Ante Budimir scored La Liga goal #11 in Osasuna’s 2-1 win over Celta Vigo Friday night. Budimir has now scored in four straight matches after his wonderful header from the middle of the box. It is his patented redirection in the box. Budimir is dangerous in the box with his head if he can get the proper crosses from the wings. He is now on pace to finish the La Liga season with 15 goals. Should he be Croatia’s starting #9 at the World Cup?
Andrej Kramarić scored his ninth Bundesliga goal of the season Sunday as 10-man Hoffenheim fell to Bayern Munich 5-1. Kramarić equalized the game at 1-1 after a Bayern defensive blunder gave him an uncontested tap-in in front of the goal. He should have scored another but had his 1v1 shot parried away from Neuer. With the loss, Hoffenheim remain three points clear for a top-4 finish and Champions League berth for next season.
Luka Sučić finally scored his first La Liga goal of the season! He scored the opener for Real Sociedad in a 3-1 win over Elche Saturday. After an initial “whiff” on the ball on his first attempt in the box, Sučić regrouped and left-footed passed the Elche keeper. Unfortunately, he was subbed off moments later and only played the first 29 minutes of the match.
Luka Vušković played the full 90 minutes and received a 7.2 SOFAScore rating in Hamburg’s 2-0 victory over Heidenheim Saturday.
More FFS
Igor Tudor has been offered a contract by Tttenham
x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2022304266082250760
Tudor getting the job at Tttenham lol
1st match ?
NLD Feb 22nd
12 fit first team players (15 first team players injured)
Good luck Igor – he’ll need to field at least 2-3 kids from the academy
This is a high-risk / high-reward career move – no hiding for him – he’ll be under scrutiny ever half – and the media, fans, owners are all very fickle
Of course, if he succeeds and dominates in the PL (10% chance) than he’s the first choice to replace Dalic (and then Maminjo will have a melt-down)
I actually like Tudor as a coach.
I think he’s very talented.
But my worry with him is he is too emotionally immature and ends up fighting with players and management.
Dalic’s strength (keeping a calm locker room) is Tudor’s weakness.
Tudor has gotten better though. Maybe he’s calming down with age.
He’s light years better for us than guys like Olic or Corluka FFS.
FFS – has someone found a full match replay of Jaga’s debut yet ?????
#####
Greek journalists describe him as a ‘diamond’ and a ‘modern number ten’, which was insisted on by coach Rafa Benitez.
Although he had little time in his debut for a more concrete effect in a game that was already decided by the result, the media emphasize that Benitez intends to give him an important role in the rest of the season.
In addition, the Greeks state that Jagušić is the largest exit transfer in Slaven Belupo’s history (5.2 million euros fixed plus bonuses and a percentage of the next sale), which has created high expectations among fans of the Athenian giants.
Panathinaikos fans on forums and social media are pointing out that Jagušić showed in a short period of time why he was paid more than five million euros. “You can see that the ball has eyes when it’s in his possession,” writes one commentator, while another points out: “Finally someone who isn’t afraid to take responsibility and ask for the ball.”
Fans are delighted with his technique, but they also wonder why Jagušić didn’t start the game or come on earlier, considering that Panathinaikos lacked creativity in midfield.
“We bring in a ‘ten’ worth six million and then introduce him when we need three goals in 10 minutes. Illogical,” commented one Panathinaikos fan.
Greek sports portals Gazzetta.gr and Sport24 believe that Jagušić is ‘still looking for chemistry with the attackers’ and that he will ‘need time to adapt to Greek physical football, which is rougher than the HNL’.
All in all, Jagušić received a passing grade for his effort and a few nice moves, but fans are now demanding that he be in the top [starting] 11 in the championship.
Jagušić’s next opportunity to play will be this weekend in the championship match against AEL in Athens. That match is scheduled for Sunday at 8 p.m.
#####
Prekriženi prsti, Podignute ruke.
Serbia
8 Serbs play in MLS
Serbia NT – ZERO Serbs from MLS
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbia_national_football_team#Players
Croatia
3 Croats play in MLS
Croatia NT – TWO Croats from MLS
Even the Serbs have more self-respect than us
It’s embarrassing. Please stop
@Mart
Aren’t u updating us on the U19 vs Greece today 2-0 win. Anonymous sees poor Noa Mikic was forced to return to U19 (sad) and nepotism in full effect with Dominik Simic playing up front (one of Dario’s 4 sons – apparently the youngest is the next Gvardiol per SN despite already having 2 surgeries on knees and missing 1.5 years of playing)
@Crnkovic
Anonymous will reply 😊
I don’t think this Dominik kid is Dario’s son.
This kid is from Switzerland.
Just checking online now, and Dario’s sons are Roko, Viktor, Nikolas and David.
Also… his youngest son has Down syndrome so I doubt he will be the next Gvardiol.
Maybe there is some other kid you’re mistaking them for.
https://www.jutarnji.hr/sportske/sport-mix/komentari/nikolas-simic-dinamo-b-lista-europska-liga-povratak-ozljeda-15670674
They were gassing up Nikolas Simic – Dinamo LB / LCB
Reading it again, article doesn’t say anything about David other than he’s an “inspiration” to the whole family – you’re right Dominik isn’t one of the brothers
Full respect to Dario if David was diagnosed prenatal and he decided to keep him – as the abortion rate in those cases are 90+% in most Western countries (in some countries almost 100% like Iceland)
If gvardiol is fit we must start with him, luka V, stanisic and sutalo at the back. Dalic must be brave and basically say “ok whichever one of you has space just go forward as far as you like to join the attack and create. The other three stay back.” If you have a unique set of talents you must use it to potential. Good luck to the other team trying to cover the extra man as they join midfiejd and attack. The other three are good enough to cover.
In addition Petar sucic is super intelligent and will keep balance by dropping wherever is needed. Plus modric will make sure it’s safe.
If Gvardiol fit, I would say Jakic starts in back in place of Sutalo.
Stanisic has played both RB and LB for BM. he can play LB for us, with Jakic in RB
Totally fair
@anonymous, getting the balance and attitude right in a team is more important that small differences in player level. The reason the big nations don’t have players in the MLS is because they have big leagues in their own countries. They have like 100 players to choose from. Croatia doesn’t have that luxury. It doesn’t make sense to pick a team based on which clubs the players play for. If that was the case we wouldn’t be able to field a team at all. Sometimes we’d have to play without a goalkeeper. Maybe. We could try out a new 2-7-1 formation because our best players are midfielders. The Croatia team, like any team, is a seperate entity. The players don’t just transform their club reputation or market value into the national team. Those things are irrelevant. I keep saying it. Yes if a player plays in a weaker league it means they maybe aren’t as sharp, but it’s one of many factors. It’s not the main factor. The main factor is who they are as an individual and what their skill set can bring to the collective. That’s why you have football managers rather than picking the team using AI and sofamarket.com.
I watched the whole Hamburg Bayern game. Luka vuskovic was insane. Nobody mentioned his bicycle kick attempt. About two minutes before he scored, he almost scored an incredible bicycle kick, it would have been better than his bicycle kick in Belgium and better than his scorpion kick goal this season for Hamburg. The technique was out of this world, the connection absolutely perfect. Like prime batistuta or Marco van basten. Then he still wasn’t happy, he started from the back building the play from the goal keeper, passed forward and continued his run into the box, where his timing and strength was perfect to thump his header past neuer. This is NOT NORMAL for ANY defender. You think Maldini could do that? Never. Absolutely insane talent. He must start at the World Cup (in defense, not striker 😂)
Btw told u FIFA would keep Croatia away from Serbia
We only had a 25% chance to draw them anyway.
It wasn’t fixed.
Clavicular frame mogged by Albania Varis Gilaj
Of course it took a Balkan to bring him down
England, Spain, Croatia and Czech
NL Group of Death
Nasty
Even more reason for Dalic to look ahead and go all in 2030 World Cup XI at the 2026 WC so they get 3 tournament games b4 they get thrown into this NL Group of Death
2030 WC Tentative XI
Keeper
Barisic or Valincic
Vuskovic
Gvardiol
Stanisic
Pero
Baturina
Jagusic
Belinho / Lisica
Igor or Biondic
Franjo
PS
Gvardiol doesn’t play 2026 WC so throw one of the vets next to Vuskovic for this tournament
U can play around eg Baturina at LW and throw in Vlasic or whoever in midfield
RW u can play Perisic in 2026 as Belinho nor Lisica will probably be ready
But hopefully u see the potential for Croatia to win in 2030’- all these players are <28 and in their PRIME akin to Euro 96/WC 1998/WC 2018
PPS
By 2030 if one of the young CB break thru Prpic, Mlacic, Kumar etc then they go into CB and Josko plays LB etc
Point is we can forecast who it will look in 4 years with the odd player or two will be different to above – some positions eg #9 who knows by then we’ll have someone impose themselves
Haven’t followed Belinho, but is that rather pre-mature,….. either he is the next Messi, the next Halilovic, or somewhere in between. He would be really young even in 2030. Agreed, let’s get serious.
