After 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
Milan Badelj
Can an endless problem at defensive midfielder be solved at Euro 2016?
By 106 CommentsFollowing a shaky qualifying campaign, several questions surrounded Croatia’s squad. Left back, holding midfielder, and an attacking winger opposite Ivan Perisic have been problematic positions over the past two years. Relying on declining players such as Ivica Olic and Danijel Pranjic proved to be detrimental. A lack of development at those positions is another reason behind … [Read more...] about Can an endless problem at defensive midfielder be solved at Euro 2016?
Badelj impresses in win over Schalke
By 21 CommentsPhoto: SportsMole.co.uk Former Dinamo Zagreb captain Milan Badelj impressed for new club Hamburg SV Tuesday night in front of 47,127 at Imtech Arena in Hamburg. The 23 year-old defensive midfielder started and played the full 90 minutes for Hamburg, assisting on Maximilian Beister's 52nd minute rocket past Schalke keeper Lars Unnerstall. Badelj played a perfect through-ball … [Read more...] about Badelj impresses in win over Schalke
Milan Badelj: The next big thing for Croatia?
By 36 CommentsPhoto: Eurosport Milan Badelj is quickly becoming Croatia's first choice for defensive midfielder. Not since the days of Niko Kovač has Croatia had a rock in the middle of the pitch who can be physical while distributing the ball across the field. The 23 year-old former Dinamo Zagreb captain was sold to Bundesliga side Hamburger SV in the summer of 2012 after leading the … [Read more...] about Milan Badelj: The next big thing for Croatia?
Badelj sends Dinamo to victory
By 64 CommentsPhoto: Goran Mehkek/Cropix In possibly his last match for Dinamo Zagreb, 23 year-old captain Milan Badelj redeemed himself after a first half own goal with a 74' strike to give the Croatian champions a 2-1 win over NK Maribor in the first leg of their Champions League playoff round tie. Dinamo went up early in the 10th minute of play after defender Domagoj Vida found an … [Read more...] about Badelj sends Dinamo to victory