SPAIN
Saturday’s version of El Clasico was more about what happened off the pitch than on. Sure, Real Madrid came back to win with 10 men at Camp Nou, but the result will have ZERO impact on Barcelona winning yet another La Liga title. So what did I take away from the game?
The match started with a minute of silence for European legend Johan Cruyff, who passed away on March 24th at the age of 68. With the whole stadium silent, you could hear a section of the fans whistling and screaming about halfway through, which was reported to be coming from the Real Madrid fans. Not very classy. But then again, neither was the team celebration after the match. (Just my honest opinion.)
Yes, Barcelona is a great team. Probably the best in the world. And any club should go crazy if they beat them, especially at their own house. But this is also Real Madrid who has a giant payroll. In a win that doesn’t even get them within striking distance of the La Liga title. So why is their best player (Ronaldo) celebrating in his underpants? (And if I had to see the picture, I’m making all of you guys see it too.)
As for the game, both Rakitić and Modrić had quiet performances. Not much to report on there. Modrić played the full match while Rakitić came off in the 74th minute. Mateo Kovačić was left off the squad list for Real Madrid.
In other news around Spain, Duje Čop scored a penalty for Malaga in a 1-1 draw against Espanyol. Alen Halilović and Sporting Gijon take on Levante on Monday.
ENGLAND
Dejan Lovren (above) played the full 90 minutes in the Liverpool backline Saturday as they held Tottenham to a tough 1-1 draw. With the Reds up 1-0 in the second half, Spurs’ striker Harry Kane got the ball with his back to goal and rifled home a stunning strike while Lovren was defending him. Lovren can’t be criticized for his defense as the shot was 100-1 to go in. Nonetheless, the draw hurts Tottenham in their title hopes with Leicester winning this weekend. Spurs sit seven points behind the leaders while Liverpool remain six points behind a Europa League berth.
Lovren guarding Kane on wunder-gol
Payet free kick for West Ham
Slaven Bilić and West Ham dropped points on Saturday to Crystal Palace in a 2-2 draw, but wow, look at this free kick from Payet. Bilić has some talent on this team and can go far in London if he can keep this core together. West Ham are currently three points behind Manchester City for the last English Champions League berth and still have their FA Cup replay with Manchester United on April 13th for a spot at the semifinals on the line.
Germany
Photo: HSV
Hamburger SV stopped a two match losing streak following a 3-0 win over Hannover 96 on Saturday. Ivo Iličević started and went the distance at left wing for HSV in the win. The German born Croatian scored an Ivica-Olić-like goal in the 73rd minute of play after failing on two great chances earlier in the game. Ivo finished with a team high two shots on goal and picked up a yellow card as well.
Ivo Iličević goal and missed opportunities
Hamburg forward Ivica Olić may have played his last game as a professional footballer after being ruled out for up to a month with a torn thigh muscle. The 36-year-old is expected to be out three to four weeks after suffering an injury in training on Tuesday, the club announced on their official Twitter account.
Photo: Bayer
Bayer Leverkusen picked up an impressive 3-0 win over Wolfsburg on Friday night to keep their automatic Champions League hopes alive. Former Dinamo Zagreb defender, Tin Jedvaj, started at right back for Bayer and helped Bayer hold on to a shutout in the win.
Photo: Hoffenheim
Kevin Volland scored a last second equalizer to lift Hoffenheim out of the Bundesliga’s relegation zone in a 1-1 draw with Cologne on Sunday. Former Dinamo Zagreb striker Andrej Kramarić started and played the full 90 minutes in the draw. Andrej finished the match with four shots but his final shot led to the equalizing goal.