Well we will need one “non-Croat” in 2030 if we don’t want FIFA to penalize Croatia from being “all white” like in 2018 and robbing us
If not Belinho then someone else – don’t really care – but we need one DEI in there to play nice
But Anonymous can 100% guarantee u there will be no players from MLS in the starting 2030 XI 😉 😘
True, if Musa is not back on the european side of the Atlantic pond by then, that will be an issue, but like everything in Dallas, he is playing BIG for now, in a small pond. Fortunately, Croatia has evolving prospects as you have highlighted.
Draw for NL A
Spain, Croatia, England, Czechia
Extremely hard group with Spain as the favorites to win the group.
I like it it tough definitely good competition for the turnover after WC.
Good thing we have Czech as our pot 4 team.
I don’t want us to be relegated in case we lose to both Spain and England (who are obviously not a pot 3 caliber team)
Kovacic now anticipated for a March return.
We went with Marko Livaja and Petkovic, in 2022, and we are concerned about Musa, and Budimir. We actually received Bronze with Marko Livaja and Petkovic as our strikers.
It hard to compare, but Musa scores both with his head and his feet, pre-dominantly right, @ .7 goals per 90 minutes of play vs Budimir @ .6 goals per 90 minutes of play. 90% of Budimir’s goals are penalty kicks or header re-directions.
Explain to me, if it is between the two, why is the answer Budimir. The numbers don’t bear out nor the recorded played tape.
With that said I really like Ante, but I don’t have a great argument for that preference. In 2018, I just like Mario’s attitude and aggressive play over Kalinic, but with that said, if Kalinic, rather than quit, rested Mario, against France, in 2018, maybe Croatia is world cup champs.
In terms of numbers alone…
You are comparing a guy who scores 0.6 goals per game in La Liga to a guy who scores 0.7 goals per game in MLS.
This shouldn’t be close, but it is. For this reason alone, Budimir is ahead of Musa.
In terms of style of play…
This is where a coach needs to do more homework.
Dalic needs to confirm whether or not he is going to make Budimir a focal point on offense or not (with headers).
If he’s just going to plug him into a team that is NOT going to send him crosses via the wing, then maybe Musa might offer something more.
If you cut out the PKs and header re-directions, and counted goals from the foot in free play, it is probably .4 goals/game to .1 goal/game in favor of Musa.
Why would anyone cut out header redirections?
To see what a striker might produce without any crossing service, if the team had very slow aged wingers, in their late 30’s on both sides. Fortunately I still think Perisic is still good at providing timely accurate aerial service to our tall strikers.
Not trying to knock Perisic or show dis-repect.
Is England, Spain, France, Brazil,
Argentina, Netherlands, Germany, etc etc etc going to play a striker from MLS
Let’s stop being silly and start being serious
It’s embarrassing to even suggest
Igor Bundesliga, Kule Serie A, Franjo Portugal (if plays), Frank Hungary 1st place team/Europa, even Biondic at USG is ahead of MLS Musa
@ The Truth
Agree that’s the lineup that’s why I truly believe Dalic hasn’t renewed his contract. I think he already made his decision to ride with old guys and he’s skeptical that it will work out and if its a poor WC hell step away.
@ Tin U
We did that last euros Stanisic and Gvardiol were pushing up a lot. It didn’t work they were basically our wingers for our lack of wing play which is the same wingers probably this WC Perisic and kramaric. Last euros basically half the time we played with a backline of three two CB and Brozovic as our LB and RB pushed up it was disastrous. Now that doesnt mean Gvardiol and stanisic shouldn’t ever push up but not all the time as a designated plan to make up for lack of wingers.
Also i don’t believe our issue is striker its simply lack of athletic players. 2018 we had prime Perisic, Rebic, Vrsaljko and strinic and a still fully go Mandzo we lack that today. Strinic isn’t special but was good enough. Today we have the full backs but not the wingers to complement each other.
@Franjo Tudman
Yes i know Brozo retired just saying it would have been to early for Sucic to replace Brozo.
@ Mart
I don’t agree that the players need to cement their status more and wait for what some of the old guys to die? Perisic 2012 was the shitz 2014 again nothing special. 2016 is when Perisic starting being perisic as how we look at him today that’s his 3rd tournament. Rakitic in 2008 was only doing ok at shalke nothing to rave about. I can go on and on. If you watch Perisic and kramaric today there really smart players that knows where to be. Well we already have one of those in Modric. All these older players at club are surrounded with younger more athletic players so it works. When you put them all together it wont work against hi level fast teams. Qualifications was slow soccer against weak competition WC will be like last Euros it was fast.
2022= Morocco zero goals, Belgium zero goals, Japan 1 goal, Brazil zero goals until 120 minute basically , Argentina zero goals.
All ties and loss. we just played well against a truly unorganized shitty Canada team.
2024- Loss tie tie.
So in last two tournaments in 9 games 1 win 6 ties 2 losses. No one tell me about PK yes i understand its tournament soccer and yes the bronze medal match i have not included cause who cares.
To note Italy was also the shits last euros. I don’t blame Dalic for last tournament ok some guys still young, and also the fall qualifiers games again fine some players not playing at clubs. But enough is enough this WC needs a bit of a shift. The leash on All the OLD guys needs to be very short.
This is the 4 tournament after 2018, the core guys made Dalic who he is and his millions and i think Dalic sticking by them for three tournament’s after was loyal enough the fourth needs to be beginning of the shift.
RE: the first part of your comment…
I think Dalic not renewing his contract has more to do with the HNS only offering him a short extension to 2028.
I think he was hoping for a longer deal, especially since his camp kept leaking those false stories about Qatar wanting to offer him big money as their coach.
After all that, the HNS came with their two-year extension, and Dalic told them to wait until after the World Cup.
I don’t think Dalic is that ambitious to try and go to another National Team (I never believed all those Egypt and Qatar stories). I think he’s fine just retiring from being our coach.
If he can keep going as our National Team coach, then fine, but if they go in another direction then he’ll probably just focus on his restaurant and hotel business he has. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got a different role within the HNS as well.
Dalic / nose-pickers –
Baturina said he learnt to take penalties from the BEST PENALTY TAKER EVER his former teammate Kulenovic
A couple of points:
– Baturina has 15+ caps for Croatia – why hasn’t any of his “world-class” NT teammates taught him how to take a penalty (or u urself Dalic or any of the nose-pickers) lol – you never practice penalties with Martin in all that time – not even during ONE training session lol Ur so lazy it’s crazy – best case Dalic has practiced penalties and Martin saying Kule is BETTER THAN EVERYONE currently on the NT at taking penalties
– Anyways, 100% Sandro needs to be the #1 striker for the NT
Baturina knows what he’s doing by making this statement – he’s really going to bat for Kule and thinks he is the #1 striker option for Croatia – and his helping Dalic cut thru the haze to get him on the team (especially after the MASSIVE DISRESPECT Dalic didn’t invite Kule to the dinner in Italy with Serie A players – they keep spitting on Kule over and over again)
Anonymous would also like to point out that only Maminjo and Anonymous have also been able to cut thru the haze and go to bat for Kule on here and say he should be on the NT
https://www.24sata.hr/sport/baturina-otkrio-tajnu-ubojitih-penala-ucio-sam-od-najboljih-od-bivseg-suigraca-iz-dinama-1107573
Do you really think Kule is our # 1 striker? Or are you being sarcastic?
I’ve watched so many Dinamo games through the years and I can tell you he is not a number 1. I love Kule he’s has a lot of effort and he’s very good off the bench and really good playing along with another striker but he’s not a play alone at top guy.
He’s best playing along with another striker like Torino play, at dinamo he’s best games is when we played with two strikers. When he’s by himself he wilts. Last season Kule had good start and then disappeared had a lot of starts and could have cemented himself while petkovic was injured but he’s didn’t he was not good enough and didn’t seize the opportunity.
