SPAIN
Luka Modrić shined bright for Real Madrid in their 1-0 win over Espanyol on Sunday. Modrić assisted on the lone goal, as Pepe headed home his free kick, and was a big source of creativity and distribution for Madrid. He created three chances, had four successful dribbles and picked up a yellow card in the 14th minute. With the Atletico-Barcelona 0-0 deadlock on Saturday, Real now trail both clubs by three points for the La Liga lead.
Ivan Rakitić (above) played the full match for Sevilla on Saturday as both Sevilla and Elche scored goals in the last ten minutes of the 1-1 draw. He created two chances and made two interceptions and two tackles in a fairly quiet match. Sevilla sit 7th in La Liga, one point out of European competition and six out of a Champions League spot. Rakitić has been linked to many top clubs in Europe in the January window, including Manchester United and Chelsea, but has maintained his intent to finish the season at Sevilla.
Rakitić Season Highlights
FRANCE
AS Monaco were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw on Friday against relegation contenders Montpellier as Danijel Subašić started between the pipes for Monaco. Subašić made four saves, including a 68th minute penalty, but the rebound was scored by M’baye Niang. Subašić also made a great save with his feet to keep Montpellier from scoring on a 1v1 in the first half. Monaco remain second in Ligue 1, but now sit five points behind PSG.
Save: 1:10, Penalty: 2:25
ENGLAND
Niko Kranjčar got the start and played 85 minutes for QPR on Saturday in a 3-1 win over Ipswich Town. After a scoreless first half, Kranjčar opened up the scoring in the 52nd minute as he trotted around the box with the ball before shooting to the far, right side of the goal. The ball skipped across the grass and eluded the Ipswich keeper making it just inside the post. It was Kranjčar’s only shot on goal. With the win, QPR remain one point behind Burnley for automatic promotion into the Premiership next season.
Kranjčar goal 0:30
Dejan Lovren played the full 90 minutes for Southampton on Saturday in a 1-0 shutout win over West Brom. Lovren picked up a yellow card in the 27th minute for a foul on Shane Long but was rated highly for his “lively” play on the back line. West Brom pushed late for an equalizer but the entire Saints defense was able to keep the clean sheet. The win keeps Southampton in ninth place with 30 points through 21 matches.
Everton sold Croatian striker Nikica Jelavić to Hull City earlier in the week for a reported £9 million. Jelavić was not a part of the Hull City squad in their 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday but he can make his debut with the Tigers Saturday vs. Norwich City. He scored 16 goals in 59 matches for Everton since coming over in the winter transfer window in 2012 from Rangers.
Italy
PHOTO: AP/Alfredo Falcone
Šime Vrsaljko and Genoa had a nightmare of a day at the office on Sunday as Roma scored four unanswered goals in a 27 minute span to drop Genoa to 10th place on the Serie A table. Šime played 69 minutes on the right wing and wasn’t at fault for either of the four goals. Tin Jedvaj came on for Roma in the 83rd minute of play with the match already decided. Genoa finished the match without a shot as Roma dominated with 66% possession.
Alessandro Florenzi put Šime Vrsaljko on a poster with a beautiful bicycle kick
Josip Radošević made a rare appearance for Napoli on Sunday. The former Hajduk Split midfielder came on in the 82nd minute in a 3-0 win over Hellas Verona. Josip came on with the game already decided. Marko Livaja looked on from the bench as Atalanta beat Catania 2-1 on Sunday. Ante Rebić failed to come off the bench for Fiorentina in a 0-0 draw against Torino.
Ivan Kelava, Igor Bubnjić, and Frano Mlinar will most likely all look on from the bench as Udinese take on Sampdoria on Monday. While, Manuel Pamić and Chievo will be looking to upset Mateo Kovačić and Inter Milan.
Next Matches:
Saturday, 1/18
Southampton at Sunderland, Livorno at Roma, Real Madrid at Real Betis, Bayern München at Salzburg(friendly), Basel at Hamburger SV(friendly)
Sunday, 1/19
Lazio at Udinese, Cagliari at Atalanta, Internazionale at Genoa, Napoli at Bologna, Sevilla at Atlético Madrid, Monaco at Toulouse
~Ante Kvartuč and Denis Svirčić reporting from sunny Southern California, Zach Gilfix reporting from Minneapolis, MN
the line up against brazil is clear. only one striker (very likely to be olic). everyone else will play behind the ball like we did against Spain in the euro’s when the team did an excellent job. a 0-0 result is golden . to do anything other than bunker is foolish
Yes, I played with him in several world tourney’s…(Italy WC, Australia WC, Mexico City Pacific Rim Tourney)…
Slavonac,
If I am not mistaken he also won the last CSL championship with Winnipeg and he also captained Canada’s futsal national team. Yeah, he’s got great stories to share…
TO CRO – He is one of the best people I know, we travelled all over the place playing soccer together…even Toronto where we won the North American Croatian tourney (Hamilton) and we also won the Canadian Futsal Championship in London, ON…our team (Vancouver Croatia) was very talented back in those days.
@ Slavonac,
I figured as much. Great guy! Apparently he was quite the baller back in his day, too…
@T.O.CRO – Yes
Here is some info on the Cameroon team:
http://www.kickoff.com/news/40485/cameroon-2014-world-cup
@HAET
They are conditioned to think this way. It’s the popular social trend to be anti-white. People go with the flow and follow the trend. Just look at these Homosexuals and how the media has force feed their perversions to us.
Hey Slavonac,
Your “friend” who knows the Kovac Bros. (presumably his kids go to school with Robert’s kids, seeing that Niko doesn’t live in CRO), are his initials J.G.?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatia_national_football_team_games_-_1940s
Thought this was interesting. FIFA admitted Croatia in 1941 and scheduled games against other puppet states. Also had a few games before that with independent Switzerland.
Wonder what the uniforms looked like. Maybe we should do the retro thing and break them out again when we play the Swiss in March.
@ Slavonac – I always had the nothing but the highest respect for both as players.
As managers I am optimistic but I am maintaining a wait and see approach. A lot of top players couldn’t make the transition work with regards to coaching.
Again, I remain optimistic. I just hope that he tries to be his own man and doesn’t let political influences within the HNS dictate team selection.
Both were true leaders on the pitch.
I love what I heard from him when he took over the U 21s. He constantly pressed them for their work ethic and demanded better fitness and more running. To me, that is a further indication he would prefer Olic over Eduardo. Eduardo is the best finisher we have. However, his work rate cannot compare to Olic. Olic is not the most graceful man with the ball at his feet, however, his work rate is second to none. Players like him, Dirk Kuyt, Mandzukic and Park Ji-Sung were players that get into a starting 11 just for their work rate.
Petar- I hate to bring up the “I have a friend” card but like I mentioned last week, my good friend is friends with Robert Kovac, their families visit each other and kids go to school together. He says they are very disciplined and believe heavily in “rad i red”….which to me translates to a good outcome! The Kovac bros are schooled in the German mentality of the sport so I just think this team will be prepared, so along with the talent we have I think they will play a disciplined brand of soccer, protect their goal and capitalize on their opportunities!
They didn’t come into this position thinking this was a lotto, 2 games to decide their future vs Iceland….they negotiated a 2 year contract to ensure they could put their best foot forward approaching the Euro’s….the fact that they drew Iceland was a bonus!
@ Bobby v
Stipe Perica is a good look against Brazil. Nothing to lose and all to gain.
Against Brazil we should be solid from the back up the spine. Throw the young legs on he wing. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
kosova given the green light for a national team
@Bobby V-Good story about Modric and I hope that he can maintain this form for the longterm.The life of a footballer can be thankless(although the big bucks would help ease the pain)When it was a little tough for him in the beginning,even my family members on this site quickly labelled him a “flop”.Real fans called him “Ratboy”nowadays they are starting to call him “Real Modric”Nice name,but all a bit fickle to me!
@ Slavonac – I have always liked Kovac. Always thought he was an extremely bright player. I pray it translates into coaching for him.
@ Bobby V – You will be hard pressed to find a Croatian that enjoys reading and watching all things about Croatian Youth Football than myself. However, I would never advocate starting Perica vs Brasil. He is an intriguing prospect, for sure. I see where you are going with this because at 6″4-6″5 if he can put it all together he will make an elite target man. However, he is way too raw. I believe to date he has only started 1 game for NAC Breda.
I would definitely bring 3 young players along. They would be players that Kovac and others in Croatia as players who will be part of our National set up for the foreseeable future. Kovacic, Rebic, Jedvaj, Radosevic and Halilovic would be the candidates. That is just my opinion. Kovacic and Rebic may be there on merit alone.
Dinamo U 17s win their friendly tournament in Germany. Ante Coric named player of the tournament.
Petar- I think Kovac is smart and will exhaust every avenue to ensure the team is prepared and united!
We will look good against Brazil for two reasons –
1) We always play our best when we are underdogs
2) We will have the opportunity to play the counter-attack style, which we, like most Eastern Europeans sides, have consistently been the best in the World in doing over the past 30 years.
Play 5 midfielders and which ever forward is best at heading in the crosses from the counter-attack – I’d bring Stipe Perica to Brazil just for this match. You wouldn’t lose much on who he would take the place of.
@ Mr Black – Inter majority owner Erick Thohir has admitted that Inter has a substantial offer for advanced midfielder, Fredy Guarin. He also said they cannot keep him if it is not in his heart to stay.
Fast forward 24hrs and Kovacic is starting in the very same advanced midfield role that is usually occupied by Guarin.
Kovacic just played 90 minutes for Inter Milan in their draw against Chievo. Not a good result, not a great game but at least he did play.
Kelava played 90 minutes for Udinese today in their 3-0 loss. Udinese ended the game with only 9 players.
@ Slavonac – Again, I am giving Kovac a clean slate to evaluate players and formations. I am operating under the assumption that he is smarter than Stimac. If that is the case, then we have to strike down anything that has been done since Stimac took over the side.
I look at our personnel and to me it appears that we are deepest at Midfield. Specifically, Central Midfielders. If Mandzukic is available, that gives us a lot more freedom with the starting lineup. With him out, I feel we have to play to our strength which is midfielders. Also, worth pointing out that two of them are in scintillating form (Modric, Rakitic) and a third (Kovacic) shows flashes of genius.
