Another qualifying campaign for Croatia has hit a major setback. The ability to win big games, particularly away from home has become an unattainable task. During the 2014 World Cup qualification stage, Croatia produced a meager two wins, two draws, and one loss. The 2012 Euro Cup qualification stage wasn’t much better, as they recorded three wins and two losses that featured a … [Read more...] about Niko Kovac’s tactical and management debacle has led to unnecessary uncertainty
Niko Kovač
Mario Mandzukic and Niko Kovac face immense pressure going into Sunday.
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The idea of coasting through an easy win during yesterday’s game seemed highly unlikely. With the inclusion of Croatian legend Robert Prosinecki as manager, Azerbaijan has looked more cohesive. The positive results from beating Malta at home and drawing Norway in Oslo were encouraging. They haven’t conceded a goal in 180 minutes under Prosinecki’s tenure. Should these … [Read more...] about Mario Mandzukic and Niko Kovac face immense pressure going into Sunday.
Croatian B squad can’t hang with Argentina in 2nd half, lose 2-1
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HRVATSKA Starting XI: Kalinić - Vrsaljko, Lešković, Jedvaj, Leovac - Badelj, Antolić, Milić, Sharbini, Kovačić - Čop 1st Half: Croatia's "B" team held there own in the first half against Argentina, heading into the locker room at halftime up 1-0. A team full of up and coming stars including Mateo Kovacic, Sime Vrsaljko, Duje Cop and Tin Jedvaj held Lionel … [Read more...] about Croatian B squad can’t hang with Argentina in 2nd half, lose 2-1
Croatia destroy Azerbaijan 6-0 to stay perfect
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HRVATSKA Starting XI: Subašić, Srna, Ćorluka, Vida, Pranjić, Brozović, Modrić, Rakitić, Kovačić, Kramarić Mandžukić Well, where has that been? And I'm not talking about the scoreline or the goals. But I'm talking about the speed and urgency from this Croatian side. Just three days ago, Croatia played one of their poorest matches to date in Bulgaria; needing an … [Read more...] about Croatia destroy Azerbaijan 6-0 to stay perfect
Outraged Observations: More of the Same Complaints
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Written 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
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*
Pictures worth 1,000 words
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The Croatian national football team is one week away from knowing if they will be among 31 other teams at next year's World Cup in Brazil. In their way: a two-legged playoff with Iceland on November 15th in Reykjavík and November 19th in Zagreb. CroatianSports.com will dedicate the next week to covering everything you need to know about the players, tactics and what the … [Read more...] about Pictures worth 1,000 words
Štimac sacked, Kovač new Croatian manager
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After the 2-0 loss to Scotland at Hampden Park Tuesday night, all signs pointed to a new Croatian manager come Wednesday morning with Igor Štimac saying he would put in his letter of resignation for the better of the team. But who would it be? Many pointed to former Croatia manager and the always animated Miroslav "Ćiro" Blažević to take over the reigns of the Croatian … [Read more...] about Štimac sacked, Kovač new Croatian manager
Milan Badelj: The next big thing for Croatia?
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Photo: 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?
