ENGLAND
What a way to score your first Premiership goal. Not only did Dejan Lovren and the Southampton defense hold league leaders Liverpool scoreless at home, but the Croatian center back got the game’s lone goal in a 1-0 victory Saturday at Anfield. After a scoreless first half, Lovren rose up into the air in the 53rd to meet Adam Lallana’s corner kick with his head. Lovren was turned around by a Liverpool defender who was all over Lovren, but he still managed to get a head on it for the goal. It surely would have been a penalty if the ball didn’t go in. Lovren was given ‘Man of the Match’ honors, and with the win, has helped Southampton earn eight points through the first five games of the season, which is good enough for 7th place.
Dejan Lovren scores 1st Premiership goal in 1-0 Southampton win
Nikica Jelavić got the start for Everton on Saturday in a 3-2 win over West Ham but had another long day at the office. Jelavić was subbed out at halftime without a shot on goal with substitute Romelu Lukaku coming in for him after the break. Lukaku scored the game winner in the 85th minute which could very well see him take Jelavić’s spot in the Everton starting XI. The Croatian striker is still without a goal in five Premiership matches to start the season and has been unable to get out of this goalless form since last campaign. Everton sit in 6th place, three points behind leaders Arsenal.
Mladen Petrić made his West Ham debut on Saturday against Everton, coming on in the 63rd minute of a 1-1 game. However, Petrić couldn’t muster up any magic, going shotless in the match. West Ham’s only two shots on goal went in. West Ham only has five points in as many games this season.
Niko Kranjčar (above) made his QPR debut on Saturday, coming off the bench in the 69th minute in a 1-0 win over Yeovil Town. QPR currently sit in first place in England’s second division.
Germany
Photo: AP Photo/Frank Augstein
Super Mario Mandžukić continues to show why he is the #1 Croatian striker at the moment by scoring his fourth Bundesliga goal of the season with a powerful header against Schalke on Saturday. The former Dinamo Zagreb striker started and played 82 minutes in the win. With the win, Bayern join Borussia Dortmund atop the Bundesliga table.
Schalke 04 0-2 Bayern Munich (Goal Mandzukic)
Photo: REUTERS/Morris Mac Matzen
Ivica Olić continues to prove critics wrong as the 34-year-old striker put two past Hoffenheim to move Wolfsburg up to sixth on the Bundesliga table. The former Dinamo Zagreb star equalized just before halftime after picking up a rebound in the box. Then after the restart, Ivica looped the keeper after intercepting Fabian Johnson’s terrible clearance pass. With the double, Ivica has now scored in four of six Bundesliga matches and reached the back of the net in the past three matches. Ivan Perišić came on at halftime for Wolfsburg and finished the match with one shot. The 24-year-old has struggled so far this season at Wolfsburg and as a result has been coming off the bench.
VfL Wolfsburg 2 – 1 TSG Hoffenheim
Srdjan Lakić looked on from the bench as Frankfurt and Stuttgart split the points at one goal a piece.
PHOTO: DPA
Milan Badelj returned against Werder Bremen on Saturday after missing two weeks because of injury. However, Hamburger SV could do nothing with 63% possession and snap Bremen’s three game losing streak with a loss. Milan started and played the full 90 minutes in the loss and wasn’t at fault for either of the two goals. Mateo Pavlović was not on the roster sheet for Werder Bremen in the win, while Ivo Iličević remains sidelined for Hamburg.
SPAIN
Rakitic (right) after being fouled
Ivan Rakitic captained his Sevilla side on Sunday as they continued their terrible beginning to the La Liga season, losing 3-1 to Valencia. Ivan created two chances, drew five fouls, and completed 50 passes. Through five matches, Sevilla are winless with just two points.
Luka Modric was given some rest in Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Getafe after playing the full 90 minutes twice in the last eight days and picking up a knock in the midweek Champions League match. He was brought on for Asier Llaramendi in the 77th minute, with Real up 3-1. Luka created one chance and had a perfect pass completion percentage, as he made 18 passes. Madrid have 13 points in 4 games, but trail Barcelona and Atletico who both have a perfect 15. Real has an intense schedule in the next two weeks with 4 matches in 13 days, including a derby against Atletico and a Champions League match against Copenhagen.
