Mateo Kovačić came off the bench for Man City in the 65th minute of their 1-0 FA Cup Final victory over Chelsea. City have now secured both the FA Cup and League Cup in 2026. Joško Gvardiol was not part of the FA Cup squad and is expected to play Tuesday in Premier League action vs. Bournemouth.
Igor Matanović ends the season with 3G/1A in his final two matches and a total of 11 goals in 31 Bundesliga games. He scored and assisted in Freiburg’s 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig Saturday night. Final match of the year will be versus Aston Villa in the Europa League Final May 20th with a ticket tot the Champions League up for grabs.
Ivan Perišić finished the match with an 8.0 SofaScore rating and two assists in PSV’s dominating 5-1 victory over Twente on Sunday.
Luka Vušković may have played his last match for Hamburg (on loan from Spurs) in a 1-1 draw versus Bayer Leverkusen. He received a 7.3 SofaScore rating for his efforts as Hamburg finish the season in 13th position.
Andrej Kramarić and Hoffenheim will miss out on Champions League football next season after losing 4-0 to Borussia Monchengladbach Saturday in the last match of the season. A win would have saw them jump Stuttgart for 4th place. Kramarić ends the Bundesliga season with 14G/6A in 34 matches this season. He played in every Hoffenheim match.
I’m so excited I can’t eat
Last point: baturina is now ready as he has had a season in Serie A to master the tactical and physical demands of a 90 minute high level battle. It makes a big difference. Let Stojko go smash it up in Bundesliga or serie A next season 😢🫡
But I’m crying cos Stojko is my favourite player right now (alongside Petar Sucic, Luka vuskovic and josko). Modric and perisic always
The problem with Stojko is you have to play him. If we are 0-0 late in a game, you Luka sucic, Mario pasalic, vlasic, maybe marco P, matanovic, Musa, all fired up to change the game. You’d have to put Stojkovic on first so he can get into the game. Dalic won’t do that as the others have earned their position in the heirachy. So Stojkovic will leave camp and enter a billiards tournament. I predict after the World Cup Stojkovic will get his call up and by the next tournament he will be our first choice number 10
First choice?
Bold prediction.
Yikes. Hold me iggy!!
The call ups are pure Dalic, logical and conservative. Would have been exciting to drop luka sucic, vlasic and fruk. With stojko, segecic and Franjo instead. Although, what really need is fullbacks and I can’t think of one who would be ready for this. Maybe juranovic for back up late in games, or jedvaj. Now we will play with only one number 9, we have three already. Franjo is a half striker half winger, he hasn’t played enough and he is not defensively stable enough for the wing in a 4231 or 3421. So no point taking him. Segecic would be perfect to compete with marco P for RW, but he hasn’t had long enough in big football, Vlasic is the ultimate team player, captain of Torino, he will stay focused and be ready from the bench when required. Mario pasalic, absolute work horse and team player, he can’t be dropped, despite his obvious limitations. Luka Sucic has suffered injury and attitude issues, but he is still capable of his head is right, of banging one in from 30 yards, or putting in crosses like the one to budimir that led to our goal against Italy last euros. So it comes down to Fruk or Stojkovic. That’s probably the only realistic change we could’ve expected. They played each other cup final. Stojkovic best player on the pitch by miles. However, Fruk is a leader on the pitch for Rijeka, week in week out he is the main man, with defenders giving him special attention because Rijeka have hit no other threat. He handles that well. Personally I think we have enough wise heads already and I’d have gone for the wild child genius that is Stojko. Apart from that the squad is pretty much the best we’ve got
I agree with your assessment of Fruk and Luka Sucic. They both had ok seasons; however, they’re under performing a bit and could have been dropped. Segecic and Stojkovic are maybe more sensible picks on paper. However, Vlasic had a strong season with a weak Torino side and is definitely worth keeping around.
Smolcic absolutely should have been taken as another fullback, starting most of Como’s important games. Not really sure what Dalic’s logic was there.