Andrej Kramarić assists on equalizer
Italy
PHOTO: inter
Juventus unbeaten run continues as the ‘old lady’ beat Empoli on Saturday 1-0. Mario Mandžukić was a starter for the bianconeri and played 66 minutes before being substituted by Zaza. Given the injury occurred to Dybala, pressure was big on the former Atletico star to finally find the back of the net. The Croatian International subsequently looked more focused on his way forward and less inclined than usual to come deep and help the team. The change paid off. Mandžukić looks more a threat that he’s been in the last few months. He first sees his shot well blocked by Skorupski in the 15 minute, then his header put the team ahead with one only minute to go until half time. Mario undoubtedly chose the right night to terminate his goal drought. His mark is worth 3 points and due to Napoli’s debacle on Sunday, a 6 points lead that is very likely to eventually turn into the ‘tricolore’, the 5th in a row for Juve.
Mario Mandžukić goal
La Gazzetta dello sport rates his performance a 6,5: Misses an easy finish early in the match, but scores eventually. Its his first goal in the 2016.
Photo: EPA
Inter lost home to Torino 2-1 on Sunday Night after having been ahead. The nerazzurri can say goodbye to a Champions League spot and be prepared to compete in the second tier of the European competitions. Both Marcelo Brozović and Ivan Perišić are starters for Roberto Mancini to go the distance. Like the rest of the team, Brozović (5,5) first half is rather better than the second, especially due to the fact that the team is left two men down after 73 minutes. The former Dinamo Midfielder tries to add some quality to the midfield and to make himself available as much as possible. His shot impacts Moretti’s hand and is worth the penalty that Icardi transforms into the home advantage. Ivan Perišić (6) starts too timidly then grows in the central part of the match. His runs on the left are not always lucky but he supports Icardi well and almost manages to serve an assist to Eder in the last minutes. The former Wolfsburg star has definitely the best out of Bovo and he is the last to give up.
Sassuolo get an important 3 points away as they beat Carpi 3-1 and sees the Europa League spot and Ac Milan getting nearer on their radar. Šime Vrsaljko (6), who is a starter for the neroverdi, limits his opponent di Gaudio and runs forward anytime there is a chance. He does more so in the first half while looks a bit fatigued in the second. All in all another solid performance under his belt.
Photo: ilnapolista.it
Fiorentina are stopped at home by Sampdoria in a match that ends 1-1 on Sunday afternoon. Milan Badelj (5) is a starter for Paulo Sousa. The Croatian International, who is used to sharing playmaking responsibilities with Vecino, is not helped at all with these regards by the new pairing Tino Costa. He subsequently appears slower than usual and wastes too many balls. He is then deservedly subbed after two minutes in the second half. Nikola Kalinić missed the match due to a one day ban.
Ante Rebić’s Verona plays on Monday night @ Bologna. The former Split player will miss the match after picking a red card in the previous match.
FRANCE
Danijel Subašić started between the pipes for Monaco as they lost 2-1 at home against Bordeaux on Friday. Monaco were outshot 11-8 in the match. Subasic made three saves and was not at fault for the goals. Monaco remain second in Ligue 1 with 55 points with six matches to play, four points ahead of Rennes as they hope to lock up an automatic spot in the Champions League group stages next season (top 3).
Goals: 0:55, 1:40, Save: 1:30
UKRAINE
Shakhtar Donetsk picked up easy three convincing points on Sunday as they trounced Metalist Kharkiv 8-1. Darijo Srna played the first 63 minutes, picking up an assist on Shakhtar’s 3rd goal before he was replaced by Eduardo. Dudu got on the board in the 86th minute to make it 7-1, his 10th goal of the season. Shakhtar are 2nd in the Ukrainian Premier League, 11 points ahead of Zorya.
Srna Assist: 1:40, Eduardo Goal: 4:00
Domagoj Vida got on the scoresheet for Dynamo Kyiv as they earned a 2-0 away win over FC Olexandria on Saturday. Vida scored in the 14h minute, heading home a corner. Kyiv retained their three point lead at top of the Ukrainian Premier League over Shakhtar, with six matches remaining.
