Ante Rebić can’t stop, won’t stop! The 26-year-old Croatian striker scored again Saturday night in a 5-1 AC Milan shellacking of Bologna. With the match already 3-1 in Milan’s favor in the 57th minute, Rebić took a short pass from Zlatan in the box and slammed it away with a ‘no look, left-foot’ rocket past the keeper for the goal. Since the restart, Rebić now has five Serie A goals in eight matches played. He is on absolute fire and has helped AC Milan salvage a miserable start to the season; now sitting in 7th place – only two back of 5th place Roma. Rumor has it AC Milan want to buy the services of Ante Rebić permanently. He is currently on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Rebić Goal
Nikola Vlašić remains in fine form with another goal Thursday in the Moscow derby against Lokomotiv. Vlašić banged in a rebound in the box and nearly scored another long-ranged shot earlier in the match, but it wasn’t enough as Lokomotiv converted both their penalty kicks to win 2-1. With the loss, CSKA Moscow now trail Krasnodar by two points for Russia’s last Champions League berth heading into the final match of the season.
Vlašić Goal
Mateo Kovačić got the start Sunday and played 86 minutes as Chelsea faced Manchester United at Wembley in the FA Cup semifinals. Chelsea took care of business in a 3-1 victory and will now take on Arsenal in the FA Cup Final on August 1st. Kovačić got a ‘8’ grade as he “Did brilliant in midfield against Bruno Fernandes and worked hard for Frank Lampard’s side throughout. Some winding runs in the second period.”
Lampard is a moron. As soon as Pulisic got off the bench he had a goal and assist against Liverpool.
Oops I did it again!
Good chance you flunked when you can’t spell flunked. 😉
Yeah I did
I fluncked at most subjects haha
Didn’t give a shit about spelling or little mistakes
Tip to everyone proof read your work
I am a lazy dalmatinac after all
Suba You way is the best way, if you flunked hi school English!
We all know Toronto is in Canada, near the great Canadian city of Buffalo.
Have you ever asked an American where Toronto is ?
Half of them think it’s in the U.S.
Lican Iz Toronto Fully agree that Budimir isn’t receiving enough attention on this website. I would take him over Petkovic any day. Someone like him that’s producing and 8th in scoring in the Spanish league is worth a call to start in nations league. Rather have him than that bum Kalinic.
Have you every tried asking a Canadian for
Directions? It’s a wonder how they ever make it home.
Tough to follow Budimir, when you have a younger striker in Petković (along with Krama on the team as well).
Definitely worth a callup, but he’d just be insurance.
Talk about accepting any job that comes you way
What’s the point
Mateo was boss today. The pride of London takes it!
Is anyone following ante budimir in la Liga, 13 goals, not too shabby. P
Is anyone following ante budimir in la Liga, 13 goals, not too shabby. P
Liverpool is the one for Chelsea this week.
Pulisic needed the rest.
@ BZ
The amount of attention Rebić draws is extraordinary.
And now he has so much more intelligence to his movement.
Zlatan is a master of movement and at 196 he is beast in the middle.
Petković has great foot skills but that kind of presence comes from playing in big matches.
Petković needs to prove he is a big match man.
Croatia actually had been more consistent than we realize these past 4 years.
Confidence and experience with young legs will give us ability to compete with anyone.
Mateo crotch-does-itch with another complete performance
I have not yet fully embraced twitter, but the twittersphere loves the guy
That’s a strange fit.
Kovač coaching a bunch of random Frenchies at Monaco.
I expect him to revitalize Stevan Jovetić’s career though.
Niko Kovac to become Monaco’s manager.
Is Frank Lampard retarded? Why is Pulisic on the bench?
World Cup 2022 Final.
Croatia vs France.
Penalty shootout.
Last shot taken by Modrić.
Takes a terrible penalty but still scores.
And we’re forced to re-watch and celebrate a horribly taken World Cup winning penalty for the rest of our lives.
That’s the dream.
Also, as much as I love the Euros….I have my eye on the World Cup.
Winning the World Cup is the dream (despite the Euros arguably being the tougher tournament).
It’s the greatest tournament in the World with everybody tuning in.
2022 was always the date that I was looking forward to, and hoping that Modric and Perisic can continue to contribute until then.
Doing well at both the Euros and World Cup is my expectation.