His last game in Europe with Dinamo is a good example he was one of the worst on the field fell so many times so weak couldn’t ever hold the ball and link play.
As soon as Torino bought him I got it he suits there system there a shitty team and he’ll run and put pressure but he needs to play with another striker which he will there. He’s a good player to have to fight to stay in the league.
How the repka plays with just one at top he wouldn’t be the job done.
I do agree he’s worthy of being called in March but to me he’s not our best striker.
@Crnkovic
Luka Vuskovic continues to work on his “#9 skills” 😉
x.com/luka_thfc/status/2021873463653179555
Not to become a #9, just for those late game, behind a goal times, he needs to join the attack in the box (like some keepers do)
Petar Musa could be going to Lazio!
The transfer window is closed….
Defence we are ok too. Can form a few teams
Stanisic gvardiol vuskovic jakic
Juranovic sutalo DCC valincic
Bradaric pong erlic smolcic
Sosa galesic lovren jedvaj (impossible to get called up lineup)
Attackers we have jagusic, beljo and ivanovic (remove ivanusec/brekalo).
Imagine our squad offense 30s squad
Modric kovacic
Perisic kramaric orsic
Budimir
20s squad
Pasalic sucic
Vlasic majer baturina
Musa
Jakic moro
Marco pasalic l sucic ivanusec/brekalo
Matanovic
So many options
As I’ve said before, stanisic is an undercover high level talent for the nt. Just wish he wasn’t so injury prone
The main attribute ive noticed about him is that he is shockingly fast. He looks kind of like a taller slow goof but he has shown ability time and time again to chase down pacey wingers
I always found his offense limited so good to see him develop there
As far as starting line up goes, if players are healthy it is set
Perisic budimir kramaric
Modric sucic kovacic
Stanisic gvardiol vuskovic sutalo jakic (pick 4 of 5)
Livakovic
It doesnt matter how well any young guy plays. These are dalics guys
The only lower allegiance ones are budimir and the stopper/rb spot
Of the 10 or 11 countries ahead of Croatia in fifa rank how many MLS players are in the starting XI and the squad overall?
Do they even have one MLS players? There is Messi and probably some other vets cashing in at the end of their career – anonymous means players 28 y.o or below
If the objective is to beat those teams then it should be considered
Did anyone watch Jaga sub debut and Biondic sub in the Cups today??????????
Anonymous will hand out a Gold Medal to the person who can scourge PAO full match replays
Stanisic played well today.
Moro with a great assist
Caleta-Car had a good rating
Saw the whole Bayern game and concur that Stanisic played very well.
As a defender, it is interesting how he is a constant offensive threat for Bayern. It was Stanisic who was pulled down in the box by the opposing goalkeeper, which led to the Kane goal on the ensuing penalty kick.
Davies was at left back and Stanisic at right back, and both of them were constantly joining the Bayern attack. (Stani was subbed off for Laimer relatively late in the game.)
As I have said, and I know others disagree, we should PERHAPS take a long look at Gvardiol at left back with Stanisic on the right, and CONSIDER giving them the freedom to join the attack and move up the field at WC.
As has been said below in a post, goals were hard to come by for us in 2022. This is true. It is a fair comment. And we can expect they will be hard to come by in 2026. (This team has no Davor Suker, or Mandzo . . hopefully Budimir, who is our best striker, will surprise us with some big goals — he has that potential — but that remains to be seen).
Having these two high quality defenders blasting up the right and left sides of the field and joining the attack is something we should at least consider . . . if, of course, Gvardiol is healthy.
Good to see that Kovacic is back and training, hopefully he can regain full fitness and get some playing time at Man City prior to the WC. When fully fit and in form he is our best midfielder.
Reports suggest that Luka Sucic should be back in ten days’ time from his thigh ?injury.
Best midfielder?
imo when fully fit and playing regularly he is. Kovacic is experienced and is a world class midfielder. He can match it in terms of speed and technical ability with the big boys from top countries in the world as was the case in Qatar and EURO.
Modric is 40 and is still good but age has caught up with him, and we have seen it in recent times that he struggles physically when backing up and playing two matches in the space of three or four days.
As for players like P. Sucic, L Sucic, Baturina etc. they are good young players who still have to prove themselves at club level (i.e. cement their positions in the starting 11) and lack experience at international level.
Well, Kova has to cement his position in the starting 11 of his club as well.
He’s good if you want to maintain possession, and he’s steady, but I don’t think Milan fans would swap out Modric for Kova right now (even at age 41).
His impact always feels minimal. He’s not a scorer, nor is he a creator, or that much of an impact player it seems.
If we’re not having any issues creating or scoring with our other players, then sure, he’s a solid steady player to complete the midfield with (because he can play within the offense and he’s a complete enough midfielder to play defense too).
But if your team is not creating or scoring, he’s not going to do anything for you in that regard (and that’s where guys like Baturina, Modric, Krama, and even both Sucic cousins surpass him).
Nikola Moro with an assist off a terrific corner kick. Few players in the game have technique on the level of Moro’s. He hits every pass so well, and Bologna always play better when he’s on the field. No idea why he doesn’t start more often.
I’m not worried about MLS guys. Season starts in 10 days. Plenty of time, these guys weren’t injured so there training @100 percent, there fit. They will have played 5 matches before the friendlies in march. Never mind the WC which they have more than enough time to be sharp.
To me the most concern should be kova he has been injured since last season basically. He’s slated to come back i think mid march then he needs starts. If he gets them great were good he in first 11. If not i don’t see how he’s fit enough to be a starter in the WC. That would be 2 surgeries 2 rehabs no summer training camp and no starts. He needs to start at least half of city games when back.
I love kova and he’s a lock if healthy and ready but we have to be realistic its one thing to sit on a bench for club and your healthy which this isn’t the situation.
Regarding strikers there’s 4 strikers that are battling for 2 WC spots i think. Budimir is a lock so for the other 2 spots there’s Matanovic, Ivanovic, Petkovic and Musa. Personally i think it should be Matanovic and Musa. Ivanovic has played poorly during last round of qualifying and now never sees the filed. AS for he’s diversity i don’t care he’s not better than a handful of guys on the wing at the moment anyway. Dalic has alluded to having different striker skill set so there’s always a slight chance but he need to play at least a bit consistently to be called.
Regarding Perisic he’s defiantly lost a step or two same as has kramaric. I don’t judge our team based on the last round of qualifications i judge based on last two tournaments and compare. All i say look at the 2022 WC and last euros, we struggled mighty offensively. 2022 was the end of being able to play that brand of soccer and get success, we have plenty of players to feel good about ourselves however if we throw out there Perisic Modric krama and Budimir we will struggle to get out of the group i have no doubt. To think we can get it done 4 or 2 years later with the same old guys makes no sense.
Last tournament was ok playing all the old guys i get, it I wasn’t fully happy but i get it. Even Brozovic, to bench brozo for sucic at that time was a bit premature. But now its time to turn a a page somewhat. Modric to me is only guarantee player to start.
I’m not saying we will win the WC with some of the younger players but id rather start some of the new guys and give them some experience since either way will probably be same results.
If Baturina continues his form he has to start and if that means someone like kramaric needs to be benched so be it.
I understand not wanting Stipe Biuk to be considered, but not wanting Musa and Marco does not make sense. There are getting great experience all the while being dominant forces in the League. I would venture to guess this might be a better option than having them ride the bench on a top notch team in spain. I would venture to guess we have learned for about their potential, or their lack of, in the case of Stipe Biuk.
I don’t think we need TWO strikers.
We will only need one up top, and we’ll likely just flank that striker with two wingers.
Right now, I’m guessing that our starting striker will be Budimir, with Baturina at LW and Perišić at RW.
Krama will continue to play centrally behind Budimir (as he always does) with Modrić and Sučić behind Krama in the central midfield.
If Kovačević doesn’t start playing regularly ASAP, then he will justifiably lose his starting spot.
My worry is Dalić’s loyalty to Kova, and whether or not he’s crazy enough to torpedo this in-form starting lineup just to squeeze Kova into the lineup (and push Baturina to the bench and Krama on the wing).
Does not Perisic usually play left?
I was a pretty impressed with the goal that Musa scored against the Faroe Islands, and I dare to say he might be a hair better with his feet and have better natural positioning decisions.