Vida Goal: 0:15
GREECE
Mladen Petrić was a second half sub in Panathinaikos’ 3-2 win over Veria on Sunday. Danijel Pranjić was not in the squad. Panathinaikos turned a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 victory after Petric came on in the 61st minute. With two games left to play until the playoffs, Panathinaikos remain locked in third, three points behind AEK Athens.
RUSSIA
Lokomotiv Moscow won 1-0 at home against Rubin Kazan on Sunday as Vedran Ćorluka was forced off the pitch with a back injury in the 66th minute. We should know more about its severity in the coming days. Lokomotiv remain third in the Russian Premier League, two points behind CSKA Moscow and three behind Rostov.
Next Matches:
Tuesday, 4/5
Atlético Madrid at Barcelona(UEFA Champions League),
Wednesday, 4/6
Real Madrid at Wolfsburg(UEFA Champions League),
Thursday, 4/7
Shakhtar Donetsk at Sporting Braga(UEFA Europa League), Liverpool at Borussia Dortmund(UEFA Europa League)
Saturday, 4/9
Darmstadt 98 at Hamburger SV, Hoffenheim at Frankfurt, Internazionale at Frosinone, Genoa at Sassuolo, Juventus at Milan, Eibar at Real Madrid, Barcelona at Real Sociedad,
Sunday, 4/10
Stoke City at Liverpool, Monaco at Lille, Bayer Leverkusen at Köln, Fiorentina at Empoli, Hellas Verona at Napoli, Celta de Vigo at Sporting Gijón, Panathinaikos at Asteras Tripolis, Volyn at Dynamo Kyiv, Shakhtar Donetsk at Stal Dniprodze,
~Ante Kvartuč and Denis Svirčić reporting from sunny Southern California, Zach Gilfix reporting from Minneapolis, MN and Salvatore Cagnazzi reporting from Italy
@Faux Cro
Very interesting and sounds reasonable. Hopefully Lovren is addressing the dispute quietly which is why we’re not hearing anything more in the media (how Cacic should have handled it).
^^
Perhaps we should ask Ante Razov what he thinks about Lovren’s behavior.
I spoke with a friend who played professionally in Europe for 10 years, about sitting down after a coach asks you to warm up.
He said it is common to sit back down after warming up for 5-10 minutes.
I think Brozobro is ahead of halilokebab atm..
But, that being said, kebab-co could come on for the last 25-30 mins of a match and have an impact.. i think that’ll be the usage Mucho Cacic is thinking about.. at least, that’s what i’d be thinking about.. depends on the score of course
by that time we’ll be smashing turk cunts 3-0 so prolly won’t have to worry
Halilovic did come in for the last half hour for Gijon and had some impact on the game. Ran at defenses, drew a couple fouls etc. However he also dribbled when he should have passed a few times and gave the ball away unnecessarily. The game ended 0-0.
He’s one of those players that other teams hope we leave off the squad because he puts other teams on their heels. Remember the impact Michael Owen had in his first World Cup? Halilovic (1yr older) is similar because he is faster with the ball than many others without it. I think he should go to the Euros because he’s capable of flipping a game on its head. Maybe he comes on in the 60th minute if we need a goal.
Badelj has probably been our most invisible player whenever he plays for the repka.
He’s having a decent season, plus he’s a veteran now and should be better.
Unfortunately, we need to try more things in our friendlies…
Pasalic as the holding mid;
Halilovic at RW with Vrsaljko behind him;
Jedvaj as a stop-gap LB;
Kramaric up top or paired with Mandzo;
Brozovic at various positions in the midfield…
I’m glad we at least tried out Vida at LB, Badelj as DM, and Brozovic on the right side…but we need to experiment some more with our younger and better players like Vrsaljko, Jedvaj, Halilovic, and Kramaric (and no, not Antolic).
