ENGLAND
Photo: Southampton FC
Dejan Lovren got the start for Southampton on Saturday and played 88 minutes before being subbed out and stretchered off with a leg injury. But well before that, with the game 1-0 in Southampton’s favor in the 31st minute, Lovren volleyed home a corner kick right inside the left post from the middle of the box. He had a Sunderland defender all over him, but just like the goal he scored at Anfield earlier in the season, still managed to power through. The goal made it 2-0 Southampton with Lovren showing what he can do technically off set pieces in the air. But Saints goalie Artur Boruc would allow a soft goal in the 71st minute which would be the deciding equalizer in the 2-2 draw.
Lovren was taken off the field late in the game and sent to the hospital for an injury he picked up during a slide tackle. It appears an air cast was put around his right leg and the severity of the injury is unknown. However this is what Lovren posted on his Facebook later in the day: “Thanks to all for best wishes and support messages. The leg is ok, I’ll be back soon on the pitch.” It’s good to hear that it’s not as serious as it looks, especially with Brazil only five months away.
Lovren goal @ 2:25
After coming over from Everton in a winter transfer, Nikica Jelavić made his Hull City debut Saturday at Norwich City and nearly had a dream start. Inside two minutes, Jelavić received a pass and fired away only to have the ball ricochet off the outside of the post. It was Jelavić’s only action, besides a near assist, as Hull City did not manage one shot on goal in the 1-0 loss. He played the full match but will have plenty of opportunities to score goals for a revamped Hull City which also just picked up striker Shane Long from West Brom. Can Jelavić finish the season strong to make a bid as Croatian starting striker versus Brazil?
Niko Kranjčar played the full 90 minutes for QPR on Saturday in a 2-1 win over Huddersfield Town. Kranjčar did not have a shot during the match, but with the win, QPR move up to second place in the English Championship, which would guarantee them automatic promotion to the Premiership next season.
SPAIN
Ivan Rakitić converted a 73rd minute penalty to help Sevilla hold joint league leaders Atletico Madrid to a 1-1 draw on Sunday. Aside from the goal, it was an otherwise quiet match for Rakitić, as Sevilla spent much of the game out of possession, waiting to counter. Rakitić now leads Sevilla with nine goals this season, as the team remains seventh in La Liga.
Raktić penalty
Luka Modrić earned an assist on Saturday in Real Madrid’s convincing 5-0 victory over Real Betis. Modrić pounced on a loose ball just before the half, then took three defenders with him into the box before laying the ball off to Karim Benzema, who finished calmly. Luka created one other chance, completed 78 passes and five tackles while drawing four fouls. With both Atletico and Barcelona involved in draws over the weekend, Real were able to close the gap on the leaders and now sit just one point behind the co-leaders.
Modrić assist @ 2:45
FRANCE
Danijel Subašić earned another clean sheet for AS Monaco on Sunday in their 2-0 win over Toulouse. Subašić made four saves, including a couple big ones with the score at o-0 in the first halfa and was ultimately lucky not to concede the first goal after Toulouse had a shocking miss off of a rebound. The win leaves Monaco second in Ligue 1, five points off leaders PSG.
Subašić saves @ 0:30, 1:30
Italy
PHOTO: AP/Tano Pecoraro
Inter Milan extend their winless streak to three games after falling away to Genoa 1-0. Mateo Kovačić came off in the bench in the 20th minute of play for the injured Ricardo Alvarez. The former Dinamo Zagreb prospect failed to impress as he finished the match without a shot in 70 minutes of action. Inter Milan are winless in 2014 and have only scored one goal in the new year. Napoli hold an 11 point lead for the final Champions League spot.
PHOTO: AP/Tano Pecoraro
Šime Vrsaljko started and played the full 90 minutes for Genoa on the right wing. The former Dinamo Zagreb star played well and picked up a yellow card in the 58th minute of play. Vrsaljko’s name has been floating around the rumor mill for some time now, however, Genoa doesn’t seem interested in selling unless the price is right.
Marko Livaja looked on from the bench as Atalanta jumped three spots on the Serie A table with a 1-0 win over Cagliari. Josip Radošević watched from the sideline as Napoli gave up a 91st minute goal to tie 2-2 in Bologna. Tin Jedvaj looked on from the bench as Roma put three unanswered past Livorno on Saturday. Chievo extend their winless streak to 6 games as they fall 2-1 against Parma with Manuel Pamić looing on from the sideline.