@ HAET – If you do not waste your time reading posts, perhaps that is part of YOUR problem? You mentioned the never ending flood of Chinese immigrants.
I am impressed though, you never brought out your “Mommy Professor” jibe, like you usually do. Be a man and put your name to your words which you seem so proud of.
its 2014 Petar…as far as I remember, anytime we’ve tried to play for a tie or hold a result we end up playing terribly. when we’ve faced any BIG team and we lineup with the mentality to play smart and patient, we normally get a decent result OR we normally end up playing well and get chance…ie…Italy and Spain at last Euro’s. we did well and we could have gotten a result in both those games.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1920667-increasing-importance-of-luka-modric-evident-as-madrid-beat-espanyol
@ Slavonac – I thought the game vs Germany in 08 was one of our most complete games ever. We played a 4-5-1 in that game. Krancjar played just off of Olic who was up front alone that game. Aside from that, we cant really look at the past few years because A) When Prosinecki left Bilic, Bilic looked like he was more of a man manager and not a tactician. B) After that, any game with Stimac in charge has to be stricken from the records. I hate him as a coach.
I do have to give him credit for playing the Croatian League All-Stars. I thought it was a great way to scout 22 Croats on the field at once. Just my opinion. I also liked how he wasn’t afraid to call up guys who weren’t only on Dinamo and Hajduk. Also love that he didn’t care about age. He gave a lot of guys a shot.
@ Ziva – That is strictly my choice. I agree with you that most likely Vukojevic starts. Pray to the heavens that Radosevic gets A LOT of playing time. However, I am now reading that Napoli is close to buying Jorginho. I know he is a Midfielder. However, I do not know if he is a DM. They were after Maxime Gonalons, from Lyon. He is a DM. That can be a worrying sign for Radosevic. However, also read that Inler may be on his way out. So, it can be easily counterbalanced.
As far as Pranjic goes. Well, he seems to be back in the fold. Granted, it was because Strinic missed both ties with Iceland due to injury. However, what are our other options at LM? I am always pulling for Perisic. One cannot ignore the fact that he is doing very little with his many opportunities. What will be the straw that breaks the camels back? We can all hope that much of it was due to the fact that Stimac was in charge. Perhaps Kovac re-energizes the squad? Let us hope.
Petar- “If we start 4-5-1 why is the admitting we arent playing offensively?”
I see it as a way to tighten the middle of the field and force them (Brazil) outside…we won’t play that system more than once…unless by some miraculous way Kovac introduces a new way to play this system that we can do it successfully…when have we ever played well using the 5 midfield system?
@ Slavonac – For the final time, I compared the man to Ole Gunner Solsjkaer. That is a compliment !! I just find him to slow and doesn’t play the defense needed to start a match over Mandza or Olic.
I am a Gunners fan and compared him to a man of a club I totally despise. A man who won them countless games for many years.
Even though I would like to see it, I think we will have more defensive-minded players in the lineup for the Brazil game. It wouldn’t shock me if Kovac played Vukojevic (or whoever would in place of him and then drop Modric or Rakitic right next to Vukojevic. Basically playing with 2 CDMs. I don’t know if Pranjic would start in that game either.
@ Nepoznat – I am glad you picked up on that. Scroll much further back in this debate and I acknowledged yesterday that I thought playing Srna on the wing would be great because A0 It gets Vrsaljko on the field and I would love to see the two overlapping the right flank and overwhelming Marcelo. I also said that Srnas defensive attributes will help keep some of the speedy Brasilian wingers in check.
While Pranjic played as a TRUE LM at Hereenveen he single handily got a lot of guys from Hereenveen to bigger clubs.
Why Bayern bought into what Bilic was trying to sell is anyone’s guess. Pranjic came up through our junior ranks as a LM and played exclusively as a LM at Hereenveen.
@Petar the other reason I like your lineup for the Brazil match is that it gets 6 players with some defensive skills, 7 if we can find a true DM to play. Srna & Pranjic on the wings, both can send in some nice crosses and both can track back and defend better than a more offensive winger like Di Maria. Who knows perhaps we could steal a point from the first match this way… and then go with a more normal/offensive formation games 2 and 3 (and hopefully 4!) once Mario is back and we’re not playing the hosts in the opening match with all that pressure
@ Slavonac – If we start 4-5-1 why is the admitting we arent playing offensively? Olic in front of Modric, Rakitic, Srna, Kovacic and possibly Pranjic sounds like an offensive set up to me. The one real question remains, who will start at DM? I wish someone had an answer for me, because I am in the dark with that one.
Which friendly that has been scheduled will be designed to practice for Brasil? That formation will be the window into the mind of Kovac.
One injury like Boksic before 1998, Tudor before 2002 or Eduardo before 2008 will change all the plans.
@ Luka Ibrišimović – I am in Oakville, Ontario. The Cognac is always stocked up. I am not much of a drinker. I like to hit the gym so it is counter productive. However, some Hennessy VSOP and some finely aged Prsut always hit the spot at a wedding or great family occasions. During any Croatia game, its a must. Break out the Cevapi as well.
Ok, topic has been beaten down…”Aside from that, I do not feel we can start 2 strikers” – I would bet my left nut they will! I just think that Croatia won’t fold the tent and play defensive, as if the game was over before it started…and we never play well defending. If we don’t provide any threats they will be at the edge of our box for 90 minutes, we need to provide threats as well, I don’t think Kovac believes we don’t stand a chance I think he believes we need to play disciplined and wait for our chances…and they will come if we have opportunistic players waiting for that 1 chance!
Brazil is good, the pressure will be on them and the job for us will be to hold them for 15 minutes…and then silence the crowd…for that we have to have players that can score…guys that can make something out of nothing….Eduardo da Silva!!!!!
@ Slavonac – I said it a long, long, long time ago, many posts ago. 4-5-1
Pleti; – Vrsaljko – Lovren/Schildi – Corluka – Strinic; – Modric – ?(If its a natural DM? I wish I could give you an answer. However, they have used Kovacic here multiple times) ; – Srna, Rakitic – Pranjic (Only natural LM who is in some semblance of form at the moment. De Bruyne arriving at Wolfsburg will hurt the minutes Perisic receives) ; – Olic
As I explained, I think Vrsaljko is far to talented to leave on the bench and I love the idea of overlapping runs made on the right flank between he and Srna. I am not the biggest Strinic fan, however, he is our best option there at the moment. I loved Pranjic when he was a NATURAL LM at Hereenveen and smashing records. I like Kovacic in the back with Modric because he has the ability for his long Zidane-esque like runs through the heart of a midfield. Rakitic just behind the striker because that is where he is with Sevilla and he has a better shot than Kovacic. Olic up front alone. After that, pray like hell !!
@ Slavonac – Mandzukic will not be there. Even if he was, I do not see them lining up two at the top. Correct me if I am wrong, Olic was a LW in at least one.
My point has always remained the same. A 4-5-1, only Olic at the top. I admit I forgot about Pranjic. Aside from that, I do not feel we can start 2 strikers “At The Top” against Brasil.
Petar- I’m not sure but you never gave an answer as to who you would play if the world cup started tomorrow? what you mentioned was IF Rebic gets playing time…well, what if he doesn’t?
@Petar Radman-Livaja
I thought you were yelling at me and I was feeling quite hurtful. A Jerky Boys reference… 🙂
I don’t give a flying you know what on who’s racing each other, just bring the Cognac i Prsut and I am there man!
🙂
Also, I never deviated from my original claim that I feel Olic is the starter of Eduardo.
If you guys like Eduardo that much, that’s cool. I don’t really see why it has dragged on this long. As I said many times, we can agree to disagree. I am not that fond of him anymore. I paid him the compliment of being compared to Ole Gunner. So, I don’t see why their is such offense.
Plenty of players are not what they once were. Maldini was moved to CB. Even Cafu had to move to CB eventually. Why is it such a crime to say that I do not believe Eduardo should start over Olic?
Luka and Petar- in each of the last several games Croatia played there were always at least 2 forwards in the starting lineup…going back to the original conversation…they may have started in different formations, but they started! If we play 5 midfield with1 striker…or 4-2-3-1 …I still think we will see one of our forwards start in a supportive position….and I think as of right now it would be Eduardo!
@Petar, for God’s sake! Did I say the Chinese were going to pour into Croatia? I’m making a point! And I didn’t waste my time reading your “educated” post. Wake up dude!
Africa for the Africans, Asia for the Asians, White countries for EVERYBODY?
ALL and ONLY White countries are being FORCED to ‘assimilate’ w/ a global herd of 3rd-worlders.
It’s GENOCIDE.
@ Luka Ibrišimović – My friend, not a speech directed at you. Just my view on the three strikers we will have at our disposal for game one. Nothing more than that. No malice was intended.
As far as Corluka/Eduardo. We will never truly know unless we get a Donovan Bailey vs Michael Johnson type of head to head going. Like I said, my money is on Corluka. If it ever goes down, we can make a bet and I will even supply the Cognac i Prsut as we sit and watch. I imagine we may be sitting awhile watching those two run 100 meters.
Oh for fuck sake the new kit that Jordan posted looks like a Scottish kilt from the back.
@Haet, great question. I’ll bet it’s yes.
@ HAET – If you truly feel that the Chinese will immigrate and flood mainland Europe. I would suggest you read the “The Economist” and I will dig through all my back issues to find the exact week they did a 20 page breakdown on China.
Just to give you the major highlight, all serious Demographers feel that the one child policy that they have put in place for decades. A policy that has still not been completely erased. The majority of Demographers came to the conclusion that China will not have enough men, more importantly, women, to complete the Nations vision of a Nation that has the population to sustain the Economy and Military it envisions 20 years from now.
Their “New Home Sales Marketplace” and the calculation they use to determine that will also backfire on them. Check out “Vice Magazine” and check out the documentary on the mass cities they have built throughout mainland China. The very cities they plan on using in a forced migration so they may flood Chinese low lands, so they can complete their mass Hydro Electric Damn projects.
Currency manipulation can continue for only so long. Standard of living is increasing at an exponential rate and eventually their house of cards will crumble upon them. Considering how much American debt they hold, if things were to shatter I would hate to see the Great Depression that that would create in a Global Economy that is as interdependent as it is at the moment.
@Petar Radman-Livaja
Your first two paragraphs have nothing to do with determining who would win in a race between Corluka and Eduardo. It is your opinion that Corluka would win in a race over Eduardo but I don’t think that would happen I gotta tell ya. Set it up and let’s see.