But, as you said, this is pretty much the best squad Dalic could have picked. I don’t think anyone could say this was anything close to a bad selection job. There are arguments for guys like Beljo, Stojkovic, Segecic, Smolcic, etc, but I feel that all the guys who made the squad essentially have equally strong arguments for their inclusion.
The mistake the board consistently messes up when predicting selections and starting positions is that these aren’t chess pieces on a board. They are actual humans that dalic has a relationship with. For him to boot someone like erlic or moro who has constantly been with the team through all of qualifiers for a last minute surging stojkovic maybe the right thing for a robot model but not the most likely outcome for a human coach
Squad is predictable I get dalic is all about the room so not surprised about anything.
I wouldn’t have Fruk in my squad, makes no sense he’s not that great and we have so many #10 in squad. If your worried about stojkovic fine if your worried about segecic fine I get it but Ivanovic has been many times around all those guys and no problems dalic fucked up on that one. I would have called Ivanovic or segecic for an added left forward.
Also I get all the stoppers I think gvardiol and stanisic will be playing musical chairs.
Right side we have Marco pasalic and jakic in 3-5-2 for stanisic sub
For left side not as clear, I think If Perišić gets subbed while playing 3-5-2 gvardiol will move from LCB to LB and dalic will prolly sub in a CB hence extra CB.
If we play 4 at back I guess stanisic and perisic is backup for gvardiol.
Playing three at the back is all about Vušković both good and bad.
Good – guy plays so well heck of a season in the middle CB role truly adds something we need in air esp defensively.
Bad – as good as he’s played dalic seems hesitant to play him in back 4 that leads to system change.
Overall I’m ok with it, it’s risky have no idea if it’s right call but at least he’s trying something based on talented players. Not pride or ego.
I think we’re still going to default to four at the back and I don’t like that we’re all-in on Gvardiol playing LB for 90 minutes every game.
The poor guy just came back from a broken shinbone and the call up list has zero depth on the fullback position.
Just Gvardiol, Stanišić and maybe Jakić can play as fullbacks, meanwhile we call up six guys who can play CB (with half of them unlikely to even see the field this tournament).
Smolčić probably should have been called up in case we play Stanišić at LB with Jakić at RB (while Gvardiol is at CB or if he’s suspended or needs to be subbed out).
Dalić will probably pick a decent starting eleven, but his subs are usually pretty bad and he’ll randomly throw in Erlić or someone random at fullback if we need to make a sub due to cards or injury.
Juranovic is an attacking full back..so sad he is not called up
I thought stojkovic will be the next orsic..so disappointed orsic lost his form in last few months. We need more wingers..u cant just rely on pasalic on right and perisic on left..u need to test england defence with more energetic wingers
There is no point in calling up fruk..he seldom delivers..and there are too many central midfielders who are technically gift in middle..modric baturina vlasic m pasalic kovacic fruk sucic brothers..all so similar
@Mart @Maminjo
Who is Dalic taking to Rijeka for camp before the June 1st deadline ?
Don’t think I heard him say
Just the 26 ?
The 26 + all the standby list guys ?
The 26 + a selection of the standby list guys ?
Don’t think even one of the MORON journalists thought to ask him this question
Why does Anonymous HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING
Why would any of the stand by players want to go to Rijeka for the camp? If you are not selected then I see no point to go. Rather go on vacation and not be reminded you were not picked.
That’s a loser mentality
And in some cases might be a final test by Dalic (this assumes the standby don’t all go to Rijeka)
If he sees Stokjo play billiards for the next 2 weeks
He made the right choice
If he sees Stojko training every day by himself for 6 hours a day for next 2’weeks
He questions if he made the right choice
All it takes is one injury in one of the two friendlies (or many training session) and next man called up
If they’ve been in Ibiza for a month getting wasted that won’t be them
So no Davor – the players on standby that care about the NT will be training every day and not going on vacation
Do better
Not many surprises. I would’ve taken Stojkovic over Fruk and I was also assuming Smolcic would make the list. But who am I to argue with a coach who has a silver and a bronze in his last 2 world cups?