Ivan Kelava, Igor Bubnjić and Udinese gave up two late goals to lose 3-2 at home to Lazio. Ante Rebić remained on the bench in Fiorentina’s 3-0 win over Catania Sunday.
Next Matches:
Tuesday, 1/21
Juventus at Roma(Coppa Italia), Real Madrid at Espanyol(Copa del Rey)
Wednesday, 1/22
Udinese at Milan(Coppa Italia), Monaco at Monts Or Azergues(Coupe de France)
Friday, 1/24
Bayern München at Borussia M’gla
Saturday, 1/25
Hull City at Southend United(FA Cup), Yeovil Town at Southampton(FA Cup), Hannover 96 at Wolfsburg, Chievo at Napoli, Granada at Real Madrid, Levante at Sevilla
Sunday, 1/26
Schalke 04 at Hamburger SV, Roma at Hellas Verona, Genoa at Fiorentina, Catania at Inter, Atalanta at Torino, Udinese at Parma, Marseille at Monaco
~Ante Kvartuč and Denis Svirčić reporting from sunny Southern California, Zach Gilfix reporting from Minneapolis, MN
Falcao is out for the cup what a bummer.
Lovren at CB works and if need be at DM.
He has the skill set to do it.
We need a legit DM who can support Modric and bang in a golazzo or two ?
If Sertic is on the level then so be it.
NK has to take the available talent and devise a system that wins football matches.
I feel the boys are ready to step up but need some GUIDANCE!
@Soul Champ:
SMM won’t be playing against Brazil.
Jelavic will have everything to prove because that is the only game he will start over SMM.
@Poglavnik & Ziva:
I agree about opponents double covering/fouling Modric to disrupt our game. The other DM (4-2-3-1) needs to be solid and exploit the open space.
@Nepoznat:
LOL. You are right.
The Ireland game was very biased.
They even had an off the boat Irishman as a pundit.
He went apeshit over Bilic talking shit about Ireland being a bunch of hack goons.
Story on Ciro.
http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/espnfcunited/id/11823?cc=5901
Falcao
wow that would definitely suck Ziva
Word going around that Facao may have suffered a bad knee injury earlier today. Hope not, I was lopking forward to him and Columbia at the World Cup.
Speaking of 3rd World! Too funny….
http://www.sportsnet.ca/olympics/picture-of-twin-toilets-at-sochi-venue-goes-viral/
@JM I do like your 2nd line up with Sertic over Vuko
@poglavnik…….yep, that is why Rakitic and Kovacic (if he plays) are so important. Sometimes I wonder if people have ever played the game when they comment. Put yourself in the head of the opposing team and coach we are playing. This goes for teams of lesser quality. Flood the middle against Modric, knock him around a bit and you can make things very difficualt for Croatia because others have not stepped up their game, notably Rakitic.
revised brazil line – up. sertic in for vukojevic
olic
pranjic rakitic modric srna
sertic
strinic lovren corluka vrsaljko
pletikosa
@Soul Champ
Problem with recreating Modric’s Madrid form for Croatia is that everyone knows – stop Modric you stop Croatia.
He’s the only player other teams have to worry about.
Our only hope is getting more out of Rakitic.
@nepoznat……Disagree about ESPN’s coverage of the Euros. I thought they were fair. The only guy that was a bit negative was the old Irish guy ESPN brought in for the Ireland games. He is a blind homer and that was about it. Nobody takes him seriosly anyway and that is why he is not on the air regulary. You have to list examples if you think the coverage was pro-Italy or pro-Spain, because I don’t see it.
Proposed line-up for brazil. very similar to the one used against spain. its bunker time!
olic
pranjic rakitic modric srna
vukojevic
strinic lovren corluka vrsaljko
pletikosa
@ Nepoznat
Don’t bother with that site. I’d try either:
http://www.classicfootballshirts.co.uk/international-teams/european/croatia.html
or
Subside Sports/UK Soccer Shop
for good kits/training gear
@ Soul Champ
Dude, you’re a bit off base with all this experimentation.
