Germany
Photo: Reuters/Fabian Bimmer
Should Ivica Olić start against Iceland? The former Dinamo Zagreb striker, scored a breathtaking game winning goal in the 69th minute of play against Borusiia Dortmund on Saturday. The Croatian international cut left from the right side and blasted home a left-footed strike past a diving Roman Weindenfeller off the far post. The goal was Ivica’s sixth in league play this year and second in his last three games. However, Ivica picked up an injury and had to be subbed off in the 80th minute of play. Wolfsburg will re-evaluate him on Monday as Croatian manager, Niko Kovač, will have plenty to think about in the next few days as Croatia take on Iceland on Friday in Reykjavik.
Photo: Reuters/Fabian Bimmer
Ivan Perišić will also be looking to start against Iceland as the former Hajduk Split prospect has impressed in the past few weeks for Wolfsburg. The Croatian international started and went the distance for Wolfsburg in the win. Ivan finished with two shots and came close to scoring early in the first half but his header just sailed wide.
Ivica Olić game winner
“Olic’s goal was a dream. It should have been blocked, but that didn’t happen.”
~Dortmund manager, Jurgen Klopp
PHOTO: Bundesliga
Bayern Munich enjoyed 72% of possession in route to a 3-0 win over Augsburg over the weekend. Former Dinamo Zagreb striker, Mario Mandžukić started and played the full 90 minutes for Bayern in the win. Surprisingly, Mario finished the match without a single shot for the first time this season. Mandžukić has been the most consistent Croatian striker this season and will surely start against Iceland on Friday. Now the question is will Niko Kovac pair him up with another striker or start him up top as the lone striker?
Srdjan Lakić looked on from the bench as Frankfurt fell to Mainz 1-0.
PHOTO: Hamburg
Milan Badelj and Ivo Iličević couldn’t do much to counter a high flying Bayer Leverkusen team as they fell 5-3 in a highly entertaining match at Bay Arena. Milan started and went the distance, while Ivo came off the bench just after the hour mark for the third consecutive week. Ivo couldn’t get anything going against a very good Bayer team, while Milan was not really at fault for any of the five goals, however, the former Dinamo Zagreb captain should at least be partially at fault for a couple of the season high five goals. Has Badelj done enough to start for Croatia on Friday?
SPAIN
Ivan Rakitic’s amazing form continued for Sevilla as he was their main man in a 3-1 victory over Espanyol on Sunday. Ivan assisted on the first goal when his free kick was headed in by Fedricio Fazio. He also played a part in the second goal, with his corner kick leading to a goal after the ball took a few deflections before Vitolo finished. Ivan seemingly did everything for Sevilla, creating three chances, taking three shots, drawing six fouls, and making three tackles. He also had a game-high 57 completed passes. The win, Sevilla’s 1st in four matches, takes them to 11th in the La Liga table, one point out of 7th.
Assist: 0:15, Corner: 0:35, Shot: 1:00, Free Kick: 1:45, 2:00
Luka Modrić played the full match in Real Madrid’s 5-1 thrashing of Real Sociedad on Saturday at the Bernabeu. Luka was very involved in the action, with a game-high 64 passes and a game-high four chances created. On the defensive end, he also recorded three tackles and three interceptions. Real Madrid remain 3rd in La Liga following the match, with 31 points in 13 matches.
Italy
PHOTO: Reuters/Alessandro Gerafolo
Mateo Kovačić finally put his name on the stat sheet by assisting on Inter’s game winning goal in a 2-0 win over Livorno over the weekend. The 19-year-old playmaker, shook two defenders and found Yuto Nagatome with a beautiful through ball in the 91st minute of play. Mateo has been complaining about playing time and will not be happy coming in at the hour mark against Bologna. Should Mateo get the start against Iceland?
Mateo Kovačić assists on the second goal for Inter
PHOTO:Atalanta
Croatian bad boy, Marko Livaja, scored his second Serie A goal of the season as Atalanta stopped a three match winless streak with a 2-1 win over Bologna. Marko started and played the full 90 minutes for Atalanta in the win. The former Hajduk Split striker saved the best for last by unleashing a lazerbeam/curveball that Bologna keeper didn’t know how to deal with besides picking up the ball in the back of his net. Luck was on Marko’s side as a better keeper surely would have made the save. However, Livaja should get credit for putting extra spin on the ball.
Marko Livaja game winner + interview(in Italian)
PHOTO: leggo.it
Genoa registered their third straight win by shutting out Hellas Verona 2-0 on Sunday. Former Dinamo Zagreb midfielder, Šime Vrsaljko, started and played the full 90 minutes in the win. Remarkably, Verona held most of the possession and outshot Genoa 25-12 in the loss. Vrsaljko played well and helped Genoa to another shutout.
PHOTO: leggo.it
Manuel Pamić must be doing something right after getting his second consecutive start against AC Milan on Sunday. The former Rijeka left back started as a left midfielder and went the distance in a 0-0 draw against AC Milan. After riding the bench most of the season, the 27-year-old looks to have earned a starting job in Chievo. Manuel finished the match with one shot and helped Chievo to their second straight shutout.
Ivan Kelava, Igor Bubnjić, and Frano Mlinar all looked on from the bench as Udinese fell to Catania 1-0. Ante Rebić came off the bench in the 70th minute for Fiorentina in a 2-1 win over Sampdoria on Sunday. Ante is still trying to fit in at Fiorentina and hasn’t played since September 30th because of an injury. Tin Jedvaj looked on from the bench as Roma were held 1-1 by Sassuolo. Josip Radošević failed to get off the bench for Napoli in a 3-0 loss against Juventus.
UKRAINE
Darijo Srna and Shakhtar Donetsk are back in first place after a 2-0 win over Hoverla Saturday. Srna got the start and played the full 90 minutes; assisting on Eduardo’s 72nd minute goal following a corner kick. Srna whipped in a sharp cross from the corner which skipped across the box finding an open Eduardo running through on the back post. It would be an insurance goal which Shakhtar would not require to take over first place with former leaders Metalist losing 3-0 on the weekend. Eduardo came into the match in the 65th minute and could possibly play alongside Mario Mandžukić on Friday in Iceland depending on the severity of Ivica Olić’s injury.