The quality is there for a good run this year. Especially defensively, we don’t have any weak spots that would be easy for even the best teams to exploit. It’d be nice if there was a little more fire power up top, but Perisic, Budimir and Kramaric all had great seasons in strong leagues.
“Perisic, Budimir and Kramaric all had great seasons in strong leagues.”
Sure – but they are the all SLOWEST player on their teams – and they are SURROUNDED by fast, speedy and direct players
It’s moronic to combine the three slow-pokes as a front 3 and think it will work – it’s TOO OLD and TOO SLOW
If Dalic does that vs. England – Anonymous is leaving the stadium in protest – there is no point – we won’t be able to press England CBs and Vuskovic will be on the back foot for 90 minutes
Who cares if Budimir is “too old”? He has more goals than Vinicius, Yamal, and Lewandowski in La Liga this season. Also, have you watched Perisic at all this season? If you had, you would know that “too slow” is a huge over-exaggeration. He’s obviously not as quick as he was 4 years ago, but he still causes huge issues for wing backs.
People can make an argument for someone like Marco Pasalic to start on the right to add some more pace and unpredictability, that’s fine. I’d maybe even argue the same. But how many times has Kramaric been counted out by Croatian fans and then delivered? It happens again and again in big moments.
Regardless, Perisic and Budimir are no-brainer starters. Their quality is way too high. Just looking at their pace and age is something you do when playing career mode on FIFA.
⬆️
For the MORONS who didn’t listen to Anonymous – who has GUARANTEED YOU that Vuskovic will start vs England
Will you play with three or four on defense?
We have great defenders. For England we are preparing to play with three. As last year we had the strongest midfield in the world, now we have great defenders. We have to be solid, powerful and strong, and we will always give something forward. We will try to play with both systems.
Keep your friends close, keep your enemies (who want your job) closer
Dalic knows we’re probably not going to medal again – so he can blaime Olic when it’s said and done – and Olic doesn’t get his job – if Croatia does medal – Dalic can say it was all him, Olic did nothing – see how it works?
Who will be part of your staff?
I will discuss that with the president. I would like Olić to be there, he has been with us for six years, but that is a topic for the president.
Anonymous told you the math y’day since March – Dalic read Anonymous’ math – and cited the EXACT same reason – he could have mentioned the 13.65% minutes vs. total Wolfsburg minutes – but then everyone would know he just rips off Anonymous
Truth’s Pimply Analyst got the #s wrong again – this time on Majer Bhahahahahaha
The situation with Mayer?
Unfortunately, he hasn’t started a single game since the last gathering in America. I’m sorry, it’s certain that he will return, his status at the club has influenced his absence from the list. I’m sorry for a lot of players, but I have to make a list.
“There were dilemmas about Stojković, Majer, strikers, I know there are a lot of questions, but I stand behind this list. I take care of the environment, that’s the most important thing to me besides quality.”
As suspected what might happen – I think the only reason Stojko isn’t called – is Dalic is worried how he will mesh with the group with his “temperament” – he must think if he calls him he could cause a disturbance (a la Kalinic, Rebic, Livaja, etc) so doesn’t want to risk it – but don’t blame Dalic, it was Modric’s call
So cold from Dalic
“I called Belja to the national team three years ago, he had his chance.”
A journalist just asked why Bruno Petkovic not on standby LMAO
I mean what’s next – why Suker and Bokic aren’t on standby either
MORON journalists
Dalic just announced the WC squad:
VRATARI: Dominik Livaković, Ivor Pandur, Dominik Kotarski
BRANIČI: Joško Gvardiol, Luka Vušković, Josip Šutalo, Marin Pongračić, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Martin Erlić, Josip Stanišić, Kristijan Jakić
VEZNJACI: Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Petar Sučić, Nikola Moro, Mario Pašalić, Martin Baturina, Nikola Vlašić, Luka Sučić, Toni Fruk, Ivan Perišić, Marco Pašalić
NAPADAČI: Andrej Kramarić, Ante Budimir, Petar Musa, Igor Matanović
Feel sorry for Lovro Majer he is on the standby list with Stojkovic, Segecic and Letica
A little disappointing to see him exclude some young guys, opting to keep a lot of the redundancy there.