Modric vs Getafe
Italy
Inter Milan look to be doing just fine with Mateo Kovačić coming off the bench after the Italian giants made lunch meat out of recently promoted Sassuolo in a 7-0 route. The former Dinamo Zagreb midfielder came on in the 56th minute with the game already decided as Inter held a 4-0 lead. Mateo has now came off the bench in the last three matches for Inter Milan. Surprisingly, playing as a defensive midfielder, Mateo has only committed one foul in five matches.
Marko Livaja came off the bench in the 74th minute of play in hopes to reverse a 2-0 deficit to Fiorentina, but the former Hajduk striker finished the match without a shot. The 20-year-old prospect has come off the bench in consecutive games now for Atalanta. Former rnk Split striker, Ante Rebić looked on from the bench for Fiorentina.
PHOTO: Reuters
Former Dinamo Zagreb star, Šime Vrsaljko started and played the full 90 minutes for Genoa in the nil-nil home draw against Livorno. Vrsaljko finished the match with four fouls and one shot playing the right wing. Šime has now started and went the distance in back to back games for Genoa and looks to have secured that starting position. Mercato365.com is reporting that Inter Milan and French side Marseille are following Vrsaljko very closely with a possible bid coming in the winter transfer window. However, the 21-year-old Zadar born right back is very happy at Genoa, “I am in love with Genoa, it reminds me of my home town. Genoa is a port town just like Zadar only much larger than Zadar.” Vrsaljko has signed a four year deal on July 13th.
AC Chievo Verona 2 – 1 Udinese
Former Dinamo Zagreb keeper, Ivan Kelava, was a little unlucky as Udinese fell 2-1 at Chievo. Udinese opened up the scoring in the first minute of play, but gave up two first half goals to lose for the second time in four Serie A games this season. Keleva was not at fault for both Chievo goals and made a series of fine saves in the first half. Udinese controlled most of the second half possession as Kelava looked on like a spectator. Former Slaven Belupo defender, Igor Bubnjić, made his first career Serie A start and played 80 minutes for Udinese in the loss. Igor was not at fault for either goal but could have been better positioned for the first Chievo goal. Manuel Pamić is still searching for his debut with Chievo and looked on from the bench.
After scoring the opening goal against Chievo, Udinese striker, Maicosuel might have kicked the worst corner kick in Serie A history. Darijo Srna’s free kick against Serbia was the worst kick in football history.
Former Hajduk Split defensive midfielder, Josip Radošević was not on the roster sheet for Napoli in a 2-1 win over AC Milan on Sunday. 17-year-old prospect, Tin Jedvaj, made the Roma bench for the first time but failed to see the pitch as Roma beat Lazio 2-0.
FRANCE
Danijel Subasic was in net for AS Monaco as they drew 1-1 against French powerhouses PSG. Danijel made one save in the match. He was not at fault for the goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who flicked home a cross from Maxwell in the 5th minute. The draw leaves Monaco on top of Ligue 1, two points above PSG.
RUSSIA
Corluka (right) celebrates with teammates
Vedran Corluka played the full match in Lokomotiv Moscow’s impressive 3-1 away victory over Dinamo Moscow. Vedran picked up a yellow card in the 77th minute. The win leaves Loko in 4th place in the Russian Premier League, but only one point off the leaders.
Stipe Pletikosa started between the pipes as his Rostov side fell 4-0 to league leaders Zenit St. Petersburg. All four of Zenit’s goals came in the 2nd half. Stipe was not to blame for any of the goals, as the defense collapsed and let their guard down numerous times throughout the final 45 minutes.
UKRAINE
Nikola Kalinić got the start for Dnipro on Sunday and scored two first half goals in a 3-2 victory over Metalurh. The first was off a scissor kick from the penalty spot which slithered just over the line after the Metalurh goalie couldn’t get enough on the ball to block it. Nikola’s second goal was an easy tap-in garbage goal after the original shot was not cleared. He was subbed out in the 67th minute while Ivan Strinić played the full match for Dnipro. With the win, Dnipro remain three points behind leaders Metalist.
