a specific reason so u need to consider that with his spot, it’s really more about freeing up luka and ivan
i was really happy with our intensity.. as soon as the match started we were all over them and more intense and looked good, remember that diving volley chance Raketa had in like the 2nd minute? Right from the get go we looked good.. pretty impressed but dont want to get ahead of myself cos i have done that at all these tourneys in the past and been disappointed
🙂
Yes, I like boxing, more of a UFC fan at the moment though!
Sorry lazio, don’t want make you feel bad or piss you off. You my brother, just smh sometimes and want to grab you. It’s a big world out there, lot of shit going on, Catholics unite don’t cut it…..
You like to box little brother?
@Crnkovic
My comment wasn’t adressed to you buddy, so you might want to shut your mouth next time idiot.
How can anyone say Cacic is garbage when we got a good looking win in our first game? I don’t care who did or didn’t play when we collectively looked like that.
Thats a coaches job!
@lazio you need to rethink your world view buddy. You ever taken LSD or magick mushrooms or peyote? You should, it will open your eyes. All other drugs are garbage and should avoided
@anonymous shut up, you haven’t got a clue
@mixed grill, I’m sure bilic knows that but what he is doing is creating positive strong impressions. He knows that modric has become more and more cpnservative as a player in recent years….he knows that there has been a lot of negativity around the national team and croatian football at home…..he knows that at the end of the day Croats have a bit of an inferiority complex when in the company of the big boys. Lots of people are watching him, including luka probably. “Hey, look at me. Remember me? Slaven bilic, croat patriot. Bossing the premier league as manager. Bossing these other pundits. Using my passion and my heart and my intelligence. Don’t take any shit, go and show the world, don’t be scared to embarrass yourself or whatever, just kick some ass”. You know what I mean?
😉
Cacic is garbage!!! Kovacic instead of Badelj, Kalinic instead of Kramaric, leaving Lovren and Halilovic off the team is a huge mistake!!
@mb13 and @dannyj you are right about the predictability of the play and also about badelj giving the ball away and strinic looking uncomfortable a couple of times. But this was just the first game, teams that go deep in tournaments usually don’t show their best stuff in the first game. From these crossing situations the team can learn to trust their instincts and look for other options. It’s a strong basis. It’s a strong bottom line to have, if all else fails we know how to work the ball wide and threaten with crosses, it keeps opposition contained. Regards badelj, I believe it was just a bit of nerves on his tournament debut, he will improve. Strinic also is still not at top form because of relative inaction during the season so should improve with each game. Rakitic also is adapting from his barcelona role where he is used as a donkey for MSN, back to a more creative role similar to his Sevilla experience where he played the best football of his career. He too should improve with each game….
I’m happy not to listen to Bilic’ commentary, he is not objective. Why does he have to be the Balkan defensive? Yes Luka’s kick was great, but the goalie did not do well, just watch it again.
Ah, I sure do miss Pletikosa, Olic, Pranjic and kiks Lovren. 😉
I agree with always crossing in from sides
Rakitic made that nice little run up the middle
Too bad there wasn’t a way to put kovacic in there as well as his runs would keep the other team guessing as well
@Dannyj
I think most of us on this site agree with Bilic.
Allen’s article looks even better now!
Re: first time Modric took charge for the national team – everyone forgetting vs Spain 4 years ago where he was the best player on the field.
Re: today’s match. Most everyone played well. Concerned about Strinic. Uncomfortable on the ball and was exposed by the kid that came on. Badelj I thought was loose a couple of times. Badelj and Strinic the weakest links.
Better finishing would have been welcome. All the chances created are nice though – rare treat for this team that sometimes struggles with chance creation. Perhaps another concern is the volume of play in the flanks – almost too predictable.
interesting take on bilic and lovren situation
@Serbian strong
“Christian brothers,” does that apply to Cardinal Stepinac as well?
I’m sure we can all agree that Cardinal Stepinac was a good man?
