A Ronaldo-less Real Madrid won their third straight FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday, beating hosts – and Zoran Mamić managed Al Ain – 4-1. Luka Modrić opened up the scoring in the 14th minute with a wonderful left-footed curler from outside the box and added an assist later in the match during the victory. Modrić fittingly ends his 2018 with more silverware in a year in which he dominated the football world. Can he help Real Madrid defend the Champions League or grab the La Liga title away from Barcelona?
Modrić curler vs. Al-Ain
Our favorite retired Croatian footballer was at it again on Saturday. Mario Mandžukić scored the lone goal of the game in Juventus’ 1-0 win over Roma. Mandza headed home a long cross from an unorthodox angle to earn Juventus their 16th win in 17 games to start the season. They are still undefeated in Serie A – with only one draw to blemish a perfect record – and currently have an 8-point lead over second place Napoli. Mandžukić has been a juggernaut this season and has not let his World Cup form decline.
Mandžukić Game Winner vs. Roma
Ivan Perišić scored the opener for Inter Milan on Saturday in a match that would end 1-1 against Chievo. Perišić found himself alone in front of the net following a break and put the ball top shelf to beat the Chievo keeper. He has played well this season as Inter remain in a comfortable third place; which would put them back in the Champions League mix next season. Europa League summons them after the winter break. Marcelo Brozović and Šime Vrsaljko also got the start for Inter, unable to deny Chievo their injury time equalizer.
Perišić goal vs. Chievo
21 year-old Filip Benković scored his first goal for Celtic in a 3-0 victory over Dundee on Saturday. Benković was bought by Premiership club Leicester City from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer but was loaned out to Scottish club Celtic for the season. The 6′ 4″ center-back could be a vital part of Croatia’s future if his career goes well in the UK. Benković has been a rock in the defense for the Croatia U-21 side the past year.
Benković Goal at 1:30
Treble #2 coming.
Exactly. He gives 110% every game. He’s older than his age. He took a lot of uncalled fouls and abuse. Atletico was a waste of one of his prime years. Bayern are idiots to let the foreigner go but Merkel will allow 654325778754 cigans in.
He was always a striker that decided outcomes, key goals and games.
Mario is
Not coming back. Stop it
Sretan Božić Svima !!
Love the group genius around this Mandžukić inquiry.
Super Mario is a goal hunting beast.
He is dominant in the air which helps defend set pieces .. which it’s not really important .. oh wait .. Wembley 2 goal nonsense.
I see him as player you start and then see how the game is progressing.
I am sorry if you are banging in goals in every big match for Juventus .. then you need to be a priority for Dalić.
Sretan Božić homies
I just think Mandzu and rebic could still wreak their havoc and making all sorts of room for kramaric to do his magic
I don’t know how u make all the pieces work together but man when is the last time we had the problem of where to put all our offense
Not for a very long time
As soul champ or Slavonac says…put the horses in the courses
@ Soul Champ, BZ, Maminjo, Razbijac – great posts all of you. I’ve been drunk all day.
Merry Christmas to everyone. I still think Mandzukic can offer us/the NT something. He’s producing for Juve. Why not for the NT?
Ps. IMHO Rebic was the difference maker for us this WC. He was the extra gear putting pressure on the D and simmered down so he wasn’t getting stupid red cards.
Sretan Božić to you all.
Bog i Hrvati!!!!!
@ CP85
To answer your question…Mandzu wouldn’t be taking anyone’s spot if he was still on the team. He was the LAST great Croatian Center Forward, and it will be years before we have another player like him. Especially with Kalinic confirming his “Magarac status” last summer–and becoming a model of what NOT to do as a Vatreni.
Kramaric is more like a False Nine / Number 10 like player. And would be nice to see him play off Mario in a 4-4-2 or even a 4-3-3 (Perisic, Mandzu, Kramric in a devastating 3 man attack).
Rebic is more like a second striker, or winger type player who’s better at running at defenders with his power and pace, and dropping back to win the ball in a press.
So no, there is no current equivalent to Mandzukic on the team.