Domagoj Vida and Ognjen Vukojević both played the full 90 minutes for Dynamo Kiev in a 4-1 win over Volyn. The win keeps Dynamo five points behind the lead.
Dnipro’s match with Arsenal Kiev was postponed on Sunday. Ivan Strinić will be out for Croatia due to injury for the Iceland matches and Panathinaikos midfielder Danijel Pranjić has been recalled to the team by Niko Kovač. Pranjić has 45 caps for Croatia and retired from international football when Sammir was called up by the Štimac regime.
ENGLAND
Photo: Southampton FC
The dream start to Southampton’s season continues after their 4-1 win over Hull City on Saturday. With the victory, the Saints head into the year’s last international break with six wins, four draws and only one loss, which is good enough for third place through the first 11 matches in the Premiership. Is Southampton going to make a run at a Champions League berth? Probably not. But they have already defeated Liverpool at Anfield and forced a late 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Next big test: @Arsenal on November 23rd and Chelsea the week after.
Dejan Lovren played the full 90 minutes for Southampton in the win and was not at fault for Hull’s lone goal as midfielder Victor Wanyama gifted Hull the ball deep in Southampton territory with an errant pass. Lovren has been in spectacular form this year in his first Premiership season and should get the nod from manager Niko Kovač this Friday versus Iceland.
Niko Kranjčar came off the bench for Jermaine Jenas in the 31st minute of QPR’s 1-1 draw against Reading on Saturday. Kranjčar sat out the previous week’s match due to a leg injury but will now be available for Croatia during the two legged playoff versus Iceland. Kranjčar did not have a shot in the match vs. Reading as QPR remain two points behind leaders Burnley for automatic promotion to the Premiership.
Nikica Jelavić remained on the bench as an unused substitute in Everton’s goalless draw vs. Crystal Place while Mladen Petrić was not on West Ham’s roster for a third straight week in a 3-1 defeat to Norwich City.
FRANCE
Danijel Subašić started for AS Monaco as they were held to a 1-1 against Evian Thonon on Friday. Subašić came up big for Monaco, stopping four shots after Evian’s Daniel Wass beat him in the 20th minute. The draw allowed Lille to move past Monaco, leaving them 4th in Ligue 1 after 13 matches.
Goal at 0:45, Save at 1:55
RUSSIA
Stipe Pletikosa was in net for Rostov’s 4-1 win over Ural on Friday, their first win since August 19th. It was a huge relief for the team to get their first win in nearly three months, and Stipe was not at fault for the goal, which came with Rostov up 4-0. The three points moves them to 9th in the Russian Premier League.
Goal at 3:50
Season stats (in Russian) for Vedran Ćorluka
Vedran Ćorluka played the full match for 10 man Lokomotiv Moscow on Saturday as they lost their first match since September 1st, falling 2-0 to FK Tom Tomsk. They remain 2nd in the Russian Premier League, three points behind leaders Zenit Zt. Petersburg, who also lost this weekend.
Next Matches:
International break
~Ante Kvartuč and Denis Svirčić reporting from sunny Southern California, Zach Gilfix reporting from Minneapolis, MN
@Ante/Bobby V:
I like Schildenfeld, but he had a couple of challenges that could have gone against us in very bad spots (Euros).
@Ante B – I agree. Schildenfeld was our best defender at Euro 2012 and really never got another look after that. Must be something we don’t know about.
^^^^^ me again
@anon @2:28 i made that lineup
@Dalmo, so true about Melbourne Croatia/Sydney Croatia and then the Marconi’s & South Melbourne’s of the league too
I totally lost interest when they de-ethnicised it – even tho as i have said on this site before – apparently being a dutch club (as Brisbane Roar are) is totally fine, but if you are croatian, greek, italian, no fkn way.. basically no wogs allowed.
Total bullshit.. i’m with you, i don’t watch games and hope the league fails cos it ain’t my league these days. It’s fucking horseshit
I’m somewhat happier today than previously because i have learned the net at my new place is scheduled to be up and running before the 2nd game vs iceland in zagreb. Unfortunately i’ll miss the first one but at least i should get to see the second so it’s not all bad !
I agree about friendlies
@ faux cro tue for now lb i believe in the future niko kovac will find a player he will test players in friendlies if all else fails stick with Strinic i think vrsaljko gorupec brucic pamic jozinovic will be tested in the kovac era.
@Dalmo Ante:
LB only has 3 options. Corluka,Pranjic and Strinic.
You would not like MLS
2pm eastern time, nigga.
Still not getting all the Pranja love here, he is not and at the ripe old age of 31 never will be a good left back. The guy is continually found out because he is too far foward and when he does defend he just tries to guard space and leaves his opponent open to a run at goal or an easy cross.
All that aside someone mentioned how he was the only one to go against the Stimac regime, wwrog the guy was given that friendly so they could push him out, just about to he only good move Stimac made during his time. What really would’ve taken balls was for Pranja to go to bilic and say thanks for all the opportunities I love playing for my country, but in this position I’m not helping the cause I’m hurting it, play me in attack where I can offer a lot more. But instead he collected caps knowing full well he was a liability.
A league is painful to watch, I grew up during the nsl early 90s that was decent, but they made the move to kill ethnicity in soccer and killed soccer, Melbourne Croatia became the knights and there it ended.
ESPN3 is indicating that the game is starting 2PM Eastern US time, yet reports say the game is starting at 8PM in Iceland.
There is only a 5 hour difference in time, meaning the game would begin at 3PM Eastern US.
Anybody know which is correct?
@Anonymous
That isn’t a bad lineup.
Schifo needs to play, and Lovren needs to play at CB. Corluka has had some success at LB and Srna at RB is 10x better than Vida there. All four guys are our most ‘in-form’ defenders right now.
Actually, the only player in that lineup that isn’t in form is Kovacic. He’s also not really played that much for us on the right side either. But that’s what substitutions are for, and you have a VERY in-form Vrsaljko to sub in just in case (or start if you want).
lol @ a-league
yeah.. yah GO AUSSIESSS we got alessandro del piero and william gallas in the league these days
LOL
Just watching an A-league game on FOX.
I don’t know anything about the league, but after watching for 10 minutes, it seems better than a lot of MLS I have seen.