Have not been a foe of Kova but has always left me wanting regarding his inability to have a nose for the goal. In fact, there is an invisible repulsive force field around the goal when he gets near it.
I think if Kovacic can play, Dalic is going to have him start.
And Kramaric has been playing well and he’s an automatic starter for Dalic as well. So him going to RW will probably happen.
Saw an article today that Kovacic is returning to individual training. So I’d expect him to start getting regular play before the WC. And if that’s the case you know Dalic will play him ahead of Baturina or Marco Pasalic.
If Baturina starts, Marco Pašalić goes back to being a back-up. Even Dalić glows about what a difference it is when he’s on the field.
We struggled for many reasons at the last Euros and one of them was the lack of a legit right-mid, who has speed, can set up teammates and can score from distance. Ivan is best when he’s on the left wing.
Brožović wasn’t benched…he retired from the National Team.
We struggled because we had zero width, and we were the easiest and most predictable team to defend against.
It didn’t help that Broz had his worst three games as a NT player with Dalić refusing to bench him.
Broz retiring after that tournament was huge for us because Petar Sučić would not get his chance with Broz still being on the team.
The width issue will still exist if we roll out the same Perišić/Krama winger tandem. But Perišić is in better form this season than two years ago.
MLS guys must be in the squad. They have adapted in US conditions, esp Musa who will be playing in his dallas stadium
Musa and Marco off the bench wouldn’t be a bad idea
Baturina is now batina cause he lays the smack down now
If him and p sucic keep going
We will be more then ok for the future
Baturina scored two PKs. Smolčić scored one too.
Paz too scared to take one.
Fuck a pez dispenser
Batina may be poached by the real big boys after World Cup
Madrid are forever gonna be looking for their special Croat again
They will try baturina
To be fair kovacic did just fine there
He had to sit behind some real big boys
Batina , gvardi and vuskovic all Madrid
Could you actually imagine that
Baturina (if he starts) will have a good World Cup.
His price tag will be 50 million and Como will make a killing off him.
My concern is the mls boys aren’t playing…not ideal for World Cup prep
Their own fault for not signing in Europe.
Anonymous is scared
Tttenham are on the verge of being relegated (if Man U didn’t tie it up today in 96′ and Chelsea win in the 92′) – they would only be two points ahead of West Ham (but are five points ahead instead)
Issue is Romero and Micky VDV will 95% both leave if they are relegated (Romero 99% and Mickey VDV 90%) so there will be an opening for Luka to slot in
But we can’t have Luka play in the f-ing “2nd English tier”
Not sure how he’s going to maneuver around this
Scary times
Can Frank survive? Or is he done?
Done 🙂
Great night for Croatians in cup matches: Smolčić draws the penalty, then Baturina scores it and both score top penalties in the final shootout; Igor Matanović and Freiburg advance in the DFB cup; Josip Brekalo comes off the bench for Hertha Berlin and is instrumental in forcing penalties in extra time against Freiburg and then scores his penalty kick. Tomorrow we see what Luka Sučić and Duje Ćaleta-Car will do.
Smolčić is getting better and better, making a case to join the world cup squad.
If Smolčic is selected for the Brazil and Colombia matches and shows he’s capable, why not? Our backline is vulnerable and slow so let’s see what he can do.
What he has going against himself is lack of experience with only one National Team appearance against Faroe Islands.
Our back line is weak? Brate. Which team are you watching? We have three super star centre backs all at top clubs and playing amazing. Vušković will eventually get on a better club. Smolčic is added to the list on potential future plans. He’s only 25 and playing solid. If anything our forwards are a concern.
Look at the last minute goals given up in the Euros…even with Gvardiol. We are still slow on counter-attacks.
You can’t go by the WC qualifying matches with the Goals Against since we had the easiest group.
Dalic is wasting Gvardiol at LB.
He shouldn’t be playing him out at LB, when he has to rely on Duje or Pongracic in the middle.
We need to go back to what worked for us, and it was Gvardiol at CB.
Those goals weren’t Gvardiol’s fault. I know the Albania and Italy goals killed us.
Smolcic player of the game on FOTMOB. Baturina ranked second.
The two Croatians at the top . . . Fantastic.
(They are second and third best rated on Sofascore. . . . )
Congratulations to Como on their PK win over Napoli in the Italia Cup. Both Smolčić and Baturina scored PK’s.
What we’ve learned the past 2-3 months for the National Team:
1) Budimir is now the clear striker and back in form in 4th place in scoring in La Liga. If he doesn’t work out in the opener, you have a very capable Musa. Ivanović barely plays nowdays and when he did get a chance he looked so out of place. Matanović is not ready for prime time and misses bushels of easy chances.
2) The midfield is obviously our strong point again (assuming Marko Pasalić is the starter on the right wing) with capable subs.
3) Even if Gvardiol plays, he won’t be at his best. Is Dalić really going to start an 18 year old in the WC vs England? He had so many chances to start him in March and elected to wait until November, where he lost valuable experience playing National Team qualifiers.
I wouldn’t mind Perišić on the RW with Baturina on the left the way things are going. Why give up on Matanović? He’s starting every match and his team just advanced in the DFB cup…
I wouldn’t give up on Matanović, but at this point, he’s just a back up for this WC. To his credit, he’s getting open, but missing a ton of scoring chances.
Perišic and Oršic have been our only legitimate and consistent left mid’s in recent memory. If you put Ivan on the right, then why would you want to bench Marco Pašalic? He’s the fastest guy on the team, can whip in some great crosses and has a range of 30 yards on his shot.
1) lol – Musa ain’t 2nd on the list of strikers – Anonymous posted the list a few days ago – go find it – he’s like 9th
3) Luka’s already faced Harry Kane twice – which other CB do we have (not named Gvardiol) that’s even faced Harry Kane one ? It’s a no-brainer that Luka starts vs. England – there is 360′ of friendlies to sort it out
Playing someone in a club league match and playing them in the pressurized environment of a WC match are two different things.
We don’t have that many strikers that could play for the NT who could be considered 9th, unless I’m missing the humor.
Why pressurized ? There will be no pressure on Croatia (if Gvardiol not there) – 2026 should be a learning/training exercise for 2030 imo
Here’s the list of strikers – Musa was 6th – the biggest issue he has is he plays in Mickey Mouse MLS (which is the antithesis of pressurized) – this assumes Frigan, Crnac and others don’t come back in the next 4 months (TBD)
Budimir
Igor [most in form]
Franko [Hungary – playing every game (2 goals in 3) – team back to 1st]
Kule [Serie A – but needsto produce]
Petkovic [Stejpan Thomas gassing him up in SN today]
Franjo [not playing…]
Musa [MLS]
Biondic [Belgium – needs to play/produce]
DDB [Needs to score 2+ goals per game to be considered – I have no clue what Kovacevic is smoking thinking he should definitely go to the WC – he keeps running away from difficult situations (opposite of Franko)]
Petković is done with the National Team, UNLESS you have a plethora of injuries. Beljo was given a chance up there and was not impressive. Matija Frigan won’t even be called up for the 2 friendlies next month.
There are already transfer rumors of Musa returning to Europe. Some of you need to stop the bias with MLS. His 34 goals are nothing to sneeze at. He scored the game-winner in the match we qualified for the WC. He proved he can finish if he gets service.
Musa’s sample is too small with us.
Not sure if we’ll be able to address it in two friendlies. The guy will have to score in both games against Brazil and Colombia to even be considered ahead of Budimir (who is a top La Liga scorer).
He’s probably fighting with Matanović for first striker off the bench rightly now, but there’s still time for Ivanović to win his starting spot back at Benfica (which would add to the competition for those few minutes).
I don’t think we will play two starting strikers, so this is the issue. It’s just 90 minutes per game for the four of these guys to compete for.
Barring an injury to Pavlidis, Ivanović will not be a starter again for Benefica.
Mourinho tried him at midfield on at least occasions (once as a sub) and he was lost.
Let’s be honest, he has not been that impressive with the National Team in a VERY easy schedule.
Wow
Cesc has Baturina 1st in taking penalties ahead of Paz
That’s incredible
Think about it for a second – the hottest midfield talent in all of Europe (Paz) is behind Baturina in taking penalties for Como
Cesc continues to do God’s work – at this rate Dalic will have no choice but to start Baturina at the WC
It was a perfect penalty take too
Well, then . . .
Are you going to officially retire the “Butter Tart” nickname?