Captain Darijo Srna returned from a yellow card suspension to lead Shakhtar to a 3-0 win over Vorskla on Saturday. With the victory, Shakhtar remain four points behind leaders Metalist in the Ukrainian Premier League. Srna played the full 90 minutes while Eduardo came on as a sub in the 61st minute. Earlier in the week, Shakhtar defeated Real Sociedad 2-0 on the road in their Champions League opener. Next match: Manchester United on October 2nd.
Dynamo Kiev needed an 85th minute goal to skim past Karpaty on Sunday. Ognjen Vukojevic came off the bench in the 88th while Domagoj Vida was not part of the squad. With the win, Dynamo remain nine points behind the lead in Ukraine.
Next Matches:
Tuesday, 9/24
Everton at Fulham(League Cup), Cardiff City at West Ham(League Cup), Bristol City at Southampton(League Cup), Aalen at Wolfsburg(DFB Pokal), Greuther Fürth at Frankfurt, Genoa at Udinese
Wednesday, 9/25
Hannover 96 at Bayern München(DFB Pokal), Bochum at Frankfurt(DFB Pokal), Roma at Sampdoria, Sassuolo at Napoli, Juventus at Chievo, Atalanta at Parma, Real Madrid at Elche, Rayo Vallecano at Sevilla, Bastia at Monaco, Dnipro at Bukovyna(Cup), Shakhtar Donetsk at Illichivets'(Cup), Metalurh Donetsk at Dynamo Kyiv(Cup)
Thursday, 9/26
Atalanta Fiorentina at Inter, Lokomotiv Moskva at Ural, Rostov at Amkar Perm’
Saturday, 9/28
West Ham at Hull City, Crystal Palace at Southampton, Wolfsburg at Bayern München, Hamburger SV at Frankfurt, Napoli at Genoa, Atlético Madrid at Real Madrid, Sevilla at Real Sociedad, Chornomorets at Dnipro, Shakhtar Donetsk at Metalurh Donetsk,
Sunday, 9/29
Nürnberg at Werder Bremen, Bologna at Roma, Inter at Cagliari, Udinese at Atalanta, Chievo at Catania, Dynamo Kyiv at Vorskla
Monday, 9/30
Newcastle at Everton, Parma at Fiorentina, Tom’ Tomsk at Lokomotiv Moskva, Ural at Rostov
~Ante Kvartuč and Denis Svirčić reporting from sunny Southern California, Zach Gilfix reporting from Minneapolis, MN
he must be dieting
he even shaved his facial hair to lose more weight
Ok! Either Kranjcar has been opting for the Diet Coke or that photo is stretched. He didn’t even look that thin when he was 17!
Check out Slaven Bilic’s face. Besiktas-Galatasaray game over the weekend abondoned in extra time due to fans rioting with chairs.
Foul that started it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z2ynCNuNJg
.and the crazy aftermath:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LCWugDZM7I#t=149
Don’t know whose fans are worse, Fenerbahce or Besiktas.
I thought Raketic has been playing well from reports? It’s not like i get to see any games here really but u can’t blame him if the team isn’t performing up to scratch. And, in any case, if he is a shit captain, who cares? He’s not likely to ever be captain for repka and tbh i only give a shit about our repka and how ppl perform there. He’s certainly good enough to be an international player and i think he should be on the team.
Rakitic is a classy player and being named captain of Sevilla is a great achievment, they just sold Navas and Negredo which except from the Madrid’s or Barca’s would leave a big hole in any team.
maybe vrsaljko is a legit option if he keeps playing 90 minutes in italy
@Ante B.
Cutler bought into the program and into what Trestman was selling. The only time you need to worry about Cutler is when things are not going well. So far so good as everything is running smoothly. The Bears had a big lead on the Steelers so they played more of a flex defense therefore I would not worry about the secondary too much.
If Indy can beat the 49’s in their own backyard so can the Bears! This season has started out so interestingly on so many levels and although it is still early, barring injury the Bears easily make the playoffs.
@DA!……….please explain the rational in picking Vrsalko, Radosevic and Rebic in your starting 11.
Line up v Belgium since Stimac is a bad coach i see this bad line up like this Pletikosa Vida Lovren Corluka Strinic Rakitic Modric Vukojevic Sammir Mandzo Olic.