Go back and look at the highlight of our second goal against Georgia in Split. Look how quickly Eduardo moves that ball down the field. I realize we are not talking about running with the ball but I don’t see in a flat out race how Corluka beats Eduardo? I find it ever so hard to believe that Eduardo is the second slowest person on our team.
“If it is a choice between Olic or Eduardo, I am taking Olic every time. If Rebic gets a decent amount of minutes in the second half of the season, I am putting him ahead of Eduardo as well. I am not dwelling on the glory years when he had to start for us. Basing it strictly on how they are playing now. No sane human being can argue that Olic, playing in one of the top leagues in the world and for a top 5 team in that very league, also, starting and contributing at a high level can sit on the bench for a guy barely starting half his games and cant even log half the KMs that Olic can run per game.”
Why am I getting this speech? As I never said Eduardo should start. See below to what I wrote above.
“I am not saying that he (referring to Eduardo) should start”
Olic as of right now should start over Eduardo, the only player Olic does not start over as of right now is Mandzukic but we all know that he is unavailable to us in the first game. There is quite some time before that first game and things may or may not change? To be completely honest, I prefer Rebic on the wing considering the players we have at our disposal, our lack of wing play depth, and anything that keeps Rebic less congested on the field in order to attack, I am all for. That left side needs work.
@Ziva, let’s assume it’s true that you said ‘yes’ to “shut me up”. Then give us your honest answer now: Are you against Croatians in Croatia being ‘assimilated’ out of existence by foreign RACE immigrants even if those foreign RACES adopt Croatian language & “culture”?
apparently our new home kit for the world cup has been leaked. take a look
http://www.footyheadlines.com/2014/01/croatia-2014-world-cup-home-kit-leaked.html
I said yes to shut you up. I could have sai no. To be honest i don’t recall that, but if you say I did, then more power to you.
@Ziva, it’s funny how everybody used to attack me for pointing out that Africa is for the Africans, Asia is for the Asians, and White countries are for EVERYBODY; now all of a sudden “nobody wants to engage me on this site”. That’s b/c I’ve completely exposed everybody’s anti-white bullshit and at the very least, shut everybody up. That’s why you try to hide the reality I’m forcing on you by saying things such as “dude, you need help” but NEVER address any of the points I make.
Ziva, I once asked you a question on this site that if Croatians were assimilated out of existence by a never ending flood of Chinese immigrants, would those Asians be “Croatian” in your book if they adopted the Croatian language & “culture”? YOU said yes – that’s justifying the GENOCIDE of Croatian PEOPLE.
YOU’RE the one who “needs help”.
I think we’ll see that experiment coming soon, I’d use Kovacic over Rakitic…I find him quicker and more aggressive going forward although I find Rakitic better at shooting!
@Ziva ohhhh please, Nikica is a humble guy, no drama. You need to stop being a cunt.
BTW Kovacic played excellent today. He’s no Luka, but he’s got good vision.
@ Slavonac From Canada – That may have to be Rakitic or Kovacic. If you use a natural DM than one of those two may be the odd man out. Unless you play them on the wing.
Ziva-I can see that happening but I can’t see them not playing another attacking player in one of the positions behind the striker. so the question still is who will that be or do you just use a natural midfielder?
@ Ernest – I would disagree. I feel that 4-4-2 and philosophies like “Total Football” can be quite relevant today.
It is easier to dispose of one coach as opposed to 25 players. Therefore you have many coaches coaching not to lose. 4-5-1 against Brasil, I completely justify. Once we play Cameroon and Mexico I would like to see Croatia open it up a bit. Once we get Mandzukic back that is.
many teams still play a variation of 4-4-2… player may tuck in behind of slide outside…it is still very similar to that system!
@Slavonac……I think it will be Olic alone upfront against Brazil. If not olic, then another forward by himself. We will go with a 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1, depending on how you want to break it down.
@ Slavonac From Canada – I havent really deviated from my position. I admit that Pranjic slipped my mind in my initial post. I always liked him as a natural LM. Other than that, I have always said a 4-5-1 with Olic as our striker. I do not feel we can start against Brasil with 2 strikers. If after a half of play Kovac feels that we can get away with one more striker on the field, Rebic/Eduardo with Olic.
However, if it were up to me, he is not a starter. I have said all along, for me he is Ole Gunner Solsjkaer, now. If they want to put him in at the 65th minute, go ahead, I would be all for it.
Olic alone…5 in the midfield. Nobody thats any good plays 4-4-2 anymore, thats a thing of the past.
@ HAET. I am re-reading what you wrote and where did I ever justify ………….”the GENOCIDE of the Croatian ‘PEOPLE’” as you wrote it.
Not many people want to engage with you on this site. I think it shows by the lack of comments you get with your posts. But listen, if you want to engage in a conversation with me, then may I suggest you do so via social media channels. I’ve yet to fully embrace twitter, but you can reach me that way at @ziva_istina. I’m currently debating the mertis if I should open a Facebook account. If I find it advantageous, I’ll let you know and you can converse with me on that platform as well. But for now you can do so on twitter.
Petar- Mandzukic is out first game…if everyhing stays as it is right now the question is who do you play as of today….Olic with who?
@HAET……….dude, you need help.
Regarding Da Silva……….we need him on the repka for no other reason than he will be our tour guide in Brazil.
Being serious, I think he will have a spot on the Worlc Cup roster because he is probably the only person on the tema who has shown the ability to score something from nothing. I’m not saying he still has it. Maybe in spurts, but I think that will probably book his ticket on the team.
@ Slavonac From Canada – “I find him to be a pretty smart guy…just not very knowledgeable about the sport and aspect of a player!”
Ouch. Not too sure why you even said I was smart in the first place.
We can agree to disagree. I am not at all high on Eduardo. If he has time and space and a nice pass, he will bury a goal. However, he lacks in so many other departments. Shakhtar had a nice team 2 seasons ago. They look like they are selling club now and their recent reinforcements haven’t caught fire like they had hoped. Buying Taison from Metalist being one of them. Alex Teixeira looks like a good young player.
@ Luka Ibrišimović – I would bet on Corluka to beat Eduardo in a race. That is just my opinion. Starting in only half your games in the Ukrainian League doesn’t inspire me with confidence.
I am guessing Kovac realized his mistake when Eduardo began game 2 vs Iceland on the bench.
If it is a choice between Olic or Eduardo, I am taking Olic every time. If Rebic gets a decent amount of minutes in the second half of the season, I am putting him ahead of Eduardo as well. I am not dwelling on the glory years when he had to start for us. Basing it strictly on how they are playing now. No sane human being can argue that Olic, playing in one of the top leagues in the world and for a top 5 team in that very league, also, starting and contributing at a high level can sit on the bench for a guy barely starting half his games and cant even log half the KMs that Olic can run per game.
Ziva Istina once said on this site that if the Croatian people were assimilated out of existence by Chinese immigrants in Croatia, so long as those Asians spoke Croatian & adopted Croatian “culture”, that’s A-Okay with him. Ziva Istina justified the GENOCIDE of the Croatian ‘PEOPLE’ & is treated as a CULT hero on this site, while I’m the “hater” for pointing this out. What kind scumbag has loyalty to a social construct that is “culture”, but no loyalty to the very PEOPLE who created that “culture”??? And I’m the “hater”? When are you people going to extract your heads from your assholes? Perhaps if I was rich & famous or wore a robe & had a title such as “professor” or “judge”, you’d listen to me? How un-Aryan & downright 3rd-world savage is it of you to listen to “God Ruler Priests” instead of simple common sense?
How can you say something about me, while you have never met me or spent a football Sunday in the fortified basement.
You have no clue if Jelavic is a good guy or not. I think you hope he is because he is croatian. I have no clue if he is or is not. But, i do know that he is uncle is not a good guy.
BTW – Hull City fans are pretty excited about Jelavic. God I hope this turns things around for him, not just for him on the NT, but his career. Nikica seems like a good guy and I always wish the best for good people. Unlike my wishes for Ziva.
And speak ekavica when he played for Zvezda to now overusing the purgerska spreha/zagrebacki sleng. He is and was the best at that as well in his long list of successes.
Not only that, but even more impressive was how Zuti could smoke cigs pack after pack.
for you guys who jumped on the NT bandwagon in the last few years….
Do yourself a favor and watch some Robi Prosinecki highlight reels on YouTube. Far and away, the most technically gifted (confirmed by his peers of the Golden Generation) footballer we’ve produced. With those highlight videos, he just embarasses defenders over and over.
Oh I know they aren’t taking anything he offered. My surprise came from the fact that he DID offer those things. Mamic can take his money promises elsewhere, because no one will ever surrender to him. NEMA PRODAJE, NEMA PREDAJE
@Ante I agree. Mamic OUT.
.
Colin,
Don’t buy into that article. BBB won’t back down until Mamic is completely gone. He tried to give them cash, a place in Dinamo’s marketing and skupstina, told them he’d waive the bans on the black listed Boys, etc etc.
BBB told him to fuck off. They are the last samurais in Croatia. Svaka cast Boysima! NEMA PRODAJE, NEMA PREDAJE
Luka- “technically”, very few in our history were better than Prosinecki….Stojkovic was a good player but far from great, he played in Marseille for 4 years and only played in 29 matches….and I have yet to see anyone claim a player being so great spent the majority of their career in Japan while players like Prosinecki played for Real Madrid, Barca, Sevilla…he is still talked about today in Spain while Stojkovic was making commercials on noodles and chop sticks!
Eduardo isn’t speedy and he never has been BUT, its undeniable that he can score from many areas within 20 yards. His first touch is very good and based on the player listed on the roster today…I see him as a better solution than anyone other than Mandukic and Olic! I’d prefer too see him come in as a sub but if we don’t have Mandzukic in the first game, he has everything going in his favor to me motivated to give a great performance!
@Slavonac from Canada
Good points my friend.
Eduardo is still our best “technical” striker as he is the best dribbler and has the best first touch of any strikers we have. I am not saying he should start but those are points I find very hard to dispute. Dinamo only wishes they had him as a striker at this point in time.
I don’t mean any harm towards Petar but the Corluka being faster than Eduardo statement when I read it threw me off as I don’t believe Eduardo is that slow.