Just asking . . . LOL!
lol
Nick-names are there to motivate the player (i.e. the stick)
Baturina has got his head out of his a*s and started to play the proper way (thanks to Cesc) so he no longer needs Anonymous’ stick
However, Anonymous reserves the right to re-initiate a nick-name (including Butter-Tart) at any time as and when necessary if he starts slipping back down 😉
I think Cesc has finally realised or someone at the club has told him that Baturina is a Como player and needs to be playing whereas Paz in all likelihood will be leaving at the end of the season for Real Madrid??
Maybe
But as Maminjo has pointed out – there are a lot of bonuses/add-ons on the Baturina transfer fee – so the thinking was Como asked Cesc not to play him – so as not to pay the bonuses/add-ons
But who knows what they are tied to – could be anything e.g. appearances, goals, assists, where Como finishes in table/Cup, etc etc etc
7 million worth of bonuses…
But a 20 million Euro Champions League spot is definitely worth gambling for.
What a great game for Baturina and Smolcic!
Both were good with Smolcic earning the penalty for Como which Baturina scored from. Both also scored with nice spot kicks in the penalty shoot out.
Smolcic is playing well and should definitely be considered by Dalic for the Right Back position come the WC.
Watched a bit of Hertha Berlin v Freiburg Cup match won on penalties by Freiburg. Matanovic was subbed in the second period of extra time.
Josip Brekalo came on as a sub for Hertha Berlin and scored calmly in the penalty shoot-out sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Wow both Baturina and Smolcic scored in penalties and were solid today. Just what we need to have in case we go far again and make a run. Lots of options for takers but nice to see some solid penalties. Baturina with a beauty goal too. I remember Ivanovic, Baturina, and Stanisic missed against France. Hard to have two guys go for pens when they hardly play. Stanisic should’ve never gone. Majer and Petkovic were laughable selections too against Spain too. It goes Modric, Vlasic, Kramaric, Pasalic for penalty takers. We don’t have a Vida or any other defenders I’m confident in.
lol. The Vida toe punt. Ice in his veins.
I know not Mislav again!!,….. but truly, that is why I am still a Orsic fan. The one player we should give error on playing to long rather than Pletikosa, and Pranjic. The penalty kick he executed against Brazil was ridiculous. He deserves to be over-valued and over-appreciated.
No way, Modric is not our best penalty kicker, I’ll say it again, but he has got a bit better over the years, maybe 5th or 6th best. His penalty kicks have absolutely no margin of error. He goes to the bottom left corner 9 times out of 10.
He missed a crucial one when Rebic was taken flagrantly down from behind.
Modric isn’t our best penalty taker?
He missed against Denmark in that round of 16 in extra time. But besides that, he’s been perfect. Look at his track record
Brazil
Denmark
Russia
Spain
May I go on?
Well placed penalty kick by Baturina from the spot. 1-0 Como at the half over Napoli.
Smolcic also had a very good first half. I wonder if Smolcic might not be emerging as our fifth best defender as we close in on WC? Gvardiol, Vuskovic, Stanisic, and then Sutalo fourth.
Fifth?
Maybe a case can be made for Smolcic? He is regularly starting for a team near the top part of the table in Serie A, and he is playing well.
Baturina scores!!!!!
A Croatian effort all around.
Smolcic was taken down by the defender in the box l, and Baturina scores on the ensuing penalty kick.
It seems that Perisic is a shadow of his vintage self in 2018. He does not have the speed he once had.
One thing he can still execute, at pretty high quality level, is centering service to Budimir/Musa from the left wing, or be a center target himself to accurately re-direct crossing services into the goal.
Additionally, if Croatia plays Vuskovic and Gvardiol heals , they become 2nd and third target options, and Perisic becomes a potential valuable player rather than a low speed liability.
What are you talking about? Perisic is still incredible. Our second best player after modric.
At the moment our player rankings by importance to the team as follows:
Modric,
Perisic,
Petar sucic,
Livakovic,
Kramaric,
Stanisic,
Budimir,
Caleta car,
Jakic,
Sutalo,
Baturina,
Ivanovic,
Matanovic,
Marco P,
…others
Agreed, he is incredible, but before he was beyond incredible, he was the most youthful dominant force on the pitch, our #1 player, above a 32 year in his prime Modric.
He is completely a different player, still valuable to Croatia, still incredible I would say, but no longer has the youthful foot speed.
Caleta…Car?
So many options in attack.
Ivanovic
Budimir
Kramaric
Vlasic
Orsic
Matanovic
Musa
Ivanusec (unlikely to be considered)
Majer
Pasalics
Petkovic (orsic combination maybe?)
Perisic
Baturina
Fruk
Jagusic
Stojkovic (if he plays well?)
Did i miss out anyone?
Our left back is weak
Stanisic
Juranovic (we need him back)
Bradaric (cant even break into starting 11 recently
Teo Barisic can play RB, LB and CB
N.B. DZ were choosing b/w Valincic and Barisic over the summer (Valincic was their #1 choice)
So it’s a dog-fight b/w the two from now the the World Cup (and Valincic has been under-whelming upon his return, presumably he still needs time to work back match sharpness, etc)
Jedvaj has been playing every game now for PAO – and given Dalic and the Nose Pickers will have to travel to Greece to watch Jaga – they’ll be watching Tin as well
Would be kind of funny (and very lucky) if Tin gets back on the NT as a result of Jaga joining him
Point being – there are options – we’ve always struggled with the LB position
I’ll play devil’s advocate.
Maybe the superstar choice for the left back position at WC is staring us in the face: Josko Gvardiol.
I agree it depends on his health. . . .
Stanisic frequently joins the attack, often flying up the right flank for Bayern and Gvardiol did the same, playing at left back and joining the attack up the left side for most of last season (that is how Pep had him playing at ManCity.) It gives Gvardiol less of a confined role than he would have as a central defender, it brings him into the game more.
Given that Vuskovic has developed as he has, does it make it an easier decision?
The fly in the ointment, in addition to Gvardiol’s injury, is the crummy season Sutalo has had at Ajax. But Sutalo was near the best central defender in the Eredivisie last season, and if he can find that form then Sutalo and Vuskovic in the middle potentially make a very good pairing. At least we should try them against Brazil or Colombia in a friendly. Sutalo has good speed, is great at interceptions, and like Vuskovic handles the ball very well. Vuskovic is more aggressive and is far better in the air. We haven’t seen that pairing. That leaves Stani and Gvardiol, who both have good speed, to join the attack. Our defenders are great, our midfield is strong, our attack will be helped with Gvardiol having more flexibility to join the offensive part of the game. It gives Gvardiol a bigger footprint.
If Gvardiol is healthy and Sutalo can find his form of last season, maybe this makes the best sense?
LOL…..Will the real Croatia please stand up, musical chairs!…. a whirlwind compared to 2018, but even in 2018, Nikola Kalinic quit over Mario Mandžukić starting over him. If Nikola does not score a goal for France , is Croatia world champs?
Only reason there’s so many options is no one stands out. There is no one outstanding.
This Thursday Nations League group phase draw takes place.
N League A
Pot 1: Portugal, Spain, France, Germany
Pot 2: Italy, Netherlands, Denmark, Croatia
Pot 3: Serbia, Belgium, England, Norway
Pot 4: Wales, Czechia, Greece, Türkiye
Best draw probably Germany, Croatia, Serbia and Czechia.
Worst draw Spain, Croatia, England and Turkiye.
Top 3 in each of the four groups from NL A will be guaranteed a spot in Pot 1 for the 2028 EURO qualifying draw.
I think Norway poses more of a threat than England imo. England fans and media boast about their team every year and it’s nothing but disappointment and they regurgitate the same quote Leafs fans say “always next year”. You watch Norway will draw or even beat France.
That’s how I always describe England
They are the Toronto maple leafs
This coming from a life long Canucks fan who has seen two game 7 Stanley cup final heartbreak and years of feeling like being in an abusive relationship with crumbs of success
Ironically the Panama game is probably the first and only time I go to Toronto
If 10 retires,
we’re in good shape
If 10 wants to play Gordie Howe and play with his kid, we’re not in good shape
Ooh had no idea, thanks for this. Serbia would be fun i think, be nice to recreate that night in March of 2013 i think that was so enjoyable.
Please no Serbia
It’s too stressful for Anonymous
Why?
They’re BY FAR the easiest pot 3 team.
