Backup keeper Ivor Pandur and former Dinamo, Rijeka manager Sergej Jakirović defeat Middlesbrough 1-0 in the Championship playoff final to gain promotion to the Premier League league next season!
Luka Modrić and AC Milan shocked by Cagliari in a 2-1 loss Sunday which means they will miss out on Champions League football next season. Modrić came off the bench in the 2nd half but could not get Milan to the all important equalizing goal. Modrić previously stated he needed CL football in order to stay at AC Milan after the World Cup. Now he is club-less and his future after the 2026 World Cup is up in the air.
Josip Stanišić and Bayern Munich take down Stuttgart 3-0 to win the DFB Pokal title and the German double
Mateo Kovačić and Joško Gvardiol come off the bench for Man City in their final match of the season; a 2-1 defeat to Villa. Kova had a late assist taken away by VAR. Both Croatians are rumored to leave the club in the summer.
Tottenham Hotspur have secured safety in the Premier League. What does that mean for Luka Vušković? Rumors swirling that Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are interested in a summer purchase.
The Modric injury was bad timing assuming AC Milan would have stayed on their long-standing projectile progress in their last 4 or 5 games with Modric playing. Only time will tell. There is a reason for everything as they say. Spilt Milk at this point. Can’t put it together again.
It’s time to start getting excited. I say stop lamenting over who wasn’t called up and focus on what the NT actually has. Livakovic has already shown he can get hot during a tournament. The back line is truly special, with Gvardiol, Vuskovic and Stanišić, then with Sutalo, Erlic and even Jakic as serviceable additions (hope not to see DCC or Pongracic). Petar Sucic is going to be a great partner with Modric (took on Brozovic’s role so quickly, and he can score goals). Perisic can still ball. Baturina and Marco Pasalic can add fire power. Both Matanovic and Musa have potential to be the dynamic striker we have been lacking for so long. All in all, I am starting to get cautiously optimistic for this World Cup.
Who is going to the Ghana match?
I may have an extra ticket will hook up for cheap for a fellow Croat who wants to make a wish come true
JACOB NEESTRUP (38) is very close to taking over as the new coach of Greek giants Panathinaikos. The former Copenhagen coach has agreed personal terms and is only a matter of final details before signing. Neestrup will reportedly sign a two-year contract with an option to extend for another season, with an annual net salary of 1.2 million euros, writes Danish newspaper Tipsbladet. The contract is expected to be signed in the coming days and will run until the summer of 2028.
Soticek to Anderlecht ?
Marin has a Croatian-dad looking after him and blocked a move to DZ
If only Jaga had a Croatian-dad looking after him – he’d be going to the WC
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Šotiček arrived in Switzerland from Lokomotiva in 2024, and the Zagreb club received three million euros in compensation.
The promising winger wanted to come to Dinamo before leaving for Basel. The club really wanted him and agreed everything with Lokomotiv regarding compensation. It was reportedly a million and a half euros in compensation, with some bonuses and a percentage of future sales, but the deal between Dinamo and the player got stuck, as he rejected the offered contract.
According to Šotiček’s father, Dinamo offered him a monthly salary of 10,000 euros, which he perceived as “disparagement and humiliation.” He also claimed that he believed that “Marin should not have come to Dinamo,” and the Maksimir club responded by announcing that it would sue Šotiček’s father.
#####
@Anonymous Jaga’s dad isn’t Croatian?
Of course he is… Krizevci
If we believe, cohesiveness, in the form of religious commonality, and continuity are key main Pillars of Croatian strength, Dalic moving forward could be a good outcome.
But I believe on paper that Sergej Jakirovic would be a great hand off from Dalic on just cultural reasons, whether we win or lose.
From internet:
During his coaching career, he regularly emphasized the importance of faith, so, for example, he initiated and organized regular Holy Masses for players and staff inside the club’s premises. As a trainer and public figure, he actively participates in Catholic religious events. His faith serves as a source of stability and motivation in a very demanding professional football environment, and it is also known that he is extremely respected in Catholic communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia.
Jakirović’s father is a Bošnjak, and Jakirović himself is raised in Metković.
He’s pretty much a Darijo Srna clone.
Seems like a terrific leader, Jakirović, in the same vein as Dalic or even for that matter Bilic. The three (J,D,B) would work for me.
I actually always like Olic, and Kranjcar as players, the later opportunistic, always shrewd in getting tap in goals, so I don’t have a real negative opinion regarding their promotion. I will trust you.
Fortunately, nothing is permanent in coaching, except upon continuous winning.
