SPAIN
Ivan Rakitic started for Sevilla in their 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad on Saturday. He picked up a yellow card in the 55th minute of an otherwise quiet performance from Ivan. On Wednesday however, Ivan had one of his best matches of the season, scoring on a penalty in the 17th minute and a fine free kick in the 53rd as Sevilla went on to win 4-1 over Rayo Vallecano. It was their first win of the season and they now lie in a tie for 14th in La Liga.
Luka Modric was brought on for the 2nd half on Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to rivals Atletico Madrid. He had two shots, created one chance, and completed 27 passes. Luka started in Real’s midweek 2-1 victory over Elche, where he played in a more defensive role, completing 70 passes and making five tackles and an interception. Madrid play Copenhagen on Wednesday in the Champions League.
Luka Modric vs Atletico
ENGLAND
Photo: Southampton
What are they putting in the water in Southampton? With their 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, Dejan Lovren and company have now posted four shutouts in the first six games of the season to catapult the newly promoted Premiership club to fifth place in England. After his game winner against Liverpool last week, Lovren had a light day at the office versus Palace; receiving a ‘6’ grade from SkySports for being “untroubled for much of the game” as the visitors did not manage one shot on goal. Lovren has been a rock on defense for the Saints this season and he has surely regained his spot in the Croatia starting XI because of it, but let’s see how he performs the rest of the season when Southampton plays the likes of United, City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Arsenal.
Niko Kranjčar impressed in his QPR home debut on Saturday in a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough. Kranjčar got the start and played 83 minutes on the left wing before being subbed out. Harry Redknapp’s QPR side sit atop the Championship table (England’s 2nd division) and are primed to return to the Premiership next year. It looks as if Kranjčar has his mojo back, being given ‘Man of the Match’ honors by numerous football websites. Is this the revival of Niko Kranjčar? Or we won’t know until he returns to top-flight football? The latter seems like the more appropriate scenario.
Mladen Petrić came on in the 59th minute for West Ham on Saturday in a 1-0 loss to Hull City. Petrić once again went shotless in his second game with the club; as West Ham now fall to 17th place with only five points from six games. Petrić is yet to strt a match for West Ham.
Nikica Jelavić and Everton host Newcastle United Monday night.
UKRAINE
Nikola Kalinić and Dnipro are on a hot streak. After a two-goal performance from the ex-Hajduk striker last weekend, Kalinić scored once more on Saturday in a 2-0 win over Chornomorets. After a blocked shot in the box in 1st half injury time, Kalinić placed a low shot just inside the right post to give Dnipro a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. He was subbed out in the 72nd minute while Ivan Strinić played the full 90 minutes in the shutout at left back. Dnipro remain three points behind leaders Metalist and look to make a run for a Champions League berth for next season.
Kalinić goal
Eduardo goal @ 1:10
Shakhtar Donetsk are falling and falling fast. After being down 2-0 to city rivals Metalurh on Saturday, they would need an 82nd minute equalizer from halftime substitute Edurado in order to force a 2-2 draw to earn a point. He got a piece of the ball inside the 6-yard box after a failed clearance attempt. A soft goal, but a goal nonetheless. Darijo Srna played the full match in the draw as Shakhtar fall six points behind leaders Metalist. Shakhtar welcome Manchester United to Donetsk on Wednesday in Champions League play. Both clubs are suffering in domestic play this season.
Ognjen Vukojevic got the start for Dynamo Kiev on Saturday in a 2-2 draw with Vorskla. He was subbed off in the 59′ while Domagoj Vida was not a part of the squad. With the draw, Dynamo fall a whopping 11 points behind league leaders Metalist.
Germany
Photo: AP/ Matthias Schrader
Bayern München dominated from start to finish but had to wait until the 63rd minute for Muller to score the game’s only goal against a pesky Wolfsburg defense on Saturday. Super Mario Mandžukić started and played 86 minutes for Bayern in the win. The former Dinamo Zagreb striker had two shots on target and came closest to scoring late in the match after failing to beat Wolfsburg keeper in a one on one. Mario took his time, beat the keeper, however, a Wolfsburg defender came back in time to clear the ball off the line. Bayern enjoyed 71% possession in this match.
Photo: AP/Matthias Schrader
Ivica Olić didn’t have the service to score an Ivica-Olić-like goal against his former employer. The former Dinamo Zagreb striker started and played 84 minutes in the loss. Ivica finished the match without a shot and a game low 58% passing accuracy. Its never easy playing against the German Giants as Ivica will look to regroup next week at home to Eintracht. Former Hajduk Split prospect, Ivan Perišić, came on in the 68th minute of play for Wolfsburg, finished without a shot and had only sic touches on the ball.
(7:15) Mario Mandžukić one on one with keeper
PHOTO: AP/Michael Probst
Former Dinamo Zagreb captain, Milan Badelj, had a so-so day at the office on Saturday as HSV split the points with Frankfurt in a 2-2 draw on Saturday. Milan was not at fault for either of the two goals. Ivo Iličević remains sidelined for HSV. Srdjan Lakić came on in the 87th minute for Frankfurt in the draw. Former NK Zagreb defender, Mateo Pavlović, was left off the roster sheet by Werder Bremen in a 3-3 draw against Nurnberg on Sunday.
Italy
PHOTO: inter
Former Dinamo Zagreb star, Mateo Kovačić, finished the match without a shot but was given the man of the match honors by whoscored.com in a 1-1 draw at Cagliari. Mateo started and played the full 90 minutes for Inter in the draw and finished with a game leading 83 touches on the ball.
PHOTO:Napoli
Former Dinamo Zagreb right back, Šime Vrsaljko, started and played the full 90 minutes in a 2-0 home loss against powerhouse Napoli on Saturday. The Croatian international was not at fault for the two goals and finished the match with one foul. Josip Radošević failed to make the pitch for Napoli in the win.
Former Rijeka left back, Manuel Pamić, was left off the roster sheet for Chievo in a 2-0 loss at Catania on Sunday. The 27-year-old is still looking for his first Chievo cap after transferring over from Sparta Prague this summer. 17-year-old prospect, Tin Jedvaj, looked on from the bench as Roma smashed on Bologna 5-0 on Sunday.
PHOTO: AP/Mauro Locatelli
Former Dinamo Zagreb keeper, Ivan Kelava, showed up to play for Udinese against Atalanta on Sunday. The Croatian international made some key saves early in the first half but couldn’t do anything to keep German Denis from reaching the back of the net twice in a 2-0 loss. Ivan did what he could in goal and wasn’t at fault for either of the two goals. Igor Bubnjić and Frano Mlinar looked on from the bench for Udinese. Former Hajduk Split striker, Marko Livaja, came on for Atalanta in the 83rd minute of play when the match was already settled. Marko finished the match without a shot and committed two fouls.
Ivan Kelava made a series of fine saves
FRANCE
Danijel Subasic made a couple big saves for AS Monaco, as they drew 1-1 with Stade de Reims. He was not at fault for the goal and did well to stop Antoine Devaux’s first half volley and Floyd Ayite’s deflected effort early in the second half. The draw leaves Monaco undefeated through eight matches, and on top of Ligue 1 tied with PSG.
Goal at 0:25, Save at 1:00
RUSSIA
Stipe Pletikosa and Rostov face last place Ural on Monday, and Vedran Corluka’s Lokomotiv Moscow host Tom Tomsk, also on Monday.
Next Matches:
Tuesday, 10/1
Napoli at Arsenal(Champions League)
Wednesday, 10/2
Bayern München at Manchester City(Champions League), København at Real Madrid(Champions League), Manchester United at Shakhtar Donetsk(Champions League)
Thursday, 10/3
Freiburg at Sevilla(Europa League), Fiorentina at Dnipro(Europa League), Dynamo Kyiv at Rapid Wien(Europa League)
Friday, 10/4
Lokomotiv Moskva at Krylya Sovetov
Saturday, 10/5
Everton at Manchester City, Bayern München at Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht at Wolfsburg, Roma at Inter, Atalanta at Chievo, Atalanta at Chievo, Real Madrid at Levante, Saint-Étienne at Monaco, Rostov at Kuban’ Krasnodar, Arsenal Kyiv at Shakhtar Donetsk
Sunday, 10/6
West Ham United at Tottenham, Swansea City at Southampton, Hamburger SV at Nürnberg, Livorno at Napoli, Cagliari at Udinese, Genoa at Catania, Almería at Sevilla, Metalist at Dnipro, Metalurh Donetsk at Dynamo Kyiv
~Ante Kvartuč and Denis Svirčić reporting from sunny Southern California, Zach Gilfix reporting from Minneapolis, MN
pshyco joe suspended 2 games
no clue about touches per minute……..
the hairline is just bad. time to shave that thing
Ziva,
You still haven’t addressed the ever so important stats behind Rakitic:
1) his touch per minute ratio and 2) his aerodynamically receeding five head
@Ziva Istina
If you say so.
🙂
because the public demands “Ziva Istina”
I don’t run the site. Never have. Ask the boys who run this thing. I only post on items that interest me.
@Ziva Istina
You may not care but I care. You cannot accept the fact that he was not good enough to do so and it destroys your whole presentation. Gee, I wonder why you don’t care. How convenient. It’s too bad for you that you don’t care because that is the truth whether you like it or not. If you want to keep proclaiming that he could have that is fine but the bottom line is that he could not do it.
You have never been able to prove that that he could have made it in Europe because all factual evidence proves otherwise and secondly he does not get on the field on my team no matter how hard you try to convince me because we don’t need him. Dempsey, not a problem. Once again, you have every right to start him as an American.
On a totally unrelated topic because the Donovan talks are beyond annoying and boring at this point in time, and he is not worthy of them.
What is the point of you running this site and logging in as the persona of “Ziva Istina” and posting comments? Is this to make the site different from other form based websites? I would really like to know on a business level or any level for that matter, and what are the real intentions of doing so, and I am not being facetious, just curious.
Apart from the obvious answer in that it sometimes generates more posts what is the logic? Is this something they teach now in Internet Marketing or something in order to differentiate yourself? Is there market research data to support this way of using the persona as a guide to achieve goals? I am intrigued and would really like to know.