Lovren, to my knowledge, has never seen time at DM, but your saying at the biggest stage in the world, to “give him a try”? At least in the event that NK gave him some time at DM during of our friendlies, I could see us maybe suing him as a DM, but the fact is NK is slotting him for a starting CB spot, especially since Suspension Joe will be on the sidelines. Don’t get me wrong, I like what Sifo did at Euro 2012, but he’s no speedster either – but in that opening game, we need some more athletic defenders to hang with that Brazilian attack or else they’ll shred us apart.
If anything, NK has plenty of options at DM with DM’s who see regular club minutes at the spot as well as guys who see spot service at DM whether with the NT or their club.
Personally, I don’t see Jelavic turning it around in the EPL. I just really hope Rebic sees more time prior to the summer… I think we could manage with Olic, Mandza and Rebic and then maybe Benko as a 4th forward.
Otherwise, I think your XI is pretty solid.
no Croatia hoody?
http://www.worldsoccershop.com/fifa-world-cup-hoody-sale-14.html
Not talking about the coverage for the US team, but Cro
Yes I know that and that is why it’s not surprising the coverage is biased and promoted in such a way and with those types of announcers. That’s my point
How could they not be critical of Mexico’s play though? We were critical of Cro’s shitty play under Stimac but that does mean the coverage is not slanted/biased like it will be
Think back to the Euros, can you honestly tell me the coverage of Cro v Ireland was not biased? And then the coverage v Italy and v Spain was also not biased against Cro, or rather pro- the other team? The coverage should be fair and unbiased imho
For english, I would prefer to get the eurosport or bbc coverage if I could get them in HD here in the States
For the Mexico games they use Mexican-Americans or American-Mexicans. Those guys wont be calling World Cup games on US team.
ESPN purchased the qualifying rights to Mexican home games. Mexico games draw big numbers in the US and ESPN wants a piece of the advertising action that comes with that.
Promoting a product is not the same as biased or unbiased coverage. When I watched those games, the announcers and commentators and analysts were very critical of Mexico’s plays throughout the qualifiers.
have you ever watched an Mexico match with ESPN announcers? It’s ridiculous! And then they have many Mexican ESPN analysts who come on and hype Mexico on pre, halftime and post game shows. it’s way over the top and not unbiased coverage AT ALL imho.
As for bookmakers we are favored for 2nd place, at least the last time I checked the odds. Also from what I have seen only the US/Mex sources pick Mexico for 2nd and European media seems to have Cro favored over Mexico
@nepoznat…………what do you mean by won’t be unbiased? Do you mean they will prefer to see Mexico advance because they are a CONCACAF side? Maybe, but how does that make their coverage unbiased or biased. Their soccer coverage is pretty neutral. Yes, they look at it from a US point of view, but I find ESPN’s coverage of soccer over the years, especailly recently, to be very fair and neutral. There is one ESPN commentator who to me appears to openly root for the US when they play, but that is about it. ESPN’s coverage from what I saw in 2010 (I DVR’d most of the matches so I could watch when i got back home) looked very fair to me. The announcers may want Mexico to advance (even that is up for debate), but its not like they will lie or root on the air like HRT does over calls by the ref during games.
Now, regarding our match with Brazil. Of course more of the focus will be on Brazil. They are the hosts, the favorites, have more recognizeable players and have a rich history. But, giving them that type of coverage does not make it unbiased or biased coverage.
I think some you think when a pundit or commentator/analyst makes a prediction that doesn’t favor Croatia, right away you think they are bias in their approach. Most of the ESPN guys see Brazil and Mexico advacning out of the group, as do the bookmakers. That doesn’t make them bias or unbiased.
The reality of FIFA awarding the World Cup to a 3rd world country like Brazil….
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/fifa-calls-curitiba-world-cup-stadium-an-emergency-situation/article16429361/
@Ziva you are kidding yourself i you think ESPN coverage won’t be unbiased during our match with Brasil OR our match with Mexico. And because of the group we are in it will probably be biased against us for Cameroon game as well just because the announcers and ESPN will want Mexico to go through to Rof16
If Lovren is not playing Dm at the club level, it makes no sense to play him at DM for the repka. Maybe in an emergency situation with no other options. I see some of you are saying Kovac can “guide” him. Come on!!!! Kovac gets these guys for a few days every few months. His job is not to develop players, his job is to win games for the repka at the WC and put a line up that can do that. He is not going to put a guy at DM who does not play that position.
Was Vukojevic so bad lats games he played?
@ Faux Cro :
I would swap Kovacic with Modric
will pranjic be solid enough on that side… seems to be a smaller guy, im assuming one needs to be stronger/bigger for the the CB position but how bout on the sides?