June 13th feast day of Saint Anthony of Padova, another question for you Serbian Strong, why isn’t Saint Anthony of Padova venerated in the Serbian Church?
I don’t know why Rocky Mountains didn’t tell you to keep religion out of these posts!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVrROwKm5sQ
this good clip bilic talking about how they talent comes up in croatia….
@ mile
fair enough…to me it seemed like croatia firmly controlled the ball and played in the attacking half much more often so was surprised by the stat
jm possession stats are misleading because Turkey’s possession numbers are padded because of taking so long on goal kicks and throw ins in the first half. The possessions they had were nothing useful. Croatia’s possession was always going forward. Turkey’s plan was to play for 0-0 and hope for one chance. They got that chance and blew it.
time to assessment from professor football LAknat
about croatia vs turkey recently match, . so here we come>
GK Subasic ……….. 6/10
we did not see heroic safe from this goalie in this match
coz turkey was lame for their attacking furthermore
i know he won’t be like this … http://goo.gl/J7YzMZ …
LB Strinic …………. 6.5/10
i like him more than Srna
RB Srna …………… 5.5/10
ok he was contribute in croatian attack but lame in passing also waste a chance to make double for us >
CB Vida ……………. 7.0/10
looks like sturdy, but i was worry about his height and jumping.. i noticed about a chance from turkey forward
won heading vs him, but luckily it was not a goal
CB Corluka ……….. 8.0/10
yeah he was great and the moment when stupid schildenfeld gave turkey player a chance, he denied
DMF Badelj ……….. 5.5/10
he just a passerby for this match, nothing special
MF modric …………. 8.0/10
who’s score, who’s yell on the pitch and negotiate
i think he has charisma in leadership, true captain
MF Rakitic ………….. 6.0/10
won a freekick with that softly move, i think it wasn’t
technique but merely a fluke, so please considering
about The God of Halilovic presence
AMF Perisic ………… 7.0/10
incredible for his cross and gave turkey chills
but kramaric seems good at dribble
AMF Brozovic ……… 6.5/10
i give him credit for his acceleration
FW Mandzukic …….. 5.5/10
He just like a stud and made turkey’s defense
worrying about him to much
@Nitro
I appreciate your efforts.
really solid win
as i mentioned the other day, my friend on the team told me there would be a tactical surprise, but i wasn’t able to reveal it at the time
it was the move to put brozovic in place of pjaca
although this did end up getting leaked out before the game
i’ll probably talk with my buddy possibly as soon as tomorrow so will fill you guys in on whatever i hear
@Brkic
I remember you saying that about Modric and after watching the game I can see how right you were!
Modric was amazing!
Before the game the panel on beIN sports were saying how Modric doesn’t score much, that’s probably why the Turkish player thought he had time to do his hair.
Modric’s shot was perfect because it bounced right in front of the goal line. Not unstoppable, but it would have been the save of the tournament if he kept it out.
I watched basically every Real Madrid game this year and this was a typical Luka Modric performance (aside from him scoring of course). What’s amazing is that he was probably the most consistent player at Real and only had 1 or 2 subpar performances all year. Ronaldo, Bale etc. would have a poor game every third outing or so. I said it before the tournament and I’ll say it again… I would not trade him for any other player in the tournament. We would not be better with Ronaldo, Bale, Payet or anyone else is his place.
Mandzukic was poor today. Too bad Kalinic wasn’t playing instead.
The English commentators are still ass hurt they got beat at Wembley by a better team. They belittle us every chance they can get. London has a Paki mayor. Maybe they should focus on their DOM. They sure can’t spremeni the colonial revenge.
Hoddle, Bilic and Petit, I like that panel.
I’m watching on beIN sports and we’ve got a crappy panel, Ruud Gullit and Andy Gray are good but the rest of them not so good especially Michel Salgado, shocking.