I’ll reserve judgement on Cacic simply because friendlies mean squat and they could be doing things in training that we do not see. All I care about is tournament results. If we can get to the quarters, then I’m changing my name to Cacinjo from now on.
I’ll comment on his play: He’s a great player–the second best there is as a matter of fact! But we all know he’s a look-at-me, ego driven player who’s always trying to come across as Alpha.
I’m not hating on the guy, again amazing player, but I’m just callin’ it how it is!
Badelj is are only player who can play as a holding midfielder.
can’t comment on ronaldo’s play so you comment on a picture, let the man live shit, people look for any reason to hate him
going around flexing his muscles are you crazy? the man was changing and was probably called over for a picture dammmm son off his sack i don’t think he thinks about you much
@ Ante
“So why is their best player (Ronaldo) celebrating in his underpants?”
Good question, maybe it has something to do with the fact that Ronaldo has a serious case of the BIG MAN ON CAMPUS Syndrome. He’s desperate to prove he’s the Alpha Male of the locker room. Modric would never go around the Repka locker room, flexing his muscles in his underwear.
@ Armada
Will prolly end up bastardizing the right wing position since Halilovic is not ready to start, Brozovic could be thrown in there. I agree a Holding Mid is vital, that’s why it’s crucial to partner Badelj with Modric, and have Rakitic in front of them pulling the strings.
@ Brkic
With Kramaric’s team about to lose, YES, that’s an example of taking the game by the scruff of the neck. That’s the kind of clutch play we need at Repka.
@ Poglavnik
Robben is a special type of Talisman, a 1 v 1 specialist who can carve up the opposition like a piece of Janje. A Talisman could also be one that pulls the strings, creates, and unlocks the opposition. I thought Rakitic would be this man, but boy was I wrong!
@ Ziva
The kid is 20, but who else are we going to play on the wing opposite Perisic? We could push Brozovic over and put Kovacic in the middle with Modric and Rakitic, but then we nothing resembling a holding mid. Spain would shred us to pieces.
What makes you think Cacic is even considering to use him in the starting 11?
Remember, this kid turns 20 during the Euros. Easy with the expectations. It would not be the end of the world if he doesn’t play at the Euros.
The Gijon game just kicked off and Halilovic is on the bench. I was one of his biggest supporters on this site earlier in the season when he was putting in some amazing games, but his form has slipped recently and if he can’t make the starting lineup for a team in the relegation zone I’m not sure he should be starting for us in the Euros.
Not sure why he’s on the bench lately but he better make the most of any minutes he gets in the last few games and stop talking off the pitch.
also recently scored the opening goal with a header off a corner against spain u-21
Caleta-Car once again in the starting 11 for Salzburg in their game against Rapid Vienna. The Croatia U21 international played the 90 minutes and scored the goal for Salzburg in their 1-1. Salzburg will be champion in Austria and Caleta-Car is doing great as central defender.
Niko Kranjcar is playing like a bust
Niko Kranjcar played the final 13 minutes in a 3-0 win for the Cosmos.
You’re welcome Allen.
Kramaric made a great run in injury time against Koln. The keeper parried his shot wide, but the deflection was put in by his teammate.
The Koln players were whining bc they thought he should have put the ball out after one of their players was lying on the pitch trying to waste time. Talk about taking a game by the scruff of the neck…
http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/deco-only-one-real-madrid-player-would-fit-into-barcelona-4123665
I have made the same conclusion as well.
Of course Modrić and Rakitić had decent games; they’re not playing for the repka where they can half ass it or quit on their coach… Heck, same goes for Lovren too
Modric and Rakitic both had good games, unless I was watching a different game.
Pjaca, halilovic, brekalo, perisic. All out and out impact players. We’ll be fine. Relax
Oh god. Here we go again. 😉
Actually one of the best direct players, and with a great attitude is Gareth Bale.
Easily man of the match for me today.
@The Ides of March
Too many square players.
