Croatia Starting XI: Pletikosa – Srna, Ćorluka, Lovren – Rakitić, Modrić, Olić, Sammir, Perišić – Mandžukić
It wasn’t the most attractive first half of football, but Croatia got the job done, entering halftime up 1-0 against Cameroon. An early Ivica Olić strike in the 11th minute gave Croatia the lead as Wolfsburg teammate Ivan Perišić found him across the box and open in front of the goal from seven yards out. Croatia had the better chances in the opening period but Cameroon made the Vatreni sweat on a few close range free kicks early as nerves were evident in the Amazon.
The entire match changed when Cameroon’s Alexandre Song was sent off for tomahawking Mario Mandžukić in the back with his elbow in the 40th minute. Cameroon would have to play the rest of the match with 10 men and Croatia capitalized, opening up the flood gates in the second half with three more goals to win 4-0.
Just three minutes after the restart, Ivan Perišić stole the ball following a poor Cameroon goal kick and marched down the field 40 yards to put the ball in the back of his net all by himself. With the game now at 2-0, Croatia was in full control with their sights on Mexico in the Group A finale on Monday. Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandžukić, who was suspended for the first match against Brazil, added two more goals later in the second half as he headed home a corner kick in the 61st minute and tapped in a blocked shot in front of the net 12 minutes later to make it 4-0.
Although Croatians should be confident after this result; leading into the Mexico match, it’s hard to gauge the game with Cameroon because of the red card. The Africans looked uninspired in the second half and Croatia should have finished another 2-3 goals, but finishing was poor on the night, even with a large lead. There’s room for improvement, but in the end, Croatia got the job done to set up the all important “win or go home” game with Mexico.
Just like World Cup 2006, Croatia lost the first game to Brazil and needed a win against lowly Australia to progress to the knockout stages, but couldn’t get the job done in a 2-2 draw. With a win Monday, Croatia will play in their first World Cup knockout game since 1998.
The Cameroon Chop
Croatia 2-1 Mexico ( Olic 21, Mandjukic 90+ idemo dalje
Bobby V- very true!
TinaT – I was laughing. Things got pear shaped as….. Made me chuckle!
The FIFA head of referees came out and defended the Japanese ref over his performance, saying he had a good game and the penalty was justified.
I’m thinking, great, maybe FIFA believes he is still in the running to referee the final.
Now word has come out that he’s been demoted to being only a fourth official for the rest of the tournament?
…and this is the same orgaization who is investigating Croatian fans?
Sramota.
One of the biggest worries I have against Mexico is the tempers of Lovren and Mandzukic. The Mexicans are very good at provoking you to do something stupid. These two players, in particular, need to be very careful.
I would honestly take a Croatia/Mexico draw if I knew Cameroon would beat Brazil.
Mexico would go first with 5 points, we’d be tied with Brazil on 4 points and edge them out on goal difference.
My personal best-case scenario!
Lika- I can’t say I know Mexico very well but I honestly believe that against them of all 3 teams we don’t need a holder, we are superior in midfield through our skill, physically they are not stronger and tactically we are better.
I was a tad worried that the big Cameroon players would affect our midfield and in some instances they were plain and simply very big and strong, Mexico is fast, we have to counter that by being positionally smart and with our quality always keeping them worried about us!
The transition from defence to offence may affect us because Mexico has skill and speed…that’s why I say we have to be positionally sound….technique and tactic we are better, much much better…
And then there is the mental part of this game! We have to respect what they can do BUT play like we will “eat live flesh”, I’ve said this a few times before…sometimes it’s better to think “jebat cu ti majku” and don’t give a player a centimetre to breathe, we have to be at every part if the field in anticipation of what they attempt to do, that will fuck with them mentally….close them down and have our own little successes….it ends up feeling like your going uphill all the time and you lose concentration!
Again, this is just my opinion, Mexico are mentally strong, very strong but we are a more quality team, if we stress them I think that’s where we’ll get our opportunities!
for my suggest to Ko – Fuck :
you just open Croatiasport.com and read every comment
that they know how actually to arrange the squad !!
especially for my comment don’t miss it !!
we want the referee like Mexico had againts Brazil!!
of course we got tie and have score advantage !
Slavonac we need a true holder against mexico….vuki? Rakitic needs to be up front behind mandzo….he has a shot from range…we need that…plus his passing.
Ivica, how is that possible. We have 3 points Mexico has 4 points. If we draw with them we’ll have 4 points and they’ll have 5. Or am I missing something?
@IvicA, in the modern era of world cups, no, it has not happend.
If we draw against Mexico 0-0, they will go through having only scored ONE goal in the first round.
Has this ever been done before?
Just relax! You guyz are just too autocratic at times! Having a little fun! Despite the ridiculousness of some of the machinations behind the scene with the NT. This squad in spite of it all looks like they could equal or better the Golden Generation. That’s if they get past Mexico and they should as well as lack of depth in the squad.
Just goes to show you just never can tell.
Mandzukic, Perisic and Olic were up against a weaker defense…you know, sometimes you see something and try it…if it works you are up 1-0.
I think Mexico will be better but I also think our strategy will be different, Cameroon are a very undisciplined side, at some point Croatia chose to test their alertness, their ability to close down those passes…I saw the same in the first game between England and Italy, both sides tried.
I think Mexico will have possession more than us, but slightly…we have better weapons…no two ways about it but as I had said before…samo da ne bude nekakav kiks…that can fuck us dearly, a defensive error would most likely kill us and our spirit!
we will have our portion of possession and hurt them, thats my opinion, they will have possession and try to beat us through the flanks or combinations while shooting at long range from various positions around the box!
Croatia block many shots and they double up a lot defending, this is why I think we will hold them at distance, its what we’ve seen so far! Mexico will have chances, its us to not allow high percentage chances and combat them with our quick ball movement, forcing them to defend.
if we score they will panic!
^ ^
HAHAHA!!
A Classic!
@Slavonac
Seems like we were countering and sending long balls more than playing a possession game against Cameroon.
Right from the opening kick off we just hoofed it towards their end.
Really surprised me considering how strong our mids are.
Any thoughts, and do you expect more of a possession based game or more long balls against the Mexicans?
Poglavnik…holy shit…when was the last time I heard that song!
hilarious!
Hey TinaT,
You should give it “one more try” like Timmy T 😉
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHzZs6vTf-k
Slavonac, thanks! great post as usual…I just hope we can control the speed of mexico…and I noticed all there shots come from distance…they don’t have our creativity…I pray we beat there keeper…
lika- look at it like this…its 11v11 right…we play a different formation but we have the same assignments…they play that system because they have fast wingbacks that can make their runs and hope we don’t catch them on the counter-attacks…if you saw the Brazil game…remember Dani Alves? ok, he was attacking us down Vrsaljko’s side all game long, there is really no difference…Brazil played a 4-5-1 and they utilized their outside defense…Marcelo was the same!
I think we will do what we did against Brazil except I think…and hope…we control more through our midfield, but it will be very hard. Mexico love the fast game and we will try to kill their game, wait for them and maintain a strong and organized defense….remember, our defense has been pretty solid (minus Pranjic), our midfield is very skilled and have excellent vision and distribution and so far we have 3 different goal scorers…as much as we have to watch them they will have to watch us…they’ve not filled the net…Dos Santos was unlucky to have 2 goals called off but other than that, they have 1 goal in 2 games…when did they ever really…and I mean REALLLY threaten Brazil?
I watched as their fans roared and cheered…it was like pre-ejaculation every time they went forward…as we all waited for something, we got long range shots, their attackers almost never got behind the opposing defenders and the quick passing and down the wing runs were just not lethal….
all this can change in a heartbeat but I think we will handle them our way…clam, organized, tough…patient…and we will get our chances…they cant catch us off guard if we are defending in numbers!
What the hell are you going on about, TinaT?!
England can still advance although mathematically difficult.
it looked like Modric and Rakitic were matched in the first 10 until song went off.
Slavonac, Mexico plays 5 3 2…would we have an edge with a five man midfield?. Also in the first ten minutes in yesterdays game we had problems in midfield…we had no rhythm…we need to start smart against mexico.
England out! Thank you Luis Suarez! Za Bleiburg! Hajduk roster all Croatian players next year! Vegeta! Cevapi on the summer time grill! Bog! Hrvati!, Cico for Torcida president 2014!
TinaT-just what NK Rijeka player are you suggesting would “upset Mandzukic’s parade”?
your comment is FULL OF SHIT…stay in the kitchen and stop writing bullshit!!!
AT LEAST WE AREN’T ENGLAND OR SPAIN.
Bitches.
Bravo Niko, svaka ti cast. Keep going.
Jelavic, Sammir and the hobbling Badelj were like so many other Croatia fans making their way to the Amazonia to support their hearts out for the Vatreni sporting the latest kit. Things quickly got pear shaped and they found themselves at the Croatian player’s pit. Where the highly experienced super coach Niko Kovac trained in the Ciro school of German motivational coaching – that is the ever successful reliance on individual talent – mistaken the wayward trio for members of the NT. This was quite understandable as there was plenty of space at the player’s bench given that Croatia’s current crop of talented youngster’s were considered too ‘green’ for national call up, especially that striker from NK Rijeka who might possibly upset Mandzukic’s parade and goes against Croatia’s long standing policy of one viable striker per national squad.
Despite their protests to the contrary Niko insisted on Jelavic and Sammir to take to the field. Jelavic and Sammir fiercely loyal and not wanting to cause any embarrassment for their beloved NT coach decided they had no choice but to improvise and so far it has been working……
I hope this ain’t WC 2006 again
Mexico is a good team, for sure, but we won’t play them the same way we played Cameroon. BiH showed us some of their weaknesses, Kovac will prepare the team and everyone will be ready to play!