@Slavonac:
Srna does not play at right back for us. He plays at right wing back. He is constantly at the opponents goal line. It would actually be easier for him to play right wing.
————Mandza—————
-Perisic—Rakitic——Kovacic
——–Badelj-Modric———–
-Corluka-Lovren-Sifo-Srna-
———–Pletikosa————-
Ljubuski, yes…I see it here as well although we still have a great community…our soccer team has suffered in the Vancouver Premier Division…the older guys are awesome but its meaningless over 35 or over 40…
hang on a second…Srna right wing? when was the last time he’s played that role and…we dont have any better creative options than him? I truly love the guy but in his previous form when he was crossing and making great passes…not the guy that hasnt sent in a decent cross in almost 2 years. I also challenge Simunic at left back, being exposed down the flank without having someone close by to “double up” can be very costly, I hope he plays well.
@Slavonac
from Toronto
That was a hell of team you guys had back in the day and I love that back in the day most of the players were Croats but as Ziva has pointed out it all went to shit. Those labour day tourneys and parties are not the same no more. Love the avatar.
Moguću postavu za petak možemo samo nagađati, jer nisu još održani taktički treninzi s markerima početnoj 11-orici, no može se očekivati formacija 4-2-3-1 sa Šimunićem na lijevom stražnjem boku, a Ćorlukom i Lovrenom kao stoperskim parom. Ako nema Olića na lijevom krilu je Perišić, a na desnom Iličević ili Srna, u potonjem slučaju bi Vrsaljko bio iza kapetana, na beku, jer Islanđani su prodorniji po toj, svojoj lijevoj strani. Dvojica zadnjih veznih su Modrić i Rakitić, ofenzivni Kovačić ili Kranjčar…
@ Ziva i read and heard that Olic is 50-50 for friday and that he will be available for return leg in Zg.
also reading in the papers that a possible line ups and i dont believe news papers too much they make up. we will see what Kovac has reading that a back 4 of simunic lovren carli srna but Joe is too slow to be in LB?
Problem with my lineup is everyone is slow. Srna has lost a step or two. Olic has too.
@Ante B:
——————————–SMM————————————–
Perisic———————-Kranjcar——————————Srna
————————Modric——Badelj——————————
Pranjic————–Lovren——Schildenfeld————–Corluka
—————————-Pletikosa————————————
There were a few other clubs back then that had majority croatian rosters, but that is no longer the case. The tournament has gone to shit in terms of the top clubs having hrvati on the rosters.
The teams that do have majority hrvati have no chance at winning it. Most of the american-based clubs rent players for the weekend which is why they have no support from the local communities where they are from.
were you there Ziva? did you play? one helluva party at the end of it thats for sure!
we won many tournaments and honestly, I thought we had great players that under some good coaching, could have went onto being great professionals.
also, I think we were the only team that was 90% Croats…most of the other teams there were more than half non Croats!
@slavonac……….that Vancouver team that won the North American tournament back in 1993 (I think it was 93) is the best team that has played in the tounrey is the last 25 years. No other team comes close; not even close.
One thing about Friday’s game that i forgot. Olic is out, correct?
…Ljubuski…and you? what city you from?
Yes, Vancouver Croatia! we had a great organization, some very good players. The Croatian tournaments on the West Coast ie..Lethbridge, Calgary, Prince George and Vancouver weren’t really good competition but we went to the North American tournament on the east Coast once and won the whole thing. My team also won the Canadian Championship in Futsal back in ’93 or ’94 (cant remember the exact year)…things have changed now, our local team has suffered a lot and dont really get the fan tunout we used to get.
@Slavonac did you ever play for any Croatian teams in Canada? ie. Toronto Croatia
Ljubuski – thanks dude…btw – I was in Ljubuski in ’86 and had a great experience there. played a game and received many bottles of wine from the locals…awesome people.
nije bitno – I have my homer glasses on right now…no 2 ways about it. I am working today (holiday today in Canada) so I can take Friday off to watch the game in peace and quiet! I think its ok to be a homer…fuck, I’m gonna put on my old Boksic jersey just to spite Ziva!
Why is nobody including Schildo in their lineup?! How much more does the guy have to prove that he’s a stud for the repka when he suits up. I think you guys type just to type sometimes.
@slavonac
You brother are on a roll today. Another great post at 11:02.
Olic plays all three forward positions (4-3-3) relatively decently, and has scored while operating as a right or left winger (club).
errors or half assed effort. Lovren especially.
errors or planned errors* sorry
Its not uncommon at all now to have a left-sided player on the right side (Robben with bayern) and a right-sided player on the left side.
@Slavonac/Ziva:
Nice analysis.
@Armada:
In Srna’s defense his antics have been subdued for the last couple of years.
The question is, were those really errors are planned errors? We will find out in the next 2 games…
In my opinion, for all of us questioning the players, we will find out Friday and Tuesday if all those blunders were real or fake.
I think they were fake and we will come out strong Friday and Tuesday and play like the euros last year.
No homer glasses intended just really believe they wanted Stico out and did what they had to do from their end to achieve it.
IvicA – I agree about the formation portion and I’ll also throw in the strategy and attempt to justify the strategy by Stimac was laughable. But honestly, I disagree with the players and their positions…ie…”three strikers with only 2 supporting midfielders (plus a Vukojevic) trying to create an offense.” – the 3 forwards strategy was 1 game and it wasnt 3 striker…it was attacking midfields/striker support…they weren’t strikers…and to be honest, even though the system was a nightmare it doesnt mean Olic or Eduardo dont know how to play those roles, both knew how…it was the rest of what was setup that failed in that one game against Serbia. Others things you mentioned…we had left sided players playing as right sided forwards, defenders playing in midfield”…sorry to sound soo arguementative but I think you’re making more of this than its worth…seriously and truly! Many times a player will play oppposite side…its so common nowadays and almost an advantage to those that can shoot well.
