Barring a complete Belgian (or) Croatian collapse, the Vatreni will be a seeded team in November's UEFA playoff draw for the 2014 World Cup. In FIFA's latest rankings, Croatia dropped two spots to #10, which still keeps them in front of some pretty tough competition. Teams will still shift around with the last round of qualifiers in the next week, but as it stands, this would … [Read more...] about What’s at stake? (pt. 2)
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Croatia lose minimal ground in FIFA rankings
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After a disastrous June that saw #4 ranked Croatia lose 1-0 to Scotland in a World Cup qualifier and then lose 1-0 again a few days later to Portugal in a friendly, the Vatreni have only fallen down to #8 in the July edition of the FIFA world rankings. Confederations Cup winners Brazil move into the 9 spot while Croatia's group A counterparts in UEFA qualifying, Belgium, round … [Read more...] about Croatia lose minimal ground in FIFA rankings
Croatia move to #4 in world rankings
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In their most significant jump in the FIFA world rankings since taking third place at the 1998 World Cup, Croatia have moved five spots in April's edition, up to #4 in the world. Wins over Serbia and Wales in March propelled the Vatreni past Portugal, Columbia, England, Italy and the Netherlands. We can argue all day about the inaccuracies of the FIFA world ranking system, … [Read more...] about Croatia move to #4 in world rankings
FINAL: CROATIA 2 – 0 Serbia
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Hrvati from around the world assembled in halls, homes, hotels, and stadiums to watch a match that will be forever emblazoned in the history of Croatia and Serbia. We've met in the waterpolo pools and handball courts, but tonight was the night to show who was the best at the most important sport in Europe. Stimac surprised many with a very attack minded lineup, going with … [Read more...] about FINAL: CROATIA 2 – 0 Serbia
What’s at stake?
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What exactly is at stake for Croatia Friday night in Zagreb? National Pride? A step closer to the 2014 World Cup? A possible top seed in Brazil? The correct answer: All of the above. There is no mistaking the history between Croatia and Serbia. And without getting into the political aspects of the relationship, when it comes to sports, both nations bring the … [Read more...] about What’s at stake?
Tuesday Night Funnies XIII
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Gizmodo reported earlier in the week that a 67 year-old Belgian woman drove 900 miles, instead of 90, due to a GPS error in her car. Her ultimate goal was to pick up a friend at the train station in Brussels only 93 miles away from her home. Instead, she ended up in Zagreb. "I was distracted, so I kept driving. I saw all kinds of traffic signs, first in French, then … [Read more...] about Tuesday Night Funnies XIII
Ćorluka out, may need surgery
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Photo:Net.hr Vedran Corluka's achilles injury, which he sustained in the waning minutes of Croatia's World Cup 2014 qualifier versus Macedonia, may be worse than we initially thought. He refused to play against Belgium this past Tuesday and reports out of Croatia are saying that Ćarli will head to Finland this week to see an achilles specialist. It is unknown how long he … [Read more...] about Ćorluka out, may need surgery
Croatia without an identity in Belgium
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Photo: Sportske Novosti Written by Ante Ražov Croatia took an early advantage in Brussels. Ivan Perišić finished off a cross from Mandžukić that was partially deflected and unable to be cleared by Belgium. Perišić calmly tucked the failed clearance away to give the Vatreni a 1-0 lead only six minutes into the game. With Hrvatska leading away in a World Cup … [Read more...] about Croatia without an identity in Belgium
Stalemate in Brussels
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Photo: Ante Cizmic/Cropix In a game that could have been won by either team, Croatia leave Brussels with a valuable point after a 1-1 draw with Belgium Tuesday night. Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ivan Perišić scored his first goal for Croatia in the sixth minute of play as a Mario Mandžukić cross from the right missed everyone in the box and Perišić one-timed low to … [Read more...] about Stalemate in Brussels