Norway and England are top-10 teams right now. Belgium is not a good as them (or us) but they’re still a lot better than Serbia, who are pretty much at Albania’s level (stubborn team, but shouldn’t at all pass you in the standings).
Pasalic with a nice assist today. I’d take him as a wild card sub. He goes from hot to cold every game. Obviously Kova takes his spot as DM. Thats if he stays healthy and consistent.
I don’t think Pašalić has a spot for Kova to take.
Pašalić doesn’t play DM for us, and those spots in our squad are already occupied by Modrić, Sučić and neither of them are being benched for anyone.
Maybe Dalić pushes one of them forward (to accommodate Kova), but then that means Krama is pushed aside to the wing or bench.
Either way, there is no way Pašalić starts (especially now with Baturina and others heating up).
I agree. It could be tough for Kovačić to get involved as anything other than a sub for Petar Sučić or Luka Modrić. Both of those two have been super in-form all season at great clubs and complement each other. Kramarić has played very well in front of them and has developed chemistry with Modrić, Perišić and Budimir and is playing really well at his club. Vlašić is the logical sub for Kramarić if Baturina plays on one of the wings. Croatia has plenty of attack as long as Dalić manages his roster well. What would be the point of messing up the lineup by putting in Kovačić or even Mario Pašalić?
How about our futsal team?!
Bronze medalists at the Euros. First medal at major futsal tournament.
https://youtu.be/WUuUyk2d42Y?si=Ce1gws6cpEa0Htu0
SN saying Jagusic on 800k per year (15k per week)
So 3.6m for 4.5 years thru 2030
He’s actually in the bottom 25% percentile of wages at the club
Isn’t Belupo’s entire wage bill (for the whole team with 30+ players) something like 1.5m per year? lol
What a snooze fest of a pooper bowl in the first half and the commercials are just as bad!
I fully agree. It was probably the worst superbowl I’ve seen in years. That’s why I’m pumped and have the World Cup to look forward to. Those friendlies in March will be even worth paying attention to.
BAD BUNNY RULES
I guess the Spanish sounded nice. Care to translate what he said? Lmao
Yes indeed @crocan but please decipher what kid rock said…
Lol
I would rather have seen some Croatia Kolo Dancing than what America had to watch yesterday.
I prefer Mo TOWN jams man
Where all the genius who said Pero not playing enough?
Feel free to look how many minutes he’s played since and including that Arsenal game
If anything he’s playing too much, hopefully Chivu starts load managing him
😘
He may be playing more now, given he has performed well in past games. Happy for him. Just hope he has the consistency. Lets see what happens for next few mths:)
Clavicular was in prison overnight for some fake ID stuff but he’s back out already
Jaga no minutes today 🙁
But Cup game Wed 11th @ 13:30
Mart – to answer ur previous question – if Bati had problems integrating at Como bc Cesc said he had no tactical training at DZ – then we can only imagine the tactical training Jaga got at Belupo – having said that Jaga is much more of a two-way player (also helping on defensive side) – so maybe he’s starting point is higher (and hence Rafa integrating him will be quicker than Bati at Como)
Hard to tell from the outside – but Jaga seems to have the dog in him (great line by Crnkovic) – so if anyone can do it – it’s him
Lol. I can’t remember saying that, but thanks for the shout out, I appreciate it. I definitely think he has the dog in him. I really think he will go far. He is the kind of guy that doesn’t take no for an answer. That volley he scored for slaven belupo said a lot. He tried the ‘no look’ reverse pass through ball, but I got intercepted and bounced up high 25 yards out. A lot of people in that situation because they already tried something flashy and it didnt come off – automatically they go safe and control the ball and pass it so they can’t be blamed. Not Jaga. He just goes “oh ok, I guess I’ll just have to smash a missile into the top corner instead”. The technique is absolutely sublime. But the attitude is what makes the difference. He’ll be playing soon. Benitez knows a player
With today’s goal Kramaric now has six goals in his last six games. Hoffenheim got a lucky break on the goal when the Bayern goalie gave the ball away to a Hoffenheim forward, but Kramaric also had a good chance to score a few minutes earlier.
By far the best player for Hoffenheim today. He is going well right now.
They were down to 10 men due to an early red card. I thought it was a questionable call. In any event, tough to compete against Bayern in their home stadium when you are down to 10 men.
5-1 Bayern final score.
Laimer injured and Stanasic played the full game. He also played well.
Mart / others –
Who was the better RB today Barisic or Valencic ?
Reading great things about Teo today
Can DDB only score vs Vukovar ? 90 minutes and can’t produce (but Kovacevic says he should go to the WC lol)
I Support Hajduk so did not watch the Dinamo match so cannot comment on who was better. Watched the 10-minute highlights and Barisic was more prominent during the match in a very poor display by both teams.
Barisic played CB from what I read. He played well again from what I read he was named in team of the week.
I think valincic will need a bit to get to level he was at before injury.
Stanisic got a 7.7 rating and Kramaric got a goal at halftime.
Kotarski
2 goals
1st – not sure why he’s so tight to the goal-post at that angle ? The only play was to pass it in front – guess he could have done better anticipating and trying to cut off the passing lane more ?
x.com/GoalsXtra/status/2020538919477993658
2nd – unforgivable – why is he coming out and punching the ball out – with two defenders right there lol – and right to opponent – who lobs it into the net – terrible decision making and way too aggressive where he doesn’t need to be (probably compensating for not being aggressive enough on the 1st)
x.com/futballcenta/status/2020541277545082976
He’s really had some bad gaffes this year.
That second link (where he punches the ball clear)…I’ve never seen anything like that before.
He actually left his 18-yard box to punch that out, which is an INSTANT red card.
But the referee ignored it because Kotarski punched it right to an opposing player, who nicely lobbed it over his head into goal.
He couldn’t have laid it up better for the opposing team.
Mea culpa, he actually headed the ball (not clear on first link, see link below) – but it’s still wild (and completely unnecessary) – but if he’s going to head it he needs to head it the f away from danger (not right to an opponent) – poor decision making
Erlic also switched off at the end (he let his man run to the next, he should have stayed w him) – but I like Erlic, he tries hard, is legitimated passionate about the NT, and overall seems very steady but nothing flashy (from what I can tell) – just pointing this out – bc it was Luka (not Erlic) on this play people would be saying “he’s not ready yet” – let’s see how far Erlic goes in Europa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcNK89O60nE
BIONDIC !!!!
COMES ON 80′
TWO-MINUTES LATER IN 82′ HEADER ASSIST
2-1 USG
WOW WOW WOW
Nose Pickers – are you watching ??????????
Biondic and Kovacevic are competing for the ‘mystery box’ striker award.
Curious to see what happens with these two and (if either of them are legit) how high their ceiling could be.
Suspect Franko is more likely to be ready for this WC – unless Biondic really proves himself (right now he’s getting limited minutes) – as he’s the #1 striker and starting every game and producing (2 in 3 games) – I know Hungary but nb he’s got Europa games coming up
Sure I’ve missed someone – but below is a rank of potential strikers for the WC – Kule is 3rd assuming he plays a lot AND scores a goal every other game (TBD) – but honestly anything after Budimir is up for grabs – will be interesting who produces (I think Franko is in the best position to actually take a spot – also like he’s been thru a lot – ping pong around – and God willing it’s finally clicking for him – and he produces in Europa)
Budimir
Igor [most in form]
Franko [Hungary – playing every game (2 goals in 3) – team back to 1st]
Kule [Serie A – needs to produce]
Petkovic [Stejpan Thomas gassing him up in SN today]
Franjo [not playing…]
Musa [MLS]
Biondic [Belgium – needs to play/produce]
DDB [Needs to score 2+ goals per game to be considered – I have no clue what Kovacevic is smoking thinking he should definitely go to the WC – he keeps running away from difficult situations (opposite of Franko)]
OMG OMG OMG
Mlacic is actually on the bench for Udinese vs. Lecce (it’s HT)
Anonymous is SHOCKED (in the best way possible)
There is no way he’d be on Inter’s bench if he signed for them
Guess his “over-bearing” Croatian dad got it right
Biondic – bench
Erlic vs. Kotarski – both playing
Sutalo – missed a header on the first goal (Luka Vuskovic wouldn’t have missed it – he would have headed 50 yards out of harms way)
x.com/fuzzy_wag/status/2020512059234918816
I think the cash and transfer amount was the same.
So, all things being the same, they probably figured there was a much clearer path to the main squad with Udinese than with Inter.