Players that can only pass side to side and not take guys 1-on-1. It’s not easy to find that though. Lots of times those players have serious egos. Think Robben Ronaldo and our very own entitled Bosanac.
On the Classico… I thought Modric had a very good game. Zidane’s strategy was to sit back and hit Barca on the counter. Modric was a key part of this and on numerous occasions stole the ball and started attacks. He was instrumental in the equalizer when following a series of one-two passes he set Marcelo free for his great run. This is the role Modric has played for the last 2 years at RM. He rarely score, nor does he get many assists, but he’s still one of the most important players for them. It makes me think that maybe Cacic should use him in this way and utilize Rakitic in more of an attacking role – this may be how you get the most out of them both on the pitch together. Ramos on the other hand… I just don’t get it with him. For every good game he has there is another where he gets sent off or gives away a penalty. He tried real hard and almost gave the game away on two occasions today. Probably should have had 4 yellow cards in the game.
On Lovren… I agree with the rating from ThisIsAnfield for Lovren. He made goal saving tackles in the first half and was best on the field through 45 min at 0-0. It was a great goal from Kane in the second so not sure I would call it a huge gaffe on Lovren’s part. Lovren was intentionally playing off of him a bit and Kane just made a great turn and shot.
well, kramaric will prolly not get any game time so i doubt he’ll do much
brozovic.. yes that is a chance.. he’s one of our few players who can score long range shots..
not sure how he and halilokebab fit in tho yet.. see how we go..
czechs and turks have had good results in recent friendlies (much better than ours) so it’s a challenge for sure
Someone will have a break out at this tournament, similar to how Mandžo had his at Euro 2012, and how Perišić had his at the last World Cup.
Would not surprise me if Brozović decided to make a name for himself at this tournament. Hopefully Kramarić does, as we need that kind of player on our squad moving forward.
I always thought that Modric would be that player, but I agree with you that Perisic is the closest thing we have to player we can call a talisman.
We would most definitely struggle without Perisic, easily our most important player.
I watched Barcelona vs Real Madrid and Modric was ordinary.
without perisic so far, the repka seems like it would be in serious trouble. he has been the only one who has been able to make the defense bend to create openings
@ Lazio
I was clipping my toenails and watching infomercials this morning when it dawned on me….
In all my years of watching Repka, we’ve never had a player take the game by the scruff of the neck…and I mean taking the game to the opposition, launching attacks at will, without a SHRED of mercy.
The only player we currently have that comes anywhere near close, and it’s still Earth to Mars close, is Perisic. This is a good Repka team, but with a bonafide Talisman to inspire the side, the team can go deep into the knockout stages of the tournament.
Happy B Day Radosevic!
Happy Birthday Josip Radosevic.
Also, congrats on his 5th start in a row since joining Eibar. They’re actually doing well in La Liga this year. Hopefully he somehow stays there after his loan deal and becomes a La Liga regular (and resurrects his career).
The player rating from ThisisAnfield for Liverpool-Tottenham. Coutinho had a 8, Lovren was the second best player for Liverpool on the pitch according to thisisAnfield with a 7,5.
This is what they say about him:
Dejan Lovren – 7.5
Covered well when his team-mates made errors, and was commanding as he stepped out to stop attacks as they came in.
Made a vital block on a Kane shot towards the end of the first half which drew considerable applause from the Kop.
Continued in this manner in the second half until he was turned too easily by Kane for Spurs’ goal, but this might have been the only error in an otherwise impressive display.
If you guys haven’t seen The Road to UEFA Euro 2016 – Episode 1,
Davor Suker was on it, remembering Euro 96!
Ziva, you think that we have enough talent to overcome poor coaching in the group phase! That’s some positive thinking right there!
I’m not as positive as you that we will make the second round.
We could only beat Malta 0-1 in qualifying, couldn’t beat Azerbaijan, lost to Norway. I reckon the Czechs and Turks are better than Azerbaijan and Norway.
