Martin Baturina’s stock keeps on climbing! The 23 year-old Como midfielder scored a beauty from 26 yards out rifling a low ball just inside the far post. The kid is booming with confidence after scoring against England at the World Cup. He now has Serie A goals in back to back games as Como came from behind to defeat Genoa 4-1 Friday night.
Luka Vušković (above) was voted MOTM and received an 8.0 SofaScore rating, scoring his first goal for Brighton off a corner to force a 1-1 draw vs. Leeds Saturday. The funny part, Vušković currently has more goals (1) than the club that just sold him to Brighton, Tottenham (0).
Petar Musa is on absolute fire in the MLS season this year and is now ties with Lionel Messi on 18 goals for league lead after his brace Saturday night versus Sporting KC. In the 1st half, Musa climbed the ladder to head home a cross for goal #17 and in the final kick of the match, Musa rifles home a penalty kick to win it for FC Dallas. Musa is not only having a superb MLS season with 18G/5A in 21 matches, he has helped his club to 4th place in the Western Conference with 11 matches remaining until the playoffs begin.
Will Musa overtake Messi for the MLS Golden Boot? What plans does Bilić have for Musa this month in Nations League play?
Ante Budimir scored twice for Osasuna (one from the penalty spot) in a 5-2 loss to Alaves Sunday night. Budimir received a 9.1 SofaScore rating and now has four goals from the first four matches of the season. The dude doesn’t get enough love.
Joško Gvardiol played left-back for 90 minutes and helped City keep the clean sheet in a 1-0 victory over Coventry Saturday. Gvardiol received a 7.3 SofaScore rating for his efforts. Kovačić rode the bench as an unused sub for this match.
Marko Pjaca scored again! He now has goals in back to back Eredivisie matches for FC Twente and has a total of 6G/2A in 9 matches (all competitions) thus far this season. We are keeping a close eye on Pjaca this season as the 31 year-old winger has already been capped by Croatia 28 times.
Adrian Segečić assisted in Portsmouth’s 2-0 win over Cardiff.
Domagoj Bradarić assisted twice in Hellas Verona’s 5-0 Serie B victory over Arezzo.
Luka Modrić got the start for AC Milan Sunday night at Juventus and played 83 minutes in a 1-1 draw.
Can’t believe that Segecic left Australia to join us just to not get called up 😭
Maminjo will love this
Bilic ignores Pong
Pong on standby
Bilic calls Duje
Duje out
Bilic already starting with his elite elite mind games
This gonna be fun
🎙️ Slaven Bilić on the centre-back situation:
“The situation at centre-back is improving. Šutalo has found a new club, and I need to speak with Pongračić. Duje Ćaleta-Car is not in the squad, but I called him.
I rate him extremely highly, and I told him he needed to find a club. He has now signed for Sassuolo. Nothing is set in stone. I expect him to play, and if he plays, he will be with us.”
Saranic assist !
Nice to see he’s settling in nicely into the Turkey Delight
I don’t hate the idea of just seeing what’s what with all the strikers but if that’s the case, why not just call 4 or 5 more guys up then to at least see what they have in camp? They’re playing 4 matches in 2 weeks and if we can recall the two legs against France a couple years ago when we dominated the first leg and then our older legs got tired, with Modric of all people giving the ball away for the equalizer.
But I do still prefer Matanovic, Ivanovic, and one of Beljo/Musa as our strikers. I just don’t think Budimir is anything special for the national team despite his goals in La Liga.
Stojkovic likely would have been on this team if his form didn’t fall off in the last month or so. I think out of all the “fringe” players he most deserves the spot. Everyone else is basically a step behind for me.
I like Majer and do think he will be back with the national team soon if he keeps performing for AEK, but it was just a questionable move to go there honestly. He seems to also play great for each of his teams at first but then they don’t get results, get a new coach who doesn’t play him, and then he’s back to square one.
@Slavonac
I have to disagree with you on Misic. As a Dinamo fan, I don’t think he’s great and doesn’t bring anything really different. He is fine and yes Dinamo is better when he plays well, but he’s also playing in one of the most important positions in their system.
In my opinion, he was one of the worst players on the pitch against Viking and largely at fault for at least two of their goals over the two legs by literally handing the ball over. Maybe I’m just sour on him because of those games as dinamo should have wrapped that tie up in the first 30 minutes of the first leg. I don’t think it is much of a difference whether we have him, Moro, Jakic, or a guy like Nejasmic.
I think Hrgovic is solid but I can see him being a defensive liability similar to Sosa. Speaking of Sosa. I am very glad he is back in Germany. Hopefully he gets back to his best. Even with his defensive problems, he is a decent player when he is at his best.
Segecic is an interesting one as he fits a position of need, but I don’t really like that he’s been playing as a number 10 for Portsmouth rather than on the wing like we need.
Sego has been good for Hajduk and if he keeps scoring then maybe we can talk. I am more interested in Soticek as he’s the profile of winger that we desperately need. Fast, direct, and good with the ball at his feet. Think if he had gone to dinamo instead of Basel he might be closer to the senior team by now but happy to see him doing well at Hajduk.
I do like that we have a lot of guys on the radar. Hopefully we see some take the next step and then get opportunities here soon.
Last thought since I saw someone mention Biondic. I really hope the HNS continues to push for every diaspora talent they can land. We have been doing a pretty good job of snapping up most of the good talents in the last 5+ years with the likes of Stanisic, Matanovic, Ivanovic, the Sucic boys, and more recently Filip Pavic and Segecic.
I do have some worries about the German-born players now that they managed to bring Klopp into the national team set up. Pavic has time to switch back and we have a ton of young talent in Germany apart from him. Would hate to see us miss out on someone like a Niko Ilicevic.