Brazil match:
Olic
Rebic – Rakitic – Kovacic
Modric
Lovren
Pranjic – shifo- Corluka -Srna
Pleti
Subs – Vrsaljko, Perisic, Benko
Lovren will protect the solid yet slower CB’s
@ faux
I pray Jelavic gets hot again. I like the way he throws his body around but strikers need to show that he is scoring. I know you have been rooting for him.
Lovren seems to have all the tools to play DM and NK can guide him.
He loves to tackle and ball hawk and his athleticism will be maximized up the pitch. Not to mention a goal or two in Brazil could make all the difference. He is like David Luiz.
@ Iggy
You always knew that Lovren should be playing farther up the pitch. First DM then striker! Lol.
We may as well play him in the midfield since he likes to push forward so damn much.
Anything is better than playing Vukojević.
on southampton forums they are saying lovren out for 3-4 weeks
lets hope its that and thank god its not too serious
he will have plenty of time to regain form
but seriously though he has an offensive upside, how can we capitalize on this?
like someone suggested DM position? could he be effective here?
——————————-Jelavic————————————-
———————-Rakitic———————————————
Rebic—————————————————————-Olic
———————————–Modric——————————–
———————-Kovacic——————————————–
Corluka——–Lovren——————Schildenfeld——–Srna
——————————Pletikosa———————————
@Soul Champ:
Modric is consistently MOM at RM now.
The problem with playing Modric in a similar manner to how he plays at RM is Xabi Alonso isn’t Croatian.
Their system really captures his strengths.
I liked your idea of trying Lovren as a defensive mid who can pass the ball, but it doesn’t look like that will get experimented with in a friendly.
I suppose Kovacic could be used as a defensive midfielder freeing up some space for Modric in the midfield.
Vukojevic doesn’t cut it, because the opposing teams know his passing is weak.
@ Ziva
Jadan i Mali Hajduk .
Funny and sad at the same time.
Unfortunately many people in positions of power in Hrvatska are Jadan i Mali, they couldn’t imagine how Jadan i Mali they actually are. That is the sad part.
6.5 line is a ruthless for Jelavic over under. The basement booker offers little incentive.
Ante’s 5 is more of an attractive proposition.
@ Svima
Modric rated 8 today for Madrid.
My man is the straw that stirs the drink for Real.
NK has to create the team around what Modric does best.
Implement some type of system that allows him dictate the play.
4-3-3?
4-5-1?
4-2-3-1?
Need to some real flow against Switzerland .
Anybody who doesn’t love Ćosić and his wailing commentary is a die hard četnik.
Why????
ESPN has done a great job covering the World Cup. They had great reviews about their 2010 coverage from S. Africa.
Watching HRT is OK, but their coverage is not objective. Its all with homer glasses on. Cosic is OK, but anytime Cro is involved in a tight game he ignores fouls committed by Cro and raves against fouls committed by the opponents. I prefer announcers who are not chearleaders. Brings more credibility to the broadcast. You can want your team to win, but be objective when calling the match.
What channel are you guys gonna watch WOrld cup on who live outside of crvena nasa. im gonna watch cosic on hrt beacuse cannot stand espn and dont want to watch mexican comenatators
Lovren out 3-4 weeks.
Man with no joe Carli Sifo are only cbs i trust can anyone name ither cbs Vida i dont like suggestions?
TOOOO DOKTORE!
AUF WIEDERSEHEN PERKOVICU! TRUNI U PAKLU SMRADE!
I believe that Cris Carter was on a melange of drugs at that time.
You are correct though, he does not work for FOX. Their carnival atmosphere is still a polar opposite from the traditional broadcast that CBS tries to portray.
Auf Wiedersehen kamarad Perkovic. Auf Wiedersehen.
Wasn’t Carter a coke head with the Eagles?
^ ^
Cuz I’m an Eagles fan!
Cris Carter is not on Fox.
@Poglavnik, why do you have so much hate in your heart?
@PRL
Yeah CBS definitely suck!
Eugenie Bouchard into the semi’s at Melbourne!
And at the expense of a Serb.
Beautiful!
@ Poglavnik – Eagles !!!