I like the NT and the players, but because I’m not a fan boy I will not ignore normal logic and make a positive prediction based on shit. But I guess fan boys will be fan boys.
Was Mandza’s goal a tap in? I haven’t seen it.
I was entertained by the match, especially the final 20 minutes.
Ramos is a love/hate player. Love him if he is on your time, hate him if he is on the opposing game for all his sranje off the ball.
Mandzukic with a goal today!
bravo rijeka, lol, lol
One man down and they come to life!
fucking Ronaldo man… wins it for RM
Real have not done anything all game.
Luka hasn’t done anything really.
Rakitic is all over the place. He just saved a goal for FCB.
Armada it’s incredible having two hrvati playing in this game.
Rakitic almost had an early goal
Barca dominating so far vs RM
ok Ziva, you are delusional like your buddy cico, keep it up, you are always good for a laugh
Remind me to not comment about Lovren’s play before the entire game ends. Kane just left him for dead on a goal. Piss poor defending.
@iggy……..it wasn’t a postive or a negative comment. What it was – and what it always is – is an accurate comment.
Just as I read that comment above about Lovren, he makes a bad play by keeping a Spurs player onside in what should have been the tying goal.
I need to see it from Lovren at the repka level before I believe in him.
Real vs barcelona starting now!
I’m watching the Rijeka-Slaven cup match now on this Eversport feed. Anyone have a feed with the actual commentary?
Say what you want about Lovren, but he has been outstanding so far against Tottenham. One of the best halves I’ve seen him play at Liverpool. Several key tackles and commanding the box as well. Also saved Sahko’s clumsiness on multiple occasions.
woah shit… Ziva.. did u just say something semi-positive?
holy fuck.. u nearly said there is some quality on our team
@Stipe………………..coaching is a legit concern, but I think we have enough talent to overcome the lack of quality coaching in the group phase.
Reports this morning that Barcelona have opted to loan Halilovic again next year as opposed to selling him outright. In that case I’m guessing he stays in Spain so they can keep a close eye on how he handles La Liga competition. Since Gijon look like they will be relegated it’s likely a new club though.
I think Kovacic had a very good season at RM. He got a lot more minutes than most expected and when playing he fit in quite nicely with the talent around him. A few weeks ago he made a real boneheaded play giving the ball away from a free kick which resulted in a goal. I think this along with Casemiro’s rise has resulted in fewer minutes lately and now his pending move.
Everyone is concerned about our defense and Srna, I AM MOST COMCERNED ABOUT US GETTING OUTCOACHED AT THE EUROS. I mean cmon, going from the HNL to coaching the Euros. Im concerned the Turk coach and the other coaches are just gonna take Cacic to school, anyone agree ??
tee hee ! 🙂
He’ll probably pull a Ziva and root against his own…
The Real Madrid brass told Kova to look for another club this summer. So let’s face it, he ain’t gonna start any time soon. He’s gotta turn tailights and get da’hell outta dodge as soon as possible. Mateo needs to get on a club where he regularly starts, so he can develop, he shouldn’t be a bench player.
Sevilla and Milan have been rumored to be interested.
RE: Lovren. He felt his ego was slighted when he was called to warm up and not subbed in. So the self-styled fashion icon of Croatian football didn’t like jumping up and down like a kangaroo on the sidelines in front of thousands–stretching his limbs out like a gorilla. Well Too Bad! Small price to pay for the millions he makes!
Also, I’m pretty sure Lovren won’t disrespect his coach or the team he plays for this weekend unlike last weekend.
With Kovacic not even on the roster for the game, I wonder in what category he falls………some athletes will deep down hope their own team plays bad when they are not part of the squad. If they play well without him, the athlete might think they don’t need him or his value is less. On the ther hand if the team plays like shit that could validate the players own belief that he should have been part of the team.
Or is he one of those who will always root for the team even if he does not play.