Sammir lost the ball afew times but he did back track give him credit but hand on heart he isnt a international player good for HNL or medium teams sorry. that AM should be Rakitic and Dm is needed and Pranjic needs to improve he isnt a LB Perisic switched to LM to help pranjic out MExico is a good team better than Cameroon bye milesss
I never read anything that garbage Holiga puts up. He has his fuckin agenda. Refuse to even click on the link.
Best thing is we win and we keep our flag flying. Let them all know who these Hrvati are.
Yes. UDBA radi. Always have and always will.
Croatia played one of the best games they played so far,Danijel Pranjić and Mandžukić helped us win 4-0.
Šime Vrsaljko is unexperienced too young for big competition
maybe euro 2016 he will be star not now, pranjic our big help
same for kovacic first major competition first game loseing the ball reason why halilovic was called up . sammir played well not loseing the ball keeping possession.
Let them go to England for rasisam or america my grandparents did own slaves.
BBC: FIFA investigating Croatia for racism among fans at Brasil
http://www.24sata.hr/nogomet/fifa-pokrece-postupak-protiv-nasih-navijaca-zbog-rasizma-372162
Pranjic nije bek Sammir nije nista lol.
NK will show what kind of coach he really is will he be arogant and start same 11 or will he make key changes that every older nogomet fan i ask and even tv analyst say need a dm and play with real Bek and Carli Lovren partnership look shakey too me Sifo Carli worked better at euro but sto bude.
UDBA RADI!
Jebemo vam majkuuuu
Jebemoooo vam maaaajkuuuu
Jeeeeebeeeeemo vaaam maaaaaaajku
Komunisticku!
several teams are under investigation…its not just Croatia!
@ANTE B
Tko radi stari?
UDBA RADI
FIFA lives in a glass fucking house.
http://jpupdates.com/2014/06/19/fifa-prepared-discipline-croatia-russia-fans-anti-semitism/
Look at this. LOL
Holiga je govno. Kraj price.
Stari, ne brini, sve bu bilo u redu. Especially when Holiga writes his article and “enlightens” us with his views and agenda (read: more toilet paper).
The doors are wide open to the scum that is paid to subvert all things Croatian. We cannot defend ourselves or create policy because the Croatian government has also been subverted and is populated by elements that I described above.
Apsolutno. lol
Stevanovic? Cisto hrvatsko prezime…
They are Serbs, half-breeds, “Croatian” militant atheist-communists. In short, Yugoslavs.
Zoran Stevanovic is FARE’s operative in Croatia. He’s based in Rijeka.
@ Ante B. –
I really wonder who these little weasels are who go to FIFA headquarters and explain all the Croatian symbols, chants, mannerisms, slogans, sayings, etc past and present. to these executives, because, sure in hell, these FIFA board members wouldn’t have any clue themselves.
I really would like to meet them or at least know who they are and if they are getting paid.. Actually, I’d like to be in the room as this is all being taught/discussed.
All I have to say is this….FUCK FIFA and the communists in Croatia!
They are now claiming that the flag used before 1991 is now “ustaska” as opposed to the pineapple one used today. Do these idiots realize that the ustaska zastava had a U on it in the upper part of the flag?! Because of that “ustaska” zastava, we apparently will be punished. Shocker.
FIFA has it out for us in every way possible. First on the field, now in the stands. Well, they’ve always had it for us in the stands. Remember Livorno?
MAFIJA izmislja zakon…
i highly doubt mexico goes for a complete bunker in the first 60 minutes,
if its tied at the 70th they will put everyone behind the ball
It is impossible for players like Modric and Rakitic to perform the same way at club level as with the national team.
In fact, ask Messi and Ronaldo.
All players perform much better at club level. It’s just common sense – player familiarity and a system you play in every day vs. getting together a few times a year with your national teammates.
What you will see at a World Cup is a great individual outburst on occasion (Van Persie’s header, Cahill’s volley) and mistake that for – “Wow, he’s having a great game”.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a classic great individual performance against England not too long ago scoring 4 goals in a friendly. However, he’s been frustrated for the most part with Sweden and plays a much more complete game with PSG.
Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City etc, would easily beat any national side in the World.
Why?
.
Not because they neccesarily have better players (well,except for the top clubs) It’s the huge advantage of having a system and being familiar with your teammates. They are together most days of the year.
Spain dominated for the past few seasons in World futbol – the main reason being the Barcelona connection. No other national side had good players playing TOGETHER year -round on one good club as they did.
The Greeks won 2004 for the same reason – 10 starters from two good clubs – Panathinaikos and Olympiakos.
Club futbol will always have a better quality to it. In a World Cup, you just hope you have enough individual brilliance to win it.
My main point is this:
Too much discussion on this site blaming systems and formations. There’s only so much Kovac or any coach can do when you have so little time to put it together.
@Armada
Not sure if you can get cbc.com’s stream’s in the States, but they’ve been showing every game, and it’s crystal clear. No ads popping up either.
Good luck!
You’re too big a fan to be missing this one!
I used to think Modric, Rakitic, and soon to be Kovacic were our best and most talented players.
After watching yesterdays game i’m saying it ‘s now Super Mario Mandzukic!
He influenced our team more in that 1 game than I’ve ever seen any of those other 3 do.
i wouldve felt much more comfortable if brazil would have done there job and beat mexico, needing a tie or win would be nice, but fuck it now. Lets hope mexico bunkers and we dump a couple goals on them.
@nije bitno
He’s probably doesnt like us for 2 reasons, even though the japs should be on our side due to WWII, but we got way bigger cocks, and it wouldnt shave surprised me if a hrvat (boater) banged his wife
Yuichi Nishimura demoted to fourth official after referee’s controversial World Cup opener between Brazil and Croatia
He shouldn’t be ANYWHERE need a football pitch.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2661454/Yuichi-Nishimura-carries-World-Cup-duty-Croatia-controversy-against-Brazil-fire-referee-fourth-official-Honduras-vs-Ecuador.html
Can we get ‘Nepoznat’s’ views on Pranjic’s performance? And would he start Pranjic, or Vrsaljko against Mexico?
Ustaska zastava je bila vrh! Samo take ne znaju ko su ustase
Go vatreni! Fuckin proud of you! Kicking ass taking name’s
Funny because Song himself is embarrassed and takes responsibility for the red. Seems the ref is upset with Kovac and our players speaking out. Good. Useless ref.
The Japanese ref that screwed us against brazil says Song shouldnt have been pinged with a red with the intentional elbow on Mandzukic. That ref is a joke! he must have something personal against croats.
http://www.news-bar.hr/vijesti/sport/yuichi-nishimura-nije-bilo-prekrshaja-nad-madndzhukiem-to-je-bilo-tek-laksh
I want coatia to win so badly against Mexico.But they will have to play with heart and hunger.
What i mean to say is i still haven’t seen that level displayed yet. Australia showed that level yesterday versus the ducth.
Only way we win is if we show it as well.
We need to play as a team.
Everyone needs to play better. Modric especially.
Mexico play fast and puts pressure constantly.
Let’s go Hrvatska!!
Did anyone see Sammir when they were playing the croatian national anthem?
The guy was obviously not singing the anthem. Sramota.
The look in his face said it all as it was playing.
Never want to see this guy play for croatia again.
No zest for the country. Played mediocre. I rather have brozovic gain exoperience then watch this peice of shit on our team.
U boj- thanks dude…appreciate the comment!
I said it before Slavonac, no one comes close to you on this site. Your analysis is always bang on. I couldn’t believe what was being said about Kovac, Pleti, blame Mamic, blame suker etc, etc and the list goes on after the Brazil game. keep up the work and keep educating them.
@jm
Holiga is just bitter since his beloved Serbia didn’t qualify for the World Cup.
Is he really griping about the possession? Spain dominated possession in both their games, and look where it took them. You have to actually WATCH the games, instead of writing an article based on the stats.
Heck, using stats, I could claim that Pranjić was our best defender as he had an assist. But I’m sure most people would bench him.
Also… Cameroon did NOT have 7 shots on target. It was one shot, that occurred after they were already down by four goals.
statistics never tell the story…you can give up possession when you are leading…you can try long balls when you feel you have the opportunity, you can count shots but then look at how little Mexico had against Brazil…it was recorded as 2…how many looked dangerous. Holiga is trying to be that “devils advocate”…he chooses to inject the question mark on the performances…which is all ok and fair but is he smart enough to see some of the good things we can take away from the games we played against Brazil and Cameroon? Look at it without your emotions…were we sexy…no…did we create our chances…yes…did the other teams have any or many clear chances…count them yourself…and then do the statistics as Holiga has….
http://www.espnfc.us/#team/croatia/477/index
Here is the recent holiga article post cameroon. he makes somewhat a fair point, that there were some flaws in croatia’s performance. even with a dominant midfield and a man up they only had 51% position. they also gave up 18 shots (7 on goal).
the 7 shots on goal is worrisome.
going after croatia for lack of position isn’t totally fair as I think they executed their game plan perfect. cameroon was a man down and need a win to stay alive so they had to press forward. croatia did a great job of exploiting it by playing defensive-countering football that would not rely on possession
Armada- after we lost to Brazil (I’m still fucking pissed about that shithole reffing) I was reading some negative posts on here….after Mexico tied Brazil I was shocked at just how stupid some on this site are! I was reading comment after comment about how shitty Kovac is, how we will get smashed…blah blah blah….soo many people know nothing about this game but comment as if they are professors and full of experience! This is why I choose to not watch games at our Croatian centre or with people that cheer but no little about the game…they are basing their opinions on things they think they see but don’t have the knowledge to understand what’s happening!
it was a guy on this site that I’ve had my issues with who said something I never thought I’d see from him…I don’t think he’s a soccer genius but he has the common sense to know these games are in may ways a “war”…there are several little battles throughout the game…we have to compete and win those battles…people here had already surrendered after Mexico – Brazil and this guy said something like “I wouldn’t want to go to war with any of you”! he was right…bang on…they have no clue what it means to fight and go to war…and I don’t respect people that constantly criticize but jump on the bandwagon when Croatia win…we don’t need those types of people.
