SPAIN
It was a strange week in Spain as both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid dropped points, with Real Madrid winning on Friday. Mario Mandžukić got the start for Atletico Madrid on Sunday and played the entire match, but could not capitalize on eight Atletico corner kicks. The reigning La Liga champions only managed two shots on goal as Villareal’s Luciano Dario Vietto would score the lone goal of the match in the 84th minute to give his side the 1-0 win. With the loss, Atletico now trail leaders Real Madrid by seven points for the La Liga lead.
Ivan Rakitić played 65 minutes in Barcelona’s 0-0 draw against Getafe on Saturday. Barca controlled possession for 76% of the match but was only able to manage two shots on goal. The draw sees Barcelona slip four points behind leaders Real Madrid, who defeated Almeria 4-1 on Friday, without the services of Luka Modrić who remains sidelined with a torn thigh muscle he suffered against Italy. All three Spanish clubs will be seeded in Monday’s Champions League Round of 16 draw.
ENGLAND
Dejan Lovren’s (above) days at Liverpool are getting darker and darker. After playing in Wednesday’s Champions League group stage closer against Basel, which ended 1-1, dropping the Reds to Europa League, Lovren gifted Robin van Persie one of the easiest goals of his life Sunday at Old Trafford. Lovren looked like a Sunday league player on the play as he completely whiffed on the ball. Teammates are turning on him and his stock has never been lower. Liverpool lost 3-0 to rivals Manchester United and remain in a downward spiral. Lovren didn’t help.
“Dejan Lovren is the worst defender ever to play for Liverpool Football Club” — Kolo Toure on his Twitter
Lovren blunder at 3:15
Nikica Jelavić got the start and played 74 minutes for Hull City in a 2-0 loss to Chelsea. Hull City did not have one shot on goal.
Niko Kranjčar and QPR face Everton Monday night.
Germany
Photo: Wolfsburg
What is up with Croatians and penalty kicks? It seems like every few months or so one of our guys misses from the spot. Sunday was Ivan Perišić’ turn as the former Hajduk Split prospect had his slow motion penalty kick saved by Lukas Kruse in the 30th minute of a 1-1 draw against Paderborn. Ivan was off to a good start after his cross ended up in the back of the net as Rafa was credited with an own goal. The missed PK must have shook him up a bit as Ivan didn’t show much the rest of the match and was subbed out in the 70th minute of play. Who should Niko Kovač turn to for penalty kicks?
Ivica Olić missed the game after pulling his groin against Lille on Thursday.
Perišić assist and missed PK
PHOTO: AP/Frank Augstein
Tin Jedvaj started and went the distance at right back for Bayer Leverkusen in a 1-1 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday. The former Dinamo Zagreb prospect played well and wasn’t at fault for the lone goal. When will Niko Kovač give him a chance to shine for the national team? Ivo Iličević was left off the roster sheet by HSV in a 0-0 draw at Freiburg on Saturday.
Italy
Josip Radošević was left off the roster sheet by Napoli in a 2-0 loss at AC Milan on Sunday. Milan Badelj looked on from the bnch as Fiorentina beat Cesena 4-1 on Sunday. Mateo Kovačić and Inter take on Chievo on Monday night. Šime Vrsaljko served his one game suspension after picking up a red card last weekend. Palermo ended Sassuolo’s 8-match unbeaten run with a 2-1 win on Saturday. Igor Bubnjić looked on from the bench as Hellas Verona stunned Udinese with a 2-1 away win.
Besides Mateo Kovačić, Croatians are riding the pine in Serie A this season. Bubnjić has only featured once for Udinese this season, watching from the bench the past thirteen Serie A matches. Rafael Benitez doesn’t even know who is Josip Radošević. The former Hajduk Split prospect hasn’t even sniffed the pitch so far this season. Milan Badelj hasn’t featured in the last five Serie A matches for Fiorentina. Where is Ivan “GPS” Kelava?