Honestly, I have always felt the same as you. I try to always follow a team or teams in both conferences just so I follow the NFC and AFC equally. The fact that CBS has held the rights to cover the AFC may have something to do with it. I have always found their coverage to be that traditional, classic and monotone style that is synonymous with College Football coverage.
Its the polar opposite with NFC on FOX and their giant animated mechanical robots tackling one another and then you have guys like Chris Carter who is in his mid 40s and still talking like he is a gang member in Compton.
What a goal by Lovren.
@Sude MI
Unbelievable game!
I felt drained after watching it!
Also felt pretty fuckin rigged at times.
Most meaningful missed call was the one on the Niners punter. Shoulda been a first down, instead Seahawks get the ball and score.
Anyone else feel like watching the AFC is like watching the CFL or College ball?
I don’t know if it’s cuz I’m an Eagles fan but the NFC has always been where it’s at!
nothing……They have the same info you do. Lovren is not responding to Cro media inquiries.
what are the cro reporters saying bout lovrens injury?
just saw that goal lovren scored…. thats better then mandzukic scoring an olic type tap in
fuck, hope he is back within a couple months of world cup to get in shape
Dejan Lovren’s tweet hints at lengthy absence through injury
http://is.gd/UgsEA3
Maybe the dude was hungry and needed a snack.
@Chupe………putting your own name on a jersey is fine. So, you are OK. The issue is wearing a jersey with another person’s name on the back that isn’t your own name. That is where the issues begin.
@Sude Mi…….nothing wrong with showing the replay. I want to see how he was injured. I never understood people complaining about TV broadcasts showing injuries. Turn your head if you don’t wanto see it.
Everyone was so focused on his knee that they didnt even realize he recovered the fumble. Then the seahwaks fans threw popcorn at him while he was being carted off. That city is filled with dirt bags.
Completely off topic but did anyone catch the ferocious line play on both sides of the ball in the 49ers-Seahwks game? My God, I’m surprised someone wasn’t killed last night!
Unbelievable battle by two awesome offensive AND defensive lines on both teams, both desperately wanting to get to the big dance.
Many games this year during the regular season are pretty boring, but that show last night was something.
P.S. Not sure they had to show 27 replays of Navarro Bowman’s knee bending so un-naturally.
chupe, that is the ULTIMATE form of jock sniffing. Just wait im sure ziva will tell us all about it hahah
Ziva nadi mi posa u Hrvatsku!
I put my Last name on jerseys does that mean i sniff my own jock hahaha DA
Yep i sure do. I actually have a few different match worn jerseys from the repka and others as well. So please tell me how this makes me a jock sniffer, less of a man, coward, push over etc. Wait never mind don’t. I’d rather be all of that rather than a clown who lives in his mommas basement and spends all of his time online.
@Adame……….I don’t care for criticism, in fact I encourage it as a form of feedback. Let me guess…..you wear jerseys with other people’s name on the back, right?
Speaking of Modric hitting form. According to WhoScored he successfully completes a high amount of dribbles and tackles.
In the last match alone, he tied Ronaldo with 4 successful dribbles, and tied Xabi and Marcelo with 5 tackles.
Very rarely will you find a player who can skillfully wield both the hammer and the paintbrush.
Renato Kelic signed with Serie B club Padova.
Yes in many senses. You’re comments and thinking that you are able to teach all of us about “jock sniffing” make me cringe. It is so god damn stupid. WTF is jock sniffing?! I cant deal with your idiotic comments some times. Just realize which comments are stupid before you post them and keep them to yourself. That my friend is how you will save yourself a lot of criticism.
@Adame…..am i wrong?
Ziva, shut up
Well what can i say about my boy DEJAN LOVREN ! Up to his old tricks again !
croatians around europe…
.
http://tinyurl.com/npbkea5
.
Regarding Rebic………..well, the others guys are also scoring goals.
Kovacic is a bit dissapointing. I don’t think he has put two strong back-to-back games.
Marca on Luka 2.0:
http://www.marca.com/2014/01/19/en/football/real_madrid/1390155517.html
Marca on Luka:
http://www.marca.com/2014/01/18/en/football/real_madrid/1390078085.html
definitely a disappointing weekend in that kovacic not performing well with the chances
it seems rebic is simply not going to get the shot at fiorentina. not sure how many other strikers have to be injured. its a shame cause he scores a goal and then doesn’t get another chance
fortunately our now “established” players (i.e modric, rakitic, even lovren) are playing at the top of their game
and that is why jadan i mali hajduk is jadan i mali.
