AC Milan lost 3-0 to Atalanta on Saturday but their fans will be more interested in their newest addition rather than the loss. Their Croatian strike force is officially set for a 2021 “scudetto” run with Ante Rebić rejoining the team after COVID quarantine and Mario Mandžukić making his much anticipated debut. Both Croatians will join Zlatan’s strike force for the second half of the Serie A season, which only has 19 games left. AC Milan currently sit top of the table with Inter Milan two points behind and Juventus trailing by seven points. Both Rebić and Mandžukić came on for AC Milan in the 70th with Mandzo nearly scoring a goal.
For the second time this week, Andrej Kramarić scores a brace for Hoffenheim in a 3-0 victory. This time it was against Koln on Sunday and both goals came from the penalty spot. Kramarić keeps setting a new bar for all-time Hoffenheim goals – now at 74 – and has surpassed Ivica Olić for most Bundesliga goals by a Croatian.
Unfortunately, with a string of bad results earlier in the season, Hoffenheim are closer to the relegation zone than a spot in Europe. But as long as Krama keeps banging in goals as June approaches, that’s all Croatian supporters can root for.
Kramarić converts two penalties
Luka Modrić returned to the Real Madrid lineup on Saturday after Los Blancos were knocked out of the Copa del Rey midweek by a part-time plumber and his 3rd division side. Modrić played 77 minutes and assisted on Benzema’s second goal against Alaves in a 4-1 victory. Modrić sent a long cross from his own zone to set Benzema free on the sideline. Benzema did the rest. Modrić received an 8.5 grade from SBNation as he was “Another senior player who showed his class tonight. Finished with 94% pass completion, one assist, two shots, two dribbles, one aerial won, three tackles and two key passes. Subbed off after 77 mins.”
Modrić assist
We have an Ante Budimir siting! Budimir scored the first two goals for Osasuna in a 3-1 win over Granada Sunday. He picked up the trash in front of the net for the first and headed home a sharp cross from the sideline for the brace. Slow and steady performances like this will see Budimir on the Croatia bench this summer.
Budimir scores twice for Osasuna
My opinion of Ciro is that he’s a dim witted bafoon.
Pioli is a pile of hot garbage. He forgot the only reason he wasn’t fired was because of Ibra AND Rebic together…starting.
Mario is equal strong left foot and right foot- very few world stars have that skill- get Mario in the Euros- 35 minutes of Mario is far better than alternative HNS has to offer- Ajmo Mario pukni ga!!!!
I met him in April 2019 in ZG for the second time. He’s a character and very sharp.
Lol Ćiro.
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He’s the best, haha.
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The guy is immortal too
it is strange and to be honest, at Real Madrid, Kovacic was better defensively. He was also better at the transition game but that wasn’t very consistent.
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in my opinion, I think he doesn’t have the offensive instincts and he’s better when his assignment does not include going forward too often, he’s better at transitioning the play and thats about it!
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I don’t think Kovacic resembles Lovren in any way. Lovren has gaffe’s but he, as a defender is very solid when he’s not gaffing. Lovren is also confident (even when he shouldn’t be) most of the time while Kovacic is super fragile and constantly gets MAJOR insults thrown at him from Ciro and the entire media!
@Slavonac
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He’s a good player, yes, but only if we play a 4-3-3…I think.
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He doesn’t seem to his job when we play our regular formation, and as a result, he’s a liability for me.
We need him to defend like Modric or Brozo can (and he can’t)…but if we want to push him more forward position like CAM, we’ll need him to attack (which is his biggest weakness).
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It’s strange, and I’m beginning to feel like his past coaches who have all said that they don’t know what to do with him.
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You can see that he’s skilled and good…but he’s not great at the things we need him the most for.
He’s almost like the Lovren of our midfield.
He was okay at Inter.
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He went scoreless his first two seasons, then suddenly had 5 goals in his final year…but I don’t think he was any better there than anywhere else.
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I think it was moreso that he was so young, so people were hyped at how he could hang with older players.
He was still a hesitant player, making more backpasses than forward passes, who rarely put the ball on goal. He scored one nice goal at Inter, and they replayed it a dozen times.
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That 5-goal year looks like it was just a lucky year…just like his lucky 2-goal game he just had against Portugal.