I was hoping to see Smolčić, Stojković, and Ivanović on the list.
Looks like we’re going Gvardiol and Stanišić at LB/RB for the full 90 each game with little relief. Still too many CBs.
RW has also been left pretty thin.
Dalic just stated that we will be playing 3 – 5 – 2 against Belgium in a friendly and also against England with Vuskovic in the middle of the defence.
Did not think that we were going to play 3 -5 -2 and also thought that he might go with more experienced Cb’s rather than Vuskovic.
Strange that he would take the risk on changing up his formation to a 3-5-2 but then leave out the depth options that would help support the 3-5-2.
Perisic as LWB – facing Saka or Bowen for 90 minutes lol
But what other options did he have ?
Bradaric relegated, playing on some of the games, and didn’t make an impression when he had his chance
Should just call up the best LB from HNL – whoever that is – and go with that
Unfortunately, Ivanovic had a really disappointing first season in Portugal. It’s hard to justify a call-up as an attacker when the output just isn’t there.
But Smolcic and Stojkovic absolutely deserved spots. For whatever reason, it’s clear Dalic doesn’t rate Smolcic very highly. In Stojkovic’s case, he didn’t start making a serious impression until the second half of the season. Especially for players playing outside of the top 5-7 leagues, Dalic typically takes a while to call them up.
Boring squad
So only changes since March 2026
Josko and Kova in
Lovro and Smolcic out
Also on standby: Franjo, Beljo, Smolcic and Letica
(stand-by listi) su: Lovro Majer, Franjo Ivanović, Dion Drena Beljo, Ivan Smolčić, Karlo Letica, Adrian Segečić i Luka Stojković.
Live Dalic press conference
Of course the HNS MORONS aren’t/forgot to live-stream it on their YouTube channel
***.facebook.com/24sata/videos/2585542378530336/
LMAO
Identical squad to November qualifiers
Bhahahahahahahahahahahahaha
INDEX has LIVE stream.
Watching it on 24sata
I think we’d have to be very careful with a majer exclusion.
For the nt he’s got 9 goals and 7 assists in 1600 minutes. An absurd 1 contribution per 100 minute rate. Better than any midfielder we’ve probably ever had i would guess
Majer is a unique player in that he’s not a fit anywhere guy. He needs to be in the right situation. Wolfsburg did not look like that this season. But it doesnt mean he can’t be impactful for croatia, especially when the team is so short on offensive creation.
You are right.
I am a Majer fan.
Wolfsburg can barely complete two consecutive passes, and Majer makes a great play, breaks to open space and the ball never comes back.
The wheels just came off this season.
I am not sure where that leaves him for a NT selection. He is hardly playing for his club team, which is a very low ranked team on the Bundesliga table.
Could not agree more.
Another game another goal for Musa against the SJ Earthquakes.