FRANCE
Danijel Subasic kept a clean sheet for Monaco on Sunday as they earned an impressive 1-0 victory over league leaders Marseille. Subasic made four saves in the win, Monaco now sit sixth in Ligue 1 through 18 matches, and are through to the knockout round for Champions League.
Saves: 1:25, 2:00
GREECE
Mladen Petric scored his second goal in three games on Sunday as Panathinaikos continued their good run of form with a 4-0 win over Panthrakikos. Petric scored in the 51st minute, sliding a headed ball into the net off of a corner. Panathinaikos have ten points in the last four matches and have moved up to third in the Greek Super League.
RUSSIA
The Russian Premier League is on winter break until March 6th.
UKRAINE
The Ukranian Premier League is on winter break until February 27th.
Next Matches:
Tuesday, 10/16
Huesca at Barcelona(Copa del Rey),
Wednesday, 10/17
Wolfsburg at Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen at Hoffenheim,
Thursday, 10/18
L’Hospitalet at Atlético Madrid(Copa del Rey),
Saturday, 10/20
West Bromwich at QPR, Monaco at Metz, HSV at Schalke 04, Frankfurt at Bayer Leverkusen, Köln at Wolfsburg, Cesena at Sassuolo, Córdoba at Barcelona,
Sunday, 10/21
Arsenal at Liverpool, Udinese at Sampdoria, Lazio at Internazionale, Empoli at Fiorentina, Atlético Madrid at Athletic Club,
~Ante Kvartuč and Denis Svirčić reporting from sunny Southern California, Zach Gilfix reporting from Minneapolis, MN
Adebayor is rumored to be leaving Tottehnam this winter. Making room fro Kramaric maybe?
Come on now. You’re being a bit harsh.
Mandzo scored this weekend. Unfortunately, the ref is gullible and called a foul in favor of that Villareal flopper, and called back Mandzo’s legitimate goal.
Olic has been injured, so he didn’t play.
Kramaric has finally slowed down a bit and hasn’t scored in a couple of weeks, which is understandable considering he’s ridiculously averaging over a goal per game.
But Petric scored, so that’s good for him. 🙂
Everyone else who we closely track are midfielders who understandably wouldn’t be expected to score every weekend. Kovacic scored, and that’s good. I’m sure Perisic will bag one next weekend, and it’s only a matter of time until Raketa sends another rocket to the back of the net. Each of these guys are scoring at a rate of one goal every four games or so, which is pretty potent for midfielders.
Nothing really out of the ordinary for scoring.
At least Kovacic scored. There haven’t been many goals to talk about lately.
Good to see Kovacic score a few goals already this season. Three goals is not bad for a guy who doesn’t shoot on net.
Hopefully Mancini can help him with his development. Mancini is a Medjugorje regular and loves Croats. Probably talks to Kovacic about Gospa and stuff.
Kovacic goal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO2QPxp1MCc
@ Mr. Black
Found it. That’s a fake/Liverpool fan account. No blue check. When his information box says, “my mom is Jewish, so all of u shut up please,” I have reasons to doubt the account’s authenticity.
Mainzfeldski,
“Dejan Lovren is the worst defender ever to play for Liverpool Football Club” — Kolo Toure on his Twitter
Just scroll up to the article, to England.
The moron probably already deleted it.
Not a fan of Lovren, Liverpool or Stevie G but the sooner they put Stevie to pasture the better.
He’s become like Kobe Bryant but less talented.
Lots of hate for Lovren here.
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/social/dejan-lovren-absolutely-slammed-for-horror-mistake-for-man-united-3rd-goal/
I want Vida and Jedaj on our backline ASAP!
Those hair-do’s and their energy will be infectious!
@Ziva
Yeah, Modric sucks!
Who needs him?!
What a bust…
@ Mr. Black
Link to Kolo Toure’s Twitter? I couldn’t find it.