IvicaA- I never thought I’d feel this way but soccer can do this to me…right now I hate Brazil and FIFA…if we never got screwed we’d have 4 point, so would Mexico and Brazil would have 2!
I used to like Mexican culture a lot more than I have in the past couple of years,without getting into too much detail I just want a win….and I hope its not too much to ask but I want a convincing win that I think we are capable of!
Šivanje prije Kameruna, Oliću vadili staklo: “Imao sam sreće”
http://is.gd/YIKQcZ
Pranjic was a defensive liability. You know Kovac could have brought Milic into the squad in exchange for him.
As for Sammir, played a few neat passes forward. However was sloppy in possession at times. When Modric and Rakitic fed him, he displayed a sort of hesitancy, instead of turning with the ball and dribbling/passing forward he would just pass back.
Kovacic is the better option. He just needs to be tidy in possession and take on defenders.
@Slavonac
Perišić may be the one who bails you out with your in-law family.
I don’t see him slowing down this World Cup.
Curious to see where Perišić will be sold to this summer
I’m hoping Kovac isn’t banking on playing fire with fire…meaning that he thinks we can match Mexico down the wings…ie Pranjic and Srna…we have to play within our strengths…I was a critic of Perisic…a heavy critic…but I’ve always said I will support him if he plays well…and he has done very well in these last 2 games, I’m very happy he’s been playing this good!
@ Slavonac
svaka ti cast
great post and good insight! I think you’re spot on in your logic that we definitely got in their head and not only won on the scoreline but we won that ‘game within a game’ where you could tell at the end, Cameroon didn’t give a crap about the game anymore and just wanted it to end….
Perisic continues to be the man of the tourney for Hrvatska. Please bring Vrsaljko back. And get Sammir the hell out of there.
@slavonac i agree on the kovacic and pranjic assessment. if we play pranjic at fullback we’re going to get toast on the wing against mexico.
kovacic had some lethal through balls and passes. the guy has the technical ability we’re going to need against mexico.
hopefully kovac watches enough game tape and doesn’t just go with the same lineup based on the result
Mexico has some pretty quick wingbacks in Layun and Aguilar.
If Pranjić starts again, we will definitely see their wingers taking it to him.
Vrsaljko is the better option. Plus, he’s extra motivated now that Arsenal seems to be more interested in bringing him over.
Slavonac good summation and i will add with Pranja we essentially played with 10 maybe 10 and half men 😀
The Mandzo block is a one percenter, those are deeds that don’t necessarily make it onto any stat sheet, but coaches know it, they know who is doing those extra little things, be it a chase, a block, pressure act etc etc. All of these acts while individually small they have a cumulative effect and in this case it made Song lose his shit. A team thats up and about is doing all the little things as well as whats obvious.
THIS Mandžukić: ‘Nisu važni ni golovi ni promašaji… Važno je da smo izgledali kao momčad!’ now just throw in Vrsaljko and Kovacic starting and we have something going
In other news Srna is the fastest man at the World Cup, so much for losing a yard of pace 😀
By that logic then the Brazilian and Mexican teams would be sanctioned in kind no? If there is anything to it, it’s a cash grab and them acting like they have a no discrimination policy.
Did anyone hear any chants of Mamic/HNS pederi, could that be considered homophobic? 😀
anyone can say we won because of the red card but what many don’t see is the real and actual events that go on during the game at field level. we started pretty slow yesterday, I thought we were a little lackadaisical especially defending but once again, I’m watching from the comfort of my sofa and do not get the real overall perspective from the live atmosphere.
there is perception from tv and then reality…and in my opinion, without actually being at the field level and from the perspective I did see, I felt Croatia eventually began to frustrate Cameroon in several ways…although they had possession, just like in the Brazil game, they were mostly help to the outside and low percentage opportunities.
Cameroon were frustrated and when Mandzukic stepped in front of Alex Song…cutting off his path…thats just one part of the game that many don’t notice but it makes a difference..the fucker lashed out! When has any one of you ever seen a team implode, self destruct, especially at this level? Cameroon was getting more and more irritated with each other because they were not only being held away from good chances…Croatia was making them chase in that heat and humidity…the result was each of them began to look for someone to blame…this is called “the game within the game”!
Trust me on this, it’s not always a sure thing to score 3 or 4 goals just because a team has a man down…yes it can happen but not all teams can expose the “man down” situation!
Croatia exposed the holes quite easily, they had chance after chance at will…we have to acknowledge this…the game could have very easily been 7 or 8 nothing!
I think Sammir was disappointing but not terrible…he was, in my opinion, added to bring in quick offensive opportunities, pressure and he is more physical than Kovacic…he provided nothing in those categories…I’m not sure if anyone noticed but when Kovacic went sown the right wing and took on those 2 Africans…watch what one of them did…Kovacic faked and then turned, the guy was completely sucked in and gave up…he began walking and then Kovacic passed a beautiful ball back to Eduardo….thats what he couldnt do in the first game, I suppose he was gassed from spending the majority of the time covering the passing lanes for his defensive duties!
Pranjic was exposed…do I have to say any more? Fish outta water…complete failure…it was a disastrous performance on his part. I couldn’t believe how difficult it was for him to even gauge what distance he should be from his opponent, he lunged, second guessed himself and was playing like it was his first time defending…GET HIM OUTTA THERE!
Pranjić scares me even more.
Mexico scares the shit outta me. They shoot a lot from outside the box pretty accurately
not to be negative but regardless of the outcome of the Mexico match FIFA could prohibit the NT from progressing…http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-27916900
YES.
Eurosport.com: The Rio Report: Odd! Players bizarrely take post-match shirt swap to a new level
http://yhoo.it/1spzLDJ
Lol
So… Has anyone seen the new photos of Rakitić wearing nothing but his skimpy underwear, while swapping SHORTS with M’Bia in the tunnel after the game?
Lol. Our national team players can’t seem to keep their clothes on.
http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4684/world-cup-2014/2014/06/19/4896162/glass-got-stuck-in-my-foot-olic-plays-through-the-pain
In general great game, good confidence booster, exactly what we needed going into the game vs. Mexico.
I think we would of gotten a win if Song didn’t gift us with a stupid red, but once Camroon went down to 10 men, it turned into a scrimmage for the most part. To me, the boys obviously slowed down the pace and tried conserving their energy for Mexico. If they went all out, we would of won 6-0 probably. Not to mention, Cameroon just came apart at the seams internally with all the in fighting in the team. I bet that team has no desire to play Brazil next week.
NK has to keep the guys focus razor sharp for Mexico and not let the team rest on their laurels here… We gave a Brazil team a decent run that seemed like it was finding its legs in the first game and with this second game vs. Cameroon, that red card and their NT coming apart internally played into the scoreline. Mexico, by far, will be our biggest test. They’re “clicking”, have the hottest keeper in the tournament, tied the hosts and are coming into this game with a ton of confidence.
Should be a great one on Monday, can’t wait.
@ Josip
can’t make it out of work on Monday, fucking sucks… gotta watch the Watch ESPN stream from my desk…
Well done Kovac, well done, thank God he doesn;t listen to anyone on this site. He has done it his way and it worked. One game left. Bravo.
On second viewing not only is Pranja still shit, with the luxury of rewind, slow mo and zoom he is even worse on second glance.
Sammir had a nor here or there kinda match, he did his job and had a few nice passes that put us into space, had a few screw ups, he wants to show he has what it takes and it detracts from his game.
Dudu, we all know he has great control, takes the time to sum it up, his shot was well thought out and Mandzo pounced, from the moment that left his boot it was going to be a goal in some way or another, will be handy if we progress
I think anoyone up here better to manage Cro team than
Ko – fuck ..
I’m thinking along the same lines of Torcida NY’s lineup…use a defensive mid and move Rakitic behind SMM. I think Badelj could be the one to play that defensive mid spot for us. If any of you remember in his first season in the Budesliga he was very good!! Took a few steps back after that but as of later, in the last 1/4 of the season for Hamburg he started to play better.
@ Soul Champ
I agree with the Sammir bit…he wasn’t horrible. I just wish they’d give Rakitic a shot in his rightful spot!
Olic = legend! The dude comes up big for us time and time again and is always hustling!! Better suited as a striker than a winger but since we are playing this 4-2-3-1 he has no choice but to play the wing we SMM in the picture.
kovacic proved when he came on why he should be starting. great runs, great vision.
Bravo dečki !
Kovač knew the game in Manaus would be a battle of attrition. Sammir was utilized to be physical in the middle and run, which he did, he was effective in that aspect. Kovačić will be a better choice against Mexico.
The beast that is MANdzukic was too much to handle.
His game was impressive and he will be even more clinical against Mexico.
Perišić chose to take his game to the next level during the WC, hvala lipa homie.
Olić is a legend. Starting him always gives us a chance to score. Rebic will come even earlier as Mexico run hard all match.
Vrsaljko will start against Mexico has Giovanni likes to cut in like Robben. Now with the emergence of Perisic the attack is full of promise.
Winner take all!
If we read between the lines “Niko nam je rekao da je Pranjic govno od igraca I da trebam pomoci malom sergacu”
@ Torcida NY
I like your line-up! Perfect!
I’m not sure how fit Badelj is, but I would just switch him with Vukojevic. Probably Badelj could be a handy sub in the last 20 mins of the game against Mexico (unless Kovac wants Kovacic on the field), and then as Badelj becomes fitter, we could see him start if his peformance outshines Vukojevic’s.