Watched Covic’s 25 minutes cameo y’day
He was playing LHS #10
He’s still a passenger – zero impact on the game
He was passive going into most challenges and passive all around
As soon as he received the ball – he hurriedly recycled or passed it on – like the ball was a hot potato and hurried to get it off his feet
i.e. ZERO PROGRESSION with the ball at his feet – when Anonymous says ZERO Anonymous means not even one step – he’d receive the ball – and pass it as soon as he could to the next player – never seen something like that before – it looked really weird
I think he was frustrated at himself (hopefully that’s why) and lashed out at Schlotterbeck and got a yellow
Also – he was smiling too much – to teammates coming on – and teammates coming off – not sure what that was about – they were losing by a goal and needed to score – no time for smiling and playing with teammates on the field (i.e. poor mentality)
Please watch Dortmund’s second goal – Covic ran back from centre circle – but was nowhere near catching up to his man – who ended up being free at the far post and scored – if you think Kranjcar or Saranic are “slow” – please watch this run back – I’ve never seen a Croatian player this slow in my life – best case he just didn’t feel like running – worst case if that’s his max speed God help him – it makes Luka Vuskovic look like Usain Bolt – it was terrible – he’s 18 and playing for a Bundesliga team – there is no way they don’t do tons of running during the week
Disclaimer – the kid is only 18 – it’s great he’s getting minutes in the Bundesliga – and yes it was Dortmund – but I didn’t really see much hunger and bite from him to try to make a positive impression (as I said I saw too much smiling) – maybe the best for his development would be to spend 1/2 season thru to Dec/Jan at a top 2nd tier Bundesliga team where he could play 90′ every game
Igor posted on IG he’s no longer Igor nor Matanovic – but rather the “Punisher” (bc a couple of fans gave him the “Bestrafer” nick-name)
So
Igor = the Punisher
And
Stojko = the Jackal (such a perfect nick-name – reflects his pool cue assembling/dissembling diligence/precision plus nod to him being “Wild”)
Hmm. . .
Igor = the Punisher
Stojko = the Jackal
Anonymous = the ??
Just asking!
SN says Majer and Luka Sucic are on the fringe/chopping block
Shocked SN doesn’t mention dropping a CB, Moro, and maybe even Fruk
SN is SCATHING on both Majer and Sucic – why they are limited – and bring nothing to the NT – and what they do bring we already have and at a much higher level with more complete players
#####
If Zlatko Dalić is going to choose one of these four, the key is whether he is looking for an X-factor for the game or just filling out the roster. If he wants to bring freshness to Croatia, which they consider predictable, although not so much in the 3-4-2-1 formation, it is Segečić; if he thinks of having a player who can completely change the rhythm of the game, it is Stojković; if he plays on experience, it is Majer, and if he wants to bring someone primarily to support him, it is Sučić.
If a journalist were to choose, he would find a place for both Segečić and Stojković, but it’s easy to choose without responsibility. In the end, she’s always on the menu.
#####
It seems that Luka Sucic ended the season stronger than Majer, playing in the Copa del Rey and contributing to the huge cup win with a goal after the game went to kicks. Sucic had a poor season, but it was somewhat rehabilitated in the end.
Majer was languishing on the bench by the end of the season, while a member of a hapless Wolfsburg team. There has been no turnaround, and the season ended on a sour note with him barely playing.
I am a big Majer fan, and that goal he scored in the recent friendlies is as an example of what he can do. But I’m not sure that Dalic can go with Majer, given that he’s basically not playing for his club team. It’s unfortunate . . . in a different situation I think he would’ve been valuable to the NT, but it’s just the way it turned out. He was an elite midfielder in the French league just a few years ago.
What is interesting, is that 20-24 months ago, probably most everybody thought that those two would be a lock to be on the national team for World Cup 2026.
Two years ago, knowledgeable fans were talking about Luka Sucic as “the future.” (As Yogi Berra once said, “the future ain’t what it used to be.”)
Of interest, Segecic and Stojkovic are ranked almost the same by Sofifa. Stojkovic is rated 70 overall and 80 potential, while Segecic is 68 overall and 79 potential.
https://x.com/RealMadridXtra/status/2055923126819811760?s=20
Gvardiol offered to Real Madrid
This could be a good or a bad thing for Gvardiol. I mean it’s Real Madrid so you never say no when they come knocking. However, there are lots of bad things going on in the locker room for Real Madrid, as per social media. So I am not too sure how I feel about this one.
I feel like Mbappe’s move there caused a lot of issues for the overall squad. There a lot of comments on social media about how Real Madrid fans have a timer for Mbappe’s stay at Real Madrid, and whether or not he will last.
Apparently all of team France were happy when he wasn’t called up for the one tournament.
I dunno if this is the best move at this stage, but Gvardiol seems like a pretty level headed guy that can handle pressure well.
Apparently it was Gvardiol’s people who initiated contact with Real Madrid to test the waters.