If we had a smart ciach and said lets get them Pletikosa Vrsaljko Lovren Carli Strinic Kovacic Modric Rakitic Radosevic Mandzo Rebic.
Dario Saric………looked like a boy against Lithuania and Spain. Still needs time. Hope it works out for him and the repka.
Ustani,
Spot on dude. I don’t think anybody thought that Trestman and Cutler would get along like that. Doesn’t Trestman just look like a Bears coach from the ’40s? I didn’t think the defense would be that good without Urlacher but Briggs is stepping up big. I know they have been playing great but the secondary needs to adjust better on the deep routes. Big Ben was getting a lot passed them. Overall they’re making the playoffs. Are they the best in the NFC? Can they beat the Pack, Niners, Saints and Falcons? I know it’s too early but I say yes. For week 3, best three teams from the NFC are the Bears, Seahawks and Saints.
@ Ante
I take it back after thinking about it some more, you’re right. It’s story worthy for sure. Some might remember his playing/coaching career more. Some might remember his tenure as the head of the savez more. Personally, I’ll remember how he lead the HNS right into the toliet. While some might say he was powerless to do anything (Mamic was ‘bound’ to do what he did… bullshit), I think that’s a load of shit. When have we been known as a people to sit back and get fucked in the guza?
Cause the way it’s looking now, we probably the most talented team since the late 90’s, but due to these assholes in power (that Vlatko let have free reign to cut whatever deals, pull whatever bullshit they wanted, etc.) we have a potentially top 10 worldwide NT who has a 50/50 shot to miss this WC, we missed WC 2010, we’ve had a number of embarassing showings lately…
@Ante B.
“He will be remembered as both in one sentence. My beef is that you said its a non story. That’s ridiculous.”
Exactly.
The Bears are 3-0!!!! I told you they would start out well.
From one Markovic to another…RIP Vlatko
He will be remembered as both in one sentence. My beef is that you said its a non story. That’s ridiculous.
good espn article on saric
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/9670603/dario-saric-learning-fly
Yeah, great player and coach, for sure and yes, based upon that, it’s a definitely a worthy mention.
Those 12 years as the HNS head left a sour taste in my mouth though… Like I said, if someone had a spine for those 12 years, we wouldn’t be in this mess we are now and our repka would probably look like a true top 10 NT. What’s he going to be remembered for down the road you think? Good player/coach or letting the HNS go down the toliet….?
Wait, wait, wait. Vlatko Markovic passing is a non story?!? U ime Oca…
This guy was an amazing player, an incredible coach (one of the elite who coaches both Dinamo and Hajduk) but a terrible head of the HNS for 12 years. If anything, this is definitely news worthy. That’s like saying Ciro and Mamic passing away is a non story.
still a fan of rakitics skills. one man can’t lead a team to victory, and the guy has been doing his part for sevilla. if not for a 94th minute extra time goal by barcelona he would’ve had a goal and assist in “leading” them to a tie against arguably the best team in the world. rakitic was terrible against serbia this time around but if you want cro to be a top notch team, youi need to find a way to utilize him
i’ll believe it when they start breaking ground…
and why play games for that year at our sister team, Istra’s grounds? no need to go down to the penninsula…
we should play our games at Krimeja, Orijent’s grounds. Capacity is 4000 supposedly (I thought it was less…), more than enough for HNL games… and then if we’re in Europe that year, we can host games at Drosina
was just reading that article about replacing Kantrida…
there have been so many rumors about a new stadium for Rijeka throughout the years, especially since Volpi bought the team…
but something like what they mention in the article would be awesome, who would of thought the two of the most modern and nicest stadiums in Cro who would located in the ‘croat hotbeds’ of Istra and Primorsko-Goranska 😉
http://gol.dnevnik.hr/clanak/hnl/video-rijeka-krece-u-akciju-ovako-ce-izgledati-novi-stadion—304201.html
@ Matesic
Srna will stick around the NT for another 2-3 years and I don’t see him relinquishing the armband in that time span.
If Stipe is still around at that point, he would get the armband before Luka, mark my word. For the game vs. Beligum, I could see Corluka or Mandzukic wear the armband… For all of Luka’s greatness, I just don’t see him being captain material yet…
You can bet there will be a minute of silence before the Belgium game for Markovic. I just hope we have no fans at the game and turn it into a Belgium home match. To the people in ZG or anyone planning on going to the Belgium game……..DON’T GO. There is no reason to go. Do not support these idiots.