Ivan Peresic
“- Olić i ja smo mijenjali strane jer nam je trener rekao da nam je lijevo defanziva slabija i da trebam pomoći. “
im having a hard time posting it… on xtra time someone mentioned wikipedia home page.. go to it.. there is article on bosnian/croatian waffen ss division as featured article today… interesting
@ Mishko, i and i think most of us would thank you to never make another comment about Pranjic, i dunno if he is your kin or something but you have blinders on so please avoid commenting about him.
Pranja cant defend this ive known since day one and now everyone is on board, i watched him have to be saved by Olic constantly when they were at bayern together, in this match he had to be saved by Olic, Mandzo, Perisic, Raketa, even Sammir had to help him. Now if everyone has to think about protecting that left side they arent thinking about their task, so basically play with 10 players. He gives us absolutely nothing offensively, he is shit on the ball, FFS he was offside, our fucking LB was caught offside.
I for one will tip my hat to Jelavic, he knows his place and he only wants the best for Croatia not for himself, you can see how he celebrates every goal, especially when his great mate Mandzo does the scoring, yeah Jela isnt what he was but he is the kinda guy you want around the team. Pranja on the other hand is a selfish little shit, me me me, he knows he cant defend for shit a real man would say no i cant take the role on but he always does and always shits the bed, he is playing against us not for us. At least now it seems that Niko has finally seen this for himself.
Sammir does not work. He was just good in the Croatian league. Not amazing, he was just good. In Spain he’s not proven anything yet. I don’t understand why he has a place in the squad no mind the team. I thought today he would prove himself but it was the usual Sammir from our CL matches.
Vrsaljko has to come back in place of Pranjic. Vrsaljko is just a better player – not just a defender but decent going forwards. Pranjic’s positioning is just wrong. Pranjic may be our answer in central midfield as Sammir has not worked. I still believe in Kovacic but maybe he is a little nervous.
I don’t believe in Milan Badelj, Er what the hell was his performance in Hamburg supposed to be this season. Thats a massive club they nearly got relegated. He should not be in the squad.
I think Rebic is refreshing to see. However Alen Halilovic should also be on the squad and not Sammir. Yes i know he can also be called a Bosnian and perhaps should have played for them like his father did, but if he’s committed to Croatia he’s the future of this national team. Sammir frankly i’d prefer he was not called up.
I think so far Corluka, Modric, Rakitic are playing extremely maturely. You can tell these are big league players. They are doing whats best for the team not themselves. Arguably they could all play better in a different role. Lovren has been a quality defender so far in this tournament.
Pranjic had the Travis Bickle hairstyle from Taxi Driver all gangster looking. Niko Kovac was very happy with Sammir when he got subbed out of the game. France 1998 winner out group stage 2002, Italy winner 2006 out group stage 2010, Spain winner 2010 out group stage 2014 pattern theme wheres the surpise time to rebuild Spain ageing squad won last 3 tournaments.
Boston guys, let’s get together for the Mexico game!
If croatia play with the same intensity and heart like Australia did today we will beat mexico easily.
wow slavonac grreat news on your mexican wife she probably is not even a spanish looking one she looks like turk lol remove kebab remove kebab your wife is worst turk
well i think we’d all prefer kranjcar than sammir but sadly we dont have that option
All the Kranjcar haters boy could we use him as the poluspica am. The ones bashing modric dont watch football to know how he functions assholes. I still believe a dm is missing v Meksiko croatia need a dm. So id play pletikosa srna lovren(sifo) corluka vrsaljko – vukojevic/badelj modric perisic rakitic olic mandzukic. Eduardo rebic kovacic subs.
Why do people want to move Corluka from the starting 11? Although i doubted the Carli-Lovren partnership at first, it looks solid.
Regarding the player selection, i really wished Kovac could have played a Badelj or Vukojevic in the second half to see how Rakitic works up front.
It’s funny that one of are least productive positions in the lineup is the ‘desetka’. We have Modric, and Rakitic on this team and yet we start Sammir.
I also wish we got to see Badelj come in as a sub. He’s the two-way type player Kovac says he likes to play. Playing him would also allow Rakitic to move up.
Its early, but my lineup for Mexico is-
——-Mandza—-
-Ola–Raketa–Peri
—–Mod-Badelj—–
-Vrs–Lov-Cor–Srna
——-Pletikosa——-
If Pletikosa doesn’t get dropped after the Brazil game, he’s the GK for the rest of the tournament.
Please somebody get a hold of NK and explain to him that:
1. Pranjic is not a LB, use him only as a winger
2. Olic is not a winger, love the guy but he gives the ball
away too much in midfield.
3. Sammir does not belong on the team Kovacic,
Badelj and Vukojevic are a lot more useful(the latter two
allowing Rakitic a more advanced role).
Changes for Mexico Vrasljko or Corluka(shildi to CB) in for Pranjic, Badelj for Sammir, Rebic in for Olic and Rakitic needs to be first choice for fk’s.
idkkk man maybe I’m just being tough on him but we’ll see
hrv 2-0 mex
@JP – oops, sorry mis-read that. You were available for the Brazil game but are now back in Cali.
The only goal he was totally at fault on was the third goal. No doubt about it. He looked awful.
You can never blame a goalkeeper on a penalty – ever – for any reason.
On the first goal, Pleti took a small jump to the right because, I believe, he quickly read Neymar’s shot approach. When Neymar shanked it, it fooled him. Totally lucky goal – no way Neymar meant that – it wound up perfectly placed.
@JP -I was out-of-town today as well but will be around for Monday. Saw some earlier posts of others wanting to connect in Malden.
he was tested, if you can call it that, twice that game, he looked like he’s been awake for 4 days.
so 2 saves in a game where he was a spectator tells you he has bounced back from his brazil performance…?
btw., at Bobby V, regrets for not connecting in Beantown, had to watch a stream of the first game at MIT, running out of talks. Just flew back to the left coast today to enjoy the victory from home.
@idemo – Well, one time, a Cameroon player took a slow rolling shot and Pleti walked over to it and stopped it.
Actually, he made two nice quick reaction saves.
Definitely a great result given the circumstances, we’ll take it for sure, and its always nice to see a few of the boys “get off the schneid” goal-wise, I don’t think that can hurt going forward!
I wonder if Kovac has something up his sleeve given that Sammir and Pranjic didn’t play that well, I wonder if he was just giving Mexico something to think about… Either way, I’d think that he’d at least revert to Vrsaljko for next game…
Really liked our “pack” defense while it was still a game. It’s clear that with the pack defense, all the long balls in the first half, and the mid first half switch of wings for Olic and Perisic, and with his subs, that Niko has a game plan worked out for each game. Imagine that, a coach with a plan! Bodes well for us!
@slavonac
I remember you saying that her whole family is there. My wife’s is in Texas so I’m lucky I don’t have to deal with that part of it. Hang in there brother. We shall win.
@MartinHrvat – haha, we all commented on that.
@CVA – If you can, go back and watch his poor touches, overrunning the ball, etc.
I love the kid, future star without a doubt. Thought he would be less nervous today, but, something is still not right with him.
“Pletikosa looked to be back on his game – good to see.”
can you please explain to me and the others how you came to this conclusion i am heavily interested.
Mandzukic is such a Beast, that it’s no coincidence that he scores 2 goals in the Jungle!
@ Bobby V
Kovacic showed well as CAM today. He bamboozled two Cameroonians and passed to Eduardo–who helped set up Mandzukic for the 4th.
Was it just me or did Perisic purposely not pass the ball to a ridiculously wide open Sammir?
Yeah, the credit goes to Ivica, not Kovac for positioning him properly. Your the best IVica
Ivica,
Good shit. I knew the kid could either be break out or average. He’s slowly proving himself.
So…is anyone going to give me any props for Perisic?
I kept pumping that kid up. I want some ‘spect.
So far, Niko Kovac has completely flopped on all of his ‘surprise’ starters in both of these World Cup games.
Jelavic, Sammir, and Pranjic were all bad calls.
I really, really hope he just goes with what everyone has been saying and just play Vrsaljko, Kovacic, and even some more minutes for Rebic.
Perišić may be the break out croatian player of the World Cup. And Adame supports that. Idemo brate
There is no pleasing some of you on this site and it really shows your lack of understanding.
Maybe Sammir and Pranjic are showing better at practice and their assignments. I seen kovacevic make a few dumb passes and be caught out of position, it was his problem in Italy too. He is young and will get better.
The people calling for Kovacs head are people not wanting Croatia to succeed. So far at the World Cup all his moves have been positive. The ref lost us the first game, not Kovac.
We just won 4-0 and some tools here are complaining. The game was in Manaus !!!!!! The playing conditions don’t get worse then that and out boys handled the conditions better then the Africans, does Kovac get any credit for that?
Who missed the easy goals today? We had opportunity to score 8-0. The game was a success, our runners were rested at the end. We will need to run Mexico into the ground.
The best part of the game is the fact that our goal scoring wasn’t one dimensional.
3 guys got goals and they were all different kinds of goals.
Mexico’s goalie performed well against Brazil….but if our boys are pounding shots at him from all angles, we should be able to at least put 1 in…if not more.
Mexico should fear our offence more than we should fear theirs but there is no doubt that our confidence got boosted because of the Red card.
With that being said, Croatia has more talent than Mexico and we should be able to win.
It’s basically a single-elimination tournament for Croatia now. Even though we had the extra man, it was nice to see us keep attacking and not sitting back to protect the lead.
@ Mishko – I was the one who said unleash your technical talent offensively – always.
Pretty cool seeing Assou-Ekoto and Modric shaking hands/talking in the entranceway before the game – teammates at Tottenham.
Game starts and 95% of the attacks down Pranjic’s side. Kovac had to switch Perisic over to help him out.
Song loses his senses and gives us the chance to advance with comfort. This would have been an awkward match otherwise.