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He’s only scored one single league goal in his entire time with Real, and one in his years with Chelsea. I know he provides more than just goals, but damn.
he had balls when playing for Inter? where did he lose them? Madrid?
…but he’s NOT a game changer…thats what I’m saying above. he’s a good passer and can help maintain possession but he’s hardly ever gonna change much…definitely not on a regular basis.
I never really cared or thought of Kovacic being a replacement for modric. Really, all I want from him is to be at least a consistent game changer. Rarely see that from him
Its his personality, he’s not a very strong personality and seems happy enough with himself to be a skilled and talented player. Kovacic doesn’t have the muda to take control of a game, nor does he have the mentality to lead. Not everyone can impose themself in each game and some guys are just happy to play their role and its totally foreign to them to prove they can take charge.
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Kovacic is still a very good player. we have had high expectations from him because we’ve looked at him as our future to replace Modric but they are two very different people. Kova can still do well for us…I bet he’s probably one of the best guys at seva 🙂 and I’m being serious about that!
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Its hard to replace a player like Modric. we can’t expect to see someone like him come along for a while. I thought Modric with Rakitic and Brozovic were the best 3 for any National team…we were very blessed to have them playing together.
I dunno.
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I feel like Kovacic needs to be pressured or yelled at reguarly to continue to move forward.
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Arsenal are kinda floating around, not really challenging for the EPL crown anymore…so they seem very “Kovacic-y”.
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I think he needs to be benched regularly if he doesn’t press forward or shoot on goal.
I like how Lampard was calling him out to shoot more, and he actually started doing it. I would love for that to continue with the new coach.
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I would kinda like to see him not get called up by Dalic if guys like Majer, Moro and Basic are called up and playing well.
I think he’s a bit too comfortable with us, knowing he will always get called up and he probably assumes that once Modric retires, he’s a guaranteed starter.
Lol. Yup!
I feared my stari til his dying day. He only had to whack me a few times when i was young. After that all it took was a look. Kovacic seems like a real good dude. Wish he was at a team like Arsenal that lack a proper #8 or #10. Feel like he’d be a great fit there.
@Pog
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His parents.
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His dad is probably one of those rare softie Croat dads that you sometimes hear about, who never once humiliated or hit his kids.
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Weird.
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A Croatian kid’s “becoming a man” is when you gain the speed to outrun your father.
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Kovacic plays like a kid who’s never been chased down and got beat by his dad.
It’s like he has all the time in the world, and stops the ball, turns around, and passes the ball backward.
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If he had a true Croatian upbringing…he’d never stop, nor hesitate, nor ever turn back. Just push forward and don’t stop.
Who can we blame next for Kovacic’s development?
Heard the same about Bruno. A lot of guys in the last few years at Dinamo enjoy the night life and girls that come with it. Sammir was/is a legend in ZG. Although none of these current guys could hold a candle to Zuti. With the amount of drinking, partying and smoking he did – he was still a world class player and would feint you out of your boots. Staying out late here and there and one too many viskeys for a guy like Petkovic and he’s a shell of himself.
Notable in that highlights clip is that Kramarić is positioned well in every single highlight, not just the goals. He made the clearance on that one play where Köln almost scored. His shots that missed were both powerful with the left foot. Is he the Cristiano Ronaldo of Hoffenheim? 😀
Yea, he played a 4-3-3 because Tuchel had weapons like Neymar, Icardi, DiMaria and Mbappe up top.
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But he used to start a true CDM in the middle, so it will be interesting if he favors Jorginho in that role (until Kante comes back), and moves Kai Havertz to the right side of MF.
Havertz will definitely start, due to being a German compatriot (and the fact that Chelsea paid a ton for him)…and Havertz doesn’t seem to like playing the wing (as he is better playing the ACM role).
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Kante is out, so Kovacic would probably start in the midfield for now…but who knows.
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Doesn’t really matter for us, as I don’t think Dalic is prepared to start him for the Euros. He didn’t show enough this season for both club or country.
Does kovacic do well in 4-3-3? Doesn’t Tuchel like to deploy a 4-3-3?
I would much rather be bad …very bad with the ladies 😎Stay thirsty my friends !!