Of course, I only want guys who want to play for us to do so, not to just be the second option but I do think that’s what we need to do if we want to keep competing at the highest level.
Hey Vuki, I understand what you mean about Misic being at fault for 1 goal vs Viking but those things happen in games and he’s not usually a player full of blunders. Misic is creative and advance’s the play, he takes some risks and often see’s the play very well do I like him as an option. Bilic will most likely play Modric and P Sucic, Misic can be their sub.
with regards to Budimir, I think we are stuck with him only because he’s a machine in La Liga but I have rarely felt confident with him on our National Team. I’m probably being unfair to him but Matanovic seems to be in the driver’s seat as far as I’m concerned.
Sego and Beljo are both on fire right now but Beljo has been scoring in bunches for over a year and he really deserves the call up even if I think he’s probably behind Matanovic and Ivanovic.
lots of us here mention tons of different talents we’d like to see. the first criteria always has to be good performances on a regular basis to break into the National Team, otherwise we end up with a revolving door.
Please note Hurzeler’s description of Vuskovic’s body language – none of u MORONS ever mention a player’s body language – but it’s so so important – Anonymous’ world-class eye test of calling the Baturina bottom in the Bologna cameo was entirely based on his body language and not the goal he scored – please check the tape
Unfortunately Anonymous can’t teach a MORON how to assess body language – it’s an inherent gift – ur born with it or ur not
https://x.com/crotalentscout2/status/2097027056319987803?s=46
Anonymous found their BRILLIANT world-class eye test – it’s impossible to produce a better eye test then this – and 100% based on body language!
U MORONS should print this and frame it above ur beds – so every night u can study before u shut ur eyes and dream of Anonymous
Anonymous is the GOAT !!!!!
https://croatiansports.com/the-weekend-water-cooler-134/#comments/523233
Same stuff that finished 23rd and 26 th in the last 2 tourneys
Cool cool
Kotarski, Misic and Beljo
All FAILURES outside the HNL – who ran back to a stacked DZ team bc no other club wanted them (well Beljo had a chance to fight int he Bundesliga – but didn’t want a fight – he wanted an easy cushy gig)
Couldn’t make it outside of HNL – but good enough for the Croatia NT
Come on – let’s have standards
Anonymous jumped on a plane to Greece – just so he could access Jaga’s 45 minutes vs. Niki Volou in the Cup – Anonymous just returned/landed – Jaga didn’t play bad – I didn’t see any 1 of 12 duels – they numbers are fake to try to screw up Jaga – probably the same dirty Serbs and Greeks that stole his jersey last year – will report back with thoughts – but it was more a tactics issue facing a low block then Jaga – he actually looked decent all things considered
@maminjo
Let’s be fair to Bilic:
Let’s not forget who we are playing. Spain and England are two of the very best teams on the planet. The games will be tough.
Segecic: sege is the type of player who could really add something to the NT, potentially he is a perfect mix between typical Croatian technique and quality, with brash Aussie confidence, aggression and self confidence. BUT, he is playing in championship and hasn’t had time to prove himself as exceptional even at that level. Yes he is super promising. But he is not ready for a call up. If you call a young player to the NT before they are ready it can damage their confidence.
Pjaca: I love him. After everything he has been through it would be beautiful if he were to finally, in the autumn of his career, fulfil his potential as a world class winger/forward. He has started the season in spectacular form. He might actually do it. BUT, what he needs is to stay fit and continue his club form. It does him no favours to call him up at this point. Hopefully Bilic called him and they had that discussion.
Fruk: until he proves he can be influential at a better level than hnl he will struggle to get on the NT. no sense calling him at this point.
Jaga: clearly not ready
Soticek: promising signs but still a long way to go to be ready for NT
Sego, biondic, vidovic, topic, Valincic, mlacic, Goda, vrbancic, others: same
Hrgovic: great going forward, but must get stronger and more decisive in his defensive play. Not ready
Saranic: lol @anon. Perhaps not quite ready. Maybe in 5 or 6 years
Bowen: ineligible due to being English
Which leaves just one player:
Stojko
Saranic 🤪
n.b. Majer also on standby
Bilic said all U21 players (save Vuskovic) will stay with Olic (Olic called and cried to him he needs the all – so that’s that)
@Crnkovic
Malick Yalcouye 👀
Caught Anonymous’ eyes while watching Luka (there is no watching Brighton – there is watching Luka for 90 minutes)
Mandic finally made his debut in Portugal
MOTM
Weird nobody told us he broke his arm last year and was out for 6 months (that’s really long for a broken arm – jeez)
Only 23 – n.b. he was Vukovar’s keeper when they went up to the HNL
https://www.jutarnji.hr/sportske/nogomet/ivan-mandic-debi-casa-pia-sedam-obrana-cista-mreza-prvi-bod-15744179
Juranovic makes sense. We need width and he is on form.
Misic replacing jakic and moro?
Our squad is even older than dalic’s. I supposed he wants to see who deserves to be dropped.
Brekalo and pjaca are also on form apart from segecic and stojkovic. We have enough width now. Hoping the orsic is back.
Sadly non of above is called up.
I missed the days when bilic took over and called up youngsters eduardo modric corluka rakitic immediately. And build a growing team from then on.
Yes I’m actually very surprised that he just went with the old guard + the Dinamo players that Boban likely pressured him to take.
I guess national team selection is just a consensus of the coach, the senatori, and HNS execs.