Enough with this. This stupidity started with stats from jm. Ziva and Slavonac have presented the better points. They win. Move on.
I don’t care if he could have made it or not in Europe……….that was never my argument. My argument is that he was and still is good enough to have started for Cro if he was Croatian. He is better fit than Rakitic for the repka based on how he has played in big matches.
What stopped him from playing in Europe?????? He was a baby when he was younger. He had chances to go later in his carrwer and he didn’t. Why???? No idea….could have been because of pussy galore (not the first time pussy has impacted a player) or could have been the money. He makes well over $3 million per year with his salry and endorsements. I don’t think he would have matched that in Europe.
Again, this has ever been a discussion if he can make it in Europe. I think he could based on his play at the World Cup. why he didn’t?????i dont give a damn. All I know is that ON THE FIELD he has outperformed Rakitic when each is with their respective national sides. Or are you watching different games. Donovan scores to send his team into the knockout stages of a WC. Rakitic misses a point blank chance to send us to the knockout stages of the Euros.
@Ziva Istina
“this was never about if Donovan could play in Europe”
That is one half of the source statement I made a few days ago. The other half of the source statement was that he could not make our national side. You always try to change the topic from the original source statement but this time I will not let you. So yes it is truly about whether Donovan can make it in Europe because he never could and that was my point right from the very beginning.
If he cannot make it in Europe he does not start for our national side. There is a reason he could never make it Europe and they absolutely would never had let him go if they felt he was the goods. No way! Look at the work Spain put in with Jesús Navas and the issues he was having. They did this because they knew he was the goods. All players get homesick that is part of the process. It happened to me but you have to work through that shit. This only adds another element as to why he would not start on our team.
“……he could if he wasnt a picka and decided to stay in the US. That is another issue.””
At the end of the day it is still the same answer with he could have, would have, should have…. He never made it and that is all there is to say. You present that argument to a judge and you do not have a job anymore.
I would not start him on our squad, not in one million years. However, if you want to go start him on our squad than you have every right as an American to do so. No matter how funny I think that is.
For the last time, prove to me that he could have made it in Europe. That is all I am asking and I have been asking from the start.
All this wasted conversation for Landon Donovan!!! That has to be a record of some kind. It just has to be!
@Slavonac
I will reply to your post later my friend.
this was never about if Donovan could play in Europe……he could if he wasnt a picka and decided to stay in the US. That is another issue.
My comments were that Donaovan is a much better player/more valuable (its not even debateable) when it comes time for international duty and based on his play at the World Cup compared to Rakitic’s play for the repka.
Forget the Algeria goal…..he has scored others at the WC. How about his impact back in 2002 for the US and getting thisclose to the semis…………
@ Diamond Cutter – nemoj zamjerit…I’ll answer this very simply, YES I guarantee you Donovan in his prime could have played in Europe, 100% guaranteed! He has some qualities…there is no two ways about it, I dont think he’d make the Croatian National team but I do think he’d easily have made several teams in Europe. There are literally tons of players that have very little quality BUT can score, then thare are those that have no scoring abilities and are very hard workers and can help with creating plays and defending. remember this…and remember it well, there are 11 players on the field…1 goalie…you need 7 hard workers to complete a solid team…2 playemakers and 1 goalscorer, Donovan could score and he also pulls his weight on defensive duties. Many teams are built on hard working players and less on quality…we see that in every league…Donovan could have fit in with a middle to lower ranked team in many leagues…maybe not a skilled league like La Liga or Serie A…but for sure England, Scotland, Austria…and some other leagues.
You can’t dismiss certain qualities in a player just because you don’t like him…I hated Michael Owen…I always felt he was like pre ejaculation…one hit wonder…he was incredibly fast and could run at players BUT his career was very short…could he have continued at some lower ranked teams and had a better career, I think yes…Donovan wouldn’t break into any big name team but he’d surely be an asset to many others.
remember, dont let your emotions take over logic…I’ve played with many players in my life that didnt seem to have quality and then low and behold…they end up having a career. one of my friends ended up in Scotland after failing in Croatia and Canada (he’s like me, Canadian/Croatian)…he ended up representing Canada several times and is now an assistant coach in the US…he was never considered a standout, but he knew how to play his role!
@Slavonac from Canada
This is not about Donovan vs. Rakitic.
This is about whether or not Donovan could play in Europe and play for our national team. Nothing more, nothing less.
Donovan scores “1” game winning goal against Algeria in the group stage of WC 2010 and he is automatically given a starting position on our national team because Modric, Kovacic, Rakitic, and Perisic have never scored a goal in the World Cup? Hardly.
Donovan could not play in Europe and one game winning goal against Algeria does not mean he automatically starts for Hrvatska.
The only person that thinks that Donovan can start on our national side is the guy that runs this web site. I got news for him, Donovan would never ever start for our side no matter what he thinks says or does.
A second rate footballer that could never make it in Europe does not start for our team. Period.
Holy Crap, this Donovan topic is really a doozy!
the comparison has been discussed and I think the general consensus is that Raketa is skilled and playys well for his club team…he’s a flop for the National team…whyen we compare Donovan to Rakitic, here are the talking points. Value to their National Team, Donovan wins hands down, contributions on the world stage, Donovan wins…who has a better work rate, Donovan wins…NOW here are a few more categories …best ševa player (I hope you guys know what ševa is), Raketa… Best at taking corner kicks before practice starts, Raketa…Best at being part of the wall in free kicks, hands down Raketa…so, here we have it folks…they both have value to their team…just in different ways!
@Ziva Istina
By Donovan scoring “1” game winning goal against Algeria in extra time, to get out of the group stage, does not cover the fact that Donovan could not make it in Europe because he is a second rate footballer.
You are trying to make this about Rakitic once again and I have already explained how he has contributed for our team and has scored game winning goals for us so there is no need to go down that road as Rakitc plays in Europe on a regular basis and Donovan does not and never has. Using your logic once again would mean that Modric, Kovacic, Rakitic, and Perisc have not scored in the World Cup, so Donovan is better? LOL!!!!
This is about Donovan not being able to play for our national side and a player cannot play for the Croatian national team if you cannot play in Europe. That is a fact, and your buddy could not make it in Europe no matter what you say or do. This brings me to a segway.
Throughout this entire comedy routine on your behalf, you have not admitted the fact that your buddy could not make it in Europe and you never will but that does not matter. You say things like, “well, he could have but….”, and that comment would really hold up in a court of law to prove that he could make it in Europe.
It is you not I that need to prove anything. You need to prove to me that Donovan could have been a regular starter in Europe. Before this discussion goes any further as I have proven repeatedly that he could not. There are a ton of examples of players who have scored a game winning goal in the World Cup and those same players are not better than Modric, Kovacic, Rakitic, and Perisc and could not play for our national side.
Once again, please prove to me that Donovan could have played for a club in Europe as a starter beyond a reasonable doubt. Not just over the top comments about how the Everton fan boys loved him because he scored 2 goals in 17 games, and he was home sick so he had to come home otherwise he would have been able to play full time. Whatever. Those comments just add fuel to the fire of him not being able to cut it because of his lack of ability and bad attitude and weak mental game and the bottom line is he never made it in Europe. No matter what you say you will not be able to show he could have because he did not.
If you prove this to me I will continue because you have nothing and this is a waste of time and my job is done here.
Once again, how much does Landon Donovan pay you? With that money you should seriously consider seeing a psychiatrist. You will never ever be able to convince me that Donovan could have made it in Europe factually as he had many chances and failed and because of this he cannot make our national side and just because he scores “1” game winner against Algeria at WC 2010, in the group stage, does not make him a better player than Modric, Kovacic, Rakitic, and Perisc who have not scored any goals in a World Cup tournament.
There is nothing more to say or add to the discussion and you really need to see a doctor or eat some humble pie just like your buddy Landon Donovan who was never as good of a player as his sales pitch of himself was in his horrible book.
Remember….. Prove me wrong….. My job is done, your job never started.
Wait a minute, his goals and performances came in the WORLD CUP. So, now you want to downplay good performances in the WORLD CUP. Wake me up when Rakitic has a good performance in the WC. Ok, you can downplay good performances at the World Cup and I will downplay good performances in league play for Rakitic…..deal!!!!!
@Diamond Cutter…….no, my only comparison is Donovan in all of this, nobody else. Not some fluke performance by some guy 40 years ago on frozen water. If you can tell me that Rakitic has performed better on the biggest of stages (Euros and WC) than Donovan has on the biggest of stages, then I will shut up. The problem is that you are unable to. Yes, the US has an easier path to get to the WC (but its not like the path Cro has this time around is so hard with one tought team in the group), but once the US has gotten to the WC, how has Donovan played as compared to Rakitic for the repka. and once at the WC which team has done better with this generation of players.
By the way, speaking of easy path…..our results at the 98 WC are in a large part due to playing in the softest group ever in WC history with 3 new-comers (Cro, Jam, S. Koreaa). We took advantage of it and it paid off.
@Ziva-One more thing that I will add about Picka Donovan(Your new lable for him)is that just because he has scored a goal or two at the World Cup,this does not really mean that much.The US has a relatively easy path there,so he has had better opportunity than some other nations players.The World cup is the Big Kahuna,but its not as condensed with quality as what Euro is.I believe some of the goals that you mentioned were not exactly against the highest opposition,so big deal.Doubt he could cut it in a Euro tournament.But enough of that,I will still buy you a drink.A beer for me and one Shirley Temple coming right up for you my man! 🙂
@Ziva-I think you should choose the name for Rakitic.My man,I am proud of you.You have taken your time about it,but you have shown the true balance that you praise yourself for.”Picka Donovan” it is.Now you must remember to use this name with each reference to him.You need to maintain non bias and not just do it to the Hrvat players that you often give labels to.This way you don’t come across as having the hard on thing for Picka Donovan so much when you have never put so much effort into backing a Croat player.:-) By the way,personally, I think Picka Donovan is ok ,I don’t think I would even want to think about him on our NT.Would be nice to see………Rakitic step up more regularly for the NT though.Damn ,Ziva,I am just so proud of you at the moment.You can be a Picka Ziva sometimes,but right now,I would buy you a drink at the Dom!