The difference we have is little, my real complaint about the team while Stimac was in charge was the overall team itself! I know Stimac was clueless with strategy, formations and tactic but the players under his watch also didnt perform…and to me that was because he didnt unite them…he openly criticized, he made strategy and formation blunders and the players knew he had no idea…they lost respect for him! Those things shouldnt make a player forget to know how to play the game…losing the ball in your own 3rd wasnt Stimacs fault….having 1 guy back while you’re tied 1-1 during a corner kick isnt Stimac….these players are professionals that made stupid undisciplined errors. it was a comdy of errors that Stimac didnt make them do….playing left or right doesnt mean lose concentration or give up…not backcheck…
I think the one of the reasons Srna is a cemented as a starter is he has worn the armband post Euro 2008… Years ago, like others have mentioned, he could cover up all his diving/goofball antics with the great service he provided but now a good NT game from Srna is few and far between and all that diving BS fools no one and to be honest, is just embarassing to see.
I hope Sime Vrsaljko continues to blossom and forces NK hand in moving Srna to more of a super sub/reserve role kind like a Olic or Kranjcar. It’s gonna be interesting if Vrsaljko develops and Srna continues to get worse, how NK will deal with replacing him and who will wear the armband going forward.
I know Tin’s dad Zdenko… and have heard from Dario Simic that Tin is the next upcoming star!
all your points are really good!
I’ll take Lovren over simunic any day of the week at this point, and I’m guessing will Kovac would take Lovren as well.
@ Slavonac
I get what you’re saying when you want clarity over what people mean when they say ‘natural position’ as the term seems to come up in every single discussion thread.
Of course there are variations that are based off of tactics and formation…but I think it’s safe to assume that our last coach did not have a really good grasp of tactics and formations.
People here weren’t talking about offsetting the defense that an offensive-oriented LB leaves on the table with complimentary player.
With our previous coach, we had left sided players playing as right sided forwards, defenders playing in midfield, and three strikers with only 2 supporting midfielders (plus a Vukojevic) trying to create an offense.
We were talking about guys playing so WILDLY out of position that there was no justification of what the hell they were doing on that part of the field, regardless of what tactics and formation you are trying to play.
So when someone here says ‘natural position’, we really just mean not playing Pletikosa as a striker. 🙂
@Slavonac
“do we not have a better defensive option”
Down the road I would say yes. The kid Tin Jedvaj is only 17 but down the road might be able to set in. He has potentional. I agree Srna has been off his game but Kovac is in a tough postion. I don;t think he wants to start rotating players like Stimac did. It is too bad that Stimac did such a piss poor job of managing this team. All of this could of been addressed earlier and to steal your words he should of done a better job of “balancing out incoming vs outgoing players in a balanced manner”. At this stage I think Kovac has to go with Srna and Rakitic as well. As for Simunic he will always be king for me.
Srna has been on a decline for some time now. I’d rather have him at right wing servicing than at right back (less ground to cover for him). Only problem with that is, he too slow to be a winger in modern day football. Heck, he doesn’t even get us many free kicks with his flops like he used to. His flopping/acting is at a decline as well.
@Živa
I’d say Lovren is pretty much 100 percent starting. Šimunić not so much. I like Kovačić, but he might not be 100 percent healthy, and I think Kovač really values match fitness more than our previous coaches. But Kovačić came off the bench and set up a goal for Inter last game, so who knows, maybe he’s back to 100 percent.
NK Ljubuski – I do agree Simunic is reliable but at 35, he’s no Franco Baresi and I think we have to have a solution for that position sooner rather than later. Regardless, I did mention that out of the 3 I listed, he was the most consistent…I just worry that we aren’t balancing out our incoming vs outgoing players in a balanced manner. it shouldn’t take 2 years of a lack of production before they consider putting Srna on the sidelines (just an example) I like Srna but he hasnt done what he used to do for us. There are other right backs that play just as defensive as Srna, if not…even better. My point about him is that when he was initially introduced to us, he gave an incredible amout of service…in almost 2 years he’s not doing it anyomre…so why keep him as a standard player if we’ve lost his offensive production? We must get the most out of every player, aren’t there any other right backs that are either more offensive of even less offensive but more stable defensively? Good teams always tend to utilize their strengths…Srna was utilized for hois great service, now that we dont have that from him do we not have a better defensive option?
@Slavonac……….I agree with your comments, but I think those guys will be starting on Friday. I’d be shocked if any of the 8 I listed are not starters for Friday.
I agree with your comments on Simunic and Rakitic. Problem is we don’t have enough depth. I see some are banging the Ilicevic drum again. Problem is we have not witnessed much from him.
sorry guys, disregard one of the above comments
@Slavonac
no one should attack you for the Rakitic comment, yes someone will throw some useless statistic about what he does at the club level, so what?When it comes to the repka he seems to not show up. Hopefully Kovac can motivate him.
Simunic might be slow but he plays every game and we can count on him. Made crucial plays for us and because of him we are in this playoff berth. Until they can find someone they most likely need to play him.
I have seen him seem disintereted in the europa league play but who can blame him. It’s europa and not champions league play.
@Slavonac
no one should attack you for the Rakitic comment, yes someone will throw some useless statistic about what he does at the club level, so what?When it comes to the repka he seems to not show up. Hopefully Kovac can motivate him.
Simunic might be slow but he plays every game and we can count on him. Made crucial plays for us and because of him we are in this playoff berth. Until they can find someone they most likely need to play him.
I have seem him seem disintereted in the europa league play but who can blame him. It’s europa and not champions league play.
Ziva – I’m no expert on the starting 11, I think that category is defferent with different people, one coach may play Simunic and another may opt for another option. The one thing that I can say about the starting 11 is I think you are generous. Although you have made some relatively safe starters I think a little differently. Simunic is slower than molasses and if we are going to be a competitor on the world stage, we need to find someone to take over his responsibilities. Srna hasn’t had a great game for 1.5 years…he’s steady but doesnt provide the service he used to, Rakitic has never impressed me for the NT. I’d love to see all 3 of those players either challenged or weeded out, you cant play based on reputation and to be honest…Simunic has been consistently out of the 3 of them…doesnt say much for the rest!
I know many will attack me for Rakitic and say he hasn’t played his position…based on his performances I challenge anyone to tell me when he has recently…in the last 7 – 10 games done anything close to what he does for his club team?
Well said Slavonac.
You too Ziva, except i think Lovren is a for sure starter as well. Yes, he has been on and off with the repka but his game has been A+ for a good time now at Southampton. Kovac has no choice but to play him. I don’t like what i have been seeing out of simunic at dinamo since the red card he got in belgrade for the repka. He steps up for the national team but i haven’t seen him play with this lack of desire or laziness at club level for a long time.