JJ is called as back-up LB (Perisic is first choice)
What’s really funny – a few months ago – Anonymous posted that 25% of JJ’s games have been at LB (I made it up based on quickly looking) – today Bilic used the 25% figure (which I got out of my ass) – it’s nice to see Ivo Bilic (his nephew) wasn’t a nepo hire or anything and adding immediate value by reading CS.com and taking Anonymous made-up figures
“Hey Slaven, I read on CS.com that JJ has played 25% of his games at LB, some guy called Anonymous who sounds like he knows what he’s talking about, posted it”
“Really – wow – I didn’t realize – I’ll use it in the press conference – thanks Ivo!”
Difficult task for Bilic this first squad. On the one hand he wants to bring new energy on the other hand he doesn’t want to demoralise those who have done enough to earn their place so far.
So he has 4 centre forwards. Budimir, Musa and matanovic are all on form and all have proved they can perform for the NT. so he can’t drop them. Plus beljo has to get a call up as he continues to score goals at a crazy rate. So he has to call them even though he doesn’t need 4 centre forwards.
Midfield is a similar story. I was really hoping Stojkovic would be in the squad. In my opinion he is ready and would bring creativity and goal scoring threat. I assume Bilic has spoken to him and told him his chance will come soon.
For me Misic is a wasted spot. He has earned his chance but I don’t believe he brings an improvement to what we have and is not going to get much better than he already is at his age.
Mario pasalic is a guy who I’m sure has a perfect attitude, experience, versatility and goal scoring threat from the bench. Very hard to justify dropping him but ultimately he is taking a spot from the likes of Stojkovic, segecic.
Vlasic is similar. A good player, top professional but not someone who is ever going to strike fear into opposition defences. So those 3 in midfield. Misic, pasalic and vlasic. One of those should’ve been left out with Stojkovic taking their place.
The defence and goalkeeper selection is sensible.
I agree with everything you just said.
Personally, I thought Bilić would be more brave and call up Stojković, Segečić, Šego or Hrgovič.
Glad that he at least cut some of that dead CB weight.
I don’t think its brave to call up Stojković, Segečić, Šego or Hrgovič…maybe Stojković could have gotten a call up but I think you’d then have to release Vlasic and I’m not sure any manager has the balls to do that just yet. Segečić and Šego in particular are quite far behind the pecking order although we probably need someone like Hrgovič. I still think he needs time.
Lots of people here hating on Misic but I don’t understand why? Misic is a far more productive player than both Moro and Jakic and he’s a modern #6 who can play with both feet, send long and through balls with both feet, he’s responsible and also talented. I’m happy for Misic and I think he will surprise many people that don’t watch him.
I LOVE Juranovic and anyone that love’s this game MUST really pull for this guy but I don’t think he’s even close to being at his best so I’m a bit worried he got the call too early. He’s not in form and hasn’t been for quite some time.
For some of you saying Bilic gave Modric his chance with the National Team you are wrong. It was Cico Krankcar that gave him his first call up.
***Kranjcar
Based off what we’re seeing so far this season….
None of Šutalo, Kramarić, Mario Pašalić, Marco Pašalić, Vlašić or Mišić should be getting a callup.
Hopefully Bilić is just cutting players in phases, to maintain Dalić’s locker room joy.
Bilic just announced 26 players for the upcoming NL matches.
Not many surprises, Juranovic is back with Misic and Beljo also on the list.
Four CB’s on the list, with Sutalo not having played a match yet for Lazio.
Golmani: Livaković, Kotarski, Pandur
Braniči: Gvardiol, Juranović, Šutalo, Vušković, Smolčić, Stanišić, Erlić
Vezni igrači: Modrić, Kovačić, Mario Pašalić, Vlašić, Petar i Luka Sučić, Mišić, Baturina
Napadači: Perišić, Kramarić, Budimir, Matanović, Ivanović, Beljo, Marco Pašalić, Musa
Pretpozivi: Letica, Pongračić, Jakić, Moro, Majer, Fruk
Stokjo on stand-by too
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1BsfHnFiQw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Remember this guy??
Maybe we need to put out a brekalo watch again
Red Star Belgrade Mladic TIFO today with “Towards Potocari”
Don’t trust Serbs – EVER!!!
Referring down to the Mario Vušković talk down below
He was on a good upswing, he has talent. The fact he missed so much was big
But I’m sure he’s been training, he is surely hungry It’s not like he had two blown acl like a pjaca situation
He’s only 24
Less miles on his legs we can argue is a bit of a benefit
I’m going to put it out there. He comes back and plays with Luka one day;)
Call me out in two years if I’m wrong
What’s annoying to me is teams making money off young guys like Luka situation being sold to Tottenham and loaned out
I wish this money could stay more in Croatia
I get it, it’s the business but yeah
Also is there a dumber club than Tottenham?
No Way they looked at him and said you know what. He’s gonna tank and be worthless after seeing what he’s done in every chance he gets
I wonder if that World Cup performance made them question him?
We knew that was all dalic really
Hope he burns Tottenham hard when they play
I think Tottenham are in survival mode right now.
They just saw what happened to West Ham, and are more worried about being relegated than about whatever opportunity cost they’ll lose out on by prematurely selling Vuskovic.
They sold him for £50 million, and maybe one day he is worth £100m…but a £50m profit on Vuskovic is nothing compared to what they lose if they are relegated.
I believe I read somewhere that West Ham will lose £120m this year due to their relegation. This of course keeps adding up the longer they are out of the Premiership. The Championship is very competitive, and there’s no guarantee of them even being promoted from next season (West Ham currently sit in 8th place). Spurs were VERY close to ending up like this.
Spurs look like garbage right now in the Premiership (scoreless after three games) despite bringing in expensive reinforcements. Anything can happen, and they’re not going to risk any of it on growing pains for a young player (no matter what their ceiling is).
