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
kovacic
#flop
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Starting Lineup: Pletikosa - Srna, Lovren, Ćorluka, Vrsaljko - Rakitić, Modrić, Perišić, Kovačić, Olić - Jelavić It's a shame Croatia can't get any calls against the world's elite in major tournaments. Two years ago against Spain at EURO 2012, Ćorluka was blatantly taken down in the box with no penalty call. Tonight in Sao Paulo, Fred wasn't even … [Read more...] about #flop
Croatians Around Europe *XXX*
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SPAIN Ivan Rakitic scored his 12th goal of the season on Sunday as Sevilla beat Espanyol 4-1 to keep their Champions League hopes very much alive. Rakitic was brought on in the 62nd minute after playing midweek, and was quiet until the goal in the 89th minute, where he gathered Nico Pareja's long pass and finished into the corner of the net. Sevilla are now just three … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *XXX*
Croatians Around Europe *XXI*
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ENGLAND Photo: Southampton FC Dejan Lovren got the start for Southampton on Saturday and played 88 minutes before being subbed out and stretchered off with a leg injury. But well before that, with the game 1-0 in Southampton's favor in the 31st minute, Lovren volleyed home a corner kick right inside the left post from the middle of the box. He had a Sunderland … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *XXI*
Rakitić out, Kovačić heading to Switzerland
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Although Croatia is surely playoff bound, even with a loss to Scotland on Tuesday, it will be interesting to see what lineup manager Igor Štimac comes up with as Ivan Rakitić has been ruled out due to injury and captain Darijo Srna returns from a yellow card suspension. 19 year-old Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovačić, Šime Vrsaljko and Igor Bubnjić will join the U-21 Croatian … [Read more...] about Rakitić out, Kovačić heading to Switzerland
Livaja goal keeps Mali Vatreni atop Group F
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Photo: FIFA After a 1-0 win over Uruguay to open up Group F action at the U-20 World Cup in Turkey, Croatia took on Uzbekistan Wednesday night with sole control of the group up for grabs. After a scoreless first 20 minutes, Uzbekistan's Rahmanov broke the deadlock, getting a piece off the ball to deflect off his shin following a curling free kick from the sideline. … [Read more...] about Livaja goal keeps Mali Vatreni atop Group F