I love this.
http://oi68.tinypic.com/igvybo.jpg
@ dannyj
thanks for link
has slaven bilic suddenly turned 60?
also, not to take anything away from luka’s great shot, but if the goalie had followed it the whole way, he probably could’ve gotten it…it wasn’t one of those no chance for the goalie type of hits
srna dad dieing sad… for sure he will play now, but now is the question… does he get worse or get better? often in sports you see guys have someone close to them die and they play like animals… lets hope for that. may the man rest in peace
badelj ya i thought he looked a bit shaky at times, but there is that one moment where him and modric were under heavy pressure and really worked together calmly and got the ball out and then they made a good run the other way
that one brozovic took off his chest and blasted just a bit over the crossbar was quality for sure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YKa4fsyVV8
this one is pretty good.. slaven gives analysis… and the dumb shit english is like goalie should have had it blah blah blah… if that was england scoring he’s be giving them blow jobs
Amy? A women?
croatia played as the clear better team…i was shocked that turkey actually had slightly more possession (51%)….cause it felt to me like croatia was in the attacking third much more often
so far i can’t complain about tactics…badelj’s presence is allowing both modric and rakitic to push forward. the most dramatic difference in positioning is rakitic who is actually pushed up toward the forwards whereas in the last world cup he was back retrieving balls with the defense
brozovic in place of pjaca is interesting…i can’t complain as i think brozo is more ready…although interestingly, it was not brozovic that provides the width….instead it was srna really working the right flank
brozovic almost played like a second striker in many ways (and not the best one as he could’ve done better with small balls)
a lot people give abby wambach crap for commentating (i suppose cause she is a woman) but i actually thought she was really good. she was really well researched on the croatian team and was actually able to provide some decent tactical analysis
All in all, a solid 90 minute performance. We continued to press in the second half after taking the lead which is something new. The Subasic save on the goal line off the header was HUGE in the first half. Pleti would be picking that ball out the back of the net. Win or lose, theres no better feeling than Hrvati getting together basically every 2 years for a major tournament(we rarely miss out and people take for granted what an accomplishment just getting in is, especially for such a small nation…..but thats a conversation for another day.) could barely sleep last night in anticipation.
very impressed with brozovic
Did anyone notice badelj misplaced quite a few passes. Hope that was first game nerves. I was not impressed.
I still don’t believe this team is better than the 98 team, I wouldn’t even if they won the tournament, but, if these players believe they are that’s all that matters, that belief just might take them somewhere!
Like some of you guys have said, I believe it was Modric’s best ever game for Croatia!
Amazing game! Real team effort, I knew Cacic was the man all along!
@ Poglavnik
Good observation of Body Language, Rakitic is too busy being Buddy Buddy with the opposition. I’d rather have the Stone-Cold-Psychotic Facial Expression–Now That should do the trick!
The attitude all our players should have, going into EVERY match, is the “we just burned all our friggin’ boats and were taking Island” attitude.
We should go with the same line up against the Czech republic, so our players can gel and grow into their roles.
@Slavonac
Good observation. I agree first time I have seen Modric as a leader on the field. Impressed with him. This team. Everyone played a role.
It is refreshing to be on this post and not hear all the crap and conspiracy theories. I am convinced a good number on her e who posted in the past few weeks want this team to fail!
U boj.
Strinic had a gaffe or 2 but couldn’t question his effort, exposed idk you get exposed with pranjic type not Strinic
That was very good today.
A structure with variety from all the players.
My only concern was left back and Strinic, all the other players had good to great games.
We will get exploited if Strinic looks so nerves on the ball.
He’s 18 chill. And respect to he was the best on the pitch for them
http://www.101greatgoals.com/news/social/turkeys-emre-mor-waited-croatian-hero-luka-modric-finish-mixed-zone-selfie/
Turkish jock sniffing at its finest.
Maybe if they had another 80 million people they could produce a Modric.
RIP tata srna. Inna lilaahi
May he rest in peace.
