Goals from Modrić and Kramarić got Croatia past 10-man Malta Tuesday night in Zagreb to open up Euro 2016 qualifying. But shouldn't we expect more from a team that fields players from the best teams in Europe? Let's look at the numbers. Croatia controlled ball possession for 70% of the match, had 23 shots on goal, but could only score twice against a … [Read more...] about Croatia defeat Malta 2-0 to open Euro qualifying
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Čilić books spot in U.S. Open semis vs. Federer
By 13 CommentsMarin Čilić won in straight sets (6-2, 6-4, 7-7) against #6 seed Tomas Berdych at the US Open on Thursday to secure a place in the semifinals of a Grand Slam for the second time in his career. Čilić will play Roger Federer, arguably the best tennis player that has ever lived, in the semifinals on Saturday. This is the farthest Čilić has ever ventured in a Grand Slam … [Read more...] about Čilić books spot in U.S. Open semis vs. Federer
Onto the Knockout Stage as Croatia Send Puerto Rico Packing
By 14 CommentsNeeding a win to clinch a berth in the knockout round, Croatia got the job done and did it easily, leading from wire to wire as they beat Puerto Rico 103-82. After consecutive lackluster performances, Croatia were firing on all cylinders, just in time for the must-win games. Croatia got off to a perfect start, leading 20-7 after just over six minutes. They would have … [Read more...] about Onto the Knockout Stage as Croatia Send Puerto Rico Packing
Mandza double gets Croatia past Cyprus 2-0 in friendly
By 127 CommentsThe Croatian national football team begin their Euro 2016 run on Thursday in Pula with a friendly against Cyprus. It's a warmup match for the opening qualifier against Malta on Tuesday. The Cyprus friendly, which kicks off at 2:15PM (ET), is expected to pit some of Croatia's new young blood with stone cold starting XI locks such as Mario Mandžukić and Luka Modrić. … [Read more...] about Mandza double gets Croatia past Cyprus 2-0 in friendly
Croatia Upset by Senegal, Move to 2-1 at FIBA World Cup
By 41 CommentsComing off a big win against Argentina, it was Croatia's turn to be upset and lose a close game. Senegal used their size and athleticism to good effect, beating Croatia 77-75, as Croatia's knockout round hopes took a hit. 19 year old potential lottery pick Mario Hezonja got an unexpected start for Croatia as Bojan Bogdanovic began the game on the bench, and the … [Read more...] about Croatia Upset by Senegal, Move to 2-1 at FIBA World Cup
Croatia Takes Down World #3 Argentina 90-85
By 27 CommentsAfter struggling to win against one of the worst teams in the tournament on Saturday, Croatia turned it all around a day later, beating one of the pre-tournament favorites Argentina 90-85. Croatia shot 56% from the field, allowing them to overcome Luis Scola's 28 point performance for Argentina. Croatia got off to a hot start for the second game in a row, surging out to … [Read more...] about Croatia Takes Down World #3 Argentina 90-85
Croatia Overtime Winners Against Philippines in Game One of FIBA World Cup
By 33 CommentsCroatia pulled away from the start in their opening game at the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain, and it looked like it would be a routine win to start off the tournament. The game would turn out to be a thriller. Croatia led 23-9 after one quarter, but the Philippines fought back for the rest of the game and looked the better team in the final three quarters. Led by naturalized … [Read more...] about Croatia Overtime Winners Against Philippines in Game One of FIBA World Cup
The Goalkeeper Conundrum – With Pletikosa Out, Who’s In?
By 19 CommentsDanijel Subašić is the likely replacement for retiring goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa, but the question remains as to who will be taking his spot as the number two. Subašić, who has been playing for France’s Ligue 1 since 2012, spent five years at NK Zadar and four years at Hajduk Split. His time at Monaco has been a relatively successful time, but his start to the new … [Read more...] about The Goalkeeper Conundrum – With Pletikosa Out, Who’s In?
Gotovina: “Kovač will be great. He’s still young.”
By 52 CommentsTeam CroatianSports.com met up with General Ante Gotovina and documentary producer of "Searching for a Storm" Jack Barić this past Monday in Zadar, Croatia for a casual sit down over drinks. On November 16th, 2012, after being imprisoned seven years at the Hague, General Gotovina was found not guilty on all charges by the appeals panel at the International Criminal … [Read more...] about Gotovina: “Kovač will be great. He’s still young.”