But some many factors make Mandzukic World Class, which I can’t help but write about…
His ability to be a “Clutch Player” and score in big games. While some players crack under pressure, Mario seems to rise to the occasion. Scoring vital/game winning goals versus Lazio, Roma, Inter, Milan, Napoli, and Valencia.
Sure you can have a guy scoring 20 goals a season but what good is it, if it’s against bottom of the barrel teams when the score line is already 3-0. Mandzukic scores a lot PLUS they’re crucial.
Statistically speaking, another vital stat is that Mario only takes 1.5 shots per game, yet has managed to score 8 goals in 13 appearances in Serie A–virtually unheard of. This points to his World Class conversion rate. To put things in perspective his teammate, Ronaldo, takes 7 shots per game, and has scored 11 goals in 17 apprearances in Serie A…..
This also means that Mario most of the time on the pitch is not even trying to score! Most of the time he is holding up and laying off the ball for teammates. Winning 50/50 challenges and headers. Providing an exceptional work rate and tactical pressing capabilities…..
All while patiently reading the game and waiting for his opportunity to score…. And boy when that opportunity comes he makes the most of it!
@BZ
I don’t think anyone could have predicted Mandžo having a year like this (including Mandžo himself).
But I agree with Dalić moving away from the older players in order to integrate the younger ones (or at least the ones who are in their mid-20s).
However, I do believe that there should NEVER be national team retirements. You should give whatever you have left, even if you are a backup. This is the problem with guys like Mandžo.
Dalić probably knew that Mandžo’s ego would not accept being a backup off the bench, so he accepted the ‘retirement’ pretty easily.
The reality is that Kramarić is an excellent striker, and Mandžo (aside from this season) was on a noticeable decline over the past couple years (re: goalscoring output).
It is MUCH wiser to plan for the Euro2020 ahead of time, and have Krama build chemistry with the existing wingers (Perisic, Rebic, etc) on this squad. It is also wise to integrate guys like Vlasic and Brekalo too, as they are on a huge upswing right now. Having these five or six guys grow together over the next couple of years is critical to TOURNAMENT success.
Even though Mandžo is killing it right now…he STILL has the highest risk of dropping off prior to the Euros (as he will be 34). Krama (who is also killing it right now, btw) is 27 and will probably continue to grow over the next two years as well.
I love Mandžo’s pressing and ability to create chances from opponent turnovers, but I also love Krama’s lethal ability to turn half-chances into automatic goals.
I believe that BOTH should be on this National Team right now…but if Mandžo’s ego won’t allow himself to sit on the bench, then it’s best he leaves. We have guys on the wing who press very well, so I think having that combination of high press wingers and a lethal center forward in Krama will work well (assuming he builds chemistry with Perisic and the gang).
We have also been BURNED many times in the past with an OVER reliance on our older veteran heroes of the past, that we end up sticking with them well after their prime.
At WC2002, we lost our opener because we stuck with a washed up Suker and Prosinecki (when Olic was in red hot form and scored against Italy only minutes after coming off the bench the next game). Euro 2004, we had Klasnic on the bench (along with Srna and a few others) but an old misfit cast started every game instead. At the WC2006, Luka never got a chance off the bench, WC2014 we stuck with Pletikosa (even tho that was probably Subasic’s career year), etc etc.
I’ve criticized Dalic for not taking the Nations League seriously enough (and he didn’t with those stupid experimentations) as it almost cost us a seeding at the Euros…but he’s in the right here.
Always keep the door open for Mandzo to come back to the National Team to add depth to the team…but leave it at that.
Croatian selfishness has cost us too much (it even cost us a World Cup with Subasic not stepping aside when he should have). We are one of the favorites for Euro2020 even without Mandzo. Let’s keep it that way.
Just watched an episode of mythbusters. They challenged the myth that “Mandzukic needs service.”
Results:
It turns out his best mode high press creates a huge amount of turnovers, thus allowing him to get more service. Amazing how that works,eh?
His link up and hold up play is drastically underrated. Turns out he also provides service more than the average headline reader can imagine.