Agreed, well said. Pranjic is a short-term solution to a problem that has long been an issue for the repka. So, to those saying Kovac will experiment or try new things…haaaaa!
There is no chance he is going to experiment with the unknown in a playoff tie. Playing Pranjic may work against a team like Iceland. But, we know its not the long-term solution. The main objective is to secure a WC berth and worry about building a team later.
I’m going over the guys who are porbably secure in the starting 11……who am I missing.
Pletikosa
Simunic
Corluka
Srna
Rakitic
Modric
Kovacic
Mandzukic
Those 8 we can almost cement their place in the starting 11. Who are the remaining 3.
Does he move around the backline and put Lovren or Corluka out there or go with Pranjic at RB.
So, now it depends what lineup Kovac wants to sue. Does he want to go with 5 MFS (4-2-3-1, 4-1-4-1) or does he go with two forwards (4-4-2, 4-1-3-2). If so, Olic is probably the other forward.
If he goes with 5 MFs, then I think he will probably use Badelj as a CDM with Mandza as the lone forward up top. If he goes with two forwards, he will go with Olic and Mandza and a middle with Rakitic-Kovacic-Modric-Perisic.
@Slavonac from Canada
Well said and excellent analysis.
Playing Pranjic at left back isnt playing him in his natural position…
I’d like to ask what you deem as a natural position? Almost every single player doesn’t get to play what they deem as natural…every position has a variation of how it should be played based on the tactic and formation…and then there is another element that plays into it…who is playing in the lineup!
You may have a left back that usually tends to overlap and attack, this requires an alert player to fill in for him…its not always possible to play a position the way you want to….there are always other factors.
For example, you couldn’t play two players on the right side and expect both to attack, one of them has to have the defensive responsibility…the coach decides the system and what player has what responsibilities. Finding the right balance is important…ensuring you are doing whats best for the team is more important than ensuring 1 guy gets to play what he does on his club team…its almost impossible to have two separate teams playing the same way…one thing is a system but another is having the personnel perform the same from 2 different teams. This is why many times a player plays great for his club and terrible for their National team…and vice versa. Look at Lampard over the years…he was great with Chelsea and shit with England!
@ IvicA
I agree. I think Kovac will put away the lab coats and stop the experimenting. I’m sure he will it simple and stick with what works. And play players in their natural positions. We can’t afford to mess around with the lineup anymore.
And in other news. Malta ANNIHILATED Croatia in rugby over the weekend, 37 – 18.
BTW, didn’t know we played rugby, great game, but hard as heck.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20131109/rugby/rugby-union-impressive-malta-ease-past-croatia.494008#.UoD_PuLNnSQ
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Olic goal….
http://balls.ie/football/ivica-olic-scored-peach-dortmund-today-gif/
…
@faux cro
seems to be true, i wish ziva please write under his own name instead of this florijan name.
@Croatia versus Antwerp
Your comment:
“Ok the Wolfsburg renaissance is in full swing. This win over Dortmund is huge, and boosts the sides credentials.
Now Olic and Perisic have played significant roles in this revival. With Olic scoring the goals and Perisic earning positive reviews in recent weeks. I think we should give Perisic another shot at left wing against Iceland.
And can we at least play players in a formation that they are used too: 4-2-3-1. Players like Badelj (DM), Modric (CM), Perisic (LAM), Rakitic (CAM), Mandzu (F) etc. all play in this formation at club level with success, so let’s use it at the national level.”
Dude, you’re starting to sound like me 😉
I’ve been preaching this since the dawn of time. Play these guys in their natural positions, period. We haven’t fielded a starting 11 with everyone playing where they do for club level yet.
I pulled out a lineup before the Belgium game that included Perisic on the left side, and Stimac actually fielded a team similar to my lineup. The only MAJOR difference is that his starting eleven players were jumbled around in completely different positions than what they play in the real world (ie. Perisic as a very deep forward right winger? Strinic in the midfield?). Naturally, Perisic was a ghost out there on the right side (committing a major mistake too) and Strinic was too deep to provide any left sided defensive cover for Lovren when he pushed forward. It was a disaster.
Had Stico only played these guys (along with a few notable others) in their natural positions, the result would have been different. I don’t think Kovac will experiment much with the formations and callups. I have confidence in Kovac playing everyone where they should be played.
@Florijan that might be true, but at least we’ve got the Adriatic. All you bitches have are gypsies from Romania and Bulgaria surrounding you, and most likely tickets to Brazil. I guess your team can watch it on TV in Belgrade.
Jebem ti bog mater
^^^
Ziva finally changed his screen name.
THIS TEAM IS FULL OF OVER-PAYED, OVER-RATED WANKERS. JUGOSLAVIJA U SRCU. JUGA JUGA JUGA. DA SE POKOJNI TITO VRATI SVI BI BILI U GROBU.
@CvA:
Most of our players are used to playing in Zagreb, Germany, Russia or the Ukraine.
During Bayern’s last CL game in Czech, SMM wasn’t even wearing long sleeves, compression garments or gloves. Everyone else seemed to be wearing them.
If the weather/field is shitty, both teams will have to play on it. Hopefully it doesn’t turn into a US/Costa Rica match.
@Matesic Method:
I am anxious to see the tactics/formations too.
@ Faux Cro and Matesic
Reports call for rain and snow all week. I fear the pitch will become unplayable, neutralizing our technical game.
Also kick off will be at 8pm Icelandic time. At that point, temperatures will drop from their daily high to near freezing. Polar winds pick up at night hitting over 20 mph.
Weather will be a factor, but it’s NO excuse. Our players will be prepared!
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=211
Good move to recall Pranjic. We need more left sided players.
@ faux Cro
Point well taken but tough for young talented to concede possession and wait for counters. Plus they have not played that way all qualifying campaign.
Can’t wait to see the tactical alignment for both teams.
Pranjic call up is a good one. We are too thin with natural left footed players and pranjic is a veteran who will be able to implement the game plan.
High of 45f on Thursday in rejkvavik so the field will not be frozen.
Dutch official for match in Zagreb will be friendly with their attacking player.
Need to be careful in and around our penalty box.