Side note:
I work with a Serbian fellow and we talk football every now and then. He does not have much to say but he tries. 🙂
Anyway, the one thing he always goes on and on about is how Dragan Stojković was a better footballer than Robert Prosinečki. Stojković was a very good player, there is no doubt, but I don’t think he was better than Robert. I realize styles come into play, but I factor that into the equation. On top of that he tries to make it sound like it is such a lopsided decision, like it is not even a close call on how much better Stojković is over Prosinečki.
Politics aside I would take Prosinečki over Stojković. I have not witnessed many better “technical” players, particularly at the dribbling aspect of the game than Prosinečki. What are your thoughts on this discussion?
Luka-player opinions are always based on several things…I think a lot of people have no idea of what it takes to be a player and with that said, comments are made without really thinking or understanding the circumstances. If Eduardo was a shitty as Petar thinks, he’d never be playing at Shakhtar in the first place…after al, this team takes Champions League and their own league very seriously. Eduardo has been rumoured to go to Inter and Arsenal…according to Petar Radman he isn’t fit to play for Dinamo never mind Arsenal…I don’t agree with him although I find him to be a pretty smart guy…just not very knowledgeable about the sport and aspect of a player!
@Petar Radman-Livaja
“Corluka could definitely take Eduardo in a race.”
Some very informative posts Petar!!
Do you really think that Eduardo has lost that much speed? I know he has lost a step but that would be losing more than a step for that to happen.
hahahaha…..that NJ video was…ummmmm….too much for me! I’m no fan of rap and the girls in the video make it look like its some website for pimps and ho’s!
Haha Mamic trying to appeal to the BBB with bribes. Not sure how much is true, but a nice thing to see to start my day.
http://www.ultras-tifo.net/photo-news/2183-zdravko-mamic-again-tried-to-buy-bad-blue-boys.html
Please tell me that was a SNL type skit-
Embarrassing if not-
Get them a drink fast- they’re real thirsty-
Lovre Kalinic on the way out of Hajduk?
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12040/9113674/transfer-news-premier-league-clubs-tracking-croatian-goalkeeper-lovre-kalinic
.
Is it supposed to be comical?
i have to say i was entertained… was it good no, but good luck to the team in the future… but only thing worse then a white person trying to be black is a cro trying to be black;)
i don’t care bout black people either way, but i hate when white people try to be black… those people i will say their parents have failed them
By the way, if anyone needs a good laugh or advise on what not to do on the internet, may I suggest you view the following….
http://gscroatiafc.com/nj-gladiators-are-coming/
Usually I will support the diaspora, but sometimes a few of my fellow members of the diaspora make it way too easy to be ridiculed.
Who thought this was a good idea?
I just read that Second choice Sertic had some type of medical procedure on his heart. Expected to be out for a short time. Does this mean he had no “no heart” before. Could explain why hrvatska was his second choice.
de bruyne to wolfsburg is as good as done, either olic or perisic will lose time
@Soul Champ:
There is a good book
The Soprano State, The History of Political Corruption in New Jersey
I liked what I saw with Rebic in the youth NT. I don’t know if he will see much time over Olic or Perisic.
I am excited to see the lineups.
@Soul Champ:
I didn’t know the mayor of Fort Lee was of Cro descent and a college basketball player to boot.
NJ politics as usual. Actually it is pretty tame. All the inner cities (Newark, Camden, etc.) are failed states chock full of corruption funded by suburban tax dollars.
Re Brazil:
Modric and Rakitic need to be used in their natural positions and they need to bring it.
Lovren needs to not have a brain fart. I can see him getting a red card against Brazil if he leaves his feet.
@ faux Cro
Modric is such a blessing in these major tournaments as his presence will always keep us in the game.
We need some attacking width to step up with him this summer.
NK has to use the Swiss friendly to discern who can play on both wings and off our lone striker.
Rebic should start against Switzerland.
Based on him being a beast athlete who can play wing attack forward. He is the only player in the set up that looks remotely like Ronaldo.
@ Ziva
I get nervous when the sanctimonious shtick gets going.
Is everything ok in the basement?
special request that you acknowledge the presence of majstor Modrić !
Molim te .
Za duh
Remember, a lot of these coaches don’t have the luxury to develop a player if it going to cost them points. Caches get fired all the time and they may feel putting in a 18 or 19 year old is not the best thing for the immediate future. Yes, it could have benefits down the road, but without results those coaches won’t be around for that future. So, that is why you see so many kids sit.
How about this đubre Governor of New Jersey!
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4585799
Mark Sokolich, Mayor of Fort Lee, getting the good ole fashion Jugo treatment from Marshal Christie.
Picku materinu!
jebemo pas mater !
@Mishko:
Voted flop of the match.
I think he will be in full gear next season.
I still don’t understand the purpose though. maybe i’m wrong but i thought most of these deals are like 3 to four year deals, so by the time the player develops and gets off the bench, they can arguably leave
@jm
Radosevic wasn’t bought for big money, so there is no real pressure to play him. In Napoli’s eyes, If he works out fine, if not, then whatever.
Double the amount was paid for Jedvaj, but I do think in this case there is a plan to develop him and have him in their lineup soon. The kid only recently turned 18 and was ineligible prior to that.
This is why I don’t like it when our youngsters go to teams for small money.
@Faux I watched the game, Bale looks horrible.
@ ziva Kovac said he wont call him because he needs to find players to play in brazil needs to find cb partnership. I know what your saying but no chance anyway.
They pay big money sobthey can buy them and have them thats why and the bench them beacuse they believe it takes them time to adapt.
Rebic had an ankle knock and the coach has has visions for him.
http://www.goal.com/en-us/match/116302/espanyol-vs-real-madrid/report
Assist for Modric. Goal.com and fan man of the match.
what is up with rebic not playing today?
scored a goal. fiorentina has no uninjured forwards. any reason?
also, perhaps someone could help me with this question. why do all these clubs pay big money for youngsters like jedvaj, halilovic, radosevic etc when it is very unlikely they will play? is that simply how much a reserve costs in these leagues? or is there a potential future benefit to having them signed for their next contract?
“A host of Premier League clubs are tracking highly-rated Croatian goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic. The Hajduk Split keeper is the current No.2 keeper for Croatia and several Premier League sides are keeping tabs on him as they weigh up a move for him.”
From Skysports Live Transfer Blog
Only major drawback is we need to play a striker to keep Brazil’s defenders honest (or they’ll push up on us).
Hopefully Gomez takes a while coming back and Fiorentina continues to struggle scoring until they’re forced to start Rebic.
Mandzo is out for Brazil,
Olic is a bumbling fool with the ball,
Eduardo is mediocre, has lost that touch years ago, and requires too many chances to score,
Petric is washed up,
Jelavic is out of form and is too slow to play the counter against Brazil anyway…
Honestly, if Niko thinks that Rebic is too inexperienced to start for us, I say we just go with a formation of 5-5-0
We absolutely need to play FIVE midfielders against Brazil as it’s our strength, and a fifth defender will likely benefit us more than that lone (and likely not up-to-par) striker. Just have Rakitic push forward with the wingers on the counters.
If Kovac and the savez had any sense of humor, they should call up Suspension Simunic for the friendly against Switzerland and make him the captain for that game. That would be fun and a good way to show support fire Suspension Joe, since nobody had really supported him to this point.
Serious question. What are the chances of Benko getting called up for the WC? Kovac had some kind words about him this morning.
Okay, Mishko, I was only joking. Sorry if I have offended you.
@ Mr Black thats Dinamos job to give us colored players! If Mamic were 100 percent in Charge Croatia national team over past few years
Koch-Etto Cufre Tonel Ibanez-Chago Callelo-Fernandes Soudani Sammir(C)-Eduardo. subs Morales Anderson Carlos!
@ Mr. Black, get fucked.
What about Hajduk-striker Jean Kouassi? Can’t we give him a Croatian passport? He’s fast and he’s prepared to adapt himself to the country: he will ask to be named Cico Kouassi.
@ Ziva – You naturally make defensive substitutions when you are winning and trying to hold on to a lead.
It would be a dream come true if both logged substantial minutes in the second half and lead to a WC spot. Probably not the most likely. Roma and Napoli have the resources that there is enough quality beyond the bench. For them to be sitting there as teens is a step in the right direction. Radosevic and Jedvaj will start to see a lot more action now.
Roma were not afraid to start Marquinhos as an 18yr old last year.
Also, lot easier to bring them in when the game is already decided. Those guys have promising futures, but not sure any of them will get the call for the WC. I can see taking one young player to the WC to be assimilated with the senior side, but I’m not expecting any of these guys to be up for serious minutes with the repka. Have to get serious minutes at the club level first.
Vrsaljko did not have a good game. Genoa as a whole, actually.
With both Radosevic and Jedvaj getting late cameos, that is great news. As 18 and 19 years old just to sit on those benches gives a good indication of how highly they are both thought of.
Opening half the season just to get their feet wet in training. They will slowly be eased into the starting 11 down the stretch.
Radosevic getting some minutes for Napoli. Hey at least it’s something. And the competition is fierce for playing time at the club. You can only imagine if players like Hamsik sometimes don’t even play.
Best hair style has to be Biscan remeber his style that guy never combed his hair haaa
Jedvaj came in today for roma. Just read he is on NK long list of player lokked at for WC.
Yep, I would have banned him from the repka for a few matches for that frizura. Then, I would have made film a public service announcement to all middle school-aged children about how no person should ever have hair like that and that it can only harm your future. There is no need for selfish, look-at-me type of people.
@Ziva, here’s one thing we can agree upon. Pranjic looks fucking ridiculous. Was it Persiic that played with cornrows a few years back? Yup it was, what a douche wagon.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ij1R5uFK560/TNOKQE0wh6I/AAAAAAAACh8/CVFackphPdA/s1600/20101104-194121.jpg
The best haircut is hitler youth. 😉
.
Rakitic has no time to view videos, he is busy frosting his hair. By the way, what is up with Pranjic’s hair. Man, talk about egotistical look-at-me. Same reason people get tats, so others will notice.
Pranjic goal. I wonder if Rakitic saw this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17U0GJ-R1Ao
Poljud as national stadium? This makes total sense if it actually happens…. http://www.croatiantimes.com/news/Sports/2014-01-10/34970/Minister_supports_Poljud_as_national_stadium
dissappointing that Rebic didnt see a minute for fiorentina today.