I saw an old picture of Enver (Sergei’s dad), Renato Srna (Darijo’s half brother – I don’t mean Igor) and some 3rd Bosnian name guy at Neretva FC – maybe in the 80s/90s
I guess some Bosnian muslims moved to Metkovic and then a bunch of others followed and they started their little community there
Great news, Miroslav Orsic is coming home
nice!
Mislav
LOL- He seems like he could be a “Miro”-slav, pretty peaceful slav, but not quite “Klose”.
Erlic is getting married Friday during WC preparations camp
DCC going back to Lyon bc Sociedad don’t want to keep him for pennies
Krama hasn’t trained for 3 months and has been playing games high on pain-killers
Any of these three – especially one of the CBs – would have dropped by any sane manager and replaced with either Stojko or Sege by now
The local Klapa Group hears your singing loud and clear
That should have at least experimented with those two against Slovenia, and Belgium, to see if your hunch it right. They could have been relegated them back to substitutes after the friendlies, …..maybe that was not possible?
Our weakness regarding offensive punch was only partially addresses through Baturina, and Sucic, and Pasalic with mixed results.
Baturina, and Sucic have recently heated up, but Segecic, and Stojkovic are on burning Varteni fire mode.
2022 Results:
Morrocco 0-0
Brazil 0-0 (After 90 minutes)
Belgium 0-0
Japan 1-1 (Cro Goal @ 78 minutes)
Canada 1-4 (forgot about that one?)
Toma Basic takes the bag
Drops Lazio and joins newly-promoted Venezia on a free
Lazio f-ed around with him for YEARS – and he’s doing what’s best for him and his family – no “loyalty” for Lazio – smart – as they have zero “loyalty” for him
Hopefully he got a nice 3-year contract on good wages
Interesting, Venezia has two ex-U21 Croats 28 y/o Marin Sverko (who played LCB in a back 3 all season – Dalic call him up we need another CB !) and Bartol Franjic (who was on loan from Wolfsburg – presumably he will try to stay instead of going back to Wolfsburg in 2nd division crap)
Is Sergej Jakirovic someone who ought to be considered as a potential future NT coach somewhere down the road? . . . He sure seems to have done a good job at Hull.
Sure.
However, he might get destroyed in EPL next season if Hull don’t drastically increase their budget.
But he wasn’t terrible at Dinamo and he did well in Turkey (as well a the Championship).
If a guy like Bilić is considered next in line, then Jakirović should obviously be a candidate.
Amen
Majer and Wolfsburg are relegated to Bundesliga 2
Majer wasn’t even on the bench
Unacceptable
Just gave up – didn’t even bother trying
Probably when he was a kid – when his parents took him to stadium to watch their favourite team play – his parents took him home b4 the final whistle because their team was losing – this is most MORONIC bad habit ever u could teach ur kids – u should openly MOCK these people to ur kids and tell they “These are all losers in life – they just give up when adversity presents itself – the game (and life) isn’t finished before the final whistle – whatever the score – u don’t stop/give up until the final whistle – u give everything/100% until u hear the final whistle”
And you’re a winner?
https://youtu.be/0Umso2jeB2o?si=mtASbFJ8SooMp_WS
Cool interview with this English Analyst that works for our repka
That was enjoyable. Good to hear that Pletikosa added a lot to the HNS in terms of analysis throughout the system. And credit to Dalic for bringing this guy in.
Though hearing that all these other teams bring in several analysts each for the WC means we’re still behind.
Milan 1-3 since modric injury?
All against mediocre opponents, and Milan needed a PK for that one win over Genoa.
Before the final 4 games (and Modric being out) – AC Milan had a 90% chance of finishing top 4 – to say they bottled it w/out Modric is an understatement
Hey Tudor –
How do you feel now being a “nice guy” and not taking the severance u were due and walking away for free like a CUCK ?
Always take the bag you’re due – it’s business – you owed it to your family
######
@TheSpursWatch
·
4h
(🟢) After being constantly shouted and sworn at by Igor Tudor, the #Tottenham players quickly realised there was no point pushing themselves for a Head Coach who was scheduled to leave at the end of the season, regardless.
The treatment of Antonin Kinsky during the 5-2 loss against Atletico Madrid was the final straw for many of the Spurs players.
@Matt_Law_DT
######
He could’ve at least donated the money to a local charity.
Instead Daniel Levy gets to keep it.
U17 Euro FT
Belgium 2 v Croatia 0
Slow start to the match cost us dearly. Second half we had all the possession and had them under constant pressure. We had some really good chances but were unable to score.