Mixed thoughts on Vlatko Markovic…….damn good player in his day, but not the greatest of leaders as savez president. Typical case of a connected player rising to the top thanks to being able to play the political game well. Either way RIP.
Where are all the people who were hailing Rakitic a month ago. You guys were saying he is a great leader because he became captain at the club level. Well, as captain the team is not performing well. So, is it Rakitic???????? Don’t answer (sarcasm tone)…..
I’ve read on other sites about Markovic and some folks have all this outpouring of love for him all of a sudden…
…deep down, I don’t wish death upon anyone, but do people forget this guy was cut from the same cloth as Suker, Stimac, Mamic, etc? He was in cahoots with all these jerkoffs and only let the current scum get entrenched more and more… If this guys had a spine, our savez wouldn’t be run by a bunch of goons, but he left Mamic & Co. run wild… It’s never nice to hear of a death, but Vlatko passing is a non-story for me.
RIP Vlatko Markovic
Early days yet but Rakitic being captain of Sevilla leaves them rock bottom of La Liga. They’ve had tough games and Rakitic has played somewhat well with his master corners and set pieces but I just don’t want to see that guy playing for Croatia anymore. He used to be a promising wide midfielder at Schalke but the guy has no pace anymore and playing right midfield for us brings no glory. We tried him in center midfield against Macedonia and Stimac rightfully took him off and dropped him.
The new owners of Inter -> Erick Tohir
said that he want to take for Kovacic as the asset of Inter
and see for more croatian tallent next !!
well there are more tallent in croatian => just I said to him.
@ Faux Modric.
He needs to be captain.
He is a quiet leader and field general.
He must wear the arm and against Belgium.
This is his year to take his game to a transcendent level.
Please give him some wingers to produce his magic for the national team
Kovacic is a great compliment to his skill set. We could have one the best midfield tandems in the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD05pjd3kpI
u guys may enjoy this
The only flaw in his observation is that most of the Latin kids are of Central America heritage (Mexico to Colombia) in our region.
You don’t see too many Argentines, Uruguayans etc.
This weekend a friend of mine had an interesting and hilarious comment about youth soccer.
I am paraphrasing a bit.
“South American kids run hard and aggressive
Irish kids run like chickens without heads
and Croatian kids touch the ball like it is their buddy they are saying hello to.”
You trash Dinamo, but like that they are in 1st.
I hope Rijeka gets first, because Dinamo and Hajduk stink.
Dinamo back in first. In other news the sky is blue.
Man Utd getting smashed- awesome!
Kalinic with a brace as well.
Also noticed jedvaj in Roma’s squad today, doubt he will get any minutes though. Curious to see if rebic gets any time today.
looks like Sertic scored yet again for Bordeaux, currently it’s a 3-3 tie at Lorient. He’s also the 3rd highest rated Bordeaux player in this match according to WhoScored.com, with about 5 min remaining
Has Kelava registered a win as the starting keeper for Udinese? Everytime I look at their scoreline it seems to be a loss or tie and guess whos in goal? I wish well for the guy, but you have to wonder what Udinese saw in him. Udinese isnt an elite team in Europe, but theyre also a well known, respected club and just wondering how someone so mistake prone gets start after start.
Gutted Liverpool lost and played so crap, but losing to a Lovren goal makes it a bit easier. He’s been playing well for Sounthampton- still prone to the odd rash challenge in the box but he should be starting for Croatia on these performances.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2D7GndmMGQ
lol.. anglaski haven’t.. dont say his name right yet
di-jan .. rofl
u would think by now ppl would know how to pronounce a name like dejan wouldnt u ?
Lovren = not just a pretty face
any links to the goal ?
Well what can i say about Lovren it’s not really a surprise is it.. the guy is the best player on earth.. wayy better than messi imho 😛
nice goals from olic too.. looks like da old man still has some gas in the tank
what a goal from lovren, getting mauled. as soon as i saw that i thought iggy’s got a hard on for sure lol
I want to kick Belgium’s ass too.