Mlacic has too much competition on the Croatia NT, so it probably makes sense to take gambles like this to really get ahead.
Yup – agree with that – at Inter no way he makes the bench (nevermind plays) nb Inter were pitching him going into their U23 team – at Udenese he’s got a chance – smart move – worth the risk
For anyone looking for tickets info, there are still hospitality packages available for follow my team. I did the pitch side lounge package for my family and extended family. It’s the one i recommend as some of other hospitality packages go higher on amenities but aren’t good in terms of seating view but pitchside lounge level offers both. They are a bit pricey at 15k per follow my team package which is running me up about a 200k+ bill for 15 people. I thought about doing what i did in the past which was get tickets from hns or uvijek vjerni but there was too much risk traveling with such a big group about being able to get it and play that game and didn’t want to deal with the usual stadium entrance and amenities with such a big group. The one down side to the pitch side lounge seats is they are unlikely to be surrounded by the die hard Croatian fans and domoljubs like me
Got to be trolling
Nobody wants to sit front-row on the pitch for a football match
Those are literally the worst seats available – you have no vantage point (Anonymous learnt this the hard way many moons ago)
You want to be elevated and central
If you must continue to deal with plebs and FIFA website (lol) – at least exchange for the VIP package with elevated sideline seating – or your guests will never speak to you again after experiencing such hardship
Ameneties ? Shocked u even mentioned this as a criteria – that’s just there for all the dumb obese North American plebs who love going to buffets for all u can eat for 9.99 – u don’t actually eat or drink any of that crap do you ? lol Don’t you bring ur private chef along with you ??? Come on man.
Anyhow, Anonymous would have thought it would have clicked by now for the truth why NONE of the PRIVATE BOXES in ANY of the stadiums were made available via FIFA website (lol) – yes, you can purchase them as well, but need to fork over for an entire box at a time (if you know u know) – but if u prefer to deal with sitting next to the plebs and FIFA go for it
Do better. Good luck
Congratulations on putting this together for your group! I am sure that it will be a blast!
“Anonymous” is just jealous he doesn’t even have two nickels to rub together. He is going to be “elevated and central” on his garage sofa because he smells and his wife doesn’t want him in the house too much.
Have a great time!
Budimir has mastered his header for goals like Mandžukić before him.
Absolute beast in the box.
Osasuna main game plan is to find him every time and whip in crosses.
Depending on game plan Dalic needs to find him either 60 or 30 minutes a match.
He is at his peak just in time for this World Cup.
Be great to see him supported with service this March.
Budimir has been in the offensive box for 100+ corners for Croatia and scored how many goals ? If he was so great at heading he would have scored 10+ goals for Croatia with all those corners coming his way
They rarely feed Budimir at all! The guys makes all sorts of runs and we have been doing too much horizontal passing across the midfield. Feed him properly and he will score.
People keep saying that – but if he’s so great at scoring headers – he should be scoring from corners – rarely see one of his goals at Ossuana being from a corner he’s putting in
How was KULENOVIC ???
I watched the second half, but it was all Fiorentina (so Kulenović didn’t get to touch the ball).
Then he was subbed off, and I stopped watching it.
Will try to watch the first 45 min – rooting for him
Did u see Boban sent Kovacevic out yesterday to tell Dalic he should call DDB up for the WC ? LMAO. Boban is DESPERATE after seeing 10+ m in profits via a Jagusic flip slip thru his fingers – and already knows he’s likely to take a loss on DDB (like to is on Villar)
It’s also a dumb comment as it’s all relative – if Igor and Sandro keep scoring in Bundesliga and Serie A – they are 100% ahead of DDB – who we all remember ran away from the Bundesliga this past summer as he was scared to compete for the starting position at Ausburg (he only wants to play where he’s guaranteed #1) – basically the opposite mentality of a Jaga – I know this weak-minded mentality against him, unless he’s able to score like 2+ goals a game, every game, in the HNL
I liked Beljo a few years ago and was rooting for him at Augsburg…but once I started using SofaScore and looked at all of his stats (and conversion %) when he was playing in Austria, they were ugly numbers below the surface.
Then when I started watching him more at Dinamo, you can see that he is skilled, but he insists on being the focal point of the offence.
He’s like Livaja, in that he can make his scoring stats look good…but he’s not a winning player.
Anyway, Beljo’s scoring numbers are not good this season. He’s too sporadic in his scoring consistency, and he still uses up a lot of chances. When he’s not scoring, he’s not doing anything else for you (like pressuring the opposing defenders, or creating for others, etc.).
Boban spent something like 4M up front and (I believe) another 3.5M in bonuses for Beljo.
This is a pretty big cost (on top of the 3M he wasted on Villar), so the Jagusic low-ball offer just makes the situation look so much worse.
They paid more for Vinlof (who largely just sits on the bench) than they offered for Jagusic.
It just seems so disrespectful to Slaven Belupo and I don’t blame them for selling him to Panathinaikos.
Shame, because Jagusic and Dinamo would have been great for both the club and the player.
I just really hope Panathinaikos are serious about giving him starting minutes right away, and he hits the ground running.
Franko goal (that’s 2 in 3) – Ferencvaros is top of table (hello Champions League next season) – vs. Matija Ljujic (another #88)
***.youtube.com/watch?v=C89KAA0JFv0
Pandur
3 goals in today
1st and 3rd goal – if he saves them – he would be elite – I think especially the first one, sure it’s quick shot, but on reverse angle he puts his hands up but goes in between them (he should have at least got a hand on it)
Fans are saying his distribution sucks – in particular – that he takes too much time on the ball – waiting for the team to set-up, before kicking it (and allowing Bristol to get back) – not sure if that’s his doing or that’s Sergej’s instructions (if Sergey wanted him to play out faster out of back, presumably he would tell him)
***.youtube.com/watch?v=c2c_eJgViM8
Anonymous is VERY excited about the PAO match tomorrow 2pm – Jaga is on the squad list and got initiated on field today by his teammates – is anyone going to bother following Belupo anymore btw
Belupo is a good club that is making players sales, is building a new stadium, and will get 10 million total from the Jagušić transfer (one PAO sells him).
They’ll be back with another decent payer or two in the future.
Some woman asked me today are you scared of going to USA as a Canadian during World Cup
I’m like this is where I’ll take my so called white male privilege and enjoy my time
Not being political
Just gonna enjoy my time
My Ghana tickets are in supporting zone
I feel even if not In Croatia side
Toronto will be an absolute checker fest
We will own any Panama fans no doubt
If you follow the laws and have your visa, you have nothing to worry about with at least the government authorities. Don’t be afraid of what you from the media.
Visa ???
42 countries that can enter the US without a visa – including Croatia
***.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program
I should have said passport as the lady is looking for some peace of mind. I have been to Europe numerous times and have always needed my passport.
If you have a Croatian passport (or any passport that has visa-free travel to the USA) you will be fine.
If you try to show up to one of the games by crossing the border through a river or forest, and do not have a passport (or any ID on you)…then, yea, you might have a problem ha ha.
I have been impressed with Osasunas system in how they whip in crosses for Ante on a regular basis now
Too bad Dalic has not been able to replicate something similar
It is interesting how good Budimir has become in a top-5 league. He is very dangerous if he gets good crosses into the box. Against Celta Vigo the commentator called him Osasuna’s “superstar striker”.
He has peaked later in his career, in his thirties.
Top goal scorers for last season and this (so far) combined in La Liga:
53 Mbappe
37 Lewandowski
32 Budimir*
27 Sørloth
26 Raphinha
24 Álvarez
22 Torres
21 Perez
20 Iglesias
19 Yamal
You wonder why this happens with some players. Some seem to fade early, others like Budimir hit their prime later. Let’s hope he can keep the momentum going for WC. Perisic should be able to provide some good crosses for Budimir to work with.
He’s played at two Euro Cups and a World Cup. Haven’t seen him make much of an impact yet. He’s too slow and only good at rebounds. Don’t even mention Mandzukic and him in the same sentence. Mandzo had 5 World Cup goals and 3 Euro Cup goals. Let’s see what he’s capable of this time.
Mandžo scored 5 World Cup goals?
Maybe if you count the own goal. 😜
From what I recall he had 5. 2 against Cameron in 2014, the Denmark equalizer, England crushing goal, and that fluke in the final but yes who could forget that own goal unfortunately.