Whenever one of my good employees tries to leave, I simply say “nope, we love you here.” You’d be surprised how many stay. Of course, if they have an offer in hand that I cannot come close to matching, I still lose them. Letting people know how much they are appreciated is not only kind, but a strong winning tactic.
I fear Dalic didn’t try hard enough to keep Mandzukic.
I am sure Mandzukic knew how fucked we would be without him.
— 3rd place of 3, in Nations League,
–biggest NT loss ever
–relegating us to a countering team, instead of the more dominate team.
No need to transition when you were 2nd in the world, and your stock is rising. Prodigal son prayers should have started long ago.
@ CP85
Break it down Brate!! They chant his name from their heart. They feel his presence in every big match and he delivers the goods.
Kramaric can play 9.5/10 role off striker or come in for a different look.
Rebić is depth option for us and brings in pace and power across the attacking third.
You have Mandžukić playing the best soccer of his career and it’s time to move on?
“peak form: Mario Mandzukic.
The 32-year-old scored a very Mandzukic goal to settle the match 1-0 in Juve’s favour, bustling in to convert a header at the far post. It leads to a bump of one spot for his team in the rankings.”
Last I checked scoring goals leads to wins?
Especially when we still to this day struggle to score against top sides.
———______-______Mandzukic
Perišić ____________Vlašić___________Brekalo
Yo .. you want to try to defend that ^^^^?
Sretno ..
ZDS
Mandz is as good as his service when it comes to goals/finishing. We’re seeing the real Mandzukic now that he is playing CF and has proper service the way he did in Bayern. He’s never had these numbers this early in Serie A since joining Juve. If the Juve board does everything in their power to keep you happy and at their club, you must be doing something right and he is. Juve is a hard club to please as a foreigner as they are Italy’s team and usually have the least amount of imports out of Juve, AC and Inter.
I played a half season in Serie C2 after US college soccer and I just wasn’t good enough. I can tell you, foreigners are treated differently in Italy compared to other countries. Mandzukic is super important to Juve and also 1 of 3 players to score in a Champions League final for 2 different teams.
My question for the crosports readers – if Mandzukic never retired, which player would he be effecting the most by taking their spot and not allowing them to get game time with the NT? Kramaric? Rebic?
Is it better to move on without him (as we have thus far) or is he still an asset/major asset to the NT?
LAknat 2019 premonation
I got a picture:
1) N Kalinic will pack 3 goals in the 1st leg vs Juventus.
2) The New Milan manager spot potential on Halilovic and play him as a regular right wing
Mandžukić is 32 and banging in goals for a top 5 club on planet earth.
He is a finishing beast.
Start him for first 45 minutes and see how the match is going.
His game will not slow down as it is based on heart and power.
His technical ability has always been underrated.
Cultivate the wings and attacking midfield, plus full backs.
Mandžukić is world class.
Yeah I said it.
Yeah he needs service .. and who is better when said service is delivered?
Modrić is 33 and looks better than ever.
Croatians are not Brazilians .. we get better in our 30’s.
36 is the magic year for me for world class players who are physically healthy.
No reason they can’t play till then at any level.
You need young legs around to bring that energy to match the world class experience.
Now if someone is better then let them earn their spot.
I always advocated for young legs in positions of need like RW and LB.
But as much as I pray for Kovačić to breakthrough, he needs to respond to the reality of our world class midfield.
You going to tell me Mandžukić bangs in 20+ goals for Juve and they win CL 2019 and he doesn’t suit up for the Vatreni?
Dalić needs to head out to Turin and talk to the mighty Mandžukić from Slavonski Brod and call him under the flag.
ZDS
Well said razbijac. Awesome stuff.
I don’t think Mandzukic would want to return now, as he wants to focus on his club career. He might be tempted to make a come-back on the eve of the Euros, for one last hurrah.
Even then, I would want the starters for the qualifying cycle, be the first choice strikers for the Euros. Mandzukic would be an excellent back up, and provide much needed leadership on and off the pitch.