PRANJIC for the PKs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MWAHAHAHA
And thank God for Domagoj Vida. At least he is solid.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2300297-steven-gerrard-and-dejan-lovren-bust-up-reported-as-liverpool-reveal-problems
Not been an easy time for our friend Lovren.
So, how much does Real Madrid miss Modric??????? They keep winning without him, but to be fair none of these game are big games. Heir big games will come as the season moves ahead.
Serb Subasic is playing well.
STD Corluka on break for the next three months, just imagine all the dame he can do in that free time.
@mr. Black……..Calling out an opponent is ok, trash talk happens all the time. If Lovren stinks, nothing wrong in saying that. Besides, Lovren is fine. He has a gaurenteed contract, so I really doubt what others have to say about him. His lifestyle brings many critics as well, so I am sure he has adjusted to it and the criticism it brings.
SMM’s other shot on goal was classy too.
I’ve read Kolo Touré’s twitter that Lovren is the worst defender ever to play for Liverpool. What a stupid thing to say about the rival for your position. If the manager isn’t a moron, he should send Touré away. But I guess in Europe there’s only free speech for banana eaters.
By the way, I don’t think Lovren is doing great but I’m pretty sure that he’s more talented than Touré.
Ziva Istina reminds me of a Croatian version of Bob Backlund. I think he is Bob Backlund.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ApvubZN6l0
so what do you guys think of vrsaljko jedvaj, corluka, srna for the back 4? could this work?
wow that was such b.s. like the youtube comment said just give the title to madrid already
on the bright side looks like mario is finding his grove and they starting to give him the type of service he needs
he may be a one trick pony according to some but that trick he owns and they know what he’s going to do but does it anyway
Vatreni cast,
Same here buddy. Always good to see you. Still can’t believe it. Take care man
^^
more than once
100% a legit goal.
he was also fouled fairly harshly and it was called against him.
@antebbb
It was good seeing you this weekend man, sorry I couldn’t talk you more. Take care.
@ Faux Cro
The goal looked legit to me. Maybe the Villareal player fell too easily.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOEVd8zVd_Y
ANyone see the SMM goal that was controversially ruled a foul?
Lovren? This guy was pushed by cro media and Dinamo since 2008 and i never liked him always kiks player. For Croatia Lyon had one good season in Southhampton and now Liverpool he simply is not a Wc or good player he is just a proffesional player he has the look and thats why he fools alot of pundits imo Jedvaj Sifo Vida Corluka Mitrovic Leskovic Milovic even Maloca LOL are better. and in terms of REPKA Srna Olic Pranjic got to oprostiti se croatia play men down when them 3 play and when lovren plays thats 4 men down and with pletikosa it was 5 men down in 2014.
So, with very little fanfare, Simunic played his last game for Dinamo. I guess he can go back to his “dom” now.
Man, three seasons at Dinamo he basically stole 750K per year. Not bad work if you can get it. Good for him. Not his fault someone wants to vastly overpay him.
there are not too many teams who pay that much period for a defender, so I wouldn’t worry.
This is not an issue where he impacts the “Croatian” brand. If anything, he is hurting the community he represents.
Lovren is seriously hurting the Hrvati brand name.
When teams buy Hrvat, they gotta be buying quality. Because of Lovren woes, top teams will be less likely to spend £20m on a Croatian defender. A good brand of footballers is key for Croatian teams, as one of the main ways to finance operations is through player sales.
Good thing Lovren has been accepted by the Liverpool community. Makes his play on the field easier to forgive.
Watching Lovren play makes me hope Jedvaj is being groomed as a future center back.
@hnl……touched a nerve, didn’t I. All good.
I remember seeing someone wearing a Liverpool Lovren jersey at a bar, when they played Man City in August. That jocksniffer will be regretting that investment for sure.
I think everyone needs to pray for you Ziva. Special krunica for you. Man you have some issues in your life and hope you find some comfort this Bozic. See you at church.
Nice effort by Lovren.