All around excellent game except for our finishing. Playing with a holding mid freed up Modric and gave him room to finally play like he can for the repka. My heart goes out to Srna…he’s been a warrior for us over the years.
Corluka might need a blood transfusion after that game…..what a performance.
If we continue to play like that and finish we will make a serious run.
U Boj!!
@ Slavonac
Agreed about Modric today .. direct correlation to having a committed CDM with him.
Modric has been asked to carry a whole lot of scrub coaches/tactics/players over the years.
Happy to have two tournaments at his peak.
Prayers to Stari Srna.
Watching the Germany Ukraine game, it looks like they Re both playing so slowly, my god it’s very strange, so far all these games are not too impressive . I may be biased but we looked best so far.need some luck.
@Mr. Black
Not that Rakitic was invisible but just came across once again as a little soft in a hard nosed game. Basically fazed out. He’s always too busy being buddy buddy and playing nice with the other teams and it doesn’t help him put his stamp on a game like this.
Look at Luka today, barking at people and playing with a scowl on his face. These Turks brought out the old Bosnian League experience in him. Maybe playing 240 Champions League Final minutes against a tough Atleti team helped too.
I don’t know, for what Rakitic is capable of at club level it was another underwhelming performance in my eyes.
Ivo, you’re absolutely right…it was meant to be a jab! I thought his decisions all around were good. We could argue things but in the end, his decisions really answered some of our precious questions regarding certain players and their positioning and roles on the field!
I just wanted to mention this one more time. Modric, for the first time I can ever remember, immediately came out and looked like a leader. He was lively and his body language was very positive. The guy demonstrated why he plays on Real Madrid and all game long he looked creative and made some really good decisions! I hope he gains something from this game and continues to play this way.
My prayers go out to Srna and his family!
Half of you don’t even know how to speak croatian or at least write it correctly. This page is full of fake fans and diaspora freaks. I guarantee half of you have never been to a croatia game.
Good game.
Cacic did very well. Corluka amazing and our back four did very well. They all came together. Vida also a strong performance.
@slavonac , no need to refer to him as druga liga, I know you are just following Ziva’s lead. Players are responding well to cacic and that is all that matters.
U boj
Croatian media reporting Srna’s dad passed away after the game. From personal experience, my heart aches for Darijo. Correct me if I’m wrong but I believe his father is Muslim which means the burial might be immediate in which case Darijo would have to leave the team and come back. I pray for him and his family. Pocivaj u miru Bozjem
So where are all the boys now who criticized the “weak” opponents leading up to this tournament?
A few comments:
If that foul on Modric in the 3rd minute is not a yellow card, what is? Allowed the Turks to play nastier than they normally do.
With everyone focusing on Cacic, who would have thought that our medics would perform so poorly – poor Corluka.
Golaso from Modric, Perfect highlight to show the World. Was that one of our CSR boys who made it on to the pitch to celebrate it with the team?
What a difference in goal from two years ago. Bravo Subasic
Nice to see Srna causing trouble on the offensive end. It is something that he is still better than Vrsaljko is at doing – great free kick – and too bad he didn’t know how much time he had to settle that ball – he surely would have placed it perfectly.
Mandzukic seemed overwhelmed – as great as our midfield was, not having a second forward talented enough to start along side him showed in this game.
I mentioned a few days ago that the speed of Pjaca and Kovacic as subs would cause trouble, and indeed, on one run, Pjaca almost broke free. Watch for it in the match.
A little better crosses from the wing and better finishing, especially with the headers, and Croatia will be fine. Just need a little more from Rakitic.
Just when you think you’re on the top of the world, some very sad news. Our captain Darijo Srna’s father died.
http://sportske.jutarnji.hr/euro2016/strasna-tragedija-kapetana-vatrenih-nakon-velike-pobjede-darijo-srna-saznao-da-mu-je-umro-otac/4428420/
Good game today from all. I was very happy to see Luka assert himself as the leader of the team, he was noticeably taking charge. Corluka is a warrior and anyone that says he’s washed up needs to give their head a shake. Today Badelj looked like Modric usually does, almost didn’t notice him which really isn’t a bad thing for his position. Everyone did well…Strinic was a bit shaky on a couple of occasions but he did alright!