They also have a 20% sell-on clause and match rights.
So from a business perspective – would Tttenham be able to give Luka enough minutes this season to push his value up beyond 50M – no – will Brighton be able to give Luka enough minutes this season to push his value up to 100M – yes – so they get 20% of that incremental 50M i.e. 10M.
If Barca and Madrid come in with 100M – Tttenham can match the 100M – but with 20% sell-on – it would only cost them 80M – so they would pay the incremental 30M – all-in would cost them 12M (initial fee)+30M = 42M for what is then a 100M defender.
So the deal makes sense from their biz perspective.
Sorry – with the 20% sell-on (on profit) in a 100M match – it would only cost 90M – so they would pay the incremental 40M – all-in 12M+40M = 52M for what is then a 100M defender
As sadly predicted
Jaga bench 2:30pm ET
At least he’s in love
@Bartolec: if he doesn’t get his butt into gear real quick he’ll have lots of time for Plenty of Fish in the form of helping Gvardiol’s dad in catching and selling fish from the sea
Duje vs Moro spending their time sending each other paper airplanes from the bench today – so so cute
Here’s the Vusko Real-Madrid-like defensive play in the 94′ (would have been better if they started the clip earlier as there was more of a foot-race)
x.com/BHAFC/status/2096576397594505312?s=20
Compilation (Missing his riffled shot in/at top of box)
x.com/footballconfid1/status/2096463546095652867?s=20
Riding the pine. Where Kova belongs. 😆
Re: Franjo
SN says the reason he was on the bench y’day and he missed a few training sessions last week is he picked up a virus which kept him out
So not a matter of him being out of favour with Toppmiller – it’s a virus thing
Oh good to hear that! And the fact his team lost to Lorient without his involvement, that works in his favor too. Even when his team lost at Strasbourg last weekend, he was pulled at 1-1 and Lens went on to lose 2-1. Thanks Anon.
❤️ 🤗
Griezmann has PUSHED Marco out of Orlando
It’s Griezmann’s team (see 2:16 of him “giving love” after y’day game posted on Orlando socials, him at a college football game a couple days ago posted on Orlando socials, etc)
He got him yanked at HT three times
Now he’s down to 15′ and 9′ cameos at the end of last two games
So Marco isn’t even good enough to play in the MLS anymore
Can’t say I’m surprised – I did mention his decision making and ability in the final third was horrendous at the World Cup – like REALLY REALLY bad
Can’t see Bilic calling him up tomorrow
That’s okay.
We have guys like Stojkovic, Segecic, and Jagusic (once he plays more regularly) that can take his spot.
This is the risk of going to MLS.
It’s a bit of a lose-lose.
When you’re doing absolutely amazing in the league, it’s just chalked up as you doing it in a weak league…but if (for whatever reason) you’re not the best player on field all the time, then you’re persona non grata on the National Team forever.
Luka Sucic ?
True. Him too.
He has been starting and playing RW for Real Sociedad.
@A Tin U
croatiansports.com/filip-hrgovic-is-a-world-champion/#comments/531791
Nicely articulated, buddy.
Personally I always view the NT in terms of 4-year WC cycles, with the EURO tournament serving as a form of midterms at the midway mark. Right now, we have slightly under 4 years/seasons to build a capable team for WC 2030. And yep, current core group is definitely Vuskovic, Gvardiol, Stanisic, P Sucic and Baturina. I sense Matanovic is on the verge of joining this core 🙂
And you have also perfectly described the role of Majer on the NT for the next, I would say, 2 to 3 years? Once he is on the other side of 30, I can’t quite envision how his career will develop, in which direction it would go…
Btw, I just saw on Fotmob that Majer provided 2 assists in AEK’s 4-0 league win over Aris… also named MOTM. Former Dinamo and Atalanta center back, Bosko Sutalo, was playing on the opposite side for Aris.
Re Franjo Ivanovic, I hope you’re right… that he gets to play in their next match on Thursday. Though there’s something I would always associate with coach Toppmoller: when Matanovic was playing under him at Eintracht Frankfurt, he hardly had any playing time… it’s true that back then Marmoush and Ekitike were simply too good and as a result Igor got nailed to the bench. But Igor was never really in Toppmoller’s plans, hence he decided to leave Frankfurt in summer 2025 in search of playing time. I just hope Toppmoller has a lot more love this time round for another of our Croatian strikers. And note that the stakes are higher for Franjo as compared to Igor in 2024/25 because Franjo is trying to revive his career this season and in all likelihood seek a permanent transfer out of Benfica next summer. Imo, if our expectations for Franjo are to remain high, that he can become a regular with the NT, he cannot to afford to flounder for a second successive season.
***
@Anonymous
I’m rooting for Biondic too. Thanks for bringing him up as I don’t usually follow his progress. Not trying to nitpick here, but Ivanovic was clocked with a slightly higher top speed last weekend, at 35km/h (approx 21.75 mph) per Sofascore. Anyway the more Speedy Gonzales we have, the merrier, right 🙂
You should nitpick if Anonymous is wrong ! Thanks for pointing it out. Now we now Franjo faster than Biondic. Biondic speed also impressive but both have to improve their on the ball actions – both have touch issues and ball to feet issues – that’s the main thing I see when watching them
@Bartolec,
Agree with you . . . Matanovic, 23, seems to be on the cusp, just right on the edge of joining that elite core group of five . . .
And you are right that Ivanovic needs to turn it around this season if our expectations are to remain high . . . He can’t flounder again this season.
Another player we might put in that same “Ivanovic” category, that is someone who really needs to have a good season, is Luka Sucic. He had a hugely disappointing 2025-26 campaign, particularly in the first half of the season, but he seemed to have turned it around toward the end . . . And he is playing and getting minutes so far this season, so things look to be on track.
