World Cup qualifying returns on Friday, as Croatia continues their journey to Russia. It should be a fascinating match against a rejuvenated Ukraine side managed by legendary striker Andriy Shevchenko. Ukraine is currently two points behind Croatia in Group I. For the first time in two years, Croatia will actually play behind their supporters in a competitive game. The lengthy … [Read more...] about How Croatia Should Adjust Without 3 Key Starters Against Ukraine
Ivan Perisic
Croatians Around Europe *XX*
By 55 CommentsGermany Photo: Bild Andrej Kramarić won himself back a spot as starting striker with a fine two goal performance to lift Hoffenheim to a 2-0 win over Darmstadt on Saturday. Kramarić came on up top in the 50th minute and did it all for Hoffenheim, firing away 5 shots (4 on target), creating 2 chances, and completing 15/15 passes. Kramarić broke the deadlock in … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *XX*
Croatians Around Europe *XVII*
By 61 CommentsSPAIN Mateo Kovačić got the start for an injured Luka Modrić Sunday and played 78 minutes for Real Madrid in a 3-0 victory over Real Sociedad. In the 38th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo set Kovačić free on a breakaway and the Croatian midfielder slotted home for the game's opening goal. Kovačić returned the favor six minutes after the break as he found Ronaldo … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *XVII*
Croatians Around Europe *XIV*
By 22 CommentsSpain Real Madrid were expected to win the Club World Cup again this year; but they weren't expected to cut it so close. After a 2-0 semifinal win over CONCACAF champions Club America, where Luka Modrić was awarded Man of the Match honors, Real Madrid faced the Kashima Antlers in the final Sunday night in Yokohama, Japan. The Antlers were the cinderella … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *XIV*
Croatians Around Europe *XI*
By 84 CommentsSPAIN It was a Croatian bonanza at the Bernabeu in Madrid on Saturday as Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić got the start for Real Madrid while Duje Čop got the nod for Sporting Gijon. It looked like a runaway game for Real Madrid as Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice for his side within the first 18 minutes of the match, but a rare mistake from Modrić in the 35th minute … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *XI*
Croatians Around Europe *XI*
By 19 CommentsItaly PHOTO: inter Inter and Milan faced each other On Saturday night. After a boring first half the 'Derby della Madonnina' took off in the second half to end with a spectacular 2-2. Ivan Perišić was a starter under the new Manager Pioli. The former Wolsfburg star played a good first half though missed a couple of chances in the box. His first try was too … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *XI*
Remaining invested in the Croatia national team
By 90 CommentsSeparating the beautiful game from politics can be challenging. Between 2012-2013, I stopped watching the sport and closely following the national team. Former manager Igor Stimac changed the formation for every qualifying match. Inserting Sammir into the squad was an insult. The inclusion of Davor Suker as president only increased poor morale surrounding a once-exciting … [Read more...] about Remaining invested in the Croatia national team
Evaluating Croatia’s national team following Euro 2016
By 21 CommentsAfter two weeks of processing Croatia’s harsh exit from Euro 2016, it’s time to evaluate the entire squad’s performance and future. This was a very productive tournament for almost every player on the national team. With only one player expected to retire, they should carry the positive momentum going into 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Here is my brief evaluation for every … [Read more...] about Evaluating Croatia’s national team following Euro 2016
An improbable victory showcases quality of depth and young talent
By 182 CommentsWhen it comes to mentalities, Croatians tend to have an “us against the world” mindset. In the past two major tournaments, they’ve played against both tournament finalists and host nation. They’ve been on the receiving end of terrible decisions favoring the biggest nations. From Vedran Corluka’s jersey being torn apart in the box against Spain to Fred falling down as if Dejan … [Read more...] about An improbable victory showcases quality of depth and young talent