But I really want them to go out with a massive bang at the 2022 World Cup, where we send off Modric and show the World the new generation of Croats starts (Vlasic, Brekalo, etc).
Yea, the one-year delay feels like it definitely hurts us considering the such good form our key players (as well as upcoming players) were all in (Modric, Rebic, Kovacic, Kramaric, Vlasic, Petkovic, Pasalic)
The only question marks were maybe Rakitic/Brekalo (due to club inconsistency) and Perisic (due to injury recovery)…but you knew these guys would bring it at the tournament.
The other added benefit is that the two other major contenders (France and Belgium) had key players that were having off years. Griezmann, Pogba, Hazard, Courtois are all having mediocre years.
It would have been great going into a tournament with our players all on fire, and these guys all being ice cold.
However, at the same time, so long as we remain injury-free and our players don’t make any drastic moves to other clubs (affecting their playing time), then we should be just fine.
Rebic, Brekalo, Vlasic, Petkovic, Pasalic, Kovacic are all still young and should get better…especially with some NT experience (like the Nations League).
Brekalo is also an exfactor when he enters games, so any added experience is a plus for us (same goes for Vlasic). Also, getting more games with Kramaric (or even Petkovic) up top with our wingers will be an added bonus.
It’s just a matter of whether or not Modric and Perisic do not lose a step, and not losing anyone to injury (especially Vrsaljko).
As Rocky III taught me, you had to lose so you could win.
From the drama of losing to the 2 winners in ’16 and ’18 to seeing some of our players (Modric, Rebic) playing out of their skin this month, Im a little biased but I’d say the Euro’s were ours to lose.
@Soul Champ-Great points.
It’s not only his trackback defending. Rebic beats everyone on the wing. His speed is too much to handle. It doesn’t come into play as much when he plays the 9.
Regarding his trackback D: Funny how Pioli saying Theo Hernandez has become better on D. You can bet that has alot to do with Rebic pressuring the wing into making predictable, and easily defensible passes.
Agree, Zlatan does have a play or two left.
When Zlatan playing, Milan at their best when Zlatan tracks back to receive the ball. Petkovic, are you watching? Zlatan sees Rebic’s movement well, and Petkovic can make the same thru balls Zlatan has been playing.
Watch Rebic’s runs. Even when he doesn’t get the pass, he occupies defenders; in turn creating space for everybody else. Nobody else has the fitness level, speed, and desire to move off the ball like Rebic does.
Perisic, Petko, Rebic, and Vlasic is going to be fun to watch.
IMO, we would have won the Euros had it been played this year. Our key players are in form.
@ BZ
Without the fans you see more of the game.
Zlatan complaining every play is almost surreal.
It’s like a YouTube spoof or something?
Jebi ga he gave Rebić a nice ball.
Pioli has the team humming.
Zlatan is the Mascot.
He still has a play or two in him.
He is always entertaining when subbed off as well.
Rebić looks unphased by anyone on the pitch these days.
I get his effectiveness as a pressing wing with Mandžukić pressing at the 9.
But Rebić pressing at the point of our defense is unparalleled by both Kramaric and Petković combined.
I can go with a rotating system to keep the defense off balance.
But my point is wasting his legs tracking back on the wing may come at the expense of his presence near the goal.
He now is a goal scorer and needs to be utilized as such.
Dalic has to evolve with this team or we will not be able to compete at the highest level.
We do not need three over time matches in a row anymore given our fire power.
CP85- Only role Zlatan is playing, is the role of a clown. The guy is standing around yelling at his teammates to get him the ball. It is fucking embarassing that he is half Croat.
Seriously watch the games, it’s comical.
All this while his team is looking beautiful, mostly due to Rebic.
Imagine what a toxic douche he’d be if they were losing.
@Soul Champ- Rebic at wing is much more valuable than at the 9.
BUT, Pioli is using him correctly. Let him bust ass at wing, then reward him late in the game by letting him play the much less energy consuming 9. This is a page out of Dalic’s playbook vs Denmark. Pioli is simply reinforcing what we already know to be true.
Rebic is surpassing zlatan and the Medo is not happy about it
@everyone – I haven’t followed AC Milan games in depth this year. I’ll watch the odd game, I know Rebic is scoring. Today for his goal Zlatan played him a ball, he turned well for the finish. He knew what he was going to do before the ball even came to him.
Is Zlatan playing more of a service role this year? I mean