Croatia kick off their knockout phase with a clash against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the Round of 32. Nikola Vlašić’s late winner against Ghana ironically sent Croatia into the tougher side of the bracket, with potential matchups against Spain and France should the Vatreni get past Portugal.
Defence
With Joško Gvardiol’s lingering injury, Ivan Perišić has proven to be the more viable option at left-back with a great performance against Ghana. Should Gvardiol be fit enough to play centre-back, he should. Otherwise, I prefer Vušković over Pongračić against such a quality opponent. Vušković is clearly the more talented player, and despite Pongra’s solid Ghana performance, I wouldn’t really trust him against such a strong side. Unfortunately, it seems as though Dalić has completely lost trust in the youngster, and we likely won’t be getting any more of him this tournament. Expect Šutalo to start next to Gvardiol or Pongračić.
Midfield
Kovačić and Modrić are incapable of keeping up with the legs in Portugal’s midfield. They did well against Ghana, but this is a different beast. We desperately need Sučić in his natural position, and give Kova 30-40 minutes off the bench for Modrić. Nikola Vlašić showed immense quality in the last game, both in attack and defence. He tracked back nicely and was very intense and involved throughout the match. The goal was just the cherry on top. Expect Dalić to start him again.
Attack
Since Perišić shifts back to left-back, Martin Baturina will take his spot on the wing. Baturina has been our star player this tournament, and expect him to show up against Portugal on the biggest stage. On the opposite wing, bring Marco back. He provides width and skill on the wing that we otherwise lack, even if his goalscoring hasn’t been quite there lately. Up top, it’s really a toss-up. I expect Budimir to start and Musa to get some minutes off the bench should Budimir struggle.
How do you expect the Vatreni to line up tomorrow night? Will Luka Modrić send his old pal into international retirement and march onwards, or will his story end here? Fingers crossed for the former…
Vecernji List reporting the starting line up with Matanovic replacement Budimir.
Livaković – Stanišić, Šutalo, Pongračić, Perišić – Modrić, Kovačić – P. Sučić, Vlašić, Baturina – Matanović
If we play a 3 man backline then would go with this.. 3-6-1(3-4-2-1) although we will need pacey wingers(which we don’t really have) do not think this would be the right tactic against a speedy and tactically elite Portugal side
——————————Musa——————————
———————————————————————
————Baturina——————P.Sucic————
Perisic——Kovacic——Modric——Marco.P.
———————————————————————
———Gvardiol—Vuskovic—Stanisic————
He will most likely start with previous game line as follows if Gvardiol is fit then he will replace Pograncic.. I think the team functioned the best with these guys out there.. Gvardiol is key if he can turn things around… Also Musa should provide more speed up front but won’t be surprised if Budimir gets the start…
—————————(Budimir)—————————
——————————Musa——————————
——Baturina———————————Vlasic——
————Kovacic—Modric—P.Sucic—————
Perisic———————————————Stanisic
——————Gvardiol———Sutalo——————
—————(Pograncic)—(Vuskovic)————
These few games gave us some light and the above is definitely the strongest crop of players for this tactic I believe..
In Dalić we trust.
Ako pogodu… Kvartuc will be hitting dem rails after this one my boys……..just like “In the streets of Philedelphia”
You do not change a winning line up unless there are injuries. That is what is being written in the media and said on various podcasts.
Dalic is probably weighing the possibility of replacing Pongracic with Gvardiol but that is a huge risk from what we have seen of Gvardiol and his poor form primarily due to his broken leg and lack of playing time. The guy is not fit and imo should not start.
The only other question is who will start up front Budimir or Musa. It might be better to start with the younger Musa and bring on Budimir or Matanovic in the second half.
The line up needs to adjust to the opponent. Portugal has similar speed to Ghana but much better technical skills. Do we try to match Portugal’s offence or do we have a defensive oriented set up? I think the England match gave us that answer.
Faster then a Speeding Dalmatian,
Stronger then slowest train in Osijek,
Able to eat 2 tons of cevapi in a single bound,
Look it’s Klepetan,
It’s Rimic Automobili,
No, it’s SUPER SLAV.
Vuskovic, should have started during qualifying as opposed
to 3 friendlies out of the World Cup.
It’s decisions such as these that boggle the mind.
What’s done is done but I hope this formation is what Dalic will use. Ivan at left back was quite effective and now being able to move Gvardiol to center would be excellent if healthy.
I’m all for this lineup, let’s pray that we send the pork & cheese back to the Azores.
Btw, if anyone questions Super Slavs credentials, here is my resume.
Power & Abilities:
Stronger then TEN Joe Magarac
More stamina then the Krsnik
More body hair then the Vukodlak
Wiser then Picokijada
Football IQ, greater then Croatian CIA.
Able to out chain smoke more than 100 Prosinečki clones.
Able to flap his hands, point fingers and blame other Croats 100 times faster the Epic Broz
Never Fear Super Slav is here 🙂
At least if you are going to repeat the same crap over and over. Get it right it’s Rimac not Rimic.
I think i preferred Maminjo’s backline, the one with Luka V in it. Also i prefer Musa up front.
But it doesn’t matter what we prefer, we aren’t going to get it. We’ll get something stupid excluding Gvardi, Luka V, Musa and prolly Marco P cos of course we will.
Warned u all its bad news to have an English player Balogun on the US – too bad u all didn’t listen
Our line is scary. Gvardiol is our only player who can Crack the Portuguese team.
Sitalo instead of Vuskovic. 🤣
I like this starting line up.
Matanovic in at the half.
Kovacic at the 60’ mark.
Dalic has to be proactive with subs.
It will be hot and humid all match.
With the sun not setting until after 9 pm.
Marco P needs to be aggressive down the right flank. They are not used to defending an actual right winger.
He is due for a big moment.
Guys!!! Honestly, Vuskovic needs to start! Wake up!!! He was thrown in to the deep end of the pool with cement boots on against England. He can preform and he will! In my mind Marco P loses his spot for trying to be a hero instead of passing to Baturina. We say Hrvatska iznad svih before every game. Marco didn’t get the memo. He is much better as a sub if we need pace. Control the game in the midfield like we are capable of. Play our game. We dont need to adapt. Use our strengths to the best of our abilities. We have the talent and we will progress. Don’t doubt Dalic…. he’s brought us so much joy and togetherness as Hrvati…. let’s enjoy this…. put our best players in their best positions and let the chips fall were they may. I believe in us.
I like the formation but would make the five in the midfield form more of a -U- like Chelsea did with Drogba in the middle (our Budimir)