Next match in three day’s time against Estonia, and with Spain to follow we will need a miracle to qualify for the SF.
U17 Euro HT
Belgium 2 – Croatia 0
Bad start to the match with a misdirected back pass leading to the Belgium first goal after 9 min and 4 minutes later it was 2 – 0 when some poor marking on the far post resulted in their second.
We had some good chances as well with Jakov Dedic forcing a good save from their goalkeeper after 11 minutes. We also should have done better with two headers from close range.
Please keep sharing, we are interested in our future players. Hvala.
Hull City thought of the day
Given the Fenerbahce / Rich Turks angle
Logical that Livakovic ends up at Hull City – as they can get him for a reasonable fee – and spend their $$$ elsewhere
Liva and Pandur fight it out for #1 at Hull
Separate – Dean Huijsen didn’t make the Spain WC squad
For those interested, EURO U17 Finals start today at 13:30 Cro time.
Our match against Belgium can be seen LIVE on Croatian RTL2 Channel and on UEFA TV.
With Spain and Estonia also in the group we simply cannot afford to lose against Belgium if we want to progress to the semi-finals.
Good news is that this U17 team has already qualified for the U17 World Cup in Qatar to be played in November. The draw was made last week, and we have been drawn to play Senegal, Cuba and Tajikistan.
Wow Como made top 4 so will play CL football next season
Baturina definitely should stay – interesting if they bring other Croats in (and Cavlina needs to start playing or leave)
Poor Modric’s Milan only in Europa – kind of funny he’s been saying he’s only staying if they make CL and now they haven’t
More como Croats needed
Best case scenario Real Madrid offer Modrić a contract for 1 season, (maybe 2 years/renewing next year) after admitting it was a mistake letting him go. Their locker room is a mess, and they need a leader like Modrić again, plus a controlling midfielder for big games. It would be poetic if Jose Mourhino signed Modrić to Madrid for a 2nd time. I think Modrić wants that 7th UCL to have the most in history, and try and win WC, Nations League and Euros in one go and retire in 2028 at Madrid like he wanted initially.
In his words he said, if he’s motivated to win and still in top form and ability, he’ll continue to play. He had the most minutes at Milan for a while this season, had the highest stats in interceptions, chances created, distances covered, etc for a while and was by far their best player and arguably the best player in Serie A, Madrid midfield has been in shambles since he left. Modrić also said he’ll come back to Madrid one day, of course he’d be willing to I’m sure, just up to Jose and Madrid. I’m sure he’d be motivated by the project in helping Madrid’s rebuild and helping their new players fit in, plus helping Croatia next gen in national team.
Leaks even came out that the Madrid board acknowledged it was a mistake to let him go, it was arguably the worst season in Madrid history after he left.
It all just makes too much sense, especially if Croatia have a big World Cup making semi or finals or even winning the World Cup, I think a bunch of Croatians will join Madrid.
If Madrid can’t sign Vitihna, they might just get Modrić and maybe Kovačić who is leaving City and is also a controlling midfielder that Madrid is missing, also considering he played for Madrid too and only left because Kroos and modrić were too good to start over and the bench was halting Kovačić development. They’d probably both play as backups/rotation starters for big games. Plus Gvardiol linked to Real, maybe Jose intercepts the Vušković transfer considering Barca probably wont be able to afford him after a good World Cup. Madrid is losing a bunch of names and is planning on a full rebuild, top performers from World Cup like controlling midfielders, target strikers, versatile defenders will be their key targets for transfers in which they’re missing.
All speculation, but with Milan missing champions league and Modrić not signing anything until after the World Cup, it’s all possible.
Jose and Madrid have to wait until to Madrid presidential elections are finished first before doing transfers though.
Modrić and Kovačić to Madrid on free transfers is just great business.
They can then buy Gvardiol too.
Save the money on king luka and kova and spend on vusko and gvardi
That would be the most epic Croatianess ever
This is a fantastic suggestion, re Modric return to Real. It makes perfect sense.
Question of the day: Does Modric sign for another year with a non Champions League AC Milan OR Does he sign with a Champions League team OR Does he hang up the boots after the WC?
He should smoke weed with Snoop Dogg in the Welsh countryside and listen to Robert Plant belch out tunes!
Go Swansea!!!
FYI
Snoop has the new kit.