It was not something initiated by Manchester City or even RM, though the latter has long maintained an interest in bringing Gvardiol to Spain.
But who knows for sure . . . That was just what I found searching for more info . . .
I will play musa against england..but the match is held at dallas stadium.
This is one of the GREATEST things Anonymous has EVER seen
Stojko won a billiards 9-ball tournament in Zabok yesterday
Here is the footage of the ENTIRE tournament (10 hours long – scroll towards the end)
***.youtube.com/watch?v=D6Bv47Ms0K0&t=33296s
In a day and age when kids his age spend 24/7 on screens (mostly wasting time) – that he has the patience and desire to do something real/tangible – speaks volume about his character (and upbringing Anonymous will say)
10000% call up by Dalic for the NT – for his performance on field – but also for having a tangible/real life hobby and being really good that he wins tournaments
This is crazy – he’s been playing in tournaments for years !
cuescore.com/player/Luka+Stojkovi%C4%87/12339295/tournaments
Anonymous LOVES how carefully he puts away his cue sticks at the end – so meticulous – like the The Jackal
For those folks in Toronto there are still a couple tickets left for the Panama game on sale directly from Fifa for $250 Cad.
wont let me buy 2.
Only one though both are shown as available.
Matanovic goals summary for the year…
Bundesliga: 11 goals in 31 games (scoring once every 143 min)
Cup: 1 goal in 4 games (scoring once every 261 min)
Europa: 3 goals in 14 games (scoring once every 242 min)
He did pretty good in his league matches, but could have done better in Europa. Cup games were too small a sample.
He was a bit inconsistent overall, but finished out the season strong and will hopefully build on that for next season.
He has some serious potential and is probably in the best position to become our starting striker after this World Cup (and may end up logging some good minutes at this tournament as well).
Honestly we have seen Matanović get in to scoring positions and generate dangerous attempts for a the past 18 months – he just didn’t have that final touch, almost seemed like the a bunch of bad luck led to the yips-
He’s past that now it seems – I’d start him in these friendlies , if he continues scoring , he should be the #1 option –
He’s 23, going in to a European final as a starting forward that’s been a huge part of his club teams success this season. We really haven’t had a young g forward with this kind of success since mandzukic/olic era.. (maybe Kramarić )
@Z
Who are the Croatian MORONS who gave Serbia 12 points ?
While the Serbs gave Croatia zero
Embarrassment
12 points in what?
You’re Eurovision song crap
Jebem vam mater šugravu dali srbima 12 bodova oni vama 0 ujutro otkazujem HRT pretplatu.
Koji ste vi jadnici
Oh, haha
Come on.
They were never going to give a Catholic song like that first place, especially after Turkey lodged a complaint.
Israel coming in second shows how compromised that stupid competition is.
Lol
I wonder if we go with two strikers this World Cup
Doubtful for me. Midfield has, and always will be our strength. Thats where our most depth is and it also alleviates extra running for Modric having another body or two there depending on formation.
It would be a nice experiment after the tournament now that we seem to be forming a few legitimate options there, but I don’t think we go that route. And while I expect Kramaric to start, I don’t consider him a real striker.
Olic and Kranjcar vs Germany Euro 2008 meets Igor and Saranic vs England WC 2026 ;-P
Heh, I remember being on this website pre-2016 and everyone was complaining how we hung on to 4-4-2 long after it went out of style.
Hrgovic 3rd round TKO Allen
x.com/Sourceofboxing/status/2055756857189286113
Anonymous thought you weren’t allowed to punch the back of the head and/or the nape? Hrgovic kept hitting him there (I mean Allen was dumb to stuck ducked like that)
Matanovic with 14 goals this season. What a season. Besides him and Budimir, we don’t have any players at the top of the table for most goals for strikers. Mandzo was our last guy in to be at this level. Matanovic needs to use his height and aggression to make space.