Kovacic disappointed once again. Who would have thought both him and Sammir’s poor performances now make that midfield position our biggest problem? Brozovic will probably start against Mexico.
…and, of course Vrsaljko back on for Pranjic.
Ivan Perisic has been our best player so far – he will get plenty of offers. Maybe he can pick back up the way he was playing for Borussia Dortmund.
Pletikosa looked to be back on his game – good to see.
Didn’t celebrate the fourth goal because Mandzukic looked miles offside – I was waiting for the flag. The replay should a lazy Cameroon defender walking back from the touchline who kept him on.
Rakitic tried a cheeky move – wanted to chip past the on-rushing goalkeeper and walk the ball in. Should have just one-touched into the corner.
Rakitic and M’bia, teammates at Sevilla, also talking after the match.
What a total meltdown from the German coached bunch of Cameroon. Twellman called them the worst team at the tournament so far. – agreed.
The only reason I think we have a chance against Mexico is that they cannot and do not know how to bunker. They showed that against Brazil. Croatia will have their chances.
Great game now let’s smash Mexico. Mexico cannot score, and they cannot handle the play making quality of Modric-Olic-Mandzukic. I think we win by two goals.
Biggest concern is that Pletikosta was never tested today.
Rakitic and Modric have a distributing role on this team, their assignment is to start the play for inside their end, find the gaps, create movement and the process going forward. I’m not sure why so many here think they are the final pass before the goal…sure, sometimes they do but for the most part it is not their role on this team.
Pranjic looks soo out of place and uncomfortable I was sick to my stomach, if he ever plays in this tournament again I hope is 20 minutes as an attacking midfield position!
sammir was good by no means. but he did have a near assist to mandzukic
Mark- she’s Mexican and will wear her colors, I can’t ask her to change that! The problem is we can’t watch the game in the same room so whatever happens we both won’t piss the other off!
I have absolutely no love for Mexico right now, maybe in a month or two but as of now, definitely not! Her family have pissed me off, they have already beat us in their mind so I want a win!
if Kovac plays Pranjic over Sime…he is an idiot! sime must play in the mexico game.
wheres the picture of the dude that shaved checkers in side of head?
if we bet mexico im doing that
Thought Rakitic wasn’t so bad and Sammir seemed way more useful than Pranjic. Thought Olic was useless when he was in midfield but in and around the box he is so much more comfortable and accountable.
I liked our tactics but you could tell Cameroon were trying to exploit Pranjic’s side. Normally they love going down Assou-Ekotto’s side.
@Dokotor Prle
Red card or not we were well on our way to winning that match.
@Mali Ante, my only concern is that Vrsajko isn’t left footed or a left back. Now I only want our boys to go forward, so that being said, I don’t think Pranjic was that bad. I’m really indifferent about it.
All we have to do is beat the chupacabra Mestizos next week.
IDEMO DILJE.
if pranjic and sammir start in mexico.. either kovac is controlled and is a pussy and should be fired. or he really doesn’t know what he’s doing and should be fired anyway
i like niko, i want him to succeed… maybe he makes us all look like idiots but sammir didn’t look good at all and pranjic well i had hoped he was going to play better then he did
vrsaljko i don’t feel loses too much cross ability to pranjic
CONFIDENCE IS HI!!!
PRANJIC AND SAMMIR SHOULD NEVER STEP ON THE PITCH IN OUR JERSEY AGAIN. Dont know what Kovac see’s in them. Played two really bad players instead of brilliant Kovacic and Versaljko.
If those 2 cunts start against mexico – we’re done for!!!!
Modric just barely did enough. Rakitic even less so. Once again he cant score a goal if presented on a plate.
Everyone else did a sterling job. Eduardo not effective anymore.
@ Mishko
Sammir was not very good…but Pranjic was really poor. Burned a number of times and numerous poor touches. Vrsaljko is much better and needs to be back in….Sammir out and anyone else in would be an improvement.
We will beat Mexico but it won’t be easy I see manny with 1 and other 2from unusual suspects while Mexico double up with parelta and dos santos rockets
fucking cameroon out for blood… they beat brazil! hahahahahha, that woudl be the most fitting ever to happen and they will talk about this day in croatian history for a 1000 years!!!
@ Slavonac
Is your wife wearing checkers or green on Monday. Mine said she’s wearing green. I’m already talking to a lawyer.
I hope Pranjic doesn’t play that position ever again.
yeah.. my cro vid on youtube had a bunch of comments from countries like mex and arg saying things like “We all saw the fraud” etc
@Dannyj, I’m at 21 minutes into the game and the only really sucking has been Sammir. And don’t get me wrong, I hate him being on the team because he’s not Croatian, but if he was AWESOME, I would be honest about it. My GOD, he doesn’t suck, but we’ve got so many other REAL Croatian players that are better. Dunno how or who made the decision to put him on the pitch.
The ONLY thing I can assume is he expected to run a ton and annoy the counter. Which I think he did, but did nothing else.
On a side note, I talked to my Argentine buddy tonight and EVERYONE knows we got ass pounded by the ref in the Brazil game and EVERYONE wants Brazil out.
i wonder what mandzo was saying to them to piss them off so bad
fuck, i bet he wasn’t being very “politically correct” lolol
mishko i for sure don’t know as much as most of the guys on here but even i saw pranjic was coughing it up… i don’t personally feel his “offensive upside” right now is worth the risk.
cameroon kept trying that side for a reason
i have to give credit, i forget who it was soul champ or slavonac from canada… one of the positive posters who said perisic will be our X factor… he is built like a gazelle and can run and is strong on that side and now that he is settling isn’t trying those field goals and the quality is coming through
I’m watching the game again right now, dunno the hate against Pranjic.
Laknat so pretty much the same lineup as brazil with mario in jelavic role… if we had mandzu for brazil i think he would have been the difference maker even with the bad reffing
you can say what you want about the guy but that dude knows how to head the freaking ball
The Pranjic and Sammir experiments were awful. Why on earth would Kovac put Pranjic in for Vrsaljko? Sammir did nothing. He looked slow and was less than average. Horrible changes to say the least….this game confirmed that.
I’ve bashed Perisic in the past but will definitely say he has played very well for us so far. Looks like that maybe he’s the player we’ve wanted on the wing. Man of the match in my opinion.
Definitely put Vrsaljko and Kovacic back in for the Mexico game. Ajmo!!!!
Ko fuck will suck if he doesn’t bring my line up !!
Look at the politically correct go.
cameroon had to win to have a chance advancing. this would expose them to counters especially with 10 men. croatia did an excellent job exploiting this. most goals they’ve ever scored at a world cup
mexico will partially bunker. our biggest positive is their small defense and that if you cross enough balls into the box, mandzo can get over them for a header
u boj!
dun be racist jeez dafuq is it with u dudes
What’s wrong Iggy? Chimps love bananas ffs
MelbCro, you are a disgrace to all Croats. Go back to your cave.
I felt bad for them too actually
i was ALMOST hoping they even got a goal cos i felt so sorry for them
“MelbCro says:
Hilarious seeing the Cameroon players fighting amongst themselves. Like watching a bunch of chimps fighting over the last banana.”
^^^ this is really fucked up dude
I felt bad for the majmune towards the end… We could of gotten a better run from an HNL team. But we need to take it up a notch vs the mexicans
if kovac can tactically get our midfield right for mexico we will win
We need 3 points againts Mexican !!
3 forward each can smash a goal –> Olic Mandzu Perisic
3 assist players with technique –> Rakitic Kovacic Modric
………olic…………Mandzukic………….Perisic………
……………Rakitic………………Kovacic………………..
Vrsjalko……………..Modric………………………..Srna
………………Lovren………..Corluka…………………….
……………………._Pletikosa_…………………………….
@ dannyj
I’ve been impressed with Rakitic’s game. Just that one blundered opportunity on goal. Look at Mandzukic he basically messed up a 1v1 chance.
Perisic has been impressive also..
Although we played alright, we deserved the win. The margin we won by was a direct result of that red card. Hopefully we play like we did in that Brazil match against Mexico.
Wasn’t a big fan of Pranjic or Sammir on the field.
Also you could see how the game changed in our favor when Eduardo and Kovacic were put in.
i dont think a mexican bunker will be tough to deal with
any team coming to play defense for 90 minutes will lose,
if they do bunker mandza will get his head onto one ball
Dalmo- very well said, my only disagreement might be regarding the Modric/Rakitic situation. They are playing responsibly…the goal is to get the either Kovacic or whoever else plays there to be more offensively active and dangerous…then we’ll see the other two pull the strings better from their positions.
fucking rakitic, with the no finish… i love the guy but seriously where is this fucking take the game by the hands he has done at seville for us?
Hilarious seeing the Cameroon players fighting amongst themselves. Like watching a bunch of chimps fighting over the last banana.
whatever the line up is it should be sans Pranja and Sammir.
Pranjic was made and ruined by being played at left back, he never had the balls to say this isnt for me, he took his place in side we he didnt deserve to. His attacking game was ruined by being played at LB and i dont have to go into how shit his defending is. They say cameroon played with 10 men, well boohoo so did we.
Perisic is a gun, since his fuck up against belgium he has only gone up, that is his class showing through unlike some who are shit and dont strive to get better.
Modric is under an injury cloud, we all know he can do better
Raketa though id prefer him in the advanced role he is doing his task.
The defence looks shakey at time, heres hoping Niko sees that Pranja destabilises the whole line and puts in Vrsaljko.
Put it this way: Had Song not earned a red card, Sammir and Pranjic would have cost us a win.
I won’t say we were up a goal undeservedly – because it’s never too stupid to sit back and let the crnci run – it’s actually pretty smart… HOWEVER, the card changed the game.