He’s ready
Martha Stewart can join them and make stuffed cabbage for the crew
Is now a good time to mention Jarrod Bowen spent SIX YEARS at Hull City? 😉
Turks need to make him their first signing plus bring in one of Jaga or Sege as under-study and they can learn from him
Bowen 1 goal and 1 assist in 2nd half
If T lets in 2 goals in last 13 min they get relegated
Anonymous your love affair with Jarrod bro man is getting cringy WTF and has NO RELEVANCE to Croatian sports!
This was apparently on FS2, a U.S. channel, earlier today (perhaps posted here already at some point):
https://tubitv.com/tv-shows/200326233/s02-e06-luka-modri
Hull City have had Jakirović for one season and what an improvement! They were close to relegation last season. Former Dinamo coach making us proud!
Got to give it to the humble anon.
He was going off on pink pandur all year long
Wish him the best in the epl
Good for him
Good for Croatia
Now let’s hope the jaga(uar) the second cat can come through as much as you like him too
Pero’s brother followed Anonymous on IG 😉
He just turned 18 today
Interesting – I think he got married last year May 5th – so Pero’s brother was able to schedule his wedding to make sure it doesn’t conflict with NT games (unlike cousin Wedding Boy’s sister)
Pero’s dad is the MOST Croatian dad you’ve ever seen – clearly the guy has had a hard life and worked his ass off on the family farm – he’s even smoking a cigarette in one of the photos – Anonymous is positive he instilled hard work and was a no-nonsense type of guy (Anonymous was a bit scared of him just from the photos – he’s intimidating and not because he’s a big guy)
Really beautiful family and down-to-earth people
Even more respect for Pero
The one thing I fear – is his brother has already travelled to Milan to watch Pero, etc etc – so already “spoiled” by the life-style his brother has earned – that may have the opposite effect that we’ve been talking about v-a-v Luka vs. Mario Vuskovic – i.e. he might not have the same hunger as he has a safety net in big brother Pero will look after him – hope I’m wrong – but that’s my impression
I think they might also have an older sister who is also already married and living in Germany
Talk about a potential Hull City Tiger. Dave Sarver Shot guns a beer after scoring goal last week with FC Dallas. I can see him partying with Ollie McBurnie.
Jakirović can sign him for a 12 pack a week, and Musa on the side.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wrsxTJHmgUU
Is Jakirovic going to sign Jaga or Stojko or Segecic
Usually we’d say take “step by step” but this is a unique situation with Sergej and Pandur – and they probably won’t be able to attract top top name – so wouldn’t be crazy
Will they dominate first year – of course not – but after that they can go to a lower spaces top 5 league like Germany Spain or Italy
Thoughts?
He should sign them all. I’ll stop supporting Arsenal, move up north to Hull and by a season ticket and work in a chicken shop.
Anonymous got u Crnkovic
Hull is a port city on the water and we’re Croatian – so we can do better than a chicken shop
For a mil quid we can get 15 acres on the water – with 4 fisheries included (can get Gvardiol’s dad to run this piece) – a cafe (better smells than (curry) chicken shop) – and 3 lodges to air b n b (with planning permission for 5 more)
***.rightmove.co.uk/properties/165912485#/?channel=RES_BUY
Anonymous even has Olympic Gold Medals in Perfect Real Estate findings for Crnkovic!
😂❤️
Como should sign Stojković (or Jagušić) after they lose Paz.
Šegečić would be a great move for Hull.
Maybe Jakirović cleans out Dinamo and picks up great value guys like Mišić, Stojković, etc.
Would a move to the Premier League right now be your first choice for Segecic if you had all options available?
Or is it the Croatian connections at Hull that make all the difference?
I am not sure it is the best league for him right now . . . Maybe one more step and a little more time before that move?
Or is it the right time?