“I also mentioned he is known for being a partier and good with the ladies…”
Who doe he think he is…Prosinecki? You can’t beat that level of slacking in todays game.
I already mentioned why Petkovic is having issues and Maminjo didn’t accept my explanation.
when Bjelica was coach and Petkovic was newer to Dinamo, he put in his time and worked hard….he became very noticeable and his stock was rising. once he became a regular solution in the lineup and was in form, he was producing very well and things were looking good for his career. THEN, out of the blue….Bjelica benched Petkovic. nobody really knew why except for the fact that Bjelica alluded to the fact Petkovic started slacking…coming late to practices and his work rate drastically dropped. I clearly remember that situation and I also remember Bjelica standing his ground.
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Since then, Bjelica left and Petkovic has had several instances where he’s not in the coaches 1st plan. I also mentioned he is known for being a partier and good with the ladies….apparently the club has taken notice!
Petkovic (26) might not be the long term answer at FW, but I’d rather give him a longer look or give Orsic (28) more of a look vs. Budimir (coming up on 30, probably has hit his ceiling).
In terms of depth at FW/ST, we have guys like Kramaric, Petkovic, Orsic, Perisic and Rebic that can play that role, depending on formation. If we have an injury or two from that group, sure let’s have him on the NT as insurance, but as I mentioned in a previous post – if we’re relying on Budimir to be a big player for us (say at Euro, big WC qualifier), we have a lot bigger things to worry about…
Frank Lampard sacked!!
No more English bias.
Curious to see how Kovačić responds?
Maminjo the verdict is in!
The masses have spoken!
Bru no good!
@ Dannyj
MANdzukic’s game does not look old at all.
Like Modrić.
Zlatan.
Ilicic.
With his rest, his legs and his mind are fresh.
We do not need him for 90+.
He starts for 60+ or he comes off the bench for 20+.
He is an asset no matter what.
Kramaric is a different player all together.
Who has led the line since 2018?
Petković is crafty with his feet in tight spaces and has great size.
But the BEAST that is Super Mario is a different level of motor and presence.
I hope he goes on a goal scoring fest and puts his call up as no brainer.
@Dannyj,
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No need. There’s a reason AC Milan just signed up Mandzo and Petkovic can’t get out of the HNL. The microscope will be on Mario the next 5 months. It’s going to be interesting to see what he comes up with.
I still take old mandzo vs petkovic with game on the line
Change my mind
Yeah Im not sold on Petkovic either. A few good games followed by a few where he’s looked out of his element don’t convince me. Petkovic needs to move to a bigger league if he wants to be taken seriously.
Spot on BECAR couldn’t agree more.
I’m not saying that Budimir is NT material, but I’m not exactly sure why you’re convinced that Petkovic is?
Rebic has been terrible for Milan up top. He’s a winger only.
Nice to see Budimir carve a career for himself, but he’ s not NT material.
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We have Krama and Petkovic. If we were ever in a position where neither were available, I’d rather experiment with Rebic or one of our wingers up top than to give Budimir time.
@Becar
Šime was on a yellow too. Could’ve been for that reason
Krama with two penalties today
Sučić with a solid game for Salzburg, came off in the second half. He’s bright
Vrsaljko played the first half but was subbed off at the half. I like that he’s easing back in.
Wish Budimir the best, but if we need to rely on him this summer, that’s not a good sign for us in terms of squad depth.
Budimir with 2 first half goals.
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Subbed off at the half.
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Not sure what’s going on there….
On the first Chelsea goal, Sluga could have done better.
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The second goal was all his fault.
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He had no chance on the third goal.
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Kovacic sprung Werner with a great pass to win the penalty. Werner shot it almost directly at Sluga.
……..and Sluga stops a ‘Verner’ PK.
Kovacic comes on with seven minutes left and gets the captain’s armband! lol.
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Looks like he had a bit of a laugh about it with a teammate.
For anyone interested in watching Luka Sucic. He’s starting for Salzburg today. This is a free stream at least in the US:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/watch/207a46cee141505885b9ba3868251d55
Ilicic is one smooth mofo the announcers were raving about him non-stop and I had no idea the dude was that good.where is Pasalic?