The match against Mexico will be a hellish affair.
what is the line up for mexico? maybe offensive minded, go for the early strike? we’ve done that in both games so for sure we need that one again…2 for sure, fuck they going to watch greece highlights all week and bunker the shit out of it
sweet we JUST snuck home in this one lol
should’ve been 6 or more but who cares
bring on MEHICO
So lets all thank Pranja for the assist at wembley and now this corner and send him away, the shit stain made his money off of the Kockice now he can fuck off.
Poor Afrikanci are starting to fight each other
this is so shitty that we have to win against mexico since now we are good on goal differential
What’s with this naked talk you pederi? Not a part of a ZDS lifestyle….
Are our boys going to get naked at the end of game in the middle of the field just for shits and giggles?
.
Man of the Match? I say Perisic. Best NT game of his career.
Laku noc Kameroom
This was just a great effort by Ivica Olic http://bit.ly/1jzIv0I
You guys hearing the OLAY’s?
BTW – Kovacic isn’t doing so hot since coming no.
Rebic on Perisic off.
4-0 hahaha
Time to send Luka, Raketa, Srna, etc. to the showers and bring on Brozovic, Kovacic, Vrsajlko, etc.
Whoever said, that we need to push with the talent we have was absolutely spot on. I love it.
3 – 0
GOOOOOAl 3 to 0 Super Mario!!!
Iggy- I’m the first to say Perisic has done well in these first 2 games!
cant hate perisic this game.. was a beautiful pass for the first goal and well the second, very nice
where are all the perisic haters and i believe its soul champ or slavonac that had all the belief in perisic
pretty damn nice
too bad we didn’t get the point that first game or mexico didn’t lose yesterday cause we’d be back in business with goals differential
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS PERI
nice
Even with an extra player, we’re struggling against this weak team.
Isn’t as bad? what are you watching? the shit stain is a nightmare waiting to happen, sub him and put him on a plain back to mongolia
Thank you to Lucy Zelic for flying the flag for us on SBS, seems someone complained that there were too many Hrvati last match, now its two australcine that know Kurac about football.
Pranjic je javna sramota! That cunt wouldn’t even be on the bench peeling oranges! If Kovac does’t take out Pranjic followed by Sammir he is an even bigger cunt for allowing these two players that should not have even started to continue playing.
Pranjic and Sammir have both been pathetic. There was no reason to have either of them start the game, simply poor coaching from Kovac. Really poor.
i was thinking vukojevic would be good to bring in but now they have 10 men, so do we keep with kovacic and add more offence?
And this is the problem. We need to score a few goals and we have to waste a sub on Pranjic….do you guys now see what we mean about Pranjic, he’s terrible!
Kovacic for Sammir
Rebic for Olic
Vrsaljko for Pranjic
I would also like to sub Modric out because he is not himself, very likely due to his injury that he picked up. Sadly, only 3 subs allowed.
no kidding we need something from our studs modric and rakitic… just one deadly pass
we all shit on olic last game but that dude ALWAYS shows up… yes sometimes he does cross overs like a douche but he lets it all hang out, get it guys hang out, nudie pics;)
Sammir is doing nothing. Bring on brozovic or kovacic. Only reason i can see him on because he can handle the weather
Pranjic isn’t as bad as you describe, but he his out of his depth today. He has given away several fouls and has let the opposition get through easily too. If we patch that position we’ll be safe. Please, Niko, bring Vrsaljko!!!!!
We need a second goal soon. I don’t want any stress during the last 10 minutes.
Normally, in those conditions (heat), it would be a huge disadvantage to play 10 against 11. There will be a lot of space, we should use it properly.
I think it’s time to bring Kovacic. He can run with the ball and really kill Cameroon.
yes they just keep going down that side and if they score its coming through there sto posto
they have barely tried the other side with srna…
i wish song would have elbowed pranjic in the head and busted his nose to get him out
Pranjic stinks. He cant handle a shitty team.
He should never play as a LB again.
Olic has heart but is not good as winger.
Modric is invisible in first half he needs to be better or take him off .
isn’t it ironic that pranjic didn’t want to play with sammir and they are both on equal levels of suckness
Fuck Pranjic off, give him his fucking walking papers, the guy is a disgrace to the checkers, our striker is having to save his useless ass, Cameroon have one tactic exploit Pranja and PRanja is doing his very best to fuck us over. Pranja je nista a Niko ocito je budala.
Olic we all love him, nice goal, but that shot out of the stadium WTF and can he get a pass to one of our players not the opposition?
Sammir needs to be yanked he for all the “skill” he “possesses” he has done kurac all with it
Ola out for Rebic, Pranja pune gace out for Vrsaljko and Sammir out for Kovacic
I never want to hear another person talk about Pranja tactics and attacking prowess, he is a zero in shoes, fuck him off now and never let him wear the beloved Checkers again
yes sammir doing shit, pranjic doing shit… i know we are watching the game on tv and not there but jesus kovac has to pull those fuckers
sime in on LB and kovacic in for sammir and rebic in for olic later on
they will say good thing olic is out and then boom rebic comes in like a younger more talented olic… they going to shit with only 10 guys
we need to pounce
aaaajjjjjjjjmmmmmmoooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And Pranjić beat easily again. He’s gotta roll another ankle. Also, I just wish our defense could play like Chile played today. I absolutely hate our “wait and see” defense. It lets every single team look dangerous. Remember Scotland? This is silly. With our talent Cameroon shouldn’t even be able to get a whiff of our goal.
fucking Pranjic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m not liking Sammir’s and Pranjic’s peformance.
Pranjic I Sammir out now!!! I can’t take the dribbling anymore
Pranjic looks like he has never played soccer before, a special ed kid would be better..
Niko, put in Vrsaljko!
We need another goal to bury these dirty majmune for good
We need another here….better not sit back on this lead!! AJMOOOOO!!!
i just noticed how many of our dudes have ink sleeves..
ziva must hang his head in shame ! lol
sweet.. well if we cant win from here….
Now we both have 10 players, pranja #WASTEOFSPACE
Cameroon playing dirty. Well deserved red.
And Pranjic has had tons of cover on the left and has still been beat like 5 times
RED FOR SONG AJMO
Just turned on the game, what’s Pranjic doing as a liability?
The heat looks to be kicking everyone behind.
.
Prajnic needs to be replaced. Now.
And Pranjic is a liability as expected
What attacking skills? He is a fucking shit stain always out of position Ola and Mandzo have to save him, our LB is so far in attack he is offside gwt rid of the picka
its a slow game really
must be quite hot at that stadium?
We don’t look so good at the back, luckily they don’t as well
Olic!!!!!!! AJJJMMOOOOOOO!!!!!
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
im scared dudes
Dalmo….agree. Obivoulsy on for his attacking skills knowing we need the W…still not a fan.
Pranjic and Sammir will finally be on the pitch together, Pranja is a little picka keep your word flog, he has no honor and can’t defend for shit
Pranjic and Sammir?? I pray Kovac gets this right….Oce nas ko jesi…
Need Corluka and Lovren to stay out of the book! If they both pick up yellows, we’d have a Schildenfeld-Vida back line against Mexico
ok IM AWAKE now
nearly smashy time for cameroon? 🙂 🙂
@ Josip
Going to this place in Needham/Newton actually close to my job. Biltmore Pub and Grill. Don’t think “Club Adriatic” would be a good option and I really can’t get hammered since I have to pick the wifey up from Logan later in the night…
Pranjić… ha? Lord oh Mighty.
Armada,
Are we on for the “Club Adriatic” place?
Sammir… ha? Good God.
za dres
za zastava
ZA NAS!
IDEMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Aaaaaand there goes at least one viewer bye bye. Zbogom do sutra narode!
Lets all pray Pranjic plays out of his skin today, but at 32 a player that is shit at defending wont all of a sudden become a gun defender, whats this prick got on Niko or Mamic or someone?
So you’re playing in the middle of the jungle. Most of you’re fans can’t be there. So what do you do? If you’re HNS you put in local boy Sammir to get the support of fans. This is a ridiculous PR attempt! Oh Well, let’s just hope we win.
well, it true…Sammir is starting…so is Pranjic
Lineup:
Pletikosa
Srna-Corluka-Lovren-Pranjic
Olic-Rakitic-Sammir-Modric-Perisic
Mandzukic
Spain looked sloppy and didn’t seem to be enjoying playing the game, why didn’t we get this Spanish team LOL
Is it just me or does the chilean team look like a bunch of cholas?
Vrsaljko to arsenal rumors
that documentary was nice…its good to see those people join together like that…I got nostalgic when I saw them serving those potatoes…its been a long time since I’ve eaten my mothers cooking and I loved those potatoes!
I would never be able to watch a tv and listen to someone banging the table and screaming “Hrvatska…Hrvatska”…it would drive me nuts!
@cupavi
Yes I’ve realised the blue has sort of become our unofficial home shirt.
I think it’s because red and white checks goes against any nation that wears a red or white shirt so we have to revert to our alternative blue shirts.
Shit!
Chile scored again!
Wow!
Vice did a short little documentary on croatia vs brazil game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XelVPu5PAtg
Samo napred danas.
No bullshit!
No excuses!
Samo pobjeda!
I’m counting on a glorious victory.
Our team has the the talent to defeat these dancing lions outfit, it’s just a case of do we have the srce to complete mission.
We must have faith.
We can do it!
Chile play with some intensity.
All those guys look like mean ass gangbangers
@ Bjeli yes they are ive watched every game and remember like yesterday Tournaments im talking about not Qualifying or friendlies
Lately we always wear the blues
@cupavi
Are they the actual facts about our chequered jerseys?
Wow 2002 last time in major tournament to win a game in our actual home shirts.
Shit!
We need to change our fortunes.
Chile just scored against the champions.
Spain on the edge of elimination.
It should have happened in 2012 euro. Two years too late.
Man 2 wins and your in its nice to have future in your own hands.