@ Chupe – There was an article on Nogometni-Magazin a few days ago that had quoted a Hajduk official who said that Milic, Bencun and Pasalic will all be sold within this transfer period. The worrying thing for Milic is that he is adept at playing DM as well and they have not been deploying him there at least.
Pasalic looks like the really intriguing guy. They call him a late blooming prospect. Last year he shot into everyone’s awareness when he scored 17 goals with the under 17s. Apparently, Milan and Leverkusen have been scouting Pasalic. Lazio and Juve for Milic. Igor Tudor had advised the Juve brass to buy him, claiming he can be one of Europes finest defenders in a few years.
No word on which Italian teams were looking at Bencun.
Where ever they go, all the best, hopefully they get a chance to play.
@ The Fonz – Hiddink will bounce back. I am partial to Hiddink because he coached my favorite Dutch team. The Dutch team of the 98 World Cup with Bergkamp, Kluivert, Davids, Seedorf, Stam, De Boer, Overmars, Zenden, Cocu, VanDerSar
Anchelotti is a classic as well. I am fond of Pellegrini as well. However, it sickens me that he coaches Man City. I loved the Villareal teams that he coached, they were always entertaining. Marcelo Bielsa is a young exciting coach. He is the one I had hoped Barca would hire.
I think a.milic will play this spring when maloca gets sold. I hope the right 23 go to brazil and since i have no expectations for cro hope the get out of group shock and get to 1/8 why not haaa more pijanke reasons this summer.
@Petar Radman-Livaja
“For me, Hiddink is still by far the best coach in the world. I thought he would work wonders with the Turks. It never worked out for him. Abramovich gave him a blank cheque and all Hiddink had to do was name his price and he could coach Chelsea at any time.”
Best coach in the world? That’s a tough call as Hiddink has been quite poor as of late in my opinion. I really like Ancelloti but admittedly he always has good players to work with and I don’t know if I would call him the best coach in the world either. There are some really good coaches out there. Igor Stimac is not one of them.
“Like I said, hopefully some of the kids step it up in the coming months. I am pretty confident that Jedvaj, Rebic, Kovacic and Radosevic will get far more playing time in the second half of the season.”
Will be very nice to see!
“Corluka could definitely take Eduardo in a race.”
Would love to see that!
“As for our LB. Not much we can do. We have been looking for an heir apparent for the always steady Stipe, for years. Yet no young understudy has emerged.”
Hopefully we will not have to wait that long for a LB replacement. Stipe is solid at his position where Strinic is not.
“As for Illicevic, when he is on his game, he looks damn good on the right flank. He has a rocket for a leg and can launch some pile drivers towards goal.”
Agreed! He can play, and he has wheels!
“If Perisic would just simplify his game I feel he could recapture that Dortumnd form. He better turn it around because that Wolfsburg is full of quality and he may just lose a place in that team.”
He has been quite disappointing but I hope he turns it around!
@ Chupe – Perica is an intriguing prospect, but he is a bit too raw for the National Team. A great prospect to keep an eye on though. With his height, if he can produce, he would be a handful for any defense. Antonio Milic is apparently close to a transfer to either Lazio or Juve. It would be intriguing to see what becomes of him. He can play both at CB and DM. I assume you meant Hrvoje Milic, the former Istra player. It would be intriguing to see what becomes of him. He can play both at CB and DM. Mikanovic and Pasalic are two more intriguing Hajduk players.
Most likeley candidates imo going to brazil pletikosa subasic kalini kresic vargic srna vrsaljko strinic milic pranjic lovren corluka sifo vida (NK needs to find another stoper maybe from hnl or outside like runje bubnjic kelic) modric kovacic rakitic ilicevic perisic badelj radosevic sertic vukojevic kranjcar eduardo mandzo olic jelavic benko kramaric cop livaja santini perica halilovic(if he does good in proljece why not.)
For me, Hiddink is still by far the best coach in the world. I thought he would work wonders with the Turks. It never worked out for him. Abramovich gave him a blank cheque and all Hiddink had to do was name his price and he could coach Chelsea at any time.
Like I said, hopefully some of the kids step it up in the coming months. I am pretty confident that Jedvaj, Rebic, Kovacic and Radosevic will get far more playing time in the second half of the season.
Corluka could definitely take Eduardo in a race.
As for our LB. Not much we can do. We have been looking for an heir apparent for the always steady Stipe, for years. Yet no young understudy has emerged.
As for Illicevic, when he is on his game, he looks damn good on the right flank. He has a rocket for a leg and can launch some pile drivers towards goal.
If Perisic would just simplify his game I feel he could recapture that Dortumnd form. He better turn it around because that Wolfsburg is full of quality and he may just lose a place in that team.
Vrsaljko Corluka. Lovern. Strinic
Modric. Ademi
Srna. Kovacic
Rakitic
Olic
I think you have no choice but to play srna and Vrsaljko against Marcelo and neymar but there’s 6 months till kick off so who knows what will happen
espn2 has a great documentary on athletes going broke.
Bernie Kosar is super bitter.
Most of them are the typical hood rat impregnating 15 women and buying 100 cars and houses.
@Petar Radman-Livaja
“I will have to disagree. As much as I root for Perisic and Ilicevic they have not shown anything that suggests they can start for us at this time. Illicevic is constantly injured and Perisic has not been able to recapture the form he once had when he was at Dortmund.”
As I said before we need wingers! Illicevic is way to injury prone there is no doubt but I am still holding up hope for Perisic.
“Srna is light-years faster than Eduardo.”
That race I would like to see.
“Eduardo and Kranjcar are by far the slowest players we have.”
Eduardo would leave Niko in the dust in a race and are you saying that Corluka would beat Eduardo in a race?
“The left side has been a weakness as of late.”
Agreed!
“I am not the biggest Strinic fan.”
I must concur.
“However I feel he is the best option at that position.”
Which is such a sad commentary when it comes down to it and at the end of the day and it does not mean much other than we need to find another solution.
“I wouldnt mind giving Pranjic a run at LM to see if he can recapture some of that Hereenveen magic he once had. Why they ever converted him to a LB is beyond me. ”
He was great against Iceland and I agree it would have been nice to see him play his natural position at some point in time.
“Alves can be a blessing in disguise. I am a big Barca fan and I can tell you that on defense he is nothing more than a moving pylon.”
He is nothing special defensively, that is for sure but Hulk in front of him will help. Alves is not known for his defensive prowess.
“Also, remember that Hiddink managed below strength South Korean and Australian teams. The Russian team he managed wasn’t that great either.”
His club teams were usually stacked and the South Korean team Hiddink coached had the pleasure of getting every possible call in WC 2002 because of the home field advantage and it was sickening. The game against Italy was very bad to watch in regards to favoritism. The Ozzie team was really good I thought and the Russian team did not qualify for WC 2010 losing out to Slovenia in a playoff. This does not bold well for Hiddink as a coach. Two years later we knock him out of the Euros. That Dutch team he had in 98 was awesome and thankfully we beat them for third place.
I will have to disagree. As much as I root for Perisic and Ilicevic they have not shown anything that suggests they can start for us at this time. Illicevic is constantly injured and Perisic has not been able to recapture the form he once had when he was at Dortmund.
Srna is light-years faster than Eduardo. Eduardo and Kranjcar are by far the slowest players we have.
The left side has been a weakness as of late. I am not the biggest Strinic fan. However I feel he is the best option at that position. I wouldnt mind giving Pranjic a run at LM to see if he can recapture some of that Hereenveen magic he once had. Why they ever converted him to a LB is beyond me. Alves can be a blessing in disguise. I am a big Barca fan and I can tell you that on defense he is nothing more than a moving pylon
Also, remember that Hiddink managed below strength South Korean and Australian teams. The Russian team he managed wasn’t that great either.
“The Fonz – If you believe that there is no way that Kovac plays Srna as a RB against Brazil, you further go on to say that he will not play RM. So, I ask you, where will Srna be playing? Because if he is healthy, he is 100 percent playing.
My response has been the same in all instances but I did not check before I posted. Srna will not play RM against Brazil.
“I disagree with you on his dribbling ability, quite strongly in fact. The second game against Iceland he looked like the old skool Srna. The guy who once carried us on his backs and did take on guys. Before he was more concerned with flailing about and diving for penalties. He looked like the Srna in the Champions League where he looks solid going forward.”
Iceland is not quality competition. In the Champions League Srna plays RB.
“Secondly, if you believe that we will be playing a counter attacking game, I could definitely agree with you. However, if it is the case, do you really think Eduardo, one of the slowest players at the World Cup should be playing for a team that will require SPEED, the major key to the counter attack?”
We will play the same counter attack as we did against the Turks in the first 2012 playoff. Olic is the speed pressing the defense and Eduardo is his finesse and technician partner. If you think Eduardo is slow please do not ask him to have a race with Srna.
“I see no other option than a 5 man midfield. You can still counter attack with 5 in the midfield, easily. With the speed of the Brasilians, we will need to control possession in the midfield. Simple as that. A 4 man midfield and we would be far too narrow. We need those extra wide players to help negate their wing play. They do not have a true heir to Kaka yet. They will be coming at us from the wings. Much of the same as what they did at the Confederations Cup last year.”
I prefer the 4-5-1 but I like Olic paired with someone as he has been quite successful! We can use a basterdized 4-5-1 I suppose but we played a counter against the Turks in 2012 with 4 mids and we have better players now so…. Ideally I would have liked to go with the 4-5-1 and maybe Niko will do this against Brazil?
“Almost 10 years ago I was watching an interview with Guss Hiddink. Hiddink talked about one of his great gambles where his team was facing an opponent with superior wingers and wing backs. The gamble was to send his own wingers and wing backs constantly storming up the field. The oppositions wing backs had to always consider that going forward was going to leave themselves vulnerable at the back + it meant they always had to deal with an overlapping run from either the left or right flank. His team was not blessed with great wide players but he was able to neutralize the one great tactical advantage his opponent had.”
Hiddink has been blessed with talented players no matter where he coaches. However, he has yet to defeat Hrvatska. 🙂 Good logic I suppose but we have to play to our strengths more than anything else.
“Like I have said repeatedly. If we look at our team in some sort of descending order based on talent. Vrsaljko, along with Kovacic are far too talented to leave on the bench.”