Excellent comment. Osasuna plays to Budimir’s strength, which is battling his defender and running onto crosses. Croatia has played a possession game the last number of tournaments that is more focussed on preventing the opposition from attacking than rather than playing quick on the counter, which is how Argentina beat us. Budimir will be useless unless we change our tactics.
I got an email from FIFA today that I got tickets to the Croatia Ghana match!!
I got two for them
I bought a resale for Toronto match
Expensive at 900 for a cat3
But jebiga. You’re only middle aged once;)
Where are you staying in Philly?
No idea mate. I should probably start looking tho
I’ve actually been to Philly years ago ironically ( I’m a Canuck)
I’m going to Toronto game then will head quickly after to Philly
It’s only a 4 day turnaround for the 2nd and 3rd game
All I know is I’m stoked
44 years old
I remember euro 96
First game ever In Toronto
Feels so absolutely surreal that This will finally happen
Trust the lord and he shall give when he is ready
Looks like Sucic just got subbed off due to an injury right after he scored. For fuck sakes. We can’t catch a break with injuries this year.
You scared me for a sec.
I thought you were talking about PETAR Sučić.
Is nice to see Luka Sučić score. Unlike many here, I still think he has the talent to recover and become a player for us.
But Petar is already irreplaceable and cemented in our starting eleven for this tournament.
I agree
I thought it may been the superior Sucic
What bad luck.
Did anyone see what happened?
Hopefully it’s not the knee again.
I agree that he can still be an impact player for the Vatreni. Just needs to get back on track . . . This doesn’t help.
But the potential is there.
Looked like an abductor strain
Here is an update from one site:
Luka Sucic Injury
Suffers injury after scoring in win
Written by RotoWire Staff
Updated on February 7, 2026 at 3:44pm
Sucic scored one goal but left with an apparent muscular injury during Saturday’s 3-1 win over Elche.
Sucic barely got to enjoy his first goal of the season as he ended up with discomfort after taking a left-footed strike in the 24th minute of Saturday’s game. The midfielder, who has made three consecutive La Liga starts, is now a doubt for the midweek Copa del Rey derby versus Athletic and next weekend’s visit to Real Madrid. Benat Turrientes took his place after the incident against Elche and could be the main alternative at least until Brais Mendez returns from suspension.
Must be the right side?
He took a shot with his right foot and completely missed the ball and hit the ground – then luckily hit it with his left foot for the goal
Both his goals this year were terribly clumsy – I think we need to send him to Mart’s ophthalmologist
Vlasic suspended for today. Pongracic would be a decent sub too. Sutalo looks out of form so far.
Matanovic might be our missing piece or a suprise for us. Only four matches started and he has five goals and 1 assist. He has appeared in 18 games too. 7 goals and 2 assists in 27 games isn’t too bad. He’s also 23 so lots of more time to develop. Sucic just scored today too. Caleta-Car would be a decent substitute for a centre back if Gvardiol isn’t healthy. Our defence look so strong when healthy. We have combo of older players with experience for forwards like Perisic and Kramaric. Players like Orsic or Petkovic might not even make it and they’ve had their big moments last World Cup. Change the tone.
I was saying this, way back when he played for us in the qualifiers I think it was either the World Cup or Nations League… Matanović is really good with the ball at his feet. He has a good touch and great positioning.
I think he will be our striker up front eventually. It is just a matter of time, and productivity for him. He just needs to prove that he can score during those big moments.
He has the potential to be a consistent striker at the very least if not world class striker in my view.
Don’t know what happens but looks like he got injured. He’s subbed out
Luka Sucic with a goal on 24 mins.
I got two Ghana tickets
Is there more drawing done?
I really only need to go to Toronto one
So I’ll literally pay a small fortune for a single ticket if anyone knows how to get ?
Just off fifa will be the way?
Just keep posting on here as we get closer to the tournament.
I am already hearing from several Croat colleagues (from the US and Canada) who got various tickets in the group stage and knockouts in this lotto (and they all have extras but haven’t really confirmed who they’re going to sell/give the extra tickets to).
I would wait another couple weeks once the payments go through and the tickets are confirmed.
A lot of people are going to stupidly have their tickets cancelled, unless they preload their credit cards with thousands of dollars worth of credit once this charge comes through next week.
Btw…are you selling your Ghana tickets?
Nein maminjo. I may have an extra ticket I may just offer up to a deserving Croat.
Cause why not
Tomorrow isn’t promised
Matanovic with assist looking lively.
@ Tin U I think.Sucic situation is looking a lot more promising January was a big step in right direction club seems fully invested as coach and director announced. Had nice assist in last game. I was very sceptical that he could tirn it around with his attitude as he managed to piss off fans and club but he has. I expect him to start today.
We really need one of our strikers to step up above the rest, so it’s nice to see Budimir start a scoring streak and Matanović finally doing something on the field (after being nailed to the bench all year).
We have several “okay” strikers who are all roughly in the same ball park (Budimir, Matanović, Musa, Ivanović, Petković) with guys like Kulenović, Beljo and Franko Kovačević making a late push to be considered.
I hope to see ivanovic move to another club..but he has played in two european clubs this season..i just hope mourinho gets sacked asap. Anyway we have budimir matanovic musa kramaric.
Anyone has idea over juranovic? He played well in a couple of games and now he is injured again..our defence is thin and we do hope to have him back esp for LB position.
We have Stanišić at LB because we have three decent options for RB right now (Jakić, Smolčić, Valinčić)
JJ is targeted to return to his club’s lineup by about mid-February, maybe 7-10 days assuming all goes well.
Did the nose-pickers enjoy travelling to Verona to only see Bradaric played the 2nd half vs. an injured Semper ? Did they learn anything by seeing him against a fellow relegation side ? I mean go watch Verona vs. Inter or AC Milan or something logical. Morons
Some more selected matches
Saturday
09:30am Luka NEEDS three points today to get away from relegation zone – pls pls pls
10am Pandur vs. Bristol City
11am Franko vs. Ujpest
2:45pm KULE & Vlasic vs. Pong
Sunday
9am Mlacic on bench? (doubt it) vs. Lecce
10am Biondic first start? vs. La Louviere
10am Kotarski vs. Erlic
12pm Pero
2pm Jagusic debut/minutes? (PAO 5th) vs. Olympiacos (1st)
2:45pm Basic vs. Juventus
3:30pm Franjo start/minutes?
Seems Sutalo stuck at Ajax now in the run up to WC. Rumour was Wolfsburg tried to acquire him, but a deal could not be reached. Not sure that Wolfsburg would be a step in the right direction for him in any event.
Luka Sucic stays at Real Sociedad.
Those two, Šutalo and Sucic, would have benefitted from a transfer after their poor first half of the season.
The good news is that a number of other players seem to be getting on a roll.
With Modric, Kova, Petar Sucic, Baturina, Vlasic, Majer, and even Jagusic in the midfield, if Luka Sucic is not in form we probably are just fine.
Sutalo is more critical. A fair rank of our defenders: Gvardiol, Vuskovic, Stanisic (or Stanisic, Vuskovic) and then an in form Šutalo is the fourth best defender. I would have liked to have seen him transferred.
Would the four friendlies against Brazil and Colombia, and then again two more in June, give Šutalo enough of an opportunity to help turn things around and regain form and confidence, or does it all really depend on his getting starts at Ajax and finding his form with the club? So far this season, it has not gone well at Ajax.
The Gvardiol injury really compounds the issue.
Šutalo is not needed if we roll out a CB partnership of Gvardiol/Vušković.
But Gvardiol being injured means we need to hope to God that Šutalo just steps it up at the World Cup (regardless of his club form) and doesn’t have any “kiks” moments.
This is FURTHER compounded by the fact that there’s a very good chance Dalić is an idiot, and decides to keep Vušković on the bench simply due to seniority (and rolls out a Šutalo/Pongračić lineup again like he did at the last Euros).
Massive risk to our backline, and a complete roll of the dice that could end our tournament early.
The Gvardiol injury really compounds the issue.
Šutalo is not needed if we roll out a CB partnership of Gvardiol/Vušković.
But Gvardiol being injured means we need to hope to God that Šutalo just steps it up at the World Cup (regardless of his club form) and doesn’t have any “kiks” moments.
This is FURTHER compounded by the fact that there’s a very good chance Dalić makes the wrong call and decides to keep Vušković on the bench simply due to seniority (and rolls out a Šutalo/Pongračić lineup again like he did at the last Euros).
Massive risk to our backline, and a complete roll of the dice that could end our tournament early.