I think jagusic will need at least one season doing well in a decent league before he is ready for big football. I believe in him but what has happened at panathinaikos means he isn’t ready. Stojko I think can step up now. But probably Spain or Italy are better for him than premier league. Como would be ideal, especially if fabregas stays. Segecic I absolutely love the guy too. He is so so strong mentally I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets a big move. He could handle the premier league, as long as the manager believes in him. So maybe Hull would work. But probably another season in the championship best for his development
It’s not the “right move” for any 3 of them
BUT
Life doesn’t work like that
This is a unique situation and opportunity that has presented itself so need to be flexible and take advantage
Hull owner is only worth 100-200m – BUT – he love Fenerbahce and had an executive role there – and the really rich Turkish families Koc and Ulker also have big roles there – so he knows these families well – and apparently they will now come in and invest in Hull
So you have the situation of really rich Turks investing money, a Croatian coach, and Hull won’t be able to attract lots of top Prem stars (risk they don’t stay up plus wages they will offer (in case they don’t stay up and/or relegation clause related e.g. if relegated 50% haircut in wages) won’t be relatively attractive)
All this to say the timing is right – if Jakirovic believes in one or more of them – they have to take the opportunity (it’s not like failed moves to the Premier League hurt Vlasic or Kramaric’s career) – Sergej said yesterday they already have a list of names they want in case they made it to the PL
If Sergej calls one or more of the 3 of them – they need to take the opportunity
Crnkovic – I am going to push back on the “I believe in him but what has happened at panathinaikos means he isn’t ready.” – the Greek/PAO ITK point out that PAO had like 8 10s in the squad and Rafa knowing he’s leaving was randomly playing many of the older 10s that are anyways leaving at the end of the season (although he also played young Andino all the time too and that guy didn’t even make the 55 player squad for Argentina so he can’t be that good) – there could be some under-the-table $$$ payments being made (by agents as example) to show-case these guys leaving so they can get another club now in the summer – we don’t know the story – but we know Greeks are dirty – but also don’t think it reflects poorly on Jaga (or at least we shouldn’t read negatively into it) – I don’t think Jaga should stay in Greece (at least go to Braga now as Zalizar got sold for 30m) as even if he lights it up next year in Greece (who even knows who they new coach is coming in) it’s not like he won’t have to do it again at a better league (at least Portugal level)
It’s all up to Sergej and the recruiting team at Hull, backed by the rich Turkish families (which still needs to happen)
Do we expect baturina to move this year?
If he has a killer World Cup I would think so?
All of us wish he does that’s for certain
I’d like to see Baturina stay at Como for at least one more year.
With Paz leaving, Baturina will have a central role on the team. He seems to thrive under the coaching of Cesc Fabregas. I don’t think there is any downside in him staying where he is right now.
The Četiri Tigrа, of Croll Grad, the second coming of Crottenham of yore. Nice thought, highly unlikely. They are all Tigers for sure. It would fit them good,
Za Hrvatsku kao Tigar!
Croats only deal with full grown tigers not the little baby puss¥ tigers like the Serbs
For what it’s worth, I’d be concerned that they wouldn’t get sufficient playing time in the Premier League.
Jaga is even have trouble getting playing time after his arrival in the Greek League.
I think Vuskovic has given us the formula: go to a team where you know you will get a good opportunity to prove you deserve playing time, and where you will get an excellent opportunity to develop. I don’t think that the Premier League is a good place for our youngest star players to develop. After they are established in another top league, then the timing is right to make the move to the Premier.
For Pandur it would be different. Hull is his team, and he was a big part of the battle for promotion.
Osusana lost final 5 games in a row – ouch
They almost got relegated on 42 pts – only saved by better GD
Budimir 1 goal in last 7 games
Igor and Musa must be licking their lips to push themselves to #1
Girona 1-1 Elche
If Girona won the game instead then Budimir would have been relegated
So they were one goal away from 2nd division
Scary
Budimir is saving his goals for the World Cup man
Hope so – maybe he’s just load managing himself and making sure he didn’t get injured – but they cut it awfully close
1-0 final
Pandur going to the Premier League 🙂
Hull was low blocking and defence was compact/really good so not much for Pandur to actually do – in the 80′ there was a break thru where Pandur made a really nice glove save (but play was called offside ultimately)
Recall: Anonymous told all you MORONS that Dalic was going to call up Pandur (which he then did) – for this exact outcome – to hedge himself in the event Pandur gets promoted to the PL – so Dalic foresight was 10/10 on this (of course after reading Anonymous like the rest of u MORONS)
Anonymous is the F-ing GOAT of all GOATS
Awesome
I hope the Pink Pandur can excel in the Premier League next year! His promotion vindicates your faith in him.
Let’s party man
It Was A Good Day.
Your modesty and grace is far more impressive then your ball knowledge anonymous
OLLIE MCBURNIE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jakirovic is SO cold
Miller bends over and puts hands on knees for 2 seconds in the 60′
Miller gets subbed off in the 61′
Cold
Still 0-0
SATURDAY 10:30AM PINK PANDUR PLAYING AT WEMBLEY PO FINAL !!!
I hope your boy, the Pink Pandur, plays the game of his life like Livakovic did against Brazil in ‘22.
Basketball:
https://www.marca.com/en/ncaa/2026/05/21/who-is-michael-ruzic-the-7-foot-croatian-center-who-will-play-at-lsu.html