True, but it is about where the play on the field that can come into question.
“If Srna is a RB, then will most certainly have someone who is not a true winger on the RM. They have deployed Rakitic there multiple times. I would mush rather have Srna there than Rakitic. Leave Rakitic just off the striker.”
I would much rather have Rakitic playing centrally, ideally behind the striker, and I would much rather have Srna at RB. We have guys like Perisic, Illicevic, and Vrsaljko as better options.
“Mark my words, Srna and Vrsaljko would wreak havoc with overlapping runs along the right side of the field. Marcelo, or whoever is starting there for Brasil would have to take notice with that.”
I like that but with Srna at RB and Vrsaljko at RM.
I have a better question for you, what do we do with our left side of the field with Hulk and Alves attacking us?
Like I have said repeatedly. If we look at our team in some sort of descending order based on talent. Vrsaljko, along with Kovacic are far too talented to leave on the bench. With no natural RM, accommodations will have to be made to get the best starting 11 on the field, simple as that. If Srna is a RB, then will most certainly have someone who is not a true winger on the RM. They have deployed Rakitic there multiple times. I would mush rather have Srna there than Rakitic. Leave Rakitic just off the striker.
Mark my words, Srna and Vrsaljko would wreak havoc with overlapping runs along the right side of the field. Marcelo, or whoever is starting there for Brasil would have to take notice with that.
@ The Fonz – If you believe that there is no way that Kovac plays Srna as a RB against Brazil, you further go on to say that he will not play RM. So, I ask you, where will Srna be playing? Because if he is healthy, he is 100 percent playing.
I disagree with you on his dribbling ability, quite strongly in fact. The second game against Iceland he looked like the old skool Srna. The guy who once carried us on his backs and did take on guys. Before he was more concerned with flailing about and diving for penalties. He looked like the Srna in the Champions League where he looks solid going forward.
Secondly, if you believe that we will be playing a counter attacking game, I could definitely agree with you. However, if it is the case, do you really think Eduardo, one of the slowest players at the World Cup should be playing for a team that will require SPEED, the major key to the counter attack?
I see no other option than a 5 man midfield. You can still counter attack with 5 in the midfield, easily. With the speed of the Brasilians, we will need to control possession in the midfield. Simple as that. A 4 man midfield and we would be far too narrow. We need those extra wide players to help negate their wing play. They do not have a true heir to Kaka yet. They will be coming at us from the wings. Much of the same as what they did at the Confederations Cup last year.
Almost 10 years ago I was watching an interview with Guss Hiddink. Hiddink talked about one of his great gambles where his team was facing an opponent with superior wingers and wing backs. The gamble was to send his own wingers and wing backs constantly storming up the field. The oppositions wing backs had to always consider that going forward was going to leave themselves vulnerable at the back + it meant they always had to deal with an overlapping run from either the left or right flank. His team was not blessed with great wide players but he was able to neutralize the one great tactical advantage his opponent had.
Sorry, meant to say….
“There is no way that Kovac plays Srna at RM…”
@Slavonac from Canada
“If Rebic is ready id be happy to see that, right now he isn’t! So now I see that you’ve named 1 possibility in Rebic and nobody else….let’s go way back to the initial comment and options…Eduardo is a better option than anyone one else we currently have, and that’s the point here right….best option we currently have with the players that are currently in the system!”
If we have to pick our strikers against Brazil right at this precise moment than it would be Olic & Eduardo up top in a 4-4-2 formation. Any other time I would use the 4-5-1 with Mandzukic up front but since he will not be available to us than I would have Olic and Eduardo up top and we are going to play a counter game against Brazil regardless.
@Petar Radman-Livaja
“4-5-1 for me.”
I am a big Olic fan but I would rather give him some help up top against Brazil. On his own up front he has struggled at times in the past and he does work well with Mandzo in a pairing and with Eduardo as a pairing in the past.
“We have to boss that midfield.”
We will counter against Brazil but our midfield players are definitely our strength and after the first game go right back to the 4-5-1!
“If Olic is up front on his own the 3 midfielders could be Pranjic, Rakitic and Srna, Modric and Kovacic/Males/Sertic/Radosevic behind them, Vrsaljko, Lovren/Schildi – Corluka-Strinic behind them. Then, the always steady Stipe in goal.”
There is no way that Kovac plays Srna at RB against Brazil and going back to other posts, there is no way Kovac plays Modric and Rakitic or Modric and Kovacic in front of our back 4 against Brazil. He will use a DM. Who that DM will be I am not sure?
“I definitely like Vrsaljko at the back and Srna pushed up front. That could be an awesome right side of the field if the two are constantly overlapping. Plus, with Srnas Defensive attributes, he could help keep some of the speedy Brasilian wingers in check.”
Srna will not be playing RM at the World Cup and he should not be as he cannot take quality players on one on one with his dribbling ability. Whenever he has anyone against him that has any quality Srna is stymied at the RM spot. However, Vrsaljko in front of Srna makes sense. There is a reason why Srna never plays RM in the Ukraine.
We need to improve our wing play as it is nonexistent but Srna is not the answer at RM.
@ Horvat – I agree. I forgot about Pranjic much earlier. Give the guy a shot in a friendly on the Left. I like what Lovren is doing, however, perhaps Robert told Niko there is something his not quite sold on because he has yet to start him. If anyone would know the CB position it would be Robert Kovac.
I like Rakitic more advanced because he has been playing so well for Sevilla there. Mateo can drop back, for me, because he is so great at making those long Zidane like runs through the heart of a midfield. Who has the better shot, Rakitic or Kovacic? That is who I want closer to the goal of Brasil. Cant forget about Schildenfeld, he looks great whenever we play him. Which for some odd reason has not been much.
I definitely like Vrsaljko at the back and Srna pushed up front. That could be an awesome right side of the field if the two are constantly overlapping. Plus, with Srnas Defensive attributes, he could help keep some of the speedy Brasilian wingers in check.
For Brazil:
…………………………………..Olic………….
Pranjic/Perisic//Rebic….Kovacic………Srna….
………………………….Modric…Rakitic…………
……………..Strinic…Lovren…Corluka…Vrsaljko
………………………………Pletikosa………………….
If Niko Kranjcar can stay away from alcohol and pizza for a few months, concentrate on his game, I am more than willing to welcome him back into the fold. He was always a hard worker, very slow, BUT, he was always there for us and chipped in with some key goals for many years.
Half the season to go still. Pray we do not suffer an injury like the Italians with Rossi, the Germans with Khedira. Some guys will step up their play, the kids will get an opportunity in the second half of the season. A lot left to be decided.
Rebic, Radosevic and Jedvaj will all see a lot more minutes down the stretch of the season. That is a guarantee !!
4-5-1 for me. We have to boss that midfield. If Olic is up front on his own the 3 midfielders could be Pranjic, Rakitic and Srna, Modric and Kovacic/Males/Sertic/Radosevic behind them, Vrsaljko, Lovren/Schildi – Corluka-Strinic behind them. Then, the always steady Stipe in goal.
Off the bench, Rebic, Eduardo, Perisic and whoever else is in good form or it all changes on the scoreline at that time.
The “false 9” again hey. It seems to be quite popular on this site!
If Rebic is ready id be happy to see that, right now he isn’t! So now I see that you’ve named 1 possibility in Rebic and nobody else….let’s go way back to the initial comment and options…Eduardo is a better option than anyone one else we currently have, and that’s the point here right….best option we currently have with the players that are currently in the system!
Personally, for me, Rebic is already a better option. I will be there, in Sao Paolo for the opening game. We will need all 11 on the same page willing to sacrifice their lungs and their bodies just to pull a point away from the Brasilians.
Kalinic is not even an option at this point……unless he experiences a complete transformation over the coming months.
Jelavic? We can certainly hope that playing regularly for Hull is what kick starts his career. If I were a betting man, its not a bet I am making. Maybe a small 20 dollars if I felt lucky that day or if the tea leaves gave me a good sign, perhaps if I was watching a documentary on Nostradamus and one of his quatrains sounded like he was talking about Nikica.
Rebic is class, the kid just needs some minutes.
Livaja needs a full frontal lobotomy
Maybe we play with a false 9?
I saw Joko the other night but couldn’t talk to him…we were at prayers for a friends mother.
You have to understand what I’m saying here Petar! If we don’t have other options then Eduardo playing in Brazil against Brazil and a born Brazilian isn’t a bad choice over an out of form Jelavic, Kalinic and I have no idea what other option we have…Benko? I think Olic will start so I exclude him…you still haven’t provided a name of who should start? I’d actually like to see you justify saying anyone else? Unless I’m missing something, our choices right now are limited!
Not necessarily “over him”…maybe with him!
New kit huh same uniform every year always ugly
All players go through a great run. What has he done the past few years? Olic continues to play at a high level in a WAY BETTER League and we start Eduardo over him? Its not even a debate really. Like I said, Thomas Varmaelan! Some players are better the first half of their career than the second half.
Eduardo is on our bench for sure. For me to call him an Ole Gunner Soljkaer clone is a deep compliment. No shame in that who he is now. Not even Ronaldinho is who he once was. Kaka, God bless him, greatest guy in sports has been beset by injuries and he is no longer a starter for Brasil.
Again, my friend, we should agree to disagree. Send my regards to Joko in Vancouver.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbNZhpQvQgc
2:31 – Great volley by Petric !!
I said Dinamo, the NT and Arsenal….that’s not a scoring streak or form, that’s who he was, a natural goal scorer!
@ Slavonac – His scoring record for Dinamo? Dear God, he played on the most stacked Dinamo team ever and they had 0 competition in Croatia.
@ Slavonac – We should agree to disagree. I do not view him the same way. He was in a great run of form before he broke his leg, no doubt. However, is it any different than any striker going through a great vein of form? Does it mean he would have went on to be the worlds best? You are an Arsenal fan, remember how great Thomas Varmaelan was when we first bought him? What is he now?
Croats are no different than any other Nation in the World. Sections of our fan base will overrate certain players just like the English overrate all of their players. Eduardo had a lot of potential once. He suffered a injury that would have ended the careers of most. Right now he is not a starter. Precisely what I believe Kovac had seen in the first game vs Iceland.
If you give him time and space, the right pass, he is probably the best finisher we have. However, it isn’t so great that he warrants inclusion in the starting 11 over players that do so much more than him in other compartments of the game.
