Photo: Mirror Written by Vedran Ćavara Something funny happened during Croatia's 2012 EURO campaign: our expectations were suddenly raised, and the team made us proud. Here are a few observations I've made. Feel free to disagree. -Slaven Bilić made this team into a bona fide unit that played within themselves. They worked hard for each other and defended as a … [Read more...] about EURO 2012: What We Learned
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What Could Have Been
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Photo: Facebook.com/priznajem.HRVATsam Croatia was one Ivan Rakitić header away from not only clinching a spot in the Euro 2012 quarterfinals, but dethroning the current Euro and World Cup champions, Spain, all in the blink of an eye. With Italy expected to win against the Irish, Croatia knew they needed a result and had to play a near flawless game against the Spaniards … [Read more...] about What Could Have Been
Croatia vs Spain from Alpine Village
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Photo: CroatianSports.com It wasn't the most glorious day for Croatian fans, but we should be proud of our boys the way they played against Spain, the world's best. Here's a look at what happened at Alpine Village in Torrance, CA. Please send your own pictures to info@CroatianSports.com so we can post your game experience on the site and share it with the rest of the … [Read more...] about Croatia vs Spain from Alpine Village
Croatia Bow Out in Proud Fashion
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Photo: Jutarnji There's little to say after the Croatia-Spain match Monday night. Slaven Bilić managed a tactically perfect game against the world's best. He brought in defensive minded Domagoj Vida, taking out striker Nikica Jelavić. Spain had few real opportunities on goal, and as well as could be expected, both teams entered their locker rooms tied 0-0. It was then … [Read more...] about Croatia Bow Out in Proud Fashion
What’s in a Game?
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On Monday, Croatia will take on reigning Euro title holders and current World Cup Champions, Spain, with a Euro 2012 quarterfinal berth on the line. Croatia control their own fate as a win or 2-2 (or higher) draw against Spain will see the Vatreni into the knockout stages no matter what Italy does against Ireland. Both matches kickoff simultaneously at 2:45PM (ET). Croatia also … [Read more...] about What’s in a Game?
FAN ZONE: Poznan, Poland
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Photo: Kacper Pempel/Reuters CroatianSports.com's own Rob Uvanović is currently in Poland following the Croatian national team throughout their Euro 2012 group stage matches. Here's a look before the Croatia/Italy match on Thursday. Rob will be in Gdansk, Poland for the Group C finale between Croatia and Spain. What questions would you like him to ask Croatians attending … [Read more...] about FAN ZONE: Poznan, Poland
Croatian Comeback Kids Force 1-1 Draw with Italy
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Croatia could have been the first team to book a spot in the Euro 2012 quarterfinals, but at the end of the day, they will have to be happy with a 1-1 draw against Italy. Italy dominated the first half and Croatia were lucky not to be down by multiple goals at halftime. Referee Howard Webb missed an obvious penalty call as Nikica Jelavić was pulled down in the box. Italy … [Read more...] about Croatian Comeback Kids Force 1-1 Draw with Italy
THE ITALIAN JOB
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Photo: AP Croatia did what they were supposed to against the Irish, and with a win over Italy on Thursday, will clinch a quarterfinal berth at Euro 2012. However, Italy is no Ireland and adjustments must be made to ensure victory. Or do they? Coach Slaven Bilić opted to slot captain Darijo Srna at right back for the Ireland game, opening up a spot in the midfield for … [Read more...] about THE ITALIAN JOB
CROATIA CRUISE BY IRELAND IN EURO OPENER
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Photo: Cropix Slaven Bilić promised a win for Croatia against a (weak) Irish side on Sunday. His promise came through in a 3-1 victory. There was something different about this Croatia squad on a rainy night in Poznan and it showed immediately after their national anthem, Lijepa Naša. Players didn't just unzip their warmup jackets and trot to their positions as they did … [Read more...] about CROATIA CRUISE BY IRELAND IN EURO OPENER