Although to be fair, hundreds of kids are told the same thing every year at every club.
Perica wont make the roster unless he tears it up in the next 4 months. I have a feeling guys like Jelavic and the Brazilian born hrvat will make the roster even though they don’t deserve based on the form we have seen from them this season.
By the way, any takes on my offer of a Jelavic wager. Over/under on the number of goals he will score at Hull in EPL play is 6.5 for the rest of the year. I am taking the under. Any takers. We can discuss the prize.
@ Ziva
“Realistic?”
Like when Hajduk told Modric:
” realistically you are too small kid to play at our ‘veliki’ Hajduk.”
Where is the vision ?
Rebic is a lock.
If Benko keeps his form give him a run out against Switzerland to see how he responds.
How we define “on the radar,” may vary.
I assure you Perica is on NK’s radar.
SMM 1 game suspension has sliced things up for all the final spots on the team.
Just like Modric at Madrid the cream always rises to the top…above the basement !
You know who will be a potential striker ,Ante Rebic!
This kid will be a top player and will make it to the same level as Olic was back in the days.Ante Rebic must come to WC i know he will suprise everyone if Kovac gives him a chance. cause when he gave Illicevic a chance he completely screwed up and should’ve had rebic on. This is the 24 men list he shoukld bring to WC:
Stipe Pletikosa
Danijel Subasic
Darijo Srna
Vedran Corluka
Dejan Lovren
Gordon Schieldenfield
Danijel Pranjic
John Strinic
Ivan Perisic
Ognjen Vukojevic
Ivan Rakitic
Niko Kranjcar
Luka Modric
Milan Badelj
Mateo Kovacic
Alen Halilovic
Mario Mandzukic
Ivica Olic
Ante Rebic
Eduardo Da Silva
Nikica Jelavic
Leon Benko
What do you guys think..? I know theres a bit too much strikers but they can play in different areas as well. This is the best Squad that I believe can do good at WC. Unfortunately Simunic is banned but he would’ve been in my squad if he didn’t get such a harsh punishment..!
Where are all the Vukusic lovers out there?
I used to hear about him on these boards all the time.
Is there any hope for that kid?
Let’s be realistic with Perica. He is not even on the radar right now.
@ Bobby v
Those were tough times on these boards, when cats were selling Modric out without the least bit understanding of forces beyond his control.
I feel we have to support our boys, when the rest of the world walks out, we have to walk in!
Call it what you what you want, when a fellow Hrvat is getting disrespected I take it to heart.
Just like when that đubre governor from jersey tried to treat mayor Sokolich like a jugo and then calls him a Serb to boot.
Not sure what Uvijek Vijerni means to some of our fair weather Croatian fans?
Jebi ga.
I am just happy to see Modric enjoying his nogomet at Madrid.
Back to back Hrvati winning the CL trophy ?
@ Petar
We need a back up Striker for Brazil. Perica is 6’4″ skilled handful that leads the line in a way that compliments our world class midfield. By necessity of position he IS on the radar.
Imagine you’re at the Brazil match and he scores from wing cross from Rebic !
Uvijek Vjerni
That was the best thing that could have too place in La Liga. Looks like Spain and EPL will be three team races until the end.
Newly signed Matri got the nod over Rebric in Fiorentina’s game today. And even when La Viola went up 3-0, the coach didn’t put Rebric in. If he’s not playing, I doubt we will see him and his signature lažnjak move against Brazil.
Speaking of lažnjak, did anyone see Modric bamboozle 3 defenders to set up Benezema’s goal? One defender fell to the ground and his teammate fell right over him, and trust me they weren’t auditioning for the “3 Stooges.” Modric has been amazing the last few matches, let’s hope he continues with this form.
That late Raketa penalty totally blew the La Liga race wide open. Now it’s a “Mexican standoff” between the top three…
Damn.
Matri scored a brace for Fiorentina today. Unless Matri gets injured, I think ol’ Rebic will be riding the pine for a while (especially moreso when Gomez comes back).
Hopefully Kovacic can put it together and start playing well. I don’t want to see our team rely entirely on Modric and a suspended Mandzukic for success this World Cup.
However, if Raketa and Lovren can play half as good for us as they do for their club teams, we’d be in good shape.