Mario was gassed at the end even though he only played 25 minutes let’s hope game shape comes quick!
https://sempremilan.com/gds-probable-milan-xi-to-face-inter-nine-changes-as-mandzukic-could-start
Hrvatski kup – Inter Croazianale v Svi Hrvati Milan.
Tuesday, 2:45 pm
Ilicic actually stole the show.
I guess it had to be a nogometaš at Svi Hrvati Milan after all.
Ilicic may be a confused Croatian, who grew up in Slovenia, but his game is 100% nogometaš.
Super skilled feet with supreme shifty moves.
Goes where he wants, 190cm, lethal left foot. Makes his whole team better.
Soon to be 33 looks at his peak.
If he didn’t go a – wall last season maybe Atalanta win the scudetto?
Mandžukić is going to go on a tear over these next few months.
Give him some #9 minutes and goals galore will reign.
He is a beast.
Saw him taking the ball off dudes, intercepting passes, wreaking havoc in the box. Clearing corner kicks of the goal line!!
You don’t take him to make a run with Luka Modrić?
He will be a 60+ min starter and a 20+ min off the bencher.
Mandžukić = ZDS
@Racist guy
Shut the fuck up ya progressive libturd.
Are you the fool that ran @BZ outta this “Hrvatski Centar” as @Soul Champ calls it?
Mandzukic with the only 2 shots on target.
If you ask an actual frenchman, not a paper Frenchman, if he would give french land to save his race. What do you think he will say?
Dalic get on the phone to mario
Bring him back right now before it’s too late and we lose this force of nature forever
Molim te
Luka Modric —8.5: Another senior player who showed his class tonight. Finished with 94% pass completion, one assist, two shots, two dribbles, one aerial won, three tackles and two key passes. Subbed off after 77 mins.
Milan keep Boban they could of had vintage Modrić.
Mandžukić is always a plus.
The VID had Rebić looking more rusty than Mandžukić.
I would take Mandžukić to Euro’s.
He is a champion.
If we play that lineup we can’t leave Krama isolated because it never works. Also Bradaric > Barišić.
@Cigan
I love that lineup, except maaaaybe Vida for Lovren (if Vida can keep his form). He’s been on fire in Turkey for a while
………Rebic……..Kramaric……….Perisic…….
………………Modric………..Vlasic……………….
………………………Brozovic………………………
…Barisic…..Caleta……..Lovren….Vrsaljko…
……………………..Livakovic………………………
MIlan was an underdog at home in that game.
I figured something was up, and no I’m no conspiracy theorist — just have seen it too many times as a lifelong sports wagerer.
Mandzukic looked good today considering how long it’s been since he last played any meaningful soccer. Rebic was awful.
Don’t know if this has already been covered, but great news for Sime getting sharp for Euro tourney this summer.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jan/18/fifa-dismisses-kieran-trippier-appeal-against-10-week-suspension
I wouldn’t care.
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I only care about NT performance, and Rebić is unlikely to be out of shape/form even if he played off the bench for Milan.
Considering his recent injuries this season, I would almost prefer it.
Same with Vrsaljko and Perišić. Would rather have those guys playing regularly, but not too regularly.
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I could give two shits for Milan and Atlético’s fake seasons.
Brekalo and Pongračić are both on the bench. They’re nice guys, they didn’t want Jedvaj to feel bad. 😂
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For those of you super excited about Madzukic signing for AC Milan, how will you feel about it if he starts eating into Rebic’s minutes? Remember, his last meaningful minutes were at Juventus playing the exact same position.
Brekalo better 💩 or get off the pot soon …I mean what has he done in the last year ?
Another listless performance where he gets subbed off in the 68th minute today…if he even starts ?
I hope he proves me wrong. I’m starting to worry about this kid he has too much talent to be non factor most games.
I don’t think anyone is surprised that he was fit and ready to go.
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That’s the biggest part of his game.
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Gazidis aside, I would like for Milan to be a hub for Croat players. Would love to see them continue to pursue Bašić and Brekalo again.
Bradarić and Vlašić are regularly linked to teams in Serie A, it would be good to see them in there as well.
I think milan were super smart snagging mandzukic. The old man is fit as ever and will provide so much all around. Whatever asked to do, he will do!!!
Imagine he bags a goal off the bench. Rebic to Mandzo game winner. Would be unreal…
Would love to see some minutes for the Mandz today.