@ nepoznat
I guess we all saw that coming….it’s nice because it validates that he was awful and that we got screwed.
@ torcida NY
Agree with your lineup. Give Rebic a run and see if the kid can create…either way we will use all three subs today and we can make appropriate changes. The idea of using a defensive mid will unlock Modric to do his thing and Rakitic behind the striker is a no brainer.
Budi Ponosan!!!!
We’re wearing the checkers today, and when we play Mexico.
Zachary gilfix seems to have stumped you.
@Robert I
Can you confirm our broads are in semis?
@Rob I
Are you talking about the Eurobasket 2015 Qualification?
With a win over Bulgaria today, it looks like our women have secured a place in the tournament next year. Not sure what you mean about semifinals
The Last time we won at a tournament wearing our Kockice was v Italy 2002.
2006 no wins wore the checks
2008 no checks 3 wins
2012 Blue win 1l 1w with checks
go back to 1996 2 wins in alternate then white, checks 2 loses
1998 2 losses with checks 2 wins in checks 3 wins in blue,
euro 2004 our best game was in checks vs France we sucked in blue.
im assuming we are wearing checkers today? i think we need the blues.. been thinking of some good times we had in the blues like that turkey playoff
ya that was a for sure penalty on marcelo if the nip was reffing
Whats happens happens. all i can say is Mexico played D and the ref was fair gave them ffair chance did you guys see that pitcka Silva ay the ref blew a penalty call on marcelo LOL.
Nishimura officially downgraded to a 4th Official: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2661454/Yuichi-Nishimura-carries-World-Cup-duty-Croatia-controversy-against-Brazil-fire-referee-fourth-official-Honduras-vs-Ecuador.html
Good to see that Stipe isnt the only shit goalie in these finals
I’m wasted on long Island ice teas!
I don’t know if I can persevere till the Croatia match?
This barmaid keeps looking better by the minute.
Ajmo hrvatska hrabrost za nas narod.
Hahaha I can’t see straight at the moment??
Our womens basketball team are doing well at the euro champs. they advance to the semis
Any word on if Pletikosa will get the start today?
@iggy
Bozanics old man je srbin
croatia gonna tie cameroon n beat mexico by 2 goals i say 3-0 olic all 3
Wow
That video.
I don’t know what I’m more embarrassed about, the HNS nude scandal or this slag and that god awful video.
Blech.
that Bozanic fella is lively.. hadnt seen him b4
Good show by the Aussies. It’s really a shame they couldn’t hold on for at least a tie.
Looks like Eto’o won’t be back in time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xolDwjrI1Ls
omg i know no one has posted this… what the fuck… i don’t even have the words to comment on this video… don’t get me wrong i wish i was this chicks banana in the video but fuck baba i dida must be so proud
ziva would def say this is not the zds way of life for a female
was it me or was that a bank account number on the video to send money to? im sure its fake but i have to say a bunch of this is down right funny
u know why aus got that penalty for handball?
ref must’ve confused aus with brazil cos of the uniform ;P
too bad aussies…
yes they have heart…
so it wasn’t a bad friendly to have booked before the tournament
2-2 now
man if only cro played with HEART like the aussies ;P
Aussies have been very entertaining thus far in this WC.
see people just cause holland blew out spain, everyone around the world got their panties in a bunch. holland this holland that
its one game
same like our brazil game… weather aside, our nerves are gone, there aren’t as many eyes on this game as the first. boys know there job… its a new game, we are still alive and kicking.
as much as i dislike spain, i want them to play brazil in second round and knock em out… that would be just beautiful to see one of the big boys(hope brazil) being kicked out
Iggy must have a boner right now. Aussies up on the Dutch.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi!!
Austrailia tops Group B and plays Croatia next round.
I would shit my pants.
Aus 2 – 1 ORANJE CUNTS
with just over half an hour to go
YEAHHHH I love it Austrailia
AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE FUCK YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH
who is ready for the RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE
Ajmo decki, uboj uboj za narod svoj
Armada,
I’m in the North End, and have one other Croatian in Somerville that wants to get together to watch the game. She said she watched the Brazil game at her local pub in Somerville; the place was packed, but she was the only Cro supporter.
I have no idea about “Club Adriatic”, but it being a Bosanac hangout is probably correct.
Aussies pull out a win or tie and Chile could very well top the group.
I just placed a bet for us to win
2-1 with modric to score first.
That’s my prediction, because the bijeli oroz says so.
Did anyone get a glance at Timmy cahills volley goal?
Goal of the tournament even better than persie header. Awesome!
On another note, mi hrvati mi hrvati za hrvatsku za hrvatsku
Ajmo vatreni
Holy shit did you guys just catch that Austrailia golaso?!
Goal of the tournament.
Iggy must have pissed his panties, that thing was a beauty. Love to see them fight like this against Holland. Complicates that group.
Love it.
Why the fuck would you guys want to rest modric? You can’t under estimate teams in the world cup…
Off Topic: Franko Andrijasevic of Hajduk is being sold to Dinamo. Hajduk is going to get 750,000 euros for the transfer.
Hopefully this means they won’t have to sell Andrija Balic.
Hopefully Vrsajevic, and Susic can get a game with Bosnia, and get sold too. Maloca should be gone too this summer.
If Sammir takes his top off after the game, he might not be allowed back in the dressing room. They might think he is Cameronian
I had a dream as well
Ziva had a positive comment to say.
Then i woke up and realised that would never happen
Is Sammir really starting or is this some type of joke?
yea its hot as fuck. The team is gunna need to man up tonight.
Sweet mother of Isus. I just went outside to get the mail and my balls immediately adhered to my legs with sweat and my glasses steamed up. It is so humid outside here, I can’t even imagine what it’s like in Manaus today. I’ve got a training session with my team today at 1pm. 90 degrees with 80% humidity makes it feel like 100+ degrees. If I can survive it, I sure hope our boys can too.
I think the right thing to do is for all of us to watch this game naked. In public or in private.
@ Slavonac
yeah, Muric apparently claims his contract expired this summer but Mamic is saying he’s under contact until 2015 – hopefully he goes to Ajax, great club for a young talented kid like him
@ Clarence
HAHAHAHHAAHHAHHAHAHAHAHH!
Any more nude pics?
Armada- have you seen what Mamic said about that transfer…he’s gonna try to stop it from happening!
aside from WC news, that Muric move to Ajax is big – great club to grow at of course
but when you think about it… imagine if Dinamo was properly run and could hold onto its gems a bit longer, they could have a midfield this year what would include:
Kovacic
Halilovic
Coric
Muric
Brozovic
Pjaca
granted, they won’t all pan out… but that’s a ton of talent and could definitely qualify for CL
Croatia better come out flying right away and get a few early goals that will nullify the weather and exhaustion being a factor later in the game as Cameroon will be deflated. Also Cameroons star Eto is likely out of todays game so thats a bonus. I think we can beat Cameroon by at least two goals in a tight nail biter game.
AJMMOOOOO HRVATSKSA
Had a dream this ended 0-0. Hope I was wrong,
Off Topic: Robert Muric signed for Ajax
Highlight Vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=719MDKlGvzg
Also, I noticed that almost every article that is analyzing Croatia makes mention that Croatia “have amassed 6 red cards in their last 9 World Cup matches”.
WTF are they talking about?
Croatia has only received 2 red cards (against Mexico & Australia), and that was in their entire World Cup history.
I thought there was a media boycott. How is the media able to know what the lineup will be?
Ziva is 27 years old?! and has grey hair?
wow, this adds additional wrinkles to the Ziva Istina mystery…
Croat
I wouldn’t recommend the life of Ziva Istina. You end up having gray hair at 27 years old, making outdated jokes, and failing to come up with new material.
VOLIM TE HRVATSKOOOOOO!!!!!!!
@ Horvat
I agree- Rakitic needs to play behind the striker, not next to Modric in front of the back four.
Mandzo needs good crosses so i wouldnt have Olic on right wing but we dont have many alternatives. I would suggest Srna on right wing with Vrsaljko at right back. Will have to sacrifice attacks from left back and put Vida there. (not sure if Pranjic is fit)
Kovac’s Lineup:
————-Mandza—————–
—Olic—–Sammir—–Perisic—
——–Modric-Rakitic————-
-Pranjic-Lovren-Carli-Srna—–
————Pletikosa—————-
My Lineup:
—————Mandza—————-
—Rebic—–Rakitic—–Perisic—
———-Modric-Vukojevic———
Vrsaljko–Lovren-Carli–Srna—-
—————Subasic—————-
This team is used situations like this. Nail biters and close calls is what they strive on.
@ Josip
Where you trying to watch the game dude? I work in Needham but I was thinking of going to Club Adriatic in Malden but I don’t know what type of crowd is there (I think its a Bosanac hangout most of the time?) and if enough Hrvati really go there or not…
This is Brazil will are talking about. Bunch of dirty jungle rats.
Ma Kurac hot.
game time start. 80 degrees, 85% humidity, feels like 85 dergrees. 70% chance of rain
by game end:
77 % , 90% humidity, feels like 77 degrees. 50% chance of rain
the feels like numbers are actually not as terrible as they could be. the organizers who decided to build a stadium and hold football games there though should still be banned for life from any football related job
How hot and humid is it going to be?
That’s what worries me most.
for someone who want to watch epic racing anime
before the game vsCameroon . ,, you can kill your time :
here for the summary of Battle stage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8SneYF-TaY
wach for full anime at :
http://www.goodanime.net/page/3?s=initial+d
……………..Mandzo…….
Perisic…….Rakitic………..Olic
…………Kovacic..Modric
Vrsaljko..Lovren..Corluka..Srna
……………..Subasic……..
I agree that We need to see Rakitic behind Mandzo.
For years we have been struggling to create quality scoring chances.
We were not able to put Modric behind the sritikers to create chances because we needed him in a deeper position.