Still . . after what was a very promising rookie season for Sucic in La Liga, and a lot of hype (including from many of us here posting at CroatianSports), and with Liverpool rumours chasing him back then during that first year at Real Sociedad, he is not yet establishing himself as an elite La Liga player . . . Eighteen months to two years ago he ranked well ahead of Baturina and P Sucic on the pecking order, but that has completely changed and now he has to fight and scrape his way back up to their level.
Even our gk department is thin
Semper has left for saudi league
Vasilj is very consistent and good penalty saver. Sad he played for bosnia due to livakovic breakthrough.
Labrovic: enjoy riding the bench for 3rd year
Pandur shd have played in epl.
Our CB is thin now. Nikola Katic has played for bosnia instead. And managed to marshall the defence to 0-0 against bayern. Highest rating defender.
Actually, I think our goalkeeping hasn’t been this deep in a long time.
If Livaković isn’t getting game time at Barcelona, we have Pandur and Kotarski who are both starting at Rangers and Dinamo.
Letica starts for his club in the Swiss League too. Not bad for a fourth option.
Silić at Hajduk would probably also be called up ahead of Šemper and Grbić (who are both playing first team football, albeit in inferior leagues).
Our CB is a problem, but we do have a lot of teenage prospects. One of them will pan out, but we need to figure out a stop gap solution until then.
I asked before but no one answered. I must have missed how pandur left
Too bad he didn’t stay with hull in epl
Why didn’t he ? He was a big reason they got promoted
Pandur is not EPL standard that is why Hull let him go. It is as simple as that. There is no way that Jakirovic would have let him go if he thought that he was EPL material.
This is not just my opinion but was pointed out on Podcasts in Croatia by coaches and former players at the time of his transfer to Rangers.
Rangers is a bigger club than Hull so in a way it was a good move for him. As long as he plays well, he is better playing regularly at Rangers than sitting on the bench at Hull in EPL most likely as the third-choice goalkeeper?
It’s not as simple as that Mart
Hull needed to sell gbp6M by June 30th or they’d breach PSR rules
***.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cvgqj4drdldo
Pandur was one of the few players with actual value to sell (>1/2 the squad left on frees and/or contract expired) so he got sold and then Hull upgraded their keeper (who now has 3 clean sheets but in front of a very good/compact defence)
***.transfermarkt.co.uk/hull-city/transfers/verein/3008
Additionally, EPL teams need to have a certain # of Home Grown players in their squad – so the keeper Jack Butland who went from Rangers to Hull to be back-up is one of those Home Grown players under FA rules (Pandur is not)
Could Pandur have played in the EPL? Who actually knows – Hull is very good defensively so they keeper has little to do – but agree he’s not great with his feet/distribution – but also not sure he’s better than Liva in terms of shot stopping and even Liva has never played in the EPL
It’s terrible for Pandur that not only did Rangers crash out of Europa but then crashed out of Conference League – so no Europe for him this season – which was probably one of the big draws to go to Rangers to begin with for him
One of Pandur’s weaknesses (similar to Livaković) is that he can’t play with his feet.
Every EPL club has a hard-on for goalkeepers who the ball can be played back to. He’s not that type of keeper, even is he is a good shot stopper.
Donaruma can’t play with his feet. There’s a few more gk’sin EPL that are trash with the ball at their feet
100% agree TBone
Donna and Vicario are both terrible with their feet – but excellent shot stoppers – although Italy didn’t qualify for the WC 😂
It’s a shame to hear (from MART and Maminjo) that Pandur isn’t EPL standard and not good at playing with his feet. But he’s young for a goalie… hopefully he still has room to improve?
I was thinking about 27-yo goalkeeper Dinko Horkas as I thought he was still with Las Palmas. Just checked and unfortunately he moved to the UAE last month😓 He was the number 1 for Las Palmas last season and his team even competed in the playoffs for promotion to La Liga (but lost to Malaga). Like Semper, he’s been lured to the Middle East… oh well.
@Maminjo, yes we really need a stop gap solution at CB. Out of Duje, Pong, Erlic and Sutalo, I suppose we can pin our greatest hope on Sutalo as THE stop-gap CB?? I’m even thinking about Mario Vuskovic. Maybe if Dinamo can sell their young Spanish CB in the winter, we can hope for Galesic to be his replacement? These are the guys I can think of off the top of my head…
I forgot about Mario Vuskovic.
It would be amazing if he came out strong once his suspension is lifted (in the next month or so).
Galesic probably could have been a stop-gap, if Boban wasn’t so obsessed with bringing in these random Spaniards over his Croatian compatriots.
Erlić played in Midtylland’s last game. He may be a short-term stop-gap for the rest of this year. I would also think that Duje would get some minutes at Sassuolo to get back into form.
Unfortunately, our WC2026 due (Pongracic and Sutalo) are very likely going to be nailed to the bench for the forseeable future.
Personally, I would shuffle our backline a bit to have Gvardiol at CB with Vuskovic until we figure this all out.
We have Perisic, Stanisic, Hrgovic, Juranovic, Smolcic all in good form on the flanks to make it work.
I just looked it up.
Mario Vuskovic will be back on November 16 (one day after the Nations League is finished).
However, if he actually plays well in the Bundesliga, he may be an option for Euro qualifiers next year.
Hamburg pumped 5-0 by Mainz – paging Mario Vuskovic
Two big losses for Hamburg to start the season.
Hopefully this means they’re desperate to play Mario when he gets back.
It speaks to what Luka Vuskovic contributed. . . . He was huge for them.