Niko I brate spasite hrvate
Nima spasa bez znanja
Ne brinite tu je Pranja
Geeeeez I hope he plays the games of his life, he was always a major liability down there. Wingmen aren’t backs we are yet to learn that.
Please Pranja dont leak goals
Did the return leg ticket sales go well?
Ref for the first leg in Rekjavik will be Alberto Undiano of Spain. Return leg in Zagreb will be reffed by Bjorn Kuipers of Holland.
@Sgt:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4406u_yFQ14
Zanetti is a class act, but he must be 100 years old by now.
@Mishko:
LOL
@Matesic:
Counterattacking can be tricky although it almost worked against Spain in the last Euros.
You are assuming that Iceland is going to attack like savages for 90+ minutes. They may be planning to concede possession and counterattack.
I’m convinced Kovac is reading my posts here. Brilliant moves. Mishko is happy.
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@ Iggy he got called up yes! Strinic is out and olic is 50-50 might just be avilable for Zg game
Nice drawing of da man dejan !
Did pranjic really get called up??? That does surprise me
Anybody see Kovacic with a beautiful assist for inters second goal, got past a couple then a small flick with the outside of the foot beautifilly timed to set up Zanetti i think it was, class.
Croatia FA fined again… still no action against Serbia however
http://www.aljazeera.com/sport/football/2013/11/fifa-fines-croatia-greece-racism-2013119165014647559.html
@Ante B
Interesting move by Kovac and I am surprised. I figured Pranjic’s time was done and nothing left to give.
That’s what I’m talking about! Brilliant move by Kovac by calling up Pranjic. Pranjic was the guy who stood up by stepping down after the Sammir call up, did the right thing, stuck to his guard and now what happens?! He gets called up. There’s a huge point of the good guy! And to think how many of you shat on him, evo ti ga na!!!
No need for Nike to make Eskimo gear as no market exists.
Pranjic gets the call up
Does Nike make Eskimo gear too?
weather is not an issue…….stop with the excuses. Besides, we have Nike as our supplier. they will provide enough warm-weather gear.
Weather is all invthe head butvif the pitch is unplayable thay another thing
Our players will be ready for the weather. Isuse like they have never seen or played in strong wind, rain,snow or sleet.
Livaja scored too. He played the full game and scored the winning goal in the 93th minute.
Vrsaljko played 90 minutes for Genoa in their win.
I’m not saying be scared of the weather. All I’m saying is not to underestimate it, and be ready for it.
When we are well drilled and prepared, we should get the result we need–no matter the climate..
Iceland’s winter is when?
Matesic Method bang on !
Bravo Matesic. Love your attitude and LMFAO. “Weather moj Kurac”
Weather moj Kurac !
Time to line up and represent Hrvatska for 180+ mins.
Iceland have young attacking talent.
Lock down and counter all night long!
In general, the climate is NOT worse in Russia or Ukraine. No matches are played this far north over there. Besides there are stronger winds in Iceland. I mean they don’t call this place Iceland for nothing.
Anyway, 39F and raining, can easily turn into freezing temperatures and snow. We all know how accurate weather forecasts are.
But still, we should pull through. If we win 1-0 up there–I ain’t complaining.
Vrsaljko at lb for me.
Weather will not be an issue. Enough of the boys have played in worse over in the Ukraine and Russia. No excuses, they know what is on line.
Nema veze!
It will be 39f and raining.
That is Zagreb in December!
Tuesday will snow in rejkavek so we dodged a billet with the playoff draw.
Put Vida at left back to hound their young attackers.
Kovac will sit down with Rakitic and appeal to his Swiss German training and assure him that his role will best utilize his talents displayed for Sevilla.
T-5 days!
Van Persie scored a Mandzukic-like goal, Man U up 1-0 over Arsenal.
@ jm
Vatreni will be playing a match just below the Arctic Circle–this is where human civilization ends. The last stop before the great wilderness so to speak.
This is probably the harshest climate a team can face in UEFA.
As you say, Vatreni will encounter difficult conditions. I’m curious to see how are players will handle it. This isn’t exactly Hvar sunshine. And throw in the fact that this just happens to be a World Cup playoff, and man you got a match that anything can happen.
This will probably be a low scoring affair.
i’m very worried about the conditions for iceland. it looks like it will definitely be rain or snow. right around freezing. and 20 mph winds. i think this is going to make it much tougher for two reasons:
1) croatia can’t use its technical advantage (try accurately sending in a cross with 20mph winds with no footing in the snow). this will be potentially allow iceland to just bunker and play for a low score
2) you can the chance for freak iceland goals from croat defenders slipping or the ball taking strange turns in the air
News is strinic will be out our only lb at this time so who plays at lb im going with carli or vrsaljko.
Dalmo Ante enough with the tears, excuses and crying. 🙂
Nice win and first place again.
Looks like Rakitic played the full 90 and made it through without hopefully worsening his injury. Im confident that Kovac will get him to bring some of his Sevilla play over to the national team. Reports are saying he was dangerous all day especially with his set pieces, which the repka has been poor at lately
@ Iggy. People are in love with Lovren and making drawings of him.
Here you go.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BYkFjxPIEAEHLeP.jpg:large
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Rakitic with an assist!
Why are Sevilla playing at 3:00am?!
And why the fuck am I following this right now?…
Ja Sammiru nudim jednu damljanu mog najboljeg vina i bocun rakije da dode igrati za zadar, pa ga onda prodamo za koju kunu i malo duga otplatimo 😀
Lipo bi i njemu bilo, toplija je zima, vino je dobro a zrce nije mu daleko 😀
it does look funny on the map doesnt it.. we really stand out.. we are red and no one around us is for quite some distance..
I Do agree with matesic tho once we dispatch iceland it might improve : )
iggy wtf on the depression thing? just goes to show we ain’t related to the serbs at all… we are a special kind of fucked up;)
Yeah bravo Dinamo in a rigged league you won so many trophies, remind me what was it that you did in the european competitions?
……….but your man Mamic made some coin from match fixing and Kruno and Branko had a few turns to get hired and fired from the same gig, yeah a well oiled machine in Zagreb 😀
On the plus side Kruno with Jose was world class jock sniffing, Ziva was so proud in that moment
I am an idiot
Big joke. Last five years what have they accomplished. Nothing. 🙂
No first place, no champions or europa league play.