True, and the people leading the savez are fools and a disgrace. So, nobody wins.
Listen, if you think our fans doing damage and forcing the repka to miss the Euros is the end of the world, then you got some issues. I think for some of you guys your entire Croatian identity hinges on the repka, which is kind of sad. Some of you (not all, only the ones who find the following comments to be true are impacted) have no clue about hrvatstvo, are unable to pull a few complete sentences together, don’t attend church, but somehow feel validated in being a hrvat because you can name a few players in the repka and mimic them on some video game. Sad, I tell you. Again, most would not find issue with my comments because they are true, but it will burn the some of you whom I directly speak at.
So, as you wake up today may I suggest you go to a Croatian church near you and if one is not near by them please proceed to the nearest Catholic Church and start living the “za dom……spremni” lifestyle I advocate for.
these are not fans, any fans hurting the repka are fools and a disgrace
@ mr. Black
Looks like the coach from Waasland found out the hard way what happens when you sub out Hrvati, lol
Can’t wait for the next home game and to see what our fans are going to do, because they will do something to hurt Puppet Suker and Mamic, They believe by any means necessary and if that means hurting the repka, then it is fine in their eyes. They have taken the short term pain for long tern gain approach.
Croatians in Belgium and Holland:
Stipe Perica has a bad time. His team Nac Breda lost at home to Heerenveen (0-2) and Stipe remained on the bench as an unused sub.
Santini sat out his second and last game of suspension. His team played very well against Genk but lost anyway with 3-0.
Stipe Bacelic-Grgic’ Cercle Bruges won three important points in their battle to stay in Belgian first League. They beat Mouscron with 2-1. Stipe played about 60 minutes before he was subbed out.
A weird game for Croatians in Waasland-Beveren against Charleroi. This is what happened.
Vukisic and Cale both started for Waasland Beveren
34′ Vukusic scored the 1-0. Assist from Cale
77′ Vukusic was subbed out
82″ Charleroi comes back 1-1
87′ Cale was subbed out.
90′ Charleroi scored 1-2
93′ Charleroi scored again 1-3
Waasland-Beveren are more and more in trouble. I don’t think the coach will sub his Croatians out again after this game.
Tomorrow both Brodic (Club Bruges) and Robert Muric (Ajax) will probably not make the selection. If one of them makes the bench or the team anyway, I will let you know.
@NK Susak
Well if the Serbs only got a 2-match ban for rushing the field and attacking Albanian players (with even some stewards doing it too), then you can’t expect more than that for a few flares being thrown on the field.
But I am concerned about the next match. It will happen again, and the ref might just end it and give Norway the 3:0 victory.
if you lived in zg and saw the shit going on youd want to protest too. im not for them throwing the flairs and disturbing the game however not 100% against it. moraju se malo zubi pokazati
these fans are a joke, go protest the government, the real issue, bunch of cowards
These self-righteous fans will ruin all that Croatia has going for it in soccer, our beloved national team. If they want to protest, they should do so peacefully. Violence is not the answer. Personally, I could care less about the corruption in the HNS. Scum will always make its way to power. Let Mamic fill his pockets and his lackey Suker give him bj’s. I dont care as long as the national team is a cohesive unit that fights till the end, win or lose, leaving their hearts on the pitch. If these “fans” want to fight, why dont they protest against the Croatian government. Something that actually affects their lives?
Sorry about the long still drunk from last nights rant.
Sorry if posted about already, but did anyone see the punishment handed down by uefa for the sramot in Milan. That was a lot lighter than I expected. I was expecting at minimum a 2 match ban for fans and a shit load of money. I think we got off easy. It makes you wonder if uefa applauded this as an effort to make mamic and suker dissapear. But on the other hand I’m scared of what will happen at this next qualifier with fans being allowed to attend. I’ll admit I was looking at an empty stadium being a good thing in hopes our qualifying campaign doesn’t get derailed
Let the games begin!