Hopefully Mario can help them when he gets back . . . I don’t know what precedents there are for someone being out of competitive soccer for that long, and then coming back to make a difference . . . But I imagine it’s a tall order, tough to stay in form after being sidelined for so long. . Hoping for the best for him.
Jaga won’t start tomorrow
He just posted a picture of him and his GF wishing her happy birthday my love
Anonymous can’t work like this
🤣
Anonymous, you need to keep reminding him (via Insta) to focus on good career and not his girlfriend.
It’s the only way.
Lol.
Anon, tell Jaga the folks here at Croatiansports are getting concerned about his sudden decline and ask him to please focus on his career. Plenty of fish in the sea, he can always find a better one out there who doesn’t need so much attention from him all the time :p
Delicate balance – if Anonymous pushes too much Jaga might block Anonymous – then what ? Set up yet another burner account ? 😂
Watched a good chunk of Freiburg v Paderborn.
I don’t think there is much question and, as I recall, DannyJ and others have said as much as this previously. But we have a number one striker going forward . . .
. . . and it is Matanovic.
He has rounded into a very good striker on a good team in the Bundesliga, among the top strikers in a top five league. He is 23. He is a big target and he is dangerous. He presses the opposing defences in that high press that Freiburg employs, he moves the ball well . . . He has good upside from here.
Budimir is 35. He brings quality, but he can’t help us in the next Euro or WC. The Moose is in his late 20s, still stranded in MLS.
It is, it seems, a no brainer at this point.
We start Matanovic in Nations League and it’s his position to lose. Maybe he starts three games of the four . . .
The question is who else to have named to the squad up front as we begin the Bilic era. Maybe it is Ivanovic (22)and Beljo (24) this fall and we leave Budimir (35) and Musa (28) at home.
As for Vidovic, he did not rate highly on Sofascore or Fotmob . . . but he controls the ball well, and while he might not have great speed he showed quickness and agility, he is skilled as Crnkovic has noted in the past . . . It’s still wait and see in terms of how Vidovic evolves, he is still a work in progress.
I agree. Matanovic has to start.
Physically, he’s a huge striker (bigger than Budimir, Musa and Beljo) and he’s been scoring and assisting in this early season.
In terms of what formation we play and/or who we pair him with…
Perisic, Modric, Kovacic, Baturina and Sucic are guaranteed starters.
We probably play a 4-2-3-1 with Perisic/Baturina/Sucic playing behind Matanovic and Modric/Kovacic behind the three of them.
We will then likely play a Gvardiol and Stanisic as our fullbacks, and have poor Vuskovic paired with one of our misfit CBs.
Bilic is usually good at making a fresh change in his first few games in charge…but the desperation to keep Modric in the team, and the fact that he’s already naming the squad on Monday…makes me think he is just going to play it safe.
Interesting. Center back options are becoming a problem . . .
Maminjo, I think you are probably right.
An alternative possibility, and that is “possibility”, not probability . . .
. . .maybe Bilic is going with big changes and a youth movement and FOR that reason, he wants Modric to play this year . . .
It might be that aside from Kova, Perisic, and Modric . . . and the possibility of JJ (31) and Majer (28) . . . everyone will be 26 or under . . . Many of these guys, Segecic, Stojko, Hrgovic, Smolcic, etc, have never played on a team with Modric, and maybe he feels the overlap, and the exceptional competitive quality Modric brings, will be passed on and help lift the youth contingent to a higher level . . .
You have said, if I recall right, that Bilic is a smart guy . . . maybe he will surprise us . . .
I don’t think that MUSA is as bad as people want to say. We have yet to give him 90 minutes in any game. Matanovic, Musa, and Beljo have one quality that Budimir and others do not, all three can distribute the ball when they don’t have shots.
Musa has been lighting up mls. You would think he gets some play time
Musa is fine and looks decent (from the small sample of minutes he’s played with us).
But Matanović has looked better for us (in the small sample of minutes he’s played for us as well).
Matanović is younger, bigger, plays in a better league, and is far more valuable (on Transfermarkt) for a reason. You gotta go with Matanović as starter, especially if you’re planning for a tournament that is two years away (and he has more potential for growth).
There’s nothing wrong with Musa being a backup for the rest of his NT career. He had the exact same chance to do what Matanović did (when he was first called up, and playing sparingly for Benfica) but he chose money in the MLS and it hurt his chances. That’s life.
Why not both? Honestly? Both show the ability to pass off the ball when they don’t have a shot. Together that would be great?
Yea, but then what formation do you play? and who do you bench?
Assuming we go with our usual 4-2-3-1…that would mean that we probably start Perisic, Baturina, and Sucic as that trio behind the striker.
Maybe Modric, Kovacic, and Luka Sucic may find themselves there (as they are all in form and playing in top leagues right now too).
If we go 4-4-2 then it means we will bench one of them for Musa.
Tin, thanks for keeping tabs on Vidovic. I always feel that Germany is a great place for our youngsters to develop. Hope Vidovic continues to play regularly and his team manages to stay up.
Jaga posted a picture after his hair cut
Bro – u need to fight and start tomorrow – the beauty routine can wait
FFS
Hull 0-0 Villa
Hull 7 points still 2nd place 6 points out of relegation
HNS just posted Darko’s goal
They never post about a player that isn’t a current or former international
So
Darko getting called up Monday
So we already know Modric and Darko that’s two
Over to Portugal . . .
Prpic hasn’t seen a minute in five games so far for Porto in the Portuguese league. Bench. His transfer value has dropped from 6.4 million to 3.2 million . . . Maybe he should look for a move in the next transfer window?