We seem to have a healthy lineup. All the games are completed for clubs. We are sitting in a good spot right now. Gvardiol is back, Kovacic and him found some rhythm since returning. Our defence is strong and offensive. Some new young talent upfront with Ivanovic, Musa, Matanovic. Midfield is strong even with an injured Modric. Baturina, Sucic X2, Vlasic. Look at other teams such as Spain. Lots of key players gone. This will be a wild World Cup with lots of twists and turns.
We should beat England in the first game. As long as we don’t lose to the three kitties.
Guehi motm..difficult for gvardiol to play as LCB for city again..khusanov is on form too
Guehi motm..difficult for gvardiol to play as LCB again for man city
Let him play as cb and have less miles on his legs for club
Gvardiol traveled with the team. He looked his usual smiley self walking off the bus. Looked like he was moving just fine.
Hey @ Ante
I know you don’t like Dinamo but it’s a little too much bias and unprofessionalism going on at Croatiansports. Dinamo clinch title few weeks back, they win last derby of season last weekend and mid week win cro cup. No articles on anything, cmon can’t be that much of a hater!
I can accept to a degree ignoring the 2nd best Croatian club at the moment Zrinjski ignoring the great achievement of winning the BIH cup but Dinamo unprofessional!!
Ok I’m here to panic about the comment on gvardi not on bench and vuskovic slapping his knee
We need them both for 2030 to rule the world
Matanović is playing himself as a starter
Sort of wild that we have him and musa possibly as better options then budimir who has consistently scored in La liga in the top 10
I’m liking this
I do like both of them
And if Dalić will shake it up it’s on striker as he never seemed to be a team budimir guy
Sad that Krama took himself off at 55′
If he stayed on and scored a hat-trick Hoffenheim would be in CL
But he just gave up in the most important game of their season
Not a winning mentality – hopefully Dalic took notice
Watched HSV today, Vuskovic kept on having injury issues during the game. At one point he was slapping his knee. He soldier’d through. Hopefully its nothing.
Since Brazil friendly
Wolfsburg have played 630′ of football (7 games)
Lovro has played 86′ of football, sub in 3 games
i.e. only 13.65% of total minutes available, on a relegated side
Easy decision for Dalic to leave him off – he hasn’t progressed in 5 years anyways – just stagnated since his move to Rennes – and will be 30 y/o in January
The craziest thing is he is Wolfsburg top earner by far at 7m p.a. (so don’t feel bad for him missing the WC)
It’s a shame RB Liepzig’s LW Dele Thomas is injured (ankle) otherwise he could have seen him play vs. Igor and Igor could had some nice Croatian words with him
FFS take Igor off – Europa final Wednesday – he doesn’t need to play 90 – it’s 4-1
I hope Freiburg win win Europa.
Matanović with a bunch of incredible assists. Dude is on fire this match.
Absolute call up and start in my view.
Gvardiol not on the bench for Man City today? I hope he was not re-injured during his recent start. Does anyone have an update?
Matanović with a beautiful assist that should have been a goal.
Look at his head movement/swivel from 74:02 – he scans the entire field – where he’s teammates are – where the opponents are – he even looks behind him if he has space/time – then gets the ball and already knows he’s passing it to the guy who is going to be most open – really smart play/processing of progression
Matanovic goal + hockey assist in first 45′
Look at the hockey assist – this is a pass Budimir would never make
Igor seems to be a much better all-around option, including hold-up, link-up, pressing ability, than Budimir
I’m glad someone else sees it too.
Sesvete front 4 vs. Dugopolje
RW Saranic
CF 19 y/o Kardum (called up to U21 – after last playing for U18 in 2023)
LW 16 y/o (!) Vito Jakovljevic (played 4 friendlies U17 – not in Euros U17 squad i.e. with Pavic)
#10 19 y/o Cacic
Cacic, Jakovljevic and Kardum don’t even have an assigned (nominal) “market value” on Sofascore
Now imagine inserting Saranic into Dinamo with Beljo, Hoxha and Stojko instead
Saranic another World-Class penalty
That’s 14 of 14 in his career – never misses – 100% hit rate – just like Anonymous !