Any fellow Canadians who watch GolTV remember the commercials advertising the Bundesliga? Was it nothing more than a Mladen Petric highlight reel? Dear God, every second ad was showing one of his many highlight reel goals. The one time volley, for Dortmund, against Leverkusen, was the best !!
Petar-I didn’t read your other comment when you mentioned him at Dinamo and Arsenal! Did you ever look at his scoring record while he was at Dinamo, the NT and Arsenal before that prick broke his leg….I couldn’t give a crap if he’s slower than molasses….he can score!
Petar- plain and simply, his club team has more options that our NT! If somehow some other player gets into good form and starts filling the net with goals then I agree with all your points, use him in the last 30 minutes….if we play a disciplined game and frustrate Brazil and there is a chance from anywhere in the 18…I just can’t think of anyone else right now that would better score a goal than him….and you haven’t named one player that could either dude!
@ Mr Black – Yann M’Villa? There were tons of teams in on M’Villa. His teen prostitution case certainly put an end to most interest. Napoli are an above average club. They have decent cover all over the field. I wouldn’t hold any interest in another DM as a slight to Radosevic.
I love following Football, at the end of the day, we Croats have been quite spoiled. Not all of our young player will get automatic starting 11 spots. Benitez was full of praise for Radosevic in the off-season. He is a 19 year old who is always on the bench for one of the top teams in Italy. That still says something if you want a silver lining. He will get his chance in due time. Hopefully the cameo last game was the beginning of something beautiful.
@ Slavonac – We definitely view Eduardo differently. If he was as great as everyone believes he wouldn’t be sitting on the bench for half his games. I only see him as an above average finisher, which is a compliment. I do not see much else to his game. He was way to slow even when he played for Dinamo. Playing for Arsenal masked a lot of his deficiencies because Arsenal had such great one touch movement at that time the team as a whole could create time and space for him with their off the ball movement and one touch passing. He scored some great goals, but, so did Petric when he was in the Bundesliga for Dortmund and Hamburg.
At this point in time, Eduardo is one the wrong side of 30. 31 in a few weeks and his way to slow for the pace of the modern game.
Croatia’s biggest Achilles heel has always been defending fast teams. That is why we never play well against the Portuguese and also why someone as below average as Walcott tore us to shreds. When I see Neymar, Oscar, Lucas, Alves, Dante, Thiago Silva, I personally do not see how you you think Eduardo can help with defensive duties or out-muscle or out run these guys. I do not believe we an afford to have a guy sitting up front just waiting for the right pass. Who ever is playing as a striker will almost certainly have to be dropping back bellow half to help the midfield out.
I don’t think there’s any question how our central midfield will look like if there are no injuries. Modric and Rakitic as the 2 DM’s who can sometimes attack too while Kovacic will be the most offensive man. Kovac will build his team around these 3 guys and I think that’s wise.
The alternatives : Badelj played like shit in Wales but on the other hand, he’s one of the few Croatians who’s always in the starting 11 of a decent team (Hamburg).
Radosevic plays almost nothing and still Napoli was close signing M’Vila who’s also a DM.
Sertic played 66 minutes today for Bordeaux in their loss against Montpellier. He’s not as good as Modric or Rakitic but probably better then our most other alternatives.
I think Krancjar will be selected to replace Kovacic if Kovacic gets injured. Krancjar scored today but.. in the English second division.
@ Chupe – He is a LM. When he was about to smash all the records in the Eridivise for Heerenveen, he played as a LM and single handily got someone like Sulemanji noticed by Ajax. It was Bilic in his desperate need for a LB that turned him away from his midfield role. Why Bayern decided to buy him has a LB is anyone’s guess.
@ Slavonac – Is he a better finisher? Yes. That straight to the point. However, that is the only thing he can remotely do better than the other options. He is deathly slow, not very strong. Against Brazil, he is a sub for me. I would much rather have the other candidates and all they bring to the table, like chasing down the opposition, the grunt work. Opening match of the World Cup? Brazil will be jacked through the roof. With the pace of their team in all facets of the game I do not believe we can have someone as slow as Eduardo on the field.
Pranjic scored for Pan today maybe he can play wing or LM
IMO v Brazil put all the borci in the team Brazil will not defend they will go all out thats why Rebic Olic Perisic Kovacic Modric Rakitic-Srna Carli Lovren Strinic Pletikosa- 4-5-1 sto bude.!
@ Chupe – Modric, along with either Alonso/Khedira and now Illarmendi sit in front of the defensive 4. He plays very withdrawn. I would not go as far as to call him a “True” DM though. He has a lot of those attributes though, I do agree with you for the most part.
Against Brasil, all hands on the deck, all 11 have to be working as one, running and playing “D”. Against Cameroon and Maexico, we can be a bit more imaginative in our starting 11.
Petar- once again your totally confusing things. If we are looking for a goal how could you deny that Eduardo is that guy in absence of Mandzukic. Here you go changing the topic and talking about running and grunt work…there are a
Ways other alternatives for that dude, don’t confuse the topic! Olic and Mandzukic are work horses, no doubt….Eduardo on a good day will score from anywhere…that’s what your missing here. We can change a formation, a tactic and the lineup to ensure we limit Brazil but when we are speaking of converting a chance into a goal, I don’t mind Eduardo over the guys we have….with that said he’d probably play alongside Olic anyways.
Modric plays dm in Madrid imo i watched the games when i get chance and he plays dm thats why i believe Rakitic Modric will be two cms deep lying.
@ Stoka – I agree with you, I am not a fan in playing players out of position. However, every now and then you have a guy who is that talented he warrants inclusion.
I love Football. Growing up my father was a great admirer of Ajax and I grew up following a lot of Dutch Football. The philosophy of “Total Football” is not something we should abandon. I do believe it can still thrive. Look at someone like Coke on Athletico Madrid. Played completely out of position and is not only thriving but is becoming one of the Worlds best at 22. Someone like Yaya Toure when he played for Barca. Plenty of times Toure was called to drop from DM to CB and he looked like a beast. Under Pep now, Lahm is deployed a RM quite a few times. It is not that uncommon.
Kovac has been quoted as saying he prefers players in their natural position. I wonder though, if it means sacrificing someone like Kovacic/Rakitic from the starting 11, will he stick to his guns? What is his interpretation of “Natural Position”
As for Radosevic, let us hop his cameo last game was a sign of things to come. Kid is gonna boss the field !!
I love what Udinese does year in year out on a minimal budget. I personally believe they have the best scouting system of any Italian club. I am rooting for Bubnjic. However, the minutes have just not been there. The mere fact that a club like Udinese has seen something in him to warrant them purchasing him is still an encouraging sign.
Srna pushed up would be better
I agree Srna would be better, and either play Corluka or Vrsaljko at RB.
As for playing players out of position, not a fan of having rakitic or kovacic at the DM.
Strinic is our best natural LB in a four man D right now, it is what it is. Push pranjic up on the left. Only play pranjic as an LB in a 5 man D.
As for the younger guys: I would def play and possible start Rebic if he gets some playing time at fiorentina or goes on loan somewhere. If he doesn’t I don’t see him starting but would take him to Brazil for sure and utilize him as a sub.
Radosevic I think will become a beast at the DM position in the future. Currently if he stays with Napoli and gets no minutes, I can’t see starting him, possibly taking him with a 23 man squad, but prolly won’t be used at all, but good experience. Hopefully goes on loan and gets some minutes.
I’m all for bringing some of the youngsters into the starting lineup or as subs….. That’s Kovacic, Rebic, vrsaljko, radosevic and possibly bubnjic…. Long shot livaja if he gets his ego in check and plays for Atalanta or gets a loan with another team.
My apologies, it was Vukojevic the second game vs Serbia.
@ Croatia vs Antwerp – Again, they have both been deployed there multiple times within the last year alone. Do I advocate it? Probably not the best thing. However, Badelj was soo bad when they gave him the start he didn’t see the light of day again. I also said, that was under Stimac. I am willing to give him a pass, just once. Kovac seems to have his eyes on Sertic now.
Like I keep saying, if you want your best 11 on the field, we will look unconventional in that respect. Go back and check the starting lineups for the past year. Correct me if I am wrong, both times against Serbia we had either Rakitic or Kovacic in that role with Modric. First game it was Mateo, second game I believe it was Ivan.
They have done everything but try Badelj once again.
@ Chupe – I do agree with you on that we have not had a LB for quite some time and it has been a pain with many stop gap measures. A lot of players slide over from LB/RB to CB as they age. Look at Maldini? There was no shame in him admitting he couldn’t cover the same ground anymore. He became one of the worlds greatest at CB. I love Barca and have nothing but praise for Puyol. To me, the games they put him at RB over the years, I thought he was amazing as a RB. His knees say that he is only a CB now. No shame in Srna pushing just up the field and giving Kovac the freedom to get Vrsaljko on the field.
At the end of the day, this is Croatia. We produce a disproportionate amount of quality athletes compared to the size of the Nation. I think most casual sporting fans would agree on that. At the end of the day, we will not have the perfect solution for all 11 spots on the field. If we want our best players on the field, then some flexibility will have to be given. Now, if we had a winger or a DM that was close to the quality of Rakitic or Kovacic, I would say start them. However, I personally believe that on the pecking order of the assets at our disposal; Kovacic, Raktic and Vrsaljko are well ahead of players that are below them on that list. I do not believe we can afford to leave them on the bench.
Like i have said. The best possible solution is that Radosevic and some of the other kids continue to blossom and then we could have an embarrassment of riches on our hands !! Because if Radosevic, Jedvaj, Rebic, Vrsaljko, Halilovic and Kovacic continue to develop; partner them with Corluka, Lovred, Schildi, Srna, Modric, Rakitic and Mandzukic and we could have a pretty stacked team.
@ PRL
Kovacic or Rakitic at Defensive Midfield???? That’s kinda like taking the paint brush away from Michelangelo. Both need to play advanced roles so they can express their talent and artistry.
And It’s better to play Badelj as DM–his natural position–then to utilize an out-of-position Rakitic or Kovacic for that role.
@ Petar good points but i personally dont want Srna at wing position maybe 10 years ago Da. we have had the same problems on national team most never got fixed LB since jarni-Dm since Kovac and wings we never really used we used wing backs. Modren football need wings or fast smart player maybe Kovacic can play wing who knows lets see what NK does my 2 cents
Pletikosa-Srna Carli Lovren/sifo Vrsaljko(still want to see strinic under NK) Modric Dm- Kovacic Rakitic Rebic Olic in opening game V Brazil.