Looks like Zvonarek played the full game again at attacking midfielder and was solid, if unspectacular, for Estrela da Amadora. He has played the full game in all of their four games this season . . . .the team is playing fairly well, sitting mid-table, and looks like Zvonarek is getting consistent starts for the first time in a few seasons. Let’s see what he does with the opportunity as he settles in. . .
Darko goal in 1-3 loss
Segecic assist in 2-0 win
Biondic 80’ in 4-2 win
Sofascore: Darko player of the game in 3-1 loss to Feyenoord.
9.0 rating.
Someone here, can’t recall who, said Darko playing very well and Bilic might be considering. . . . seems to be the case.
Darko already played 545’ this season – meanwhile Jakic has zero minutes and Moro has like 20’ – would make sense to wait to see how gets games until the 18th….
I just want to see Luka come on like in the last bit to sure up a win or if nothing is going to maybe add a little spark
Not take 75 mins from the guys we need to develop now
Vuskovic review
He grew into the game and kept getting better and better
Rating:
6 – first 33:30 minutes (including the Leeds goal)
Then he made a nice interception and play and confidence went up
7 – remainder of 1st half
2nd half
7.5 – 46′ to 71′ (until Luka scored)
The goal gave him a MASSIVE confidence boost immediately – he looked and started to play like he’s 10 feet tall – every touch was confident – defensive awareness and plays much better – he went into God Mode
9/9.5 – 71′ to 94′
During this time – around 81 minute mark – he stepped up and slide tackled to win the ball in a high-line – it might be his first slide tackle in the PL – he actually never really slide tackles for some reason, but bc he was confident he allowed himself to do it – 85 minute he took a riffling shot from top of box – it was an excellent strike and I think it would have gone in but his teammate was still sitting on the ground and went off him – it would have been the game winning goal – but the best defensive action came at 93:20 – you must watch it – speedy Brendan Aaronson was speeding down the wing and Luka comes over and just watch – first he impedes him smartly – then gets goal side – then slicks his foot in to take the ball away – then moves the ball behind himself to get out of trouble and pass it out – it was an 11/10 defensive play – a Real Madrid defender type of play – must watch
So don’t really have an overall score – the most important imo is how he got better and how he finished the game – he has to start the next game with more confidence and know he belongs and start from a higher floor
Will watch one more of his matches before being able to release him on his own – he still needs Anonymous’ watchful eye overlooking him to make sure he succeeds
And yeah – to be 100% – Luka should start all 4 games in the Nations League
Thanks Anon
Kids only what 19?
Skies the limit for him
Just look at what baturina is becoming
Have we ever had a kid with as much potential really and showing it as young Luka?
Speaking of Luka. I love the king as much as anyone
But my guess is sucic boys and baturina are like time to pass the torch king
Baturina is ready to take the team with help from Perisic still and others
Thanks Anon. (Your full Vuskovic review from his previous game never materialized . . . )
Aside from Gvardiol
There was a lot of noise around Dario Simic and Igor Tudor when they were young and included on the NT as youngest player for vibes – they had above average careers but weren’t delivering like Vuskovic is so young
So don’t think we’ve really had a young CB talent like this before
Dario Simic never had this kind of talent. He was just a young steady stay-at-home defender.
Tudor had talent, but was way too injury prone.
But Tudor also had that ‘kiks’ factor where he would get a red card or handball at a bad time.
Vuskovic is much better than both. I would even say that Vuskovic is already better than both of them at their peak. He just needs a full EPL season to show it.
VUSKOVIC GOAL !!!!!!
Took him 33 minutes to get up to speed – boy that Calvert-Lewin is a HANDFUL – but better anticipation and pro-active defending since then
Look at his run to shake off 28 capped Swedish International Gabriel Gudmundsson
World-class offensive box run and header finish
Ugh. Ivanović on the bench today and Thorgan Hazard starting in his spot. So dumb.
Pongracic bench again in the lose
Perfect condition for Bilic to call him up Monday lol
Lens didn’t score a goal and lost the game. They didn’t exactly knock it out of the park without him. . .
They have a Champions League game on Thursday and then another French League game on Sunday. That’ll be three games in eight days . . .
Pretty sure he will be back for Champions League on Thursday . . . .
Gvardiol shd just move to bayern as LCB.
Kovacic shd return to inter and build chemistry with sucic.
0-1 to Leeds
Luka ball watching in his own box – not anticipating the run from his blind side – who booted in the ball for the goal – really don’t like that
Calvert-Lewin elbows Luka in the mouth – Luka already lost a tooth and bleeding in the first two minutes
Luka won two headers in the first 40 seconds lol
Was going to watch Tttenham
Pulled an audible last 3 minutes
Can’t help myself
Have to skip it to watch Luka – that’s more pressing
BUT
If Mudryk comes on Anonymous is flipping games
Please watch tunnel footage pre Vido vs. Igor
Vido waiting in line – Igor comes after – he sees back of Vido’s jersey – but walks by him and completely ignoring him – a second later Vido looks over but nothing
Igor should take his status as a NT member seriously and try to PULL UP other Croats for the betterment of the team – especially as they don’t play the same position – I expect more from Igor – it didn’t get better in the on-field high-five walk by either
Given they are both Germans – they should know each other – maybe Igor’s jealous he was never at Bayern – but just say a quick hello nice to see you
If Anonymous sees this – Bilic sees this (I mean he’s not watching he already has the squad but if he was watching)
REALLY weird thing is they have been TEAMMATES on all the Croatian Under levels – starting from U15 – so it’s not like they don’t know each other
Igor must think he’s better than Vidovic now that he’s on the A-team and Vido isn’t – hope this fuels Vido to push him
Per AI
Yes, Igor Matanović and Gabriel Vidović have played together.They have shared the pitch multiple times as teammates while representing the Croatia U21 national team.
