This week, Croatian fans were delighted to hear that the Euro 2016 qualifying match between Croatia and Italy had been moved to Split. Some fans proclaimed that Mamic and the federation finally realized that Maksimir was a piece of junk, while others said that it was just a move to quell supporters in Split who were tired of how the federation was being run. What we should have … [Read more...] about Croatia vs Italy set in an empty stadium
euro 2016
Outraged Observations: A positive direction for youth
By 61 CommentsWritten by Allen "Outraged" Strk It’s no secret that it was a tale of two performances that took place during the latest fixtures for Croatia. The lethargic play against Bulgaria was quickly washed away by the thrilling play against Azerbaijan. It’s odd to see a team drastically change in performance in a matter of a few days against a fairly equal opponent. … [Read more...] about Outraged Observations: A positive direction for youth
Outraged Observations: The Return of Ivan Perišić
By 56 CommentsWritten by Allen "Outraged" Strk After a lackluster 2-0 victory over Malta in September, Croatia are back in action for two European qualifiers in a 4-day span starting Friday. A trip to Bulgaria and a home game against Azerbaijan awaits Croatia, as they look to continue to gel under manager Niko Kovač. The lingering questions at the holding midfielder and left … [Read more...] about Outraged Observations: The Return of Ivan Perišić
Outraged Observations: More of the Same Complaints
By 83 CommentsWritten by Allen "Outraged" Strk How do I remain outraged? It’s usually when I have to endure ninety minutes of Croatia playing against an inferior opponent. The lack of fire and innovation of ball movement is usually evident. They tend to struggle against teams that crowd the box with midfielders and look to not concede a goal. We’ve seen that against … [Read more...] about Outraged Observations: More of the Same Complaints
Croatia defeat Malta 2-0 to open Euro qualifying
By 224 CommentsGoals 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
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
Euro 2016 Draw
By 58 CommentsSUNDAY, 6AM (ET) Although all eyes are on this summer's World Cup, there is still business to tend to this week as Euro 2016 qualifying begins in September. The tournament will be held in France in the summer of 2016 as it expands to 24 teams for the first time in history. This means that the top two teams in every group will qualify automatically with third place going … [Read more...] about Euro 2016 Draw