Luka Modric showed us why he is the Best player in the World at the moment, with an amazing performance in the final. Spectacular goal with an assist. We truly are blessed to witness the Magic of Modric.
Going forward, he’s gotta lead Real Madrid to the La Liga title or CL title to compete with Ronaldo and Messi for future awards.
Ronaldo got himself on a club that can win the title every year–at the very least. Remember for him it’s all about the glory.
Modric has gotta duke it out now with Messi for the La Liga title. Or perhaps do the unthinkable, win a CL title 4 years in a row…
I would only take mandzukic back as a back up. No expectation of being a starter
As you like to say soul, you gotta transition to the young guys. It’s kramaric, rebic, brekalo time… With perisic continuing to contribute
Mandzukic would have to be super sub or starter in case of injury…. And you know what….i bet he would be tempted if they asked him pre euros
After a disastrous performance in the peru scrimmage on the wing, mandzukic told dalic that he needs to play center forward. If he plays on the wing, dalic should start someone else over him
Mandzukic? He is amazing, I am so happy to have a player like him in my team.
-Allegri
When do we start our prodigal son prayers for Mandžukić?
Big game BEAST.
Call him up when needed and for the finals.
ZDS
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2812044-mario-mandzukic-powers-juventus-to-1-0-win-over-roma-in-serie-a
Bender has no vertical leap.
That’s why he struggles to finish.
Needs to train his core and lower leg power.
He does have a nice feel.
Also needs to be able to knock down 3’s to be a legit stretch 5.
Another beast header goal from Mandzukic, 1-0.
I mentioned last week the 2Z’s having issues getting PT due to the obsession with small ball…I guess re-hash is good hash at times.
I actually think bender has the highest upside of anyone physically regardless of his slight frame.
He’s 7”1’ runs like a gazelle has decent ups and great length .
There was a reason he was drafted higher than any other Croat but at the moment he’s going to be a 1 year flyer for another team next year .I hope he does better on that flyer than Mario is doing with the Knicks now that Knox has taken all his minutes
A subject to ponder with our nba prospects, is Why we cant produce good guard prospects especially point guards.
This comes back to haunt us every time when the national team plays…which I highly doubt Saric plays on going forward considering his slow start is blamed on playing for his country.
wtf is with that ronaldo clown?, if it isn’t plastic surgery or whining crying about not winning player of year awards, google “real madrid team photo ronaldo tip toe” and see what even more douchebag is, overcompensating for some defect(s) or just a self-loving personality disorder, a complex where he has to be tallest in the room? lol, that soccer fairy probably stretches his dick for his pics sent to his boyfriends, just a pathetic moroccan with a complex..
Zubac is a traditional center with a very well developed offensive skill set, and has the size to bang inside, rebound and score in the paint (especially in the half court).
Unfortunately, nowadays, teams don’t care too much about skilled centers and big men who can play in the half court set.
They all want small ball centers who can run the floor at full speed and get easy transition buckets. No real skill needed for this. Many centers are adding a three point shot as well.
There is an over reliance on three point shooting and transition buckets. Nobody cares about the midrange and skilled big men of the 90s Era.
Zubac would be an excellent starting center in the 90s NBA.
Now, it will be tougher.
He seems like a very smart kid though (unlike Hezonja) so he may be able to adapt. Marc Gasol is a half court banger who managed to still become an All Star. He even added a three point shot well into his 30s.
If Zubac can increase his range, and continue to work on his conditioning so he’s not pigeon holed as some half court big, then he will be fine.
Surprise surprise…zubac gets the start for Lakers and goes for 16pts, 11 boards and 2 blocks…80 percent shooting… Dunking everything
Like I’ve said before, i think zubac is a good player who has gotten buried on the Lakers bench so deep because he plays for a coach trying to be so forward thinking in terms of small ball that he forgets basic winning strategies
I think zizic is another guy who can score and rebound consistently. Ultimately though,zubac has the best upside cause he’s so big and long that he can protect the paint
Luka with the left-footed strike from outside the box … 1-0 Real.