We have to give credit to druga liga Cacic on his selection and strategy, we created some good chances and really only gave away one or two to them!
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves and think we’ve solved our issues. We now have to focus on the Czechs and move forward!
Drago Ćosić’s call
https://youtu.be/tk1g3x4rglI
Funny!
German television claims that Tufan could have stopped Modric when he scored, but he was too busy…with his hair.
Look at the video:
http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/8356/EK-Voetbal/article/detail/2735133/2016/06/12/Verdedigen-Turk-had-duidelijk-andere-prioriteiten-toen-Modric-aanlegde-voor-wereldgoal.dhtml
Poglavnik,
I agree with you but not about Rakitic. The guy played very well. It’s not easy as a number 10 but Ivan had some brilliant moments.
And of course Corluka and Vida were warriors. Every time Corluka was bleeding all I could think of was stupid Ziva and all those STD jokes.
Doubt they could pay Ziva enough to be our trainer on this day!
Maybe Modrics best ever game for us. Thought Brozovic was hugely influential. The guy was everywhere. Rakitic was in visible to me again. Badelj looked ok at times but he’s no N.Kovac. we could definitely use an upgrade there and at left back.
At times in the 2nd half i was thinking this is the best I’d seen us play in a looong while.
ZIVA, JAVI SE!
Atmosphere perfect
@ Serbia strong thank you I’m glad we can agree on this front. It’s important to realize where we all need to be united. The world is changing and not for the better. I don’t want to go into the religious aspect of this because it’s not the site.
Cacic – 5 stars the way he managed the game. Perfect line up and substitutions. Well done stari!
Hvala Bogu !
Even a pedestrian CDM in Badelj gives us the REAL Modric.
Even a simple Cacic can make obvious tactical alignments to guide us to victory.
Sub fresh legs earlier. I did like Schifo for 5 at the back to close it out.
I would like to see Srna subbed off next match for Vrsajlko.
Srna has served his purpose with this opening match.
He needs to make way as our run progresses.
Rakitic was good today and showed his class.
Perišić is the winger we have been waiting for !
Brozovic was excellent with Luka emerging as the maestro…defensively sound, compact and disciplined….these tournaments are about taking points and growing as a team…U boj U boj!
My take:
-finish the chances and improve timing
-Cacic should sub earlier
-Corluka was my hero
-Perisic, Modric and Corluka were incredible
What did you guys think about Badelj today?
Also to the poster identified as Turkey who talked unlimited shit, I encourage you to gargle a gigantic bag of dicks.
Next up: Czechs on Friday. Can’t wait. Game 6 tonight for the Sharks. One nervous breakdown done, the next one this evening
I BJEZITE LJUDI…
Agree with most comments. Rakitic and Perisic looked better in second half. Modric played with heart, the most skilled player in pitch,
And, finally, finally, finally we really did dominate the midfield. I am really happy about that.
I am slightly worried that a pretty unique and I dare say lucky goal got us the win. We struggled to finish otherwise. I think we deserved the good luck, however.
The ref was really bad and excused some clear yellows.
I think Mandzukic needs to be paired with a someone or he is not effective.
Congratulations my Christian brothers on defeating Turkey!
though we have to admit… corluka played the injury up every chance he got, but did as a veteran needed to do to secure the win
i wonder if lovren was at a home getting all gitty when he saw corluka bleeding hard
i agree crnkovic… while turkey ain’t the most talented team they probably one of the harder teams to play in the tourney cause they play hard.
agreed with the finishing… little less nerve and a bit more luck that could have been a shooting gallery
lol poglavnik on burek coming in… i thought that too
So now can we please never complain again about who we play in the friendlies before a tournament! It means shit, if anything it’s better to play a weak team. To whoever said they weren’t impressed with Perisic, I really think you need to see an eye doctor.