With a core of Modric, Rakitic, Mandzukic, Srna, and Lovren playing for us the way they do for their club teams, we should at least make it to the next round (and even potentially upset one of Spain or Holland).
It’s wishful thinking but we have the talent. Let’s hope Niko can extract that same quality of play from these guys in this World Cup.
@ Soul Champ – My apologies, I was typing in haste. I meant to say he is 18. I love following the U21 through U17s. As much as I advocate challenging young players I simply cannot see Perica even on the radar now for the senior NT. I believe to date he has only started 1 game.
It is an exciting time, we have some very strong prospects !!
It’s a good thing Luka didn’t listen to over half the people here who said he’d be a bust and never make it at Real Madrid.
@STFU
I was just thinking the same thing.
RM is hitting their stride with Alonso and Modric.
AM and FCB are bound to drop an odd point or two.
La Liga is heating up! Can RM pull it off?
Kovacic has had afew bad games didnt watch just read. Like to see NK potpis igraca for swiss will it be same luke iceland.
@ Petar
Actually Perica will turn 19 this July 7th.
He plays every game and has played well.
With SMM out for Brazil it is 90 minutes up for competition.
Perica is not the savior he is just another young stud who can step up this Spring and earn some minutes.
Rebić and Perica are young studs who are ready to rise to the challenge.
Uvijek Vjerni
@ Ziva
Rakitic je majstor !
Puši njegov Kurac.
Classic self hating Hrvat.
Of course, we know IT wasn’t going to be by header
Of course, we know out wasn’t going to be by header.
Rakitic scores via penal.
Not at all. Just passing along some advise to the masses.
@ Ziva – Seek therapy !! “Another “Look at me” Egomaniac”. Hmmmmmm, kind of like you and all of your advice to others? Your constant hypocrisy is so glaring that it is just quite sad.
@ The others – Few enjoy following the prospects in the game as much as I do. However, Stipe Perica is 17 and isn’t even starting in the Eridivisie. Perhaps we should temper our expectations of the boy. He is a great prospect, no doubt. Lets just wait awhile before we proclaim him the savior of the National Teams striking drought.
Friends, I have another item to add to the “should not do list”. Do not wear championship, hall offame, class rings. Those things are gaudy as hell. I am watching one of the pregame shows getting ready for the NFL games today. Some former player has his Super Bowl ring on and it looks disastrous. Just another”look at me” egomaniac.
Friends, never wear class rings or rings from a sporting competition. It falls in the line of being a jock sniffer.
@Luka, that’s kind of my point. People here are saying we’re going to be second for sure. Nothing in football or life is guaranteed. We’re just going to have play our asses off and play with more heart.
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@Mishko
No teams can be considered a push over in our group but if we can’t beat Mexico and Cameron we do not deserve to go through.
OT – Samuel Eto just scored a hat trick for Chelsea against MU. I don’t believe that Cameroon is going to be a push over as some here think.
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@ Ziva
I bet you’re eager to know what Lovren ate for breakfast today!
😉
And we still have you polluting every thread with the same shit ad nauseam, amazing.
and now we have people following athletes on Facebook…….awesome!!
@ faux Cro
Modric our Zidane.
Love it!
His ability to create through the middle will neutralize the Brazilian attack. NK will ensure a solid formation from the back. We need some young legs on the wing for our classic counter attacks and for someone to step up to lead the line.
@ Chupe
I like Perica to get a good look this Spring. His size and skill will be an added dimension.
Olic still will have at least 45 minutes for Brazil. I say start him as he will take any all chances that will come his way.
The Swiss friendly will be telling as NK needs to start the implementation process ASAP.
I wouldn’t start Mandzukic in any of the warm ups as his game is so well defined and will be seamlessly integrated after Brazill.
We have to start strong against Brazil as that samba crowd will be at a fever pitch if they score early.
What a blessing to play Brazil in Brazil to set off the World Cup. We draw them with a billion plus people watching and we are back on the map !
Hvala Bogu !
Lovren’s official FB profile:
“Hvala svima na čestitkama i na porukama podrške. Noga je uredu, uskoro se vraćam na teren.”
i was actually in an out of sleep when i saw lovren go down adn then i passed out… wtf is he going to be OK? I know he wasn’t playing for us but with simunic out and lovrens very solid form… WTF, we can’t be this unlucky.
seriously though if its a tear or break or something, he should be back in time, but will he be as strong as now is the question
@ Faux
Where are you reading that he’s okay?