A lot of “street artists” especially in Victoria. And using the term artist is being kind.
@Matesic Method:
British Columbia is appropriately named. English and monarch shit everywhere.
I have spent time in Toronto, St. John and Halifax and they don’t have that feel.
Yeah a united team that is playing well is the joke. Hajduk’s total player payments cant even cover Sammir’s stock cola consumption, just goes to prove how important hunger is.
A stroll down memory lane
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFv78Ru5qYs
Biggest joke is Hajduk. Plain and simple.
How did the hell is magatha gonna coach dinamo o man what the fuck how did hercegovacka mafija get this done well from what i read he want half the team out. So expect lokomotiva to lose alot of players as dinamo wants them back. Dinamo is a joke funny. Hajduk zivi vjecno.
@Matesic Method:
I spent a week in British Columbia in early September. Great time. Although a little too Bohemian for my liking. It must be a Pacific Northwest thing.
White kids begging for money and shit like that.
Wow, Olic scores a non-Olic goal…..again.
@ Iggy
Good research!
Depression is the natural response of the body-mind when the soul is being dominated by the ego.
No worries mate we will shift the data after this Friday!
Hahah Bobby yeah maybe that is it : )
@Iggy – too much of CSR!
@Colin
I would love if it is true and would be very suprised. Felix has spent his entrie playing career and coaching career in Germany but maybe at 3 million he will leave. Like you said changes are coming in the next few weeks. Keep us posted and thanks for the updates.
Was just watching the news and a story about diagnosed clinical depression came on, they had a breakdown by nation.
I had a look and we were like the worst while those around us not bad. Looks like hrvati are depressed!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/files/2013/11/depression-rates.jpg
Hoping it’s true http://www.sportcom.hr/sport/nogomet/dinamo/do-kada-%C4%87e-zajedno-funkcionirati-zdravko-mami%C4%87-i-felix-magath.html
More reports are saying it’s a done deal, 3 million a year, and he will take over after the winter break.
A lot of conflicting reports, but Felix Magath’s name is being thrown around again to take over as coach, and this time, it sounds like he’s pretty close. This is just off the rumor mill, though. BUT the Sammir thing is true.
@Colin
What big changes are you hinting at?
…………….Mandzo/Olic……….
Perisic/Kovacic …Rakitic…Srna…
…………..Modric…Badelj…………
Strinic…Simunic..Lovren..Corluka
…………………or…………………….
Strinic…Lovren..Corluka..Vrsaljko
……………Pletikosa…………………..
Hey hey, Looks like Sammir is OUT of Dinamo and is now a free agent. Big changes could be coming to Dinamo in the next few weeks.
Gonna be good game vs Iceland we should not underestimate them this will be a tough game and who knows what will happen the game in Zg should be better beacuse the weather will be better than iceland.
@ Poglavnik
Love the warm and in pre married life loved even more the natural beauties from Canada.
I will hit during one summer.
This summer have to take the family to Europe to ensure my son knows what it means to be a Matesic!
Eduardo scores too. In the 72th minute in their 0-2 win.
Olić zabio, pa izašao zbog ozljede
http://is.gd/fL8KqP
^ ^
It’s pretty wet from November – March but you’ve got skiing and hockey going on if that’s your thing. Hottest months would be from July to September. it’s a different city when it’s not raining. Beaches are awesome, tons of hotties, and it’s very sporty. Lots of outdoorsy things to do.
If Ilicevic is healthy I would give him a look on the right wing as well.
Kovac will decide between Badelj or Mates?
We need a legit DM who can do the business .
@ Dannyj
to je to!
Sakic = Soul Champion!
Stay on the soap box and speak the truth.
Sakic-Petrovic-Kovac-Olic all give their soul to the game.
Olic starts off Mandzukic. He will either score or wear down the Icelandic defense. Plus you cannot keep him cold on the bench, may pull his hammie. Then bring in Kranjcar when their legs wear down.
Also would start Perisic on the left to run his ass off. Then bring on Rebic to stretch them on the counter.
I would start with Vrsaljko on the right wing. Need to run the wings. We come out slow we will be punished.
Then Modric and Rakitic can pull the strings.
@ Poglavnik
When is the best time of year to visit Vancouver?
Great news, there is a God. It’s about time. Does anybody need a janitor or parking lot sweeper? http://www.vecernji.hr/nogomet/zoran-mamic-sammir-vise-nikad-nece-zaigrati-za-dinamo-901957
^ ^
A good friend knew Joe’s brother Brian quite well and said he was way more talented growing up, but didn’t have the discipline or work ethic that Joe had.
My old man and Joe’s old man knew each other for about 50 years. Met Marian a bunch of times but not the bro’s. My old man always talked down to him and liked to take the piss. Never asked him for a thing unlike so many other Hrvati here in Vancouver. Seems like Marian really liked him for that. Ziva might have been proud…
@ Croatian Crippler
That “No Mas,” fight was iconic. I didn’t see the documentary though. But I’ve put it on my must see list.
@ Dannyj
Olic has always been in impressive physical shape. He’s ripped like an MMA fighter. He could beat the hell out of anyone in Repka or the Iceland national team for that matter.
subasic had a good game
That was a great gOlic goal though. He created that chance himself! He cut inside a defender and then unleashed a wonderful curling shot which caromed off the post for a goal.
World Class strike pure and simple.
great goal by olic… i am tired of people always beating on olic… wtf… ya he isn’t 100 percent goal scoring machine for us and has missed his fair opportunites but the guy bleeds for the team. he is a freaking pitbull out there and at 34 i bet he is still in better shape then some guys 10 years younger.
it seems like he has been a bit fortunate to not have any serious injuries but that is a bit of luck and for sure a testament to his work ethic on and off the field keeping him in great shape
whoever kovac plays on friday is his choice now… but i guarantee kovac has not forgot the effort olic put out while he was on the repka and notices that the same effort is there now… we need effort not panzies who have some skill and no heart
i hope kovac is doing like kurt russell did in the movie about the 1980 men’s olympic hockey team and working them hard, making them throw up… not that they need it for their shape but need it to wake up and taste what they have in their grasp and how fortunate they are to be where they are
i could see a guy like kovac running hard with them
i used to play hockey in the same minor organization that another croatian great Joe Sakic played… a former coach of mine, coached him… he said Joe wasn’t that great as a youngster… but the fucker was on the ice every chance he could get shooting at the same spot 1000 times.
thats the formula boy’s good talent and heart… gets you alot farther then just talent and a bad attitude
honestly i didn’t see kovac play too much except the repka, but i bet there are tons of guys that had more talent then him, but he left his balls on the field that’s why he was successful
lets hope he brings some of that fire back to the team cause if we get through iceland and he can instill that passion back into them… why can’t we perform again… did we not perform in Euro and give spain one of their hardest tests!!!
off my soap box… lets be positive boys.
olic won’t play cause he scored this week, he might play cause what he has done in the past.
i sure as shit remember more of his big goals then his misses
the club managers will thank niko for what he is doing to them at national practice cause play will reflect at the club im sure of it
MI HRVATI!!