We deserved to win that game. 3 posts, the most shots and the best chances created proves that we outplayed them. that was such a stressful game because you felt like Turkey were going to get a stupid lucky goal. Glad it didn’t though!!
Modric and Corluka were my players of the game. Mandzukic needs to play better moving on if we want to progress far in this tournament.
ya we should have had more but all in all we made a lot of chances…. srna played ok but shit the amount he had the ball was nuts… if only we had another quality of modric on that side touching the ball that much
we can’t complain… i don’t think the goal differential will be that bad for us but would have been nice to get it to hopefully try to win that group
but we got the 3 points, and it wasn’t lucky 3 points
for sure we learnt our medical staff have little more then first aid level 1 to their credit! that was a nasty gash
hope perisic injury not big… he started to look more and more dangerous as the game progressed
brozovic looked quite sharp… cacic played a good setup with brozovic on the wing. we were dangerous from both sides
but seriously how many times we got to play it out wide to srna for the cross… they looked better when we made more direct runs from what i can see. i ain’t no nogomet expert though
i hope we don’t get fined for zds chants… and thought i heard a big flash bang go off. anyone else??
Turkish guy with studs to Srna’s thigh, which in some cases is a straight red. Not even a yellow with today’s ref. Pathetic. But good to get 3 points, only Strinic on a yellow.
Good performance. Turkey are a good team. You will see. Rakitic came good in the second half didn’t he? Cacic managed the game well. No need for early substitutes. Everything perfect. When the nerves settle the finishing will improve
What a bunch of hacks, as usual. They repeatedly got away with elbows to the head, kicks to the face while a player is down and meanwhile, Strinic picks up a yellow card which was pale in comparison to anything Turkey did.
yeah i was kinda more worried about the turks than the czechs cos, well, we all saw how dirty they are..
anytime the game was flowing we were making all the play so they resort to hacking and being brutes, which they have to cos as far as talent goes it’s a no contest.. so yeah it is good to get that one out of the way
Glad we got that game out of the way, now we get to actually play European teams
Turkey completely overplayed! Great performance.
With this result we’re very close to the second round already. The Belgian press already named Croatia as outsiders to win this tournament after this game.
Also, where has that dirty Turk who was trash-talking gone off to ? Bet he won’t be posting here anytime soon now 🙂
Very good result, but 2 criticisms… Didn’t finish enough of our chances and Cacic needs to make his subs earlier. They barely got a chance to get into the game and there were some very tired legs at the end.
So now we can officially say we are winninig Euros and Cacic is the greatest coach of all time, yes? 😉
We played with 10 men for about 10 cumulative minutes because of out doctors patch up job.
LOL @ the person who said i hope the patch job on Corluka isnt indicative of health care back home.. i was kinda thinking that too, it wasnt a very good job was it if we’re honest, lol
Shame we didn’t pop in at least one more goal to up that differential. But I can’t complain.
Cacic je majstore!
Hopefully no injuries too! Corluka was a warrior
Three points, no yellow cards.
I can live with that.
Just speaked through that one
Great job, all, we did it ! Hoorah !
Fucking finally
Peresic hurt Kramaric coming on
We need to seal this and not play tired.
Make a sub already Cacic
Mandzukic doesn’t ever have to anything he’s the only striker Croatia is allowed to field and with countless playtime he receives he will eventually score.
Holy shit is Srna slow
Fresh legs soon I hope
If Kovac was still be coaching I’m betting he’d have us playing defense. I love the fact that we keep pushing for more goals.
Turks have been lucky, three yellow cards were not given that could have been.
Modric is of another class.
Mandzukic not doing much.
We are getting lazy.