However, Rakitic has developed into a star. It’s a shame to use him next to Modric.
I understand that we needed him there against Brazil because of his defensive abilities. However, we need him in an attacking position against weaker teams like Cameroon and Mexico.
Svaka ti cast Simunic.
faux cro we can’t risk benching modric. look what happened to uruguay with suarez
Poruka Šimunića igračima: “Dajte sve od sebe, igrajte ponosno za Hrvatsku, najviše igrajte za ljude koji su za Hrvatsku život dali, jer radi njih sad i možemo igrati.”
amen
super mario with the hatrick, you heard it here first;)
you guys can’t sleep, its almost 330 here on the westcoast… sun will be coming up… im rocking all the good songs off youtube right now
ajmo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Bobby V:
I watched the Brazil match for a second time with a cool head.
No one call by itself was unacceptable. It was the pattern of calls that were clearly stacked against us.
The referees refusal to speak English was the icing on the cake.
Olic’s header foul was complete nonsense. Van Persie completely smashed into Casillas the next day without even playing the ball and no foul was given. Very inconsistent officiating this World Cup.
The third goal was the offspring of a clear foul in midfield.
I like Kovacic dribbling/passing from in front of the back line.
When I have seen him play well for Inter, that is where he seems to be. Left midfielder if two play in front of defense.
Rakitic is at his best behind the striker. Setting up goals and shooting.
Fear not Iggy.
The Vatreni will be lighting it up tonight in the Amazon.
Keep breathing Brate.
Uvijek vjerni .
someone hold me
IM FUCKN SCAREDDDDD : /
Lets smash Cameroon and the smash the Mexicans and what would make it sweeter is if Cameroon could grab a point from those diving kuje Brazil, top of group for us and Brazil can go fuck themselves 😀
Just realized in our second game at WC’s we have 2 wins and 1 draw.
I can’t sleep either…
Anyone else realize we haven’t won a World Cup game since Olic and Rapaic put 2 past Italy in ’02?
Our World Cup record’s now at a respectable 6-5-2
We are so due for a win tomorrow!
Ne mogu zaspati
@ Blaz
To je to!
@ Svima
Enjoy the festivities today.
@ ante Zsd
Agreed brate.
Kovač will put out his 11 with his 3 subs ready to spell any tired legs.
Seeing Pirlo fire that free kick after 90 minutes of mesmerizing England, I am confident that our style will prvail in Manaus.
We are due for an offensive explosion.
I need to see Mandžukić and Rakitic right behind him. Modric dominate the middle with someone to support him.
Ball possession is key to ensure that there running is at the effect of our flow.
1-2-3….VATRENI !
Can’t wait for tomorrow boys… Everybody relax, we will beat Cameroon tomorrow, just enjoy the checkers on tv in front of the world! It’s the World Cup, the world respects our proud nation… Just soak it up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVn5hwpB0vw
We need a win tomorrow. Please!!
hmmmm do you smell that? it’s the scent of sweaty ballsacks
@Faux Cro-I dont mind your line ups,though I think they will be hard to guess for tomorrow.My feeling is that the starting 11 lineup will be one that will allow for a bit of rotation due to the oppressive conditions.I would say that all subs will be used.I can see maybe Olic also coming on as a sub maybe?? since SMM will be back and maybe Rebic gets a start.He is young,fit and quick.Who knows? We will see………
Whole website full of jock sniffers
^ Jock Sniffer in Ziva’s eyes
Ugh at this Sammir news, enough with him. He was piss poor in qualifying and has done nothing to justify starting. Give me a break about the climate. What an outrage if he starts.
Big shout out to Croatian Sports for taking care of me last Thursday, amazing time at St. Anthonys. I’m back in NY and most likely headed to Veslo. Anyone from the site coming, let’s meet up. I’m going to do some post game show for a few mins most likely.
I’ll be wearing a checkered Modric jersey for a clue. Very confident about tmw, but still bitter about Thursday and how weak Brazil looked today. Ochoa was brilliant, but come on how many chances are you going to botch? Unreal.
The journey starts to six points tomorrow. Lets do this!
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186456/index.html
On Neymar’s first goal, watch Modric win the ball in the midfield, clearing it away from the pack only for Jelavic to knock it right back to a Brazilian. Unlucky.
Still think Rakitic was fouled on the third goal – tried to replay it over several times and I still can’t see Jo winning the ball cleanly.
And, of course, FIFA won’t show Olic winning the header before Julio Cesar arrives, eliinating the tying goal from Perisic.
@Slavonac – nicely said. I’m sure we will have some bandwagonners back afer we smash Cameroon. Maybe even Lovro will cheer up.
@bijeli oroz – true, but we needed a last minute goal from Italy as well to make it to the playoffs.
Sammir’s dad will be in the stands with a megaphone singing the national anthem!
Fuqken Americans!
It’s all your fault!
If it wasn’t for your bleeding hearts for your southern neighbours, Mexico wouldn’t even be in this tournament.
What is it with you Americans always doing Mexico favours?
Poetic justice would have been for them to knock you guys out from this tournament.
No such luck
After today’s game between Mexico and Brazil, many on this site had already given up! It really baffles me that only one week ago soo many were optimistic and then after today, people folded up their tents and have headed home, after only one game!
I think this team has fighters, pravi borci…koji bi jeli zivo meso….nema predaje…many don’t understand what that means!
Mandzukic said: “- Jedva čekam da sudac označi kraj. Ne mogu vam opisati koliko to iščekujem. Remi Meksika i Brazila? Ne zanima nas to. Mi smo ovdje došli dobiti Kamerun i Meksiko i to ćemo napraviti”
Does this sound like a guy that’s already packing it in….I’m pretty disappointed with many if the comments on the other topic before this one….quitters….no faith….picking apart the team and coach as if that loss against Brazil was based on the team playing poorly! Soo many watched today’s game and already surrendered to Mexico….I’m ashamed for you and if you to those that have surrendered.
Nothing comes easy, you have to enforce your will over the other guys and take what’s yours!
apparently modric is all good. his only problem is he can’t hit the ball with his foot. good thing soccer is played with hands….oh wait
the positive thing about winning and facing a mexico bunker in the final game is mexico’s lack of height. if they hang back and just let us fire crosses into the boxes, you gotta be hopeful mandzo can get his head on one
Any Boston guys want to get together for the game?
I’m hoping he lets Croatia play the way we can, especially with all the players that are currently “in-form”.
That’s why I wish we had a coach like Safet Susic. He plays attack-minded futbol because he knows that if you have technical talent, like most of the former Yugoslav republics have, use it offensively.
Don’t sit back and let it go to waste. Why park the bus and claim you are playing on the counter-attack like the Greeks and others do?
What’s there to give up on?
Vrsaljko was one of the better players on the field last game.
If Kovač is planning on sitting a couple of starters, it had better be a strategic move. I’d hate to think that he actually believes that Pranjić is better than Vrsaljko.
Or giving up on Vrsalijiko
Croatian newspapers saying Mandzukic, Pranjic and Sammir are the three new starters, replacing Jelavic, Vrsaljko and Kovacic.
Don’t agree on giving up on Kovacic after only one bad game, especially after all the comments on how he was going to break out here.
I don’t agree with starting Rebic.
Perisic, Kovacic and Olic with Mandzukic up front is our best option.
Let Rebic loose in the last 25 – 30 minutes of the game when everyone else is tired, his pace will be more effective when they are tired
rest modric for mexico
pletikosa
srna lovren vida vrsalijko
kovacic pranjic
ratitkic persisc olic
eduardo
sub mandzukic schildenfeld vukojevic
@ Horvat
Agreed. I think playing a true defensive mid will unlock Modric and Rakitic needs to play behind Mandza…Perisic and Olic on the wings should create some chances (although I’m hoping Kovac opts for Rebic in Olic’s spot) Same back 4 would be nice….as for Pletikosa, I’m all for having someone with experience back there…if the rumour of what he’s going through with some family stuff is true, his head might not be in it…if that’s the case a change might be needed.
modric is playing.
—————————–SMM———————————-
Rebic———————Rakitic——————-Eduardo/Perisic
—————-Kovacic————Vukojevic————————–
Vrsaljko———–Lovren———–Schildenfeld————-Srna
—————————Subasic————————————–
persiic need to step up x factor
Any projected lineups?
———————————SMM————————————
Olic—————————Rakitic———————-Perisic
—————–Kovacic—————-Vukojevic——————-
Vrsaljko———Lovren————-Schildenfeld———Srna
—————————-?????————————————-
Rest Modric for Mexico and do we start Pletikosa?
@ Rob I
Well played with the Sammir comment lol
I am a little surprised that there is talk of him playing..regardless of both my feelings about him and most on the site, I honestly think there are better options. We should play with a true holding midfielder to start this game…slim pickens but Badelj or Vukojevic…pro’s and con’s with each.
@ svima
Either way, we control our destiny and honestly don’t deserve to advance if we can’t beat both of these teams. My gut tells me it comes down to the Mexico game. They played ok today but really didn’t impress me….their goalie stood on his head but the really never tested Brazil (aside from one late chance)….all of their shots were from well outside the box (part of their strategy obviously).
I hope they give Rebic a chance to show his abilities..SMM will make a big difference for us. I believe we play well tomorrow and come out with a big W…..ajmoooooo!!!
Budi Ponosan!!
It’s time to start a good ole 6 game winning streak to recover from a loss. 🙂
I think this is our most talented team since 98.
Let’s hope our boys play the way they are capable of.
Good news
Niko Kovac said ‘Modric and Sammir are 100% fit to play’
I added the Sammir bit.
This is our road to the World Cup Final:
Cameroon
Mexico
Netherlands
Italy
Argentina
Germany
Honestly, it’s pretty easy. Especially since we don’t even have to technically win against Cameroon (phew).