September 27, 2022 (vs. Denmark U21): Both players came on as second-half substitutes during this UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying play-off. Matanović entered in the 66th minute and Vidović followed in the 79th minute, sharing the pitch during the final stretch where Matanović scored a vital 84th-minute goal
March 21, 2024 (vs. Andorra U21): They both featured in a 3–0 Euro U21 qualifying victory
June 2024 (vs. Ireland U21): They were both part of the squad and took the field during a 2–3 friendly loss, where Matanović also found the back of the net
Vuskovic starts 10:00 ET vs. Leeds
Nice to see Ayari back in midfield after missing the Chelsea game
RB Wieffer DROPPED – he was next to Luka and responsible for many of the goals
Kadıoglu changes from LB to RB – Herzeler must think this will work better next to Luka
And Boscagli moves from centre midfield to LB
Everything for Luka
Great choice Sutalo !
Fabrizio Romano
@FabrizioRomano
·
40m
🚨🔵⚪️ Lazio have agreed a three year deal with Diogo Leite, as centre back joins after leaving Union Berlin as free agent.
The agreement also includes extra year as option.
LMAO – they couldn’t even wait until Monday to announce it – it’s nice to see Luka gets priority and special treatment above all the other players on the team (which is the anthesis of being part of a team) – the squad announced Monday will now probably be identical to Dalic’s (i.e. Luka’s buddies) with maybe 2-3 changes max
HNS
@HNS_CFF
#Croatia captain
@lukamodric10
will be included in the upcoming national team squad for #NationdLeague encounters with Czechia, Spain, and England! ! 🇭🇷©️🙌
🟥⬜️ Modrić has confirmed to head coach Slaven Bilić and HNS president Marijan Kustić his availability for the Nations League and is ready to continue his fascinating international career, with 202 caps and historic achievements.
“Of course, this Luka’s decision makes me extremely happy, we are all aware what he brings to Croatia, both on and off the pitch. I’m looking forward to working with him again, after 14 years, and we both share a strong ambition to keep Croatia a top, successful team, shoulder to shoulder with the best teams in the world” 💬 Slaven Bilić
📸 Drago Sopta / HNS
#HrabarBroj #Family #Vatreni❤️🔥
Problem is, both Baturina and Petar Sucic are now better than Modric and Kovacic.
We may be seeing a situation where one of Baturina or Sucic will have to hit the bench (or play out of their ideal position) to cater to both Modric/Kova starting in central midfield (similar to how we benched Sucic in the Panama game).
You mean you don’t think Pero should play at RW like vs England on an ongoing basis? 😂
He very likely plays RW at these Nations League games.
Unless Bilic benches Modric, Perisic or Kovacic…then it leaves Sucic as the one who has to play there.
Poor Fruk – he’s on 96k wages (PER YEAR)
Germanijak reports that serious discussions and negotiations are ongoing at Rijeka for a contract extension for Toni Fruk, a 25-year-old Croatian attacking midfielder. While there is mention of a verbal agreement, it remains unclear whether a new contract has been finalized or if only serious talks have occurred. It is suggested that a new contract could be for four years with an annual salary of half a million euros. Fruk’s initial salary upon his arrival was eight thousand euros per month. His current contract expires in June 2027, and he has 7 caps and 1 goal for Croatia. The negotiations are taking place amid interest from several clubs, including West Ham United, Werder Bremen, and Hull City. In August 2026, Rijeka reportedly rejected offers of up to €8 million from MLS clubs after the club had set an asking price between €9.5 million and €12 million in July 2026. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €9.00m.
Vidovic vs matanovic
By all accounts vidovic looked promising so far for paderborn, a successful season in Germany would put him in contention for the NT. matanovic is on fire and beginning to look like a reliable top 5 league level striker.
JJ and ljubicic
Both have played this season after very few minutes last season. Hopefully they can continue to play and do well. Especially JJ as fullback is our weakest area.
Stanisic
Bayern manager Kompany absolutely loves stanisic if anything he played too much last season. Stanisic was. It always impressive last year, hopefully minutes are managed a bit better this year and he finally loses his nervous edge to become a dominant fullback.
Franjo
I was almost ready to give up on him after a disastrous season under mourinho at benfica. Looks like the lens manager rates him highly and scored an absolute beauty of a goal in his first match in the French league. Watching closely
Others..
Rooting for Biondic – he plays again at 10:00 ET Saturday
1 goal and 3 assists in last 2 games (officially it says 2 assists last game but I watched the highlights and I count three)
He was also clocked with top-speed of 34.7 km (3 games ago) – which Anonymous believes is the FASTEST sprint of any Croatian striker of ALL-TIME (faster than Olic was clocked at Euro 2008, faster than Mandzukic, faster than Franjo) – he reminds of Olic in that his touches can be loose (and inefficient i.e. too many) at times (think Olic sprint to by-line Euro 2004 and pass to Mornar in front who boots it over the bar – argh!) – but seems excellent at link-up / combination play and very energetic all-around and good movement – Belgium league is better than HNL (I guess) but hard to gauge how this projects into a better league (from highlights you see defenders don’t get close to strikers really (limited marking for corners lol) and it seems a bit lackadaisical)
Highlights last two matches – there is a player here – he’s still a bit raw (I mean he was in the German 5th division last year) but if he cleans up his touch and keeps pushing and gets tactically astute – he might surprise us all
***.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ghd2wXO7K8
***.youtube.com/watch?v=oGTByX46azY
P.S.
Marmoush
Mudryk Kudus Savio
;-)))))))))))))))))))))))