Turkey just brought on burek!
i hope the patch job on corluka isn’t indicative of the medical system back home lol
twas a nice run by rakitic to set up that srna free kick
thats what we need from him
dirty and turk go together like peanut butter and jelly
fucking srna, what the heck man. nice free kick but u got to nail that sitter man!!!
The turks are really starting to get dirty
ya would be nice if rakitic can spin a little magic… we all still waiting for it
good start
i was watching modric video last week and you know he can let that laser go here and there and thought how nice would it be if he did one of those for us
that was top top class man… he tracked that perfectly, the timing….
lets hope we can keep it settled for the second half
zds chants i hear on the tv…. lets hope we don’t get fined, but fuck it uvijek ads
I reckon we’ve played really well!
What a cracker from Luka.. da lil magician
Disappointed in Rakitic and Perisic, but then never understood popularity of Rakitic. Vida seems to be doing well. Srna Ok game. But Mandzukic is alone too much. Modric looks committed.
Amazing volley goal from modric!
YES
HOLY SHIT WHAT A SHOT
Are we playing Turkeys wrestling team?
They gotta settle down. Garbage at the moment.
We’re finally starting to have some rhythm.
Line up seems very stale to me at least. Oh well, hopefully Kramaric and Vrsaljko get some minutes…
Time to smash some Turks, fellas 🙂
Cacic picked Srna over Vrsaljo and Brozovic over Pjaca.
Croatia’s lineup for today is official :
Subasic
Srna Corluka Vida Strinic
Badelj
Modric
Rakitic
Brozovic Perisic
Mandzukic
Lineups out, nothing crazy, srna over vrsaljko and brozo opposite perisic… Cacic basically picked the squad we thought
Getting ready going to the resorts sports bar. I hope we get the win. All put there be safe especially in France.
Hope for the full 3 points and no fan nonsense.
For all those in the diaspora watching today, be safe and sing/chant your fucking heart out!
$$$ coming in on Croatia as the match is now at even money.
Neznam?
Dobro jutro Svima …
Sto imamo za doručak ?
Turska sendvič !!!!!
Turkey will be tough … We will be tougher .
Srna will start us off well and play great today.
Real Modric will finally be freed up to shift there defense and make them run after the ball.
MANdzukic will batter there CB’s.
Rakitic will be a handful.
Perišić will provide the X factor in the final third.
3-1 Hrvatska.
T – 110 minutes.
Bog I Hrvati
@Denis Svirčić
The important thing is what do you predict?
I’ll be happy today if :
1/ We beat Turkey (and I think we will).
2/ Our fans get not involved in riots. We could do without the bad publicity.
ESPN predicting 2-1 to Turkey
http://www.espnfc.us/preview?gameId=438200
T – 6 Hours …
Turkey will bring a heightened focus to our boys.
Recent history with them makes meetings with them a bonofied soccer rivalry.
CDM and LB role players will provide much needed support for our world-class players.
Young studs coming off the bench will ensure the maximum 90+ needed to beat Turkey.
Subasic is solid.
Cacic will at least put the horses in their courses.
Our big players will need to provide the presence which is as it should be when you have our critical mass of CL winners.
Sacred match for Svi Hrvati.
Super match for all neutrals.
Suffering match for Turks.
U boj U boj U boj … Za Narod Svoj!
It’s not that easy group. Our Slavic brothers the Czechs aren’t pushovers. Turkey somehow always punch above their weight in big tournaments. Spain, reigning champions, nuff said.
Croatia wins 4-0
Thats my boy Josko…but I want to see a ticket confirmation. 5 g’s is a lot of cash. I’m throwing a fee bucks on Cro…I got them at +120. You?
More people throwing cash on Croatia as the night goes on.
Ante I put 5 grand on the boys I hate Turkey
That’s very optimistic
We thump these donkey cocksukers that’s how it ends!
After this game there will be no more “revenge stories”.
We put 2008 to bed and win this tournament.