@Ziva Istina
As Adam Sandler once said…. Whoop Dee Doo!!!!
In the early 70’s Canada beat Russia in a Summit Series in hockey. An eight game winner take all that was touted as one of the best head to head tournaments of all time. The MVP of that series was Paul Henderson. He scored the game winning goal in the last 4 games and was made a hero. He did nothing after that in the NHL.
So, by your rational, Henderson is better than Orr, Gretzky, Lemieux, Yzerman, and Sakic because he did something nobody else had done.
Donovan scores “1” game winning goal for his team in WC 2010 against Algeria just like Ahn Jung-Hwan scored “1” World Cup game winner for South Korea, and they are all better than the players mentioned along with Luka Modric who has also never scored a World Cup goal ever. Are you telling me that Donovan can start over Luka Modric now as well? Maybe I should let you know when Luka scores in the World Cup? LOL!!!!
If you cannot make it in Europe than you are a second rate footballer. There is no escape from that and no second rate footballer that cannot make it in Europe can play for our national side. Period.
That is exactly what Landon Donovan is and when the curtain closes on his career, if that’s what you call it, that is what he will be known for and I love it. Tell him to right a second book about himself and let the arrogance flow.
Ok, we can refer to him as Picka Donovan. Now we need a nickname for Rakitic. Should it be:
wedlock Rakitic
narodnjake Rakitic
headball Rakiitc
farba kosu Rakitic
@Ziva-As usual some of what you say is not BS,but you go about it in your usual manner.No problem for me.But it seems that you may have agreed on one thing with me.You are no longer to refer to Donovan as just Donovan.He is now BY YOU to be continually referred to as “Picka Donovan,who wouldn’t/couldn’t leave the US in his prime”This would only be fair,as you do this time and time again with Croat players.Dont wear Donovan glasses,dont be biased,tell the istina even if it hurts.Besides,this will help you by not allowing people to say you have a had on for the guy for some lame reason.Glad to help steer you in the right direction. 🙂
either way……..wake me up when Rakitic carries the repka to the 2nd round of the world cup, scores goals to get his team to the knockout stage of a world cup and then scores goals in the knockout stage…….and for those crying Raketa is not in his natural position. Neither was Donovan for some of those US games in the World Cup.
Another thing differnt players raketa is a dm am donovan wing cf eduardo is better than donovan
Usa always had a coach put a good line up in tournamnets and it helped players unlike our 2002 2004 2006 coaches didnt put our best 11 on pitch and that is why we failed in tournamnets only bilic did a good job tournament time wc 2006 our 11 should have been pletikosa tudor kovac simunic srna babic modric kovac rapajic prso eduardo man what a team subs kranjcar carli pranjic petric klasnic olic
@Zi
“Donovan could play in Europe but he has a bit a of picke and didn’t want to leave the US in his prime years; age 27 28. Go ask Everton fans what they thought of his play in England during his loan spells. I’m not saying he is great (I never did), but he is much better on the international level than Rakitic….and its not even close.”
We have been over this time and time again. If he could have made it in Europe he would have. You keep coming up with these excuses that point to only one thing and that is in the end he was not good enough to make it in Europe. Leverkusen staff was shocked at how bad of a player he was and the horrible attitude he brought with him. Two goals at Everton in 17 games is nothing special at all regardless of what the fan boys at Everton have to say. This guy is overrated personified and he can go write another book.
“Something the Rakitic lovers ignore or wont comment on is his play for the repka. It does not come even close to his play at Sevilla.”
Rakitic lovers? This is not about Rakitic as much as you try to make it out to be and it could be another player we are talking about just as easy. It is about Donovan not being able to play for Hrvatska, it always has been. However, you’re right; Ivan plays much better for club than country because he does not play in his natural position with the national team. There is no doubt about it. We are not self-proclaimers here my friend and we do not have a vested interest in a player.
Just curious, what does Donovan pay you anyway?
“Something else Donovan did and Rakitic didn’t do on the international level…… He won the Golden Ball at the FIFA U-17 World Championship.”
That is because the FIFA Under 17 World Cup of 99 was considered one of the weakest Under 17’s in its history. After Spain, Germany, and Brazil it was a very poor selection of teams to choose from and the Spain and German teams were not up to its high quality standards or efficiency. Beasley won a Golden Ball as well.
At 17, Rakitic was playing full time with Basel in a place called Europe. LOL!
“I know it is hard for the homers to hear or read anything truthful that is a bit negative about a person they jock sniff……ali jebiga, the ziva istina hurts.”
The truth does hurt. That is first correct statement you made all day!! Proclaimers beware!!!!!
LOL!
Donovan could play in Europe but he has a bit a of picke and didn’t want to leave the US in his prime years; age 27 28. Go ask Everton fans what they thought of his play in England during his loan spells. I’m not saying he is great (I never did), but he is much better on the international level than Rakitic….and its not even close.
Something the Rakitic lovers ignore or wont comment on is his play for the repka. It does not come even close to his play at Sevilla.
Something else Donovan did and Rakitic didn’t do on the international level…… He won the Golden Ball at the FIFA U-17 World Championship.
I know it is hard for the homers to hear or read anything thruthful that is a bit negative about a person they jock sniff……ali jebiga, the ziva istina hurts.
@Poglavnik @kobasa town
Poglavnik, you said it yourself, he plays out of position.
Donovan would not see the field. Rakitic should be playing better than he has been and I understand your frustration. I agree with that but he is not a winger but I would still start him there over Donovan because if you cannot cut it in Europe than forget it.
That mistake Rakitic makes against the Turks can also be shared with Bilic for jumping on the field and jumping up and down like and idiot. The game was not over and there was no need to do that. I understand the emotion but that was wrong.
Slovanac said it best when he described Donovan as a second class player because second class players do not cut it in Europe.
There is some classic “Homer-Glasses” gazing going on here. We all would love to see Ivane play to his potential because we see it for Sevilla all the time. Fact is he hasn’t done shit for our national team. We need to figure out where to play him cuz right now he’s a waste of space out there and the whole team is suffering because of it.
Bum. – hahaha
@Kobasa town
Donovan can essentially play any attacking role and on either side.
When Donovan starts, the team is so much better.
It’s so obvious to see.
Can you say that about Rakitic?
Who cares if Modric was first, Rakitic missed his.
He also stupidly lost possession right before that last second goal against us in that game.
My conclusion: Rakitic sucks for Hrvatska, Donovan is very good for America.
Lets have a debate Donovan is better than Modric!
Poglavnik – Penalties? – Modric was first miss against Turkey.
http://tinyurl.com/pwm456q
Versatile? I don’t see that dude. Sorry man…….
Whoops!
Even softer then 🙂
Jebes donovana u dupe idemo mi u napad jebes mafiju jebes stimca jebes sdp i komunjare sto vladaju ja volim svoju Hrv i idemo Pletikosa Vrslajko Carli Lovren Strinic Halilovic Rakitic Modric Kovacic Perisic Mandzukic i Kontre to golaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
you mean Swiss?
Anyone who watched the Gold Cup this summer saw the difference Landon makes to his team.
Rakitic wishes he has a string of performances for his country like that. The dudes got the heart of an Austrian, not a Croatian!
Rakitic sucks!
Been saying it for years.
Either play him as a #10 (which he doesn’t deserve) or sit him on the bench.
Landon Donovan.
Way more versatile and important to his team.
And he doesn’t miss penalties like Ivane.
ok ok…dosta je – I never in my life thought I’d be discussing Landon Donovan as much as he is here. he’s pretty irrelevant in my opinion, the comments from Ziva, from my understing, was that regardless of who he’s playing for…he is producing, he’s right…and the rest of the people are saying so what…he’s still a second class player which is also right…who really cares?
@Slavonac from Canada
There is no room for Donovan on our team. A guy that cannot make it in Europe has no place on our squad. You know it and I know it. Rakitic is not the issue in this equation and we just don’t need overrated riff raff on our team.
Dempsey, now that is another story altogether! That guy can play!
Ny – Donovan sucks dude!
Diamond Cutter – I think Ziva was comparing players and their worth to their team…thats all. I kinda agree with you in a sense, i just cant really grasp these MLS players but when you take into consideration the US has recently done well at the big tournaments then Donovan has been part of that. He is contributing to winning against CONCACAF teams and also in the world cup…it doesnt mean he’s a great player and can play for Bayern but it says something about him. your comment regarding the Korean is a perfect analogy…just because a player scores in a major tourney it doesnt make him a major player.
Gotta give the victory to Slavonac and Ziva. Both are right on the mark.
Ante B. Gave us the best stat. Lol
@Landon Donovan
By the way, Ahn Jung-Hwan scored a World Cup winner for South Korea and you don’t see me trying to tell people he is better than Modric and Raktic and that he can start for Croatia. You know why I don’t do that? I don’t do that because Ahn Jung-Hwan is not good enough to play for Hrvatska just like your buddy Landon Donovan.
Please let me know when Landon Donovan starts playing in Europe on a regular basis.
Ziva Landon Donovan Istina
Is it true that Landon Donovan could not make it as a footballer in Europe? That is absolutely true. Two goals in 30 games says it all.
As mentioned previously, Raktic has won games for us at the WC Qualifying level and European qualifying level and helped us get to Euro 2008 and Euro 2012. Also, Raktic has never played in a World Cup so when the time comes ask me if he has contributed to the World Cup scoring. He has contributed so far in this qualifier and there is still games ahead. So using your logic, Luka Modric has never scored a WC winner either, so I guess Donovan is better than him as well?? Donovan has “1” World Cup winner, the goal against Algeria. You know what, that is one WC winning goal over both Modric and Rakitic. That is a game changer my friend!!! LOL!!!!!! Algeria!!!!!!! Donovan is lucky to be in CONCACAF or he would never see tournament play because he would not have been good enough to do so. If Croatia were in CONCACAF, we would be in the tournament every time. We come close enough as it is playing in UEFA.