@ Chupe – The game where we thrashed the Turks in Istanbul 3-0 we had Corluka at LB and I thought he looked quite settled all things considered.
Strinic isnt the long term solution at LB. I just believe he is our best option there. I like the idea of Vrsaljko at RB and Srna just ahead of him. Both of them on their natural foot and overlapping one another would make for a pretty strong right side of the field. It would certainly help counterbalance the left side of the field which will be quite weak.
Again, if you want your best 11 on the field, we will have a very unconventional look because we do not have a solid DM, LB nor do we have natural wingers. Our best players are central players like Modric/Kovacic/Rakitic. Something will have to be sacrificed to get them all on the field at the same time.
Hey Petar why not Vrsaljko at LB alot of team doing it right foot on left side. back 4 Srna Carli Lovren/Novi Vrsaljko?
@ Chupe – If Vrsaljko keeps playing the way he has been, he will be in our starting 11. It all comes down to the fact that we have to play our best players and we have no natural wingers. Srna has played RM a few times the past few games.
As far as DM goes. I know it is highly unconventional, however, if you want our most talented 11 on the field, then we would have to have either Kovacic or Rakitic partner with Modric and deploy them just ahead of a defensive set of four and just behind 3 midfielders.
I wish I could give you an answer as to who the DM is. I wish Radosevic was playing because I believe that he will be our DM for many years to come.
What I do know is, that unless Badelj really transforms his game over the coming months, he will almost certainly not be the DM. Rightfully so as well.
Srna will not play Wing anymore as he is a attacking fullback in a 4-2-3-1 which what NK will play agressive and pressing Pletikosa -Srna Simunic Carli Pranjic -Modric Rakitic-Olic Kovacic Perisic-Mandzukic was lineup v iceland world beater iceland lol. at the world cup you need more balance both ways so the way i see it only Pletikosa Carli Srna Modric Rakitic Mandzukic are guarenteed starters.
I think the new kits are like a throw back to the 1990 jerseys anyone agree?
@ Stoka – Sorry, didn’t see your post. Right now, Olic and Rebic are far and away ahead of Eduardo, for me. I would personally play a 4-5-1 against Brazil. The DM spot alongside Modric is probably the one spot that is up for grabs right now. They have tried Kovacic and Rakitic there in the past year. That should be evidence enough that Badelj was terrible in that spot. I would have to assume that both Males and Sertic are ahead of Badelj in the eyes of Kovac. I would pray that you see Radosevic get some playing time with Napoli in the coming months. I thought he looked very good in the match he started vs Wales
Does he try and just get the most talented team on the field and hopefully that works? If that’s the case we may see Rakitic/Kovacic back there with Modric.
Personally, for me, Pleti – Vrsaljko – Lovren/Schildi – Corluka – Strinic ; Modric – ? – Srna – Rakitic – Olic; – Rebic. This is only out of desperation. Once Mandzukic is back you have the freedom to play around with the starters a lot more. Unless Perisic is transformed under Kovac, I cannot see how we keep putting him out there because his contribution has been minimal. We have no natural Left and Right wingers. That is why I would rather have Vrsaljo at the RB and push Srna up and on the wing.
I am not trying to pick on Eduardo. I am just calling it as I see it. He cant play a full 90 mins anymore. To be honest, it looks like he cant even play 45 mins anymore. He doesn’t run or do any of the grunt work that Olic or Mandzukic would do when they don’t have the ball at their feet. To me he just looks like Ole Gunner Solsjkaer right now. He is an above average finisher and you put him on with 25-30 mins to go and hopefully he gets a nice pass and a bit of space.
Petar- not all are as good finishers as he is. I’m not saying for a second that Eduardo is our solution whatsoever but you’re overlooking a few things. His team is loaded with great forwards in Shaktar and he still does relatively well as a sub. If you have 2 goal scoring chances in a game and you have 3 current players on the Croatian roster that play as a forward… I bet Eduardo on Eduardo over almost anyone. Think about it….I love Olic and have always supported him when most didn’t but give Olic, Jelavic, Kalinic….or anyone else an equal opportunity to score, I bet Eduardo would win that bet! We aren’t including Mandzukic because he won’t be playing the first game!
The kit is the same as these except without the little sahovnice and white back Nike is boring. anyone have away kits?
http://www.footyheadlines.com/2014/01/croatia-2014-world-cup-home-kit-leaked.html
Heres are kit for WC Hrvatska je procrvenila hahahaha.
Does Suspension Joe get a complimentary jersey from the savez or is he forced to buy one? The very least they can do is give him a jersey and change the slogan on the inside of the shirt.
Rebic not in the starting lineup as of yet.
I am a staunch Hajdukovac. However, have to give credit to the Dinamo Under 17s, they beat The Bayern U 17s 3-0. Ante Coric on the score sheet. He was their hefty acquisition in the summer.
Jersey looks nice!
The red backs are a nice touch.
Not so sure about the “budi ponosan” though.
Didn’t think FIFA allowed that!…
Not a huge change. Why fix something that isn’t broken? I feel we always have one of the nicest jerseys around. The Brasilian Yellow, Dutch Orange, Argentinian Blue and White stripes and our Checkers
http://todosobrecamisetas.blogspot.ca/2014/01/exclusive-croatia-nike-home-kit-wc-2014.html
Cro 2014 Home Jersey
http://www.footyheadlines.com/2014/01/croatia-2014-world-cup-home-kit-leaked.html
In the mighty Ukrainian League? Kiev doesn’t even pay their players if they lose a game. I’m not trying to be a dick, but if Eduardo starts for us, it is damning testimony about the competence of our coach or just the quality of the assets at his disposal
Looks like Eduardo has been thrown a life line. Trabzonspor has tabled a 2,5m EUR bid. If he goes to Turkey and gets a starting spot, he might improve his form just in time for the WC. And he has scored 6 goals in 15 app for Shaktar this term.
http://sportske.jutarnji.hr/turci-otkrivaju–trabzonspor-ponudio-sahtaru-2-5-milijuna-eura-za-eduarda/1153970/
So who would you put in besides Eduardo and Badelj considering the pool of players we have? Eduardo playing at home in Brazil, hopefully transfers to a team and gets some playing time.
You suggesting to put Ivica Mornar at striker and put Vukojević, Ademi or Dujmović at DM?lol
All strikers are opportunists. There is a good reason he doesn’t even start in the Ukranian League. Coming on last as an Ole Gunner Solskjaer, fine, but never a starter. Olic and Mandzukic are not the most elegant players with the ball at their feet. But their work ethic in pressing an opponents defence is second to none.
Eduardo is an opportunist, he may be slow but for the most part of his career he only needs half a chance!
Badelj? Dear God. Have you seen the games he played for us? I am willing to give him a second look because his last game for us was with Stimac at the helm. He was absolutely atrocious that game though. It was almost as bad as the game Ivan Bosnjak played for us back in the day.
If any of you people think Eduardo can start any game, at any level of competition you should have your heads examined. The man is deathly slow. That actually may be complimenting him. I was all gung-ho for Kovac to take charge. When he threw Eduardo on in game one I already had to think to myself that this could count as strike one against him as a coach. Rightfully so, Eduardo was sent to the bench for the start of game two. All Eduardo is at this point in his career is someone you toss on with 25-30 mins to go in a game when the defense is tired and you need a goal or two. Roll the dice and you try your luck with him and hopefully he gets the service. He is still a very good finisher. However he is incredibly slow and weak. Much like Mandzukic, neither can remotely create their own shot. They both need decent service. No shame in that, a lot of modern strikers are the same.
Agiainst Cameroon and Mexico no 5 man defence and Mandzo up top….
Against Brazil I would start:
Eduardo(Olić would get the start in Kovac’s eyes)
Rakitić(Behind the striker)
Modric and Kovačić(In the mid behind Rakitić as playmakers)
Badelj( or Šertić as DM)
Pranjić Lovren Schifo Ćorluka Srna(as a 5 man back line with Pranjić and Srna having freedom to run up the wings and help on D)
Pletikosa
I had a nice chat with Stojko Vrankovic a few days ago just outside of Miami. Stojko covered the Petrovic-Divac movie, today’s NBA, and the Cro national soccer team. Vrankovic wasn’t up for a taped interview and wouldn’t have been in the movie if Vlade would have called. Class act guy.
Hakeem Olajuwon was his most difficult match up, while Shaq was hard to defend because of his size.
.
I’m pretty sure that Niko Kovac has choosen his line-up and he will stick to it.
Mandzo
Perisic (or Rebic Kovacic Olic
if he steps up)
Modric Rakitic
Pranjic Lovren Corluka Srna
Pletikosa
With Mandzukic being suspended the first game, I predict that Olic will take the place of Mandzo in front while Vrsaljko will take the place of Olic.
Maybe, just maybe, Halilovic could be playing some minutes if he really starts to impress at Dinamo. He could replace Olic.
About Olic: guy is getting old and we better watch out. Wolfsburg bought De Bruyne for his position. I don’t know if still will be in the starting 11.
@Kruno:
I like that Rakitic and SMM will have lots to prove as both will probably be searching for new clubs come summer.
@Everyone:
Any guesses on which striker(s) will start against Brazil?
——————————-Eduardo—————————-
Rebic/Perisic—————-Rakitic———————Olic
———————Modric———-Kovacic——————-
Corluka——-Lovren—————Schildenfeld——-Srna
————————–Pletikosa————————————
@Mishko:
Thanks for the QPR/Hull commentary.
I think he celebrated after the game with a Big Mac.
Kranjcar scored a really nice goal for QPR today.
I think Croatians are starting to settle in the right places. Rakatic, king of Sevilla, modric found his Spanish flair, rebic is slowly but surely progressing, mandzo can’t not score in any level of competition, jelavic can become a freak at hull. Good things look to be shaping up for an interesting summer.
Just checked he’s not listed as a sub. So no.
Didn’t Nikica score two against them last year? Watching the game now 53 minutes in 0-0
Weekend Soccer time! Transfer talk aside, Now the fun begins…
It would certainly be a “Baptism of Fire” if Hull threw Jelavic immediately into the fray.