Literally, the whole country. But I will take a victory over 11
He is out on yellows.
Plus I love his heart and we will need him Scotland. But we need young fast legs against Belgium.
Vida played well in Brussels at RB.
I am tired of our mediocrity and Belgium’s arrogance.
I want to kick there ass!
Then go to Scotland and teach them a lesson on continental football.
Sorry, Radosevic wasnt sold by Mamic…
Still don’t think he belonged in a qualifier.
@Matesic
Ummmmmmmm, what about Srna?…
He doesn’t even make your bench?!
I just don’t want to see Radosevic, Sammir or Halilovic (for now). Radosevic and Sammir’s minutes have Mamic written all over it, and Halilovic is just trying to be lured onto the senior team.
No Srna??
@ Poglavnik
I pray the politics are over now and we can get back to the soul of sport. Unfortunately I fear the ineptness of Stimac may be deeper then we want to believe.
@ Faux Cro
I like the way you break down each league in relation to our boys natural talent and abilities. I love lovren’s physical presence and athleticism. He is quite skilled as well in the cb role.
Mandzukic
Rakitic
Perisic-Modric-Rebic
Kovacic
Strinic-Corluka-Lovren-Vrsaljko
Pleti
Jebi ga if Vrsaljko can go 90 in genoa then he can go 90 in Zagreb.
Olic, Halilovic and Jelavic
Olic is gamer.. Haliliovic is a natural winger and I still believe Jelavic for 20 minutes.
What do you think ?
Lovren was made for England. He had a challenge in the box that probably would be a penalty kick if not a yellow/red in France or Spain.
It was ignored by the referee. He is a beast who isn’t afraid to tackle.
Belgium is a physical side.
Fellaini and Dembele are big, physical and are comfortable on the ball, but I don’t see any extraordinary playmakers.
@Matesic Method:
Which 11?
@Matesic
Agreed!
Play our best eleven unless there are some issues with yellows.
I don’t want excuses like we we’rent playing our best players. We need to sink or swim with those 11. There wont be a meaningful game for nearly a year if we dont qualify. Unfortunately we all know the HNS have ulterior motives with some of their selections.
Put all the talent out against Belgium and let’s compete and represent who we are as a footballing nation.
Then play all the warriors against Scotland to fight for our place in the play-offs.
Put together a mix for the two legged playoff and lets join the kosarku team in the World Cup next year.
Looking forward to watching our boys finish the EuroBasket like champions.
Good day for the Croatians in Italy.
Vrsaljko played 90 minutes for Genoa while Kelave played the whole game for Udinese. And even more, Bubnjic started for the first time for Udinese, he played 80 minutes.
Mandzukic certainly has a good head on his shoulders, as he used it to put one away today. His heading is world class.
Let’s not forget Olic’s nice lob today. He scored a good brace against Hoffenhiem. No tap-ins.
Lovren is looking good.
Now only if our retard coach can learn to use players in their natural positions, then he might be able to play this well for us one day.
http://www.goal.com/en/match/109252/liverpool-vs-southampton/player-ratings
MOTM for Lovren. Good for him, happy to see him doing well after all the bs with Lyon.
Dejo played well, should have had a pk called against him but he played a really solid game
Southhampton win on the lone Lovren goal and they did it at Liverpool. Great result.
.
I’m also impressed with Lovren’s defensive play. A couple of excellent sliding tackles.
BRAVO LOVREN! And against Liverpool too!
LOVREN!!!
Lovren. Way to head the ball.
Iggy’s boy lol …
HOLY SHIT. Lovren just scored for Southhampton. I wonder if Rakitic was watching?
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhA3uOqgq30&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRNXTZR26Io&feature=player_embedded
Iggy, don’t feed the trolls.
Olic with a brace today.
^^
ive noticed since the serbia game we’ve got some wankers who clearly are not croatian coming onto this site just to abuse us and, in particular, our women
it’s really a pathetic effort from these wankers..
go make your own wankersports.com and go there.. if u arent croat and u just come here to abuse, plz to fuck off
He’s a free agent
I’d love to see him at QPR with Kranjcar.
.
@Rob I
I don’t know where Klasnic is playing.
does anyone know where Ivan Klasnic is playing/