Even if Rakitic does not score in the World Cup, it does not matter as Raktic plays in Europe on a regular basis and is the better player. Landon Donovan could never play in Europe because he was and is not talented enough as a player.
I know that just eats at ya! Why it eats at yat I don’t know exactly, but do I care? Nope. LOL!!!!!
You should change the name of the website to landondonovan.com or uncroatia.com
LOL!!!!!
Does Landon Donovan pay you money for wasting time like this? There must be a vested interest somewhere?
Please let me know when Landon Donovan starts playing in Europe on a regular basis.
LA Galaxy! LOL!!!! That is classic.
Oh, if you want to give us Dempsey that is fine as he is a terrific player! You can keep Donovan as he is useless just like his forehead.
@Ziva-hmmmm,still working so hard to protect the reputation of Donovan and not a label like “Cry baby Euro loser etc”added to his name by you once.So curious.Eg-last season when debates where going on about Modric,you never used language stronger than stuff likeÏ like him,I wish him all the best,but you would have to say his performances make him bust”stuff very much along those lines anyhow,Hmmm,never wrote more than a sentence to stick up for any Cro,even if you “like”them,you would always throw in how Olic or Mandzukic scored a “tap in” etc etc.Not a single negative comment for Donovan though ,not a single name label.Hmmmm.
jm – I’ve never been a man of stats, they do work…perhaps in a situation like with Luka Modric where many people dont value his contributions based on just pure gpoals and assists, so the stats on completed passes – % of passes made vs not made and so on but I watch the games and try to understand each players role and base my opinions on their performance. I know Ognjen Vukojevic may only be in possession of the ball for very short periods of time so I value him for the amount of times he breaks up a play and intercepts passes, I also know players like Mandzukic aren’t utilized outside the box for much more than to hold the ball and make quick passes…so we should base our opinions on a players role and contribution to the game. There are literally thousands of players that dont have the skill and talent to do the trickery that many do have, but again, those guys are normally essential for their teams and are just as valued byu their teammates. theres an old saying regarding some defenders I’ve played with in the past…”he couldn’t juggle a ball 10 times BUT he’d go into a tackle with his head where you wouldn’t dare put your foot”! that player is as valuable as any playmaker/goalscorer…
@ slavonac i commend your use of some stats. rakitic has 1 goal and 1 assist to his name this campaign (both against macedonia). he also has a beautfful pass that started the olic to mandzukic goal vs serbia. none-the-less, one could hope for some more. i tend to agree though that he doesn’t have a great motor on defense
Ziva I can’t believe you’re forgetting about the important stats behind Rakitic…
1) his receeding five-head makes him freakishly aerodynamically faster than the opposition
2) his touch per minute stat, the most important of all
You’re slippin
jm – all you have to do is watch his performances to see his capabilities and judge the performances. every single player on a team has a role…they are mostly divided to defensive and offensive roles…if we were to be realistic we’d agree he is an offensive player. based on that we have to review his assist and goal contributions to the team…based on thre last 14 games (including 4 friendlies) he’s scored 1 goal and 3 assists (3 of them in friendlies)…thats 2 points in 10 games that count!
during the last Euro’s I watched in disbelief how he lacked at defending, there were many times when he half assed it back and wouldnt so much as get stuck in to break up a play…unlike almost every other player in the midfield. In particular during the Italy match, he was a liability…this is what I’m talking about. at this level if you arent contributing offensively then at the very least defend!
in comparing Donovan to Rakitic…the differences in talent are huge, Rakitic wins…the differences in effort, in making the play when its needed…Donovan wins hands down…and thats what Ziva is talking about. tricks are for kids…bearing down and making it count when your team needs you is what is expected, I think Rakitic has been lucky to get the minutes he has with the National team.
I’ll go back to my bread and butter comments regarding this debate:
Has Rakitic won games at the highest level for us. Carrying us to victory via a great performance? Has he?????
Has Donovan won World Cup games and played a leading role in getting the US to the knockout stages of a competition and winning games in the knockout stage? He has. Rakitic has done none of the above.
@ TO
1) i never said rakitic was anything like messi or ronaldo. i was saying in terms of stastical efficiency this season, Rakitic is in the top 10. Sharing the spot with some other big names –> he’s got talent
2) I still believe I am right in that
a) Rakitic has performed decently well for the repka (close to the highest goal rate of any midfielder in croatian history despite much of that time consisting of him being a young 20 year old)
b) Because Rakitic has shown he has talent, if we want the potential of the repka to be maxed out, we are best served by keeping him on the field and figuring out how to use him better
i believe rakitic will prove the doubters wrong. i don’t feel like talking about the topic anymore because it’s now getting boring
well done Slavonac, you definitely won this one,
funny how jm now indicates enough Rakitic talk, he starts with his numbers and stupid comparisons to messi and ronaldo, you gotta laugh
keep up the good posts Slavonac
@ Diamond Cutter – just curious, maybe I’ve missed it or haven’t paid attention but whats wrong with Strinic on LB…I like him, he’s strong, safe and give good service…I’ve heard Stimac has issues with him but I’m not sure why…what have I missed?
European Team of the Week:
http://tinyurl.com/nx7s73k
@Slavonac from Canada
“Diamond Cutter – lets be really clear, I’m not pumping Donovan…not at all but I’m saying he is a bigger asset to the US team than Rakitic is to Croatia, thats for sure!”
All that tells me is we have a more talented side than the US national team.
“with regards to Rakitic…you said: “Give Rakitic some time, a good coach, and let’s see what happens. I am not saying he is the best player in the world but we do need him” – the thing is Rakitic has had the coaching in Germany and Spain…he has the tools and does demonstrate his incredible talent, but not so much with the National team!”
I would say about 85% of his play has been played out of his natural position with the national team. Once again, you have brought up some great and interesting points about him and I will not contend them because most are on the money! I think jm brings up some good points as well.
I will say this, there is going to be a point in time, and I think it will be soon where your assessment and jm’s assessment are going to come head to head. When I say this I mean it in the applicable sense or terms not from the discussion terms as all has been said. Quite well I might add.
I have been saying this for some time now and I will say it again. Regardless if it is obvious or not.
We need a LB. (Slavonac, if you want to talk about not debatable, there it is.)
Oh, another not debatable is how bad our head coach is. (NOT DEBATEABLE)
Diamond Cutter – lets be really clear, I’m not pumping Donovan…not at all but I’m saying he is a bigger asset to the US team than Rakitic is to Croatia, thats for sure!
with regards to Rakitic…you said: “Give Rakitic some time, a good coach, and let’s see what happens. I am not saying he is the best player in the world but we do need him” – the thing is Rakitic has had the coaching in Germany and Spain…he has the tools and does demonstrate his incredible talent, but not so much with the National team!
@Slavonac from Canada
Not that it matters, but Dempsey is the one that is non-replaceable for the U.S. not Donovan.
Give Rakitic some time, a good coach, and let’s see what happens. I am not saying he is the best player in the world but we do need him. Say what you want but there is a reason he starts ever game. You may be disappointed in his play and I will not contend that.
“Rakitic vs Donovan – the difference is clear”
This is not about Rakitic vs Donovan and it never has been. That is someone else trying to make it that way in order to get their way. This is all about Donovan being able to find himself a spot in our lineup, it always has been and all I am saying is that I would not play him on my team because he cannot make it in Europe, we have better options, and he is an egomaniac and a loser.
If someone does not feel the same way that is fine but stop pumping Donovan up unnecessarily like he is the combination of Maradona and Pele. It is quite disturbing.
@ slavonac. we’ll leave it at that. too much rakitic talk for me. for the sake of the repka, lets hope i’m right and the guy produces
I’m literally shocked that anyone here would be defending Rakitic and could in any way attempt to display him as some leader or game changer for Croatia, the most disappointing thing about an athlete is when they are gifted with loads of talent and have a work rate and heart of a pussy! People have gone so far to compare Rakitic to Kovac…give me a break…WTF are you comparing…a lion vs a kitten? There are thousands of Rakitic’s out there in the world…how hard is it to play on one end of the field and go through the motions on the other…how hard is it to go as the team goes and not make a difference? The guy has talent and after that…not much! I really hope some yound kid takes his position from him…he’s a selfish prick that doesnt play with much pride and I’m tired of watching players with his talent be a liability for the rest of the team!
jm – I don’t know much about American Football, Basketball or Baseball so I don’t comment on those sports and wouldn’t dare challenge anyone…you clearly have no idea what you’re talking about and you’re still arguing…tvrdoglav!!!
Rakitic vs Donovan – the difference is clear…Donovan is Bog i batina to the US…Rakitic is replaceable to Croatia. tomorrow anyone could replace Rakitic and we wouldn’t hear a peep about him or care…few people can replace Donovan for the US…thats the difference. We aren’t comparing Donovan to Rakitic we are comparing what they mean to their team…Donovan has done far more for the US than Rakitic for Croatia and thats not even debatable!
Landon Donovan Istina
Rakitic also scored our only goal against Belarus during the WC 2010 qualifiers when Modric was hurt to get us the 1-0 victory in Zagreb and it was his shot that hits the post for Olic to score the second goal against Germany at Euro 2008. He was a starter in that tournament and he just turned 20 years of age. Donovan could only dream of doing that!!!! He also gets the second assist on our first goal against Serbia in Zagreb.
Did I mention that Donovan is a loser.
Rakitic has never played in a World Cup and Donovan has played 90% of his national team games against the CONCACAF region. WOW!!!!! You are comparing a player that could not make it in Europe to a player that can. Also, this is not a debate. A debate is something that has evidence and facts from both sides of the discussion. You have nothing but you proclaim and just keep proclaiming. I have never seen someone want to suck another person’s cock like this in my life and I got to say it is quite disturbing.
I’ll say it again. If you want to start Donovan over Rakitic that is your choice but it is laughable! The loser Donovan never plays on my team. Anyone that has to write a book in order to tell everyone how great they are is beyond pathetic! Such a loser!
The bottom line once again about your boyfriend:
1 – He could never make it in Europe – (No matter how hard you try or what excuse you make this is a fact) He scored a total of 2 goals in 30 games with Leverkusen and Everton. Wow, I gotta say that is really pathetic. (You keep insisting that club level should not count. Ok, so let’s say that Rakitic cannot score any goals at club level or any other player for that matter and guess what? His career is over and they are out of a job. If a player does not score goals or contribute for his team he does not play and cannot continue to play. Just ask Landon Donovan who could not make it in Europe. Those are the facts.)
2 – Rakitic is 25 years old, tons of upswing and potential remain with lots of time in his career.
3 – Probably the most important piece of information. Donovan is a loser and we can use him to crack walnuts on his forehead.
Donovan plays in the MLS!!! LOL!!!!!!
I would never play Donovan on my Croatian team. No matter what you say because he is a loser and we have better options. It would never ever happen. If you want to have sex with him and get him on our team than that is up to you.
LOL!!!
It is fairly obvious Rakitic plays out of position for the repka. He should be either a central attacking midfielder or the position he is playing this year for Sevilla, defensive midfielder. Stimac doesn’t know how to use him properly or other players for that matter… Olic sucked playing right wing against the Serbs and looked completely lost.
Rakitic was so good at Schalke that they sold Mesut Ozil to Werder… Says a lot!
So, the best you guys can do regarding Rakitic is list a friendly game and a great performance against a 4th tier national side.
Again, this has nothing to do with club level. Raketa is fine at Sevilla. My point i that Donovan is a much better player on the international level. Dude has won games at the WC with his goals and play. Rakitic has not.
Isn’t Donovan a right winger?
and Rakitic a CAM?
@Ziva:
Funny stuff.
As for Niko… :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGrA6XbFhOk
@Ziva
is man vs food that show where they go eating massive meals from around the world or is that something else?
Actually they would all be in america.. let’s all be thankful Niko isn’t in the MLS or he could REALLY put on some size.. lol .
but it’s nice to see the Niko love here.. my opinion is he should play for us because he’s a proven goalscorer and can score from range. WE NEED THAT. He’s got a lot of skills.. (i dont think anyone is doubting his talent – more his fitness??), and is a constant threat.
Also i’ve noticed that most women seem to think he is “hot”.. lol
Ziva: when was the last time rakitic carried us to a win, never..
you said.. well, i’d say scoring 2 goals and winning a penalty in a 3-2 win would class as “carrying us” to a win, wouldn’t it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZu24YndYjs
@Ziva
Man vs Food!
That dude got super skinny, just like Niko!
@ sLavonac. dont GeT Mad Cause I Present Some Stats. Rakitic Scores Goals For The Repka At One Of The Highest Rates Of Any Croatian MidFielder Ever (AnD He Did It Without Even Being In His Prime). Team Must Find A Way To Use Him. Maybe I Don’t Know Soccer, But It Seems I Know Numbers And How To CoUnt Better Than You
jm – I’m not sure what facts you’ve presented to me, players play, not their stats! What exactly are you saying…he’s scored a few goals? Look, forget my comment to you, it’s obvious you aren’t knowledgeable about the game.
@Ziva-Sorry,I forget to sign in properly sometimes,I asked the question earlier about why you work so hard to justify Donovan,and come on man,you have!!You have never worked anywhere near so hard to stick up for any Croatian player once.Come on,show us some balance and perspective that you always praise yourself about,come up with a tag for Donovan every time you mention his name.How about “European failure,I want to come home,cry baby Donovan” If you can use something like this every time you mention his name,I will take back some of what I said.I will give credit where its due though,I believe I have noticed over time recently that you have become sometimes a little more fair and balanced of a Ziva,while still maintaining what you want to say.
How much is Niko making for 2nd division?
Only the great Niko kranjcar can get so much press and love for playing in the 2nd division!
Ante Rebic when he matures will be a good player fast strong aggresive lile him and if livaja grows up he will be good too just scum runs hns and its sad
Rebic got some playing time to today at Fiorentina, came in at the 35 minute. Watching the game now. Rebic looks stronge.
.
Mourinho is stubbor and he has eto and torres btw how many does nikica have haaaa one hit wonder
Just saw an interesting stat : number of goals scored so far this season: Lukaku (on loan to Everton from Chelsea) 3, all the other Chelsea strikers 0.
Guess we are not the only ones with talent evaluation problems.
My croatia 11 post 98 team pletikosa corluka kovac tudor simunic kovac srna rapaic modric prso eduardo. Subs olic mandzo simic babic klasnic
Anon – “The really interesting thing to me was that I have never noticed Ziva go in to bat so hard for any Croatian player.” Spot on – most well stated thought I’ve read in awhile.
Ziva, I like you my man, but, you’ve got this Donovan thing all wrong…Right now, you would take him over Rakitic? and then I suppose Sevilla has it all wrong too?
Now if we’re talking about hairlines……….
Homer Istina
“Again, when was the last time Rakitic carried us to a win……..oh wait, never…….The crybaby American Donovan has.”
Does the second game against Macedonia ring a bell? You make this way to easy man! LOL!!!
I am no lover of Donovan. I still dont understand why he didnt go to England full time when he had the chance. But, I just think he is a better player than Rakitic and has shown to be a better player on the international level. Dude has scored BIG goals for the US when it matters. The same cant be said about Rakitic.
Right now I would take him over Rakitic. Not in a a few years because of his age, but right now I would. Again, when was the last time Rakitic carried us to a win……..oh wait, never…….The crybaby American Donovan has.
And, this is not a debate about play at the club level. Raketa can score 50 goals this year in La Liga and it wont impress me until he does something for the repka.
So now we have jm claiming he has backed up his position with numbers. LOL.
Thank you Slavonac for putting him in his place.
Some people will always have homer glasses on.
@Diamond Cutter-I didn’t completely disagree with everything Ziva was saying a few weeks back about MLS and some other details.I thought it a bit curious how he displayed such “a thing”for Donovan.Thats fair enough in a sense if someone feels that way.The really interesting thing to me was that I have never noticed Ziva go in to bat so hard for any Croatian player.They have all had labels added very quickly,but no,not Donovan the great!Although he has mildly expressed admiration for eg Modric,during his tough period last years,he was very quick to if not add the “Bust”label,he was indeed quick to at least put it out there.It seems that Croatian players are there for tagging names to and bagging out,but Donovan the great should not be treated this way.
Guiseppe Rossi walked off the pitch with what looked like a leg injury (possibly thigh).
Not sure how long Rossi may be out for, but this could be a great opportunity for Rebic, now with both Gomez and Rossi gone.
Didn’t watch the game, but as per WhoScored.com, he didn’t seem to do too well statistically. Then again, Fiorentina as a team played poorly. Hopefully he gets another chance.
@ slavonac
my apologies for actually using numbers to back things up. bottom line, rakitic from a numbers standpoint has produced. find me numbers that show otherwise.
@ ziva
i like the formation
Homer Istina
“I know we debated this a few weeks back, but I would take Donovan over Rakitic currently for the national side (assuming Donovan was croatian – or Brazilian – and eligible for the repka).”
I would not have him anywhere near our team because he is a loser of epic proportions. Period.
He is going to be 32 years of age soon and is a loser who managed to show everyone how he could not make it by the age of 24 in Europe, which is a fact by the way, and Rakitic is the captain for his team at 25, which is another fact by the way.
Donovan scored 2 goals in 17 games with Everton. Oh my Gawd!!! Stop the press!!! We go after our players with reckless abandon if our ratio was better than that and he played decently but once again he was nothing special considering the fan fair he gets and he would have eventually faded away because he cannot cut it.
All these comments for a true overrated prima donna who could not cut it in Europe and whose better days, if he indeed had better days, are clearly behind him. You must have a Landon Donovan shirt at home. You want to give me Dempsey; I will take him. Donovan? No thanks, you can keep him.
Rakitic would start every game with the United States. Easily I might add because he is the better player and because the United States would use him properly. The bottom line is we don’t want arrogant overrated players on our team who are over the hill. Not that there was any hill to begin with.
If you want to start him go ahead but that is laughable. This guy plays in the MLS!!!! Prior to the Croatia Ireland game at Euro 2012, ESPN homer Tommy Smyth was all bent out of shape trying to justify an Irish victory over Croatia. Alexi Lalas asked Tommy who is going to score for Ireland and Tommy said, “we have Robbie Keane!” Lalas without batting an eye says, “But he plays in the MLS!” This is one of their own calling a spade a spade and justifiably so.
Landon Donovan = Broj jedan LOSER!!!!! LOL!!!!
Some times you need to take chances in football like Bilic back in 2006 Stimacs only good move was playing kovacic vs serbia everything else was bad and 3 striker on pitch no good Ola dudu Mandzo no more please
Ziva – your theory is good if we have responsible players…and i think both Modric and Kovacic are…but Kovacic isnt yet experienced enough and quite honestly, Rakitic hasnt proven to be an offensive threat against most teams. also, I think Kovacic is far quicker…even though he doesnt have the cross Rakitic might have, he has the possession skills and quickness…can change the game in an instant, so my point is why reward Rakitic when he’s a floater….let somebody else get that chance!
we play our best simple basic 4-4-2 or 4-5-1
I still so no problem i think the problem is that this croatia cannot play modern footbal beacuse we dont have wingers and we dont have a coach that can make it work we can play 4-2-3-1 we dont have a coach to teach it to these players that what 70 posto clubs play theses days. and ive noticed 3-5-2 is comming back in the mix to counter 4-2-3-1.
Stipe na gol
Srna Strinic bekovi
Carli Lovren Stoperi
Modric Kovacic cms
Rakitic Poluspica
Rebic Krilo
Halilovic Krilo
Mandzo CF
also when in form Perisic is a winger an hope Niko Kovac like Bilic in 2005 does a good job in creating A team products
Nice to see Rebic get an hour or so tonight
For us to get the best out of Rakitic, Modric needs to be more defensive. Almost play a diamond formation in the MF with Rakitic right behind the forward(s):
Rakitic
Kovacic Halilovic
Modric
Is what it would look like in a few years…….right now it would probably be:
Rakitic
Perisic (Kranjcar) Kovacic
Modric
jm – please, don’t compare the roles of Rakitic and Kovac, you’re slowly exposing your lack of knowledge in doing so. stats dont say it all and if you want to compare…Niko Kovac sacrificed himself for his teammates, he was a very solid and simple player…Rakitic shows up to play when his opponents give him yards, time and space…otherwise he’s just your typical stat player as you’ve mentioned cause nobody will ever recall when he did anything to help lead his team…Kovac was a leader…Rakitic is a primadonna…terrible comparison!
You can’t compare the goal scoring from Niko Kovac and Raketa. Two different players who played different positions.
I would add Pletikosa to the above list. he has always been steady at the keeper for the repka. You can count his blunders on one hand over the last decade.
Rakitic in tournmaments has played well for croatia
2008 Germany game Poland game Turkey game(just didnt clear or sit on the ball but thats football.
2012 played well all 3 games imo.
hes only 25 and he still has time to play great football for croatia he got capped at 19 years of age.
Croatian national team players last 10 years that always played well Dado Prso Milan Rapaic Braca Kovac Simunic Srna Eduardo Mandzukic Olic Tudor those guys stick out to me.
allow me to throw some numbers out for you.
Rakitic has scored in 16% of his games for the repka. That is a better hit rate than any other midfielder on the team. And a better rate than Niko Kovac, who I assume most people would say played with a lot of heart.
So in terms of goal scoring, seems like he’s been doing his thing. If we run the assist stats I’m sure it’ll tell the same story.
So what’s the complaint? Perhaps that he doesn’t play defense. Maybe thats true.
I like the suggestions being made to play him higher up behind mandzukic. modric can be impactful playing deep still along wtih kovacic
This was a quote from a hnl coach funny
Ivan Rakitic je nas daleko najkonkretniji vezni igrac, prava poluspica. A za reprezentaciju jos nije odigrao utakmice na toj poziciji, pa onda zamislite koje sve strucnjake imamo u reprezentaciji.
Have any of you guys watched Man vs. Food on the Food Network. I think Kranjcar could excel on that show.
You know who always plays well for their national side: Landon Donovan.
I know we debated this a few weeks back, but I would take Donovan over Rakitic currently for the national side (assuming Donovan was croatian – or Brazilian – and eligible for the repka).
@ Slavonac Perisic is good defenivley at the euros he was good and Strinic played his best games for croatia when perisic played Lm. Most likely 11 will be Pletikosa Vida Carli Lovren Strinic Rakitic Modric Vukojevic ? Olic Mandzukic that the safe way Lm is ? for me perisic kranjcar Olic could move to Lm and Eduardo u front Stimac is not a good coach he will play safe.
19Miro – I dont think its safe to have both Kranjcar and Perisic on the field at the same time…even though both can contribute offensively you have to think about defensive as well…luka would be dead chasing players down.
you guys do a better job in covering croatian football than the media in croatia! keep up the good work!
4-3-2-1 Pletikosa Vrsaljko Lovren Carli Strinic -Rakitic Modric Kovacic- Kranjcar Perisic -Mandzukic i like that line up looks good and maybe Olic instead of perisic or rebic halilovic when ready, its a shame an asshole runs the HNS we have such a good team that can compete man they ruined this team no Sammir Stimac poserem ti se na njega i mamica
im watching old croatia highlights from 2003-2004 period and that team had better attitude than this modern croatia those guys played with heart for croatia todays team is like watching a business sale put him in so he can get sold miss the old days
lukaku 2 vs newcastle, jelavic hand in a transfer request
@Bobby V
I’m sorry, I forgot.
🙂
@Slavonac from Canada
“so with that said how can we believe Modric’s play negatively affects Rakitic…I dont get it?”
There’s nothing to get as it is not true. Nicely explained.
@Diamond Cutter: Lako Domobran!
@ Bobby right on losing to Scotland at home was killer that was one of the worst home games we played in history of croatian football. even when england beat us 4-1 that was cause of red card. we played ok in that game.
Heart is in reference to battling for the ball…his defensive duties which he lacks, nowadays all players have assignments for defensive play and he seems to be a twinkle toes on most occassions.
Modric normally plays a defensive or deep role…starting from in front of the centre back, he runs miles throughout the game and often plays quick touches…roaming from right to left and bcak…. I’m having a hard time understanding why anyone thinks Luks’s play would hold Rakitic back? He’s a last third of the field type of player…better in the opposing third and yet doesnt create much with out team! Modric almost never assists, if anything he’s a second assist player so with that said how can we believe Modric’s play negatively affects Rakitic…I dont get it?
@Bobby V
Nice post!
The only player you are missing is Landon Donovan. That is all.
Until we get a striker who can score from outside the box, Kranjcar needs to be on the field. Don’t care if he plays defense or not – set him up outside the 16 and let me make that short burst. He’s our only accurate outside threat, and our national side has been struggling to score since he faded from the scene – our leading goal scorer in the Euro 2012 qualifying.
Mateo Kovacic is more talented and will be a much more successful player than Alen Halilovic – now and in the future. Quote from Boban : “He has talents that could make him even better than me. He is an incredibly serious professional for someone his age.” He keeps his cool, he’s willing to learn, and is in an excellent position with Inter.
If Lovren rids himself of that typical Balkan headcase crap, he can become another Vidic type player.
You really have to wonder what happened with Perisic. Player of the year in Belgium, starts scoring some great goals and putting in good performances with Dortmund, gradually getting more playing time, and then, boom!
Watched Belgium against Scotland – not very impressive and Scotland had a penalty denied when trailing 0-1 late in the second half. Croatia will win on the 11th – makes you wonder how we can get 4 points from the group leaders and still finish second.
Losing to Scotland’s seond string at home was a killer.
Forza Zadar! – nice tie against Dinamo Zagreb
I don’t think its an issue of heart. Plus, that is such a cliche. There is no way to calculate playing with heart.
I think the issue with Rakitic is that he can’t play with Modric. With the repka, Rakitic plays more along the right side of the field. I don’t think that is playing to his strength. Question is can Modric and Rakitic play together consistently.
Regarding Rakitic…normally when a player doesnt perform its because he’s a fringe player on that team and doesnt get much playing time, in this case…Rakitic has been afforded all the playing time in the world so maybe the issue here is he should get less playing time. I bet, if he got less playing time he’d be a whiner and stop showing up when the team calls on him.
There is really no comparison from being a club player and National Team player…especially when your National Team is trying to qualify…every game should be a meaningful game so play like it. I can’t imagine why anyone would provide stats to prove a players quality…Frank Lampard has never been to England what he was for Chelsea…Rakitic is far less of an influence for Croatia than almost any other player on that team. If you measure his performances good vs average vs bad…he’s in the latter 2 categories and I’d say mostly bad performances. Any other country would either make him their “go to” player or “bench” him…my money is on the bench…once again, he didnt have the common decency to head the ball down towards the ground vs Spain…a simple play taught to 12 yeard old kids…a very LAZY play on his part that could very well have changed the game! If Croatia got rid of him I could care less…no heart!
@jm
(messi, ronaldo…maybe you heard of them)
Stupidest line of the year, so now you are comparing Rakitic to these players, enough said, “my brain hurt”
Also enough with the excuses of coach, etc. Rakitic is the man on the field and he continues to underperform. No one hates Rakitc, stop being a child.
Rakitic is a good plaer but he is not a RM nor winger that the problem.
@ zagreb
the purpose of pointing out that rakitic has been great for club is that it means he is a talented player. from there, you must ask several questions
1) Why is he not performing? is it cause of coach, heart, small sample size?
2) If I hate rakitic am I simply a sensaitonalist, who doesn’t realize his contributions have been solid? If you hate rakitic, ask yourself what his pass accuracy is? how many goals, assists, key passes has he contributed in qualifying? Chances are you probably have no idea. (i don’t either but i agree he was awful against serbia)
Here is the advanced stat link for la liga this season: Rakitic number 7 on the list next to some big names (messi, ronaldo…maybe you heard of them)
http://www.whoscored.com/Regions/206/Tournaments/4/Seasons/3922/Stages/7920/PlayerStatistics/Spain-La-Liga-2013-2014
@Ante and Ivica
Been saying it for weeks. Can’t believe Chelsea loaned him away in the first place. Everton is definitely gonna be fun to watch now, even with Jelavic out. It will be interesting to see where he goes from here though.
*Christmas tree
Christmans tree formation would work for croatia v Belgium or 3-5-2
4-3-2-1 Pletikosa Vrsaljko Lovren Carli Strinic -Rakitic Modric Kovacic- Kranjcar Perisic/Halilovic -Mandzukic
3-5-2 Pletikosa -Sifo Carli Lovren- Vrslajko Modric Kovacic Rakitic Strinic -Mandzukic Olic.
@Ante B.
No shots were meant against Armada. In fact I enjoy his posts.
I meant for Armada to buy Cico a dictionary. Fuck now I am the one that is incoherent. I have become Cico and my life is over.
Damn Mamic and those arrogant fans. I can’t go on anymore. Good bye. “My brain hurt”
Romelu Lukaku with the first half brace against Newcastle right now, while Jelavić looks on from the bench.
Looks like we won’t be seeing Jelavić this season (unless he gets transferred in January).
Belgium is looking crazy scary with Benteke and Lukaku as a striking pair in the future.
Goodbye Jelavic,
Lukaku has 2 goals and an assist in the first half for Everton today.
Zagreb,
Don’t mention it. I agree with your position on Cico but aside from Armada’s political beliefs, he is a normal guy who does add value to this site. And yes, using Cico’s words, “my brain hurt.”
“rakitic is stastically performing excellent for his club in one of the toughest leagues in the world. its justifiable for people to wnat to see more from him for the repka”
This is complete nonsense, who cares what he has done for his club team, as Slavonac points out this guy has no heart, he continues to underperform for the national team.
@Ante B,
Don’t hold your breath for any proof from Cico and Armada buy him a fuckin dictionary. Did Cico just immigrate to this country? His posts are pathetic. A five year old could write something more coherent
I’d take Kranjcar for 20 minutes over Perisic and Rakitic combined…he’s far more effective than both of them…just has a hard time with his game fitness level!
@jm – stats dont play for you and with that said, he’s has an incredible amount of time to prove he’s consistent with the National team and hasnt, I cant even begin to tell you how disappointed I am with this guy. he has tons of skill/talent but little heart to go with it!
Perisic’s biggest handicap is where he is from. He is a born Splican. That right there tells you all you need to know about his head.
Video on Niko Kranjcar from this weekend. He’s looking pretty good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0VrwM8QNSs
.
@ slavonac
rakitic is stastically performing excellent for his club in one of the toughest leagues in the world. its justifiable for people to wnat to see more from him for the repka
perisic: i had high hopes for him. he had the big season with brugge and then showed real promise in his first season with dortmund. despite playing sparse minutes he was ranked 7th in the bundelig in terms of efficiency for goal scoring and assists. unfortunatley he just can’t seem to get going again. i still think he has potential, but you need to seriously downgrade his chances of reaching it now
are my posts not going through?
“Je se ti for REAL ?”
nothing like some butchered Cro-English to start the day! Bravo Cico i hvala!
I’m scratching my head with all these Rakitic and Perisic believers! First, Rakitic is even inconsistent with his La Liga team and second…Perisic? WTF are you guys talking about? He hasn’t been in form for over 2 years and hasn’t showed an ounce of consistency…you guys are dreaming and basing your decisions on previous hype on Perisic…the guy has not done a thing for a long time!
Rakitic playing in the middle, on the outside or anywhere else won’t change him. He’s a primadonna and thats that…the guy plays when he’s motivated and floats most of the time…I have no idea what makes anyone think he’ll work harder or give better service based on a position…a professionals work rate should change based on where they are played, maybe the quality of performance…but he is heartless either way you look at it!
Toronto HR,
No worries brate. Even if you make an objective statement, you get ripped for it.
“Je se ti for REAL ?”
“What is going on in your mali kuku head ?”
“Mamic Je dinamo i dinamo je International !!”
Hvala Cico for brightening up my morning! Cico je krajl!!!
I’m sure the management and players of jadan i mali hajduk and europski dinamo have no clue who Daria Pletikapa is.
Typical from Svircic but nothing new. I said Dinamo was robbed and Dinamo is first. Man the bakalar must be tainted if objective statements are now null and void.
Cico, I’m still waiting for your proof to show that the HNS Pederi sign is from the BBB like you said earlier.
@Denis
repeat those words she had for both teams
@Ziva
good for him, I am sure he will succeed in that business venture
@Denis Svircic
repeat those words she had for both teams
@Ziva
good for him, I am sure he will do well in that business venture of his
Hajduk and Dinamo leave a lot to be desired.
If Rijeka was owned by a Croat, it would be easier to jump on their bandwagon.
Great week for Croats in the Champion’s League!!
Hajduk and Dinamo leave a lot to be desired.
If Rijeka was owned by a Croat, it would be easier to jump on their bandwagon.
Great week for Croats in the Champion’s League!!!
sigh.. i think you guys have the issue whre comments aren’t showing up again, sorry to say !
*High fives Cico*
I was surprised to hear how young Ivan still is.. i think he should be on our team we just need to be better at accommodating him (read: get a better coach)
Here’s a reminder of the 2008 friendly vs Slovenia where i first thought.. shit this guy is pretty good, in case all you FOOS have forgotten !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZu24YndYjs
Benko <<< Perisic
Benko should get a good look prior to the World Cup playoff qualifier. He is currently behind Super Mario and perhaps Olic in form.
line of the week from IvicA,
“You start your comment by stating that you won’t cry like a picka, then you go on and cry like a picka in your next sentence, lol.”
~Ante B
Daria Pletikapa had some harsh words for both Hajduk and Dinamo. I don’t blame her.
@ Ante B , WTF ? Have U been Drinking Today ? Je se ti for REAL ? One day U hate your Arrogant Mamic/dinamo , & the next Day U love & Defend your International team !! What is going on in your mali kuku head ? Mamic Je dinamo i dinamo je International !! That is it ! STOP hurting your brain ! They got 1 call against them WOW Big Deal ! How calls did they get for them 1,000,000 ! Stop ,PLEASE just Stop ! Now before U say (what happened 1414 days before ?) my friend that is OLD NEWS !! We beat your Ass , now Face it ! 2-0 2-0 2-0 !! Take Care of yourself & Stop Drinking before U Post Mr.B ! Hajduk i Torcida 4 Life !! Here We Come ! Tudor 4 Coach of the Year ! Bog , Hrvati, USA , Champion L.A. Galaxy , Hajduk , i HNS !!!
Trolls are the worse…..thak god no trolls in the fortified basement.
Ante Gotovina as a coach?????? I know you are tying to be funny and appear to believe he could motivate our guys (good laugh). But, come on. No need for another criminal within the savez…….and before some of you clowns go ape shit over my comments, I am referring to the guys past pre-early 90s.
gotovina is busy catching tuna these days anyway.
Being a troll is 90% mental.
@Ante B.
You made a valid comment. No need to defend yourself to some of these trolls on this site.
@horvat i think that lineup would play looks like that maybe he moves carli to rb and puts vida or sifo at cb stimac is a neznalica and shocking his boy damir didnt get called up. Olic mandzo will play he will go for a draw v belgium and try to beat scots we play like picke all talk stimac the worst coach in history most arrogant hes awful i hate him as coach zuti prso kovac soldo asanovic kranjcar cico bjelica lazios coach or anyone else scoria tudor anyone but stimac 6 years htv commentator shitted on bilic bla blaBilic never lost home against poor teams than us like stimac we are stuck with this fool for another term maybe more bog nas pompgao.
For Belgium:
……Mandzo…..
Perisic…Rakitic…Olic
….Modric..Kovacic..
Strinic..Lovren..Corluka..Vrsaljko
……Ladic…
Rakitic and Kovacic could possibly switch places.
Real Madrid looking to scoop up Mandzukic!
@ Ziva
Boze mi moj.
Rakitic has some big time games for us!
I want to see him in the middle off Mandzukic one time shoot a 30 meter bomba.
@ Rob I
To je Istina.
The problem is we have all the parts to make a Mercedes and majmun trying to put it together.
Ante Gotovina, Repesa and Kovac as the coaching unit would get our boys together and ready to qualify.
It is a crying shame that we allow Mickey Mouse smotani in leadership positions.
Put together a two, two game strategies.
Have the posters on this site make more soccer sense then i have seen on the pitch the last 6 games.
I believe that was the first time I made a comment like that on here tbh. Not going to lie though, it’s something I have thought for a long time (as I’m sure anyone else with half a brain believes the same).
But yeau, I’ll try to make a point of saying it more often so that I really do become known for that : p
I don’t hate or boycott Dinamo. If I did, I wouldn’t have gone to two of their games last month. I hate their “leadership.” But objectively looking at their game today, they were robbed of a goal. That was my point.
Jozinovic is hajduk lb and why not in a friendly
Completely agree dado but who the fuck is jozinovic, think we should just keep strinic where he’s at until perisic finally finds his form
@Ante B:
I generally like your posts, but I can’t understand how you boycott Dinamo and root for them at the same time.
Since pivaric from dinamo got chance why not joza from hajduj wing back hes like a poormans srna has heart and litlle skill why not i still like strinic
3-5-2 pletikosa- carli lovren sifo- srna modric kovacic rakitic jozinovic rebic mandzukic bench and potential s11 dudu olic kranjcar
Hvala . cico
Ziva
A peak for a footbller is 26-30.
Rakitic has not been playing in the middle of the park for the national team
If plays as a central midfielder or an attacking midfielder, we will see the same results.
Rakitic is being sacrificed because Croatia’s lack of quality on the flanks, once we get some players who can play out wide, then we will see Rakitic back in the middle.
Rakitic, Modric and Kovacic in the middle is by and far our best option. problem is we only have Srna who is capable as playing on one flank, no one is good enough on the left.
The sun is bright,the sky is blue,Ante b.cries like a picka.
Crying would be bitching about it ala “Dinamo got another call”, “we lost because Dinamo has the refs in their pockets”, “suci su za Dinamo” etc. itd. itd. itd. You know, like Cico, Jarac and Majstore are known for?
@Ante B
You start your comment by stating that you won’t cry like a picka, then you go on and cry like a picka in your next sentence, lol.
I thought you weren’t going to mention it because you know that Dinamo have gotten more then their fair share of bogus calls over the years and this is one of the few times anyone can remember Dinamo NOT have a call go their way in the HNL.
Dinamo got robbed but I won’t be like the rest of you picke and cry about it. I remember my first beer too. Dinamo got robbed of a goal that clearly wasn’t offside but still are leaders. In other news, the sun is bright.
Young guys like Radosevic and Rebic need to continue to be called up, played in friendlies, and put in as late substitutions in regular qualifying games when our older players get stale. Their development and integration into the team should be smooth and tracked.
Cementing older players into guaranteed spots on the starting eleven (regardless of the positions they play) is a mistake our coaches made in the past, and continue to make today.
I’m not saying to completely overhaul the roster, but simply choose a working formation, and make changes to it with players PLAYING IN THEIR NATURAL POSITIONS. Instead we see the same 11-14 players as we always do, being shifted around on the field playing in totally new roles on a game-by-game basis, with always one new wild card starter (who’s never even played a minute before) in some attempt to seemingly spice things up (ie. Radosevic, Kovacic, Sammir, etc).
I still don’t undertand why Stimac would throw a player like Radosevic into the fire against Belgium in Brussels, but not even play him a single minute since (even in friendlies). That was the only game Radosevic played for Cro, and it was th toughest and worst one to be thrown into, especially since he barely even practiced with the team. Luckily it worked out, but I don’t get the inconsistency. Stimac has no plan, he’s just randomly picking players and trying different things hoping shit will stick. Even when it does, he tries something else. Disaster of a coach who is lucky to have Real’s number 10 and Bayern’s number 9 making him look better than he is.
There is no way a team that has Modric, Mandzo, and that kind of depth at midfield, should be struggling to make the World Cup.
Mateo’s 8.1 WhoScored rating today was enough to earn him the Man of the Match there after playing all 90 minutes
http://www.whoscored.com/Matches/758049/Live/Italy-Serie-A-2013-2014-Cagliari-Inter
Toooooo Zadar tooooo !!!!!
At 25 he should be at his peak. Wake me up when Rakitic begins to play at the same level for the repka as he does for Sevilla. It’s night and day. He is the opposite of Asanovic. Asanovic would have his best games for the repka and then would underperform at the club level.
@ Mate
That is the most accurate statement that has been written on this site in years. i still think Rakitic is a gun and at 25 years old he is about to hit his peak
@ Mate
PUNA HVALA!
I see the same thing every weekend and then read the same thing here. Mandzukic and Olic are Croatian hunters that are pure goal scoring predators. It is a disrespect to refer to them as “tap” in specialists. They run and compete their hearts out for club and country. AND have scored all types of goals. They are not wingers they STRIKERS!
Rakitic behind Mandzukic with Modric and Kovacic bossing the midfield with passing and running range.
I say lets see it one time.
Rakitic has proven his quality stop putting him in places where he does not succeed.
@ cs20
Let our backs over lap for width then.
Strinic and Versaljko have the young legs. Even Corluka can deliver a quality cross.
@ Faux Cro
Teams are too tactically sound to let that direct athleticism beat them. That’s why England sucks at major tournaments.
Modric shifts the d every time he touches the ball.
I saw Zidane play in the old giant stadion and he would freeze all the young legs around him. Pure mastery !
Agreed. Think we could do a 3 prong mid kovačić at cdm Luka and raketa behind mandza… And that is where it stops.. We do not have classy wingers. Srna is rb which is different than a Pedro per se. Ol
You know every week people kind of shit on mandzukic for olic goals or whatever they call it, but every weekend top class strikers miss those goals, perfect example is benzema. If more forwards finished 90% of opportunities the way mandzukic does, they’d be even better forwards. Benzema had two opportunities this weekend to follow up shots where he would have scored tap ins. So France’s top forward doesn’t do what ours does and we take it for granted. Part of it has to do with benzema being real s only striker they’ve really used so far, so he’s started and played every game this year, but still, so has mandzukic besides the first pokal cup game.
Also, rakitic should play behind mandzukic for us. What, he’s had five goals already this season and numerous assists. Play him in his natural position, we’ve all seen he’s not much of a right winger….that is all
Without Modric, they use Ramos and or Alonso for the long ball.
They are a very athletic team though.
@ Faux Cro
“Predictable”
I was wondering what the word was for how Madrid play without Modric in the middle.
So what’s the deal with Simunic…how long has he been banned for?
No Rebic, no alternative wingers means we will continue to see Olic and Eduardo on the sides which is uncomfortable for me. Stick Jelavic up front with Mandzukic and Perisic on one wing with someone else on the other. Actually that’s exactly what we did in Belgium a year ago. Srna will be missed, but what can we do. We need to secure ourselves as a second placed team that ISN’T bottom of the second place charts and therefore we need some points from the remaining two games. I’ll take 3 points from those two games.
Niko just need to keep is weight down and next season he will pla with qpr in Pl or he will choose a better club not ukraine man bad move for him,
the 15 who will compete for prvi 11 v belgium have all been playing well
Pletikosa solid
Vrsaljko good start in seria a
Lovren-Best buy in epl by some
Carli-Standard
Strinic Playing 90 for dnipro
Rakitic the C and man in sevilla
Modric-Lukica je Lukica
Kovacic- makes differnce when in team
Vukojevic-Not the best but good dm
Kranjcar-Playing well looks slim like he did back in 2008
Perisic -Needs to find himself
Mandzo _super
Olic starting to score and hussles all day
Jelavic-Not my fav but just no skill only with head
Eduardo-Staring to heat no worries about him
http://www.qpr.co.uk/news/article/280913-redknapp-boro-win-1082860.aspx
Harry singing Kranjcar’s praises.
Redknapp seems like a pretty easy guy to play for. It appears that he is good at managing/selecting players.
All of our NT players should do well in 2nd tier leagues.
I wish him well, if and when QPR get promoted.
Speaking of national team i know young players have to earn spots but that doesnt mean veterans spots are semented they need to keep their spots not slack off. guys like radosevic is young and should be playing in friendlies i would love to see mixed lineup in a friendly for croatia somethng like this first half Pletikosa Vrsaljko Lovren Milovic(best stoper Hnl) Gorupec/Brucic. Rakitic Radosevic Modric Kovacic Rebic Mandzo.
Niko was, by all accounts, brilliant today for QPR v Middlesbrough. Voted MOTM on every fans forum. Looks like the boy Kranjčar is back in the football groove!
@Matesic Method:
I am not a fan of Real Madrid, but I watch them because of Modric (Champion’s League/internet/highlights).
You are 100% right.
Before/without Modric they will play long over the top balls to Ronaldo all day long.
He is phenomenal and he makes great runs, but it is a little predictable. They even play this way with Modric, but to a lesser extent.
The Rijeka-Hajduk match got pretty exciting today
http://z6.invisionfree.com/UltrasTifosi/index.php?showtopic=4592&st=3718&#entry22185431
Since igor stimac is mafia goon and not a manager coach material his starting 11 will be against Belgium-Pletikosa-Vrsaljko Carli Lovren Strinic-Rakitic Modric Vukojevic Perisic Olic Mandzukic. thats the 11 v Belgium with Kovacic Eduardo Kranjcar also in the mix.
Is it my “homer glasses” or when Modric does not start Real Madrid run around like chickens with their heads cut off?
Athletico should have been up two goals with that Tiago free header to now where but goal (still believe Mandzukic is not valuable?).
Ironic, Modric went from bust to can’t live without.
Love the Vrsaljko RB start. His youth and athleticism will support the right wing.
I say bring Halilovic as his dribbling will have a part to play.
We need to match Belgium’s talent and technique with our own. Haven’t recognized us on the pitch in months.
Hope Kovacic has a good one tomorrow.
Courtois is awesome though, and young.
I know a few of you cheer for Real because of Luka, however I don’t mind seeing them or any similar team with more $$$ then brains lose. Good for Athletico, I hope they win the league this year.
Real Madrid did not look good today, not good at all. Atletico did though, goalie is a little crying bitch, bale got no where near his midsection
Why stop there? I hope all of the Limey teams lose this week
: p
I hope United lose to Donetsk.
Bale and Modric coming in at half time right now.
Interesting.
he might have a knock, but if it was that bad he wouldn’t be on the bench…these double seasons with CL and domestic are tough to manage…you have to rest big players..even in big games…
look at Moyes at United…he might not make it out alive by year end…if they lose in Donetsk this week….then what happens???
@majstore
LOL!!!!
I was wondering about modric too. And I think a match vs Athletico is bigger then a ucl match v Copenhagen lol
I think hes hurt hamstring something like that
Champions League this week…
What’s going on with Modric. He’s on the bench and in the last two games was pulled off early. Is he injured?
.
Whats with calling the Reprezentacija repka? I knew Vrsaljko would get the call up and play instead of Srna Rb, same names and we will see
OK I just joined the fantasy league here’s the code. I’ve got a ton of catchup to do.
CODE – 553265-136494
.
Is it too late to get into the fantasy league?
.
Mourinho screwed my team up. I picked Mata and passively manage the team. He never plays.
I had Lovren from day one.
Forget radosevic. This is ridiculous.
That damn Fantasy injury info told me Aaron Ramsey was 75% not playing yet he starts the match and scores another goal. Fuck!
@Colin
Thanks for the tip!
And the insult… 🙂
My first year doing Fantasy and i’m pretty happy with Professor Balthazar’s team right now!
Premier League Best XI. Lovren is on it. I’m very happy for him, he’s really improving.
http://www.whoscored.com/Regions/252/Tournaments/2/England-Premier-League
.
agreed.
@ZIVA
Just like Halilovic has earned his…I can name a handful of other players. Sammir being another.
Wow. Whoever hasn’t picked up Dejan Lovren for their fantasy team is just dumb. Dude has been my top point-getter from day one this season. Love it. Plus. S.Hamptopn are in first place once this game is over hahaha.
come on……Radosevic needs to earn his way on the repka………
@IvicA
Just the facts, ma’am.
I take Radosevic’s 11 minutes on Napoli over any of Vukojevic’s minutes on Dynamo Kiev.
Ogi wouldn’t even make the roster on Napoli. Even Dynamo Kiev is constantly looking to pawn his contract off onto other teams every summer.
@TheGoldenChild
Radosevic has featured in two games for Napoli so far this year for a grand total of 11 minutes of playing time.
Hopefully he gets more playing time today against Genoa.
Still no Radosevic call up. A kid that’s played in 3 games for one of Serie A’s most exciting teams. Makes sense to me.
How many goals is DEJAN LOVREN gonna score i wonder ??
I really hope they play Halilović atleast once before brasil
Štimčeva lista za Belgiju i Škotsku: Vraća se Niko Kranjčar, Šime Vrsaljko umjesto Srne
http://tinyurl.com/mnkuad2
Na osnovi navedenih informacija procjenujemo da listu 24, možda 25 (Halilović), čine ovi igrači:
vratari: Pletikosa, Subašić, Krešić
obrana: Srna, Vrsaljko, Ćorluka, Lovren, Bubnjić, Schildenfeld, Vida, Strinić
veznjaci: Rakitić, Modrić, Vukojević, Badelj, Kovačić, Perišić, Kranjčar, Ademi
napadači: Olić, Mandžukić, Jelavić, Eduardo i Kalinić.
Eventualno bi se tu mogao naći Milić, primjerice umjesto Badelja koji je daleko od pravih izdanja.