Anyone see the ESPN 30 for 30 about Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard? Just watched it and Sugar Ray Wearing a Hrvatska hat around lol
Great goal Olic!
Ziva,another Olic type goal!!
@Allen, STFU. Who the hell do you think you are, Ziva Istina, to talk shit about our players.
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Ok the Wolfsburg renaissance is in full swing. This win over Dortmund is huge, and boosts the sides credentials.
Now Olic and Perisic have played significant roles in this revival. With Olic scoring the goals and Perisic earning positive reviews in recent weeks. I think we should give Perisic another shot at left wing against Iceland.
And can we at least play players in a formation that they are used too: 4-2-3-1. Players like Badelj (DM), Modric (CM), Perisic (LAM), Rakitic (CAM), Mandzu (F) etc. all play in this formation at club level with success, so let’s use it at the national level.
You can’t compare Robben to Olic that’s right. Robben is a world class player, although he can get predictable. Olic is a world sprinter, who couldn’t dribble past a defender if his life depended on it.
Great now Olic is going to start on Friday because he scored one goal. Can’t wait till he plays Friday and does absolutely nothing like he does three-fourths of the time he starts for the NT.
Olic still killing it at 34! GIVE him minutes against Iceland!
^ ^
You and me both!
Please don’t compare Olic to Robben. I fricken can’t stand Robben, he’s a selfish POS.
Was that Olic or Robben!?!
Man Olic…what a goal. Great result for Wolfsburg too!
Hopefully not to serious…would love for him to play in the Iceland game at some point!
Great, just fucking great. Olic limping off.
.
^^^
http://youtu.be/krT4TmixT0Y
; )
Awesome. Too many games to follow. I did find a feed.
http://firstrowus1.eu/watch/220076/6/watch-vfl-wolfsburg-vs-borussia-dortmund.html
.
Outside the box from the corner of it left footed into the top left corner of the net…they’re up 2-1 now over bvb Dortmund
Dejan, what happened?
Olic!!! Wow!!
Jesus, it’s 4 – 0 for Real Madrid with 12 minutes left in the first half.
.
Wow, Southampton up 3 – 0 40 minutes in.
Modric looks exceptionally good. It’s not even been 20 minutes and Real is up 2 – 0
Southampton and Real Madrid playing right now. Gunno watch Real and depending on the result I’ll watch Southampton.
Come on Luka and Lovren.
I would pay money to be at every minute of this training camp!
@ Dalmo Ante
Agree 100%.
Kovac possesses the missing ingredient during our qualifying campaign: SOUL!
Character is primary during these playoffs, tactics drugi I talent treci .
@ Nepoznat
Great link !
Weather could be worse. It won’t be ideal but our boys will be ready for freezing rain and wind.
Zagreb will be ideal in comparison.
Sigurdson needs to be on lock down. Nothing comes through the middle. Kovac will transfer his game into the team for this one.
I am started to feel the Vatreni readying themselves for battle.
Ajmo Hrvatska !
interesting write-up from a betting site:
http://betting.betfair.com/football/world-cup/world-cup-2014-oppose-croatia-in-a-cagey-affair-in-rekjavik-071113-184.html
weather forecast for Rejkjavik is calling for it to be 1-4 degrees C and possible rain/snow on Friday
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Reykjavik+ICXX0002:1:IC
Watching QPR right now. Kranjcar doesn’t look 100%. Hopefully he’ll be match fit for Iceland.
@ MatesicMethod
Niko has already gone on the record that things will be tightened up, i have a good feeling about this. He will have them humming, well drilled and ready to bleed for the kockice. Two training sessions a day will be about keeping them sharp and getting them well structured, he wont stand for bullshit.
@ Iggy do any of the Cro social clubs up your way have the match on? It’s live on setanta
@ dannyj
I am feeling that Kovac will tighten things up and layout a tactical formation that will give us an opportunity to complete and play our best football.
Nothing guaranteed but I’ll take our chances.
Modric has to be in position to influence the game and dominate the midfield. He needs some space to operate and some defensive cover as not to burn him out.
my phone is 3g it isn’t going to stream anywhere near well enough to watch it im afraid : /
i think we’ll win the playoff but i wouldnt be hugely surprised if the first tie was a draw tbh .. pending weather
so what are your guys honest feelings going in to this?
i was feeling a big negative before, it will be a battle but i do think we will come out on top
sure its not as big as that match up with turkey it seems but shit this to save face now as well as make the world cup.. after getting embarassed by the scots twice we must win this.. end of story
You can watch it on your phone ?
Ajde Iggy need you step up and make it happen for yourself !
Most meaningful match in years for Hrvatska.
Sighhh i wont really have proper net at the time as im moving this wednesday.. fucking gay : (.. i’ll be following some shitty text based match-centre thing rather than watching it..
bloody fuckems : /
Reykjavik weather for this Friday:
38f/3c, possible rain.
NO FROZEN FIELD!
Slick surface will be good for us and, our boys were raised on crap HNL pitches or worse.
Return leg in Zagreb should be dry and well into the 40’s f.
T-6 days!
Finbogossan, striker from Iceland, scored three times in Holland with Heerenveen against RKC.
Also they reported very bad weather conditions in Iceland. It will be a willpower test for our players.
Can’t wait for an action packed weekend full of football. No match day is complete without a Hrvat scoring!
A Hrvat must score in a league somewhere (not including HNL) every weekend.