@JM:
Lovren is OK
http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_2258812399&feature=iv&src_vid=NmSPejqhuXA&v=dNxDze0Ggag
Hopefully Modric can be our Zidane against Brazil.
I don’t know how many goals Jelavic will score, but he definitely likes shooting from about 12m out.
@Iggy:
Here is a better one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF7i4TPlMtM
interesting there isn’t much concern here about lovren’s injury. losing him for the wc would be tough to replace
Ziva,
I think the proper “Vegas Line” would be 5 for Jelavic for the rest of the season. You know how they like making you buy half a point and all that jazz…
I am an idiot some times i admit but Jelavic will go to Brazil but Euro 2012 he scored hat goal vs Ireland and against big boys Italy and alittle bit of Spain he sucked? My explanations strikers id look at
Olic-Vetrean will most likely barring injury play in 11 v brazil
Eduardo-Not playing regularly but has a nose for goal and just get fit.
Rebic-Everyone is on the bandwagon but why not what can you lose young fast hungry,
Livaja-Yes i said it if he plays regulary gets assist and scores why not maybe NK can teach him a thing or 2,
Perica-Is a playing in Holland tall strong and i hope does well.
Kramaric-I see something in him that just alittle push he can be solid squad player for Cro,
Benko-Lets see the spring in HNL.
Strikers i say no to-Kalinic,Cop,Rukavina.
i’d say under, but even 5 or 6 goals would be pretty good. Good enough to go to Brazil I’d think.
@ Ziva i dont know never watched Hull city dont know any player so i say under 7
Jelavic scored 6.5 goals remainder of the season: over or under? What you guys have and anyone willing to put a bet on it.
Modric man of match again nothing new,
^ ^
Great!
Fuck Mamic & Sammir!
@ Poglavnik
Sammir is leaving on a free transfer this summer. So Mamic is making no money off him.
Ahhh Iggy-I was fretting about you last week. 🙂
@ Poglavnik
That is a bit of spin on your part.
Kovac said he is considering all players with papers and NOT those with potential papers.
Kovac will keep REAL!
Actually, if he starts lighting it up in La Liga (highly unlikely) it wouldn’t surprise me if Niko Kovac calls him up.
Kovac doesn’t seem to care where his players come from as long as they’re eligible.
I’m pretty sure Mamic and the HNS will now disown him.
Mamic will make his money on the transfer of a fully capped “international” and we will never hear from this “Hrvat” again.
LMAO
@ Colin,
Let me give you an answer. NO.
Looks like Sammir might be making a move to La Liga’s Getafe this summer. I’ll believe it when I see it, but will we be covering him in Croatians around Europe if he moves? 😉
@ PRL
Jorginho is a playmaker who scored 7 goals so far this season for Hellas Verona. He is not direct competition to Radosevic who is a DM.
good first half for Jelavic.
Hit the post with a left footer.
Almost had an assist.
1 offside call on a through ball
1 foul earned
Looks as if they put an air cast around the ankle. Could be a long term injury for Lovren. We’ll just have to wait and see how many months it could be.
Initially, it didn’t seem like much, even after looking at the replay it still seemed pretty harmless but sometimes it doesn’t take much.
He has had a strong season thus far.
Shit Nikica almost just scored.
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Jelavic starting for Hull. Luka starting for Real.
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Lovren just stretchered off, I hope it’s not serious.
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@ Iggy
Di Si ti?
Welcome back brate.
Tell your Aussie homies to play nice June 6th!
holy shit what a goal by Lovren. Iggy mustve just creamed his pants.
actually here’s a better one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp3N5laiI3w
he’s really not that bad, despite what ziva says
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCMkpzHlMP0
Looks like Ziva has set up his own site where he can glorify himself to himself.(Rather than this one,that is! )
Jorginho close to a move to Napoli. Could he send Radosevic back to the bench? They were after Maxime Gonalons from Lyon at first. Since Maxime is a DM I am only assuming that Jorginho is as well.
I haven’t beenm here in a while, sorry, is Rakitic gonna become the most expensive croat in history when he moves or .. ????
i buy all my jerseys there
thats my favorite website.
to boot, he will do a goal celebration in which he simulates dropping a deuce with the soccer ball as the excrement.
Perhaps its the gemist talking, but I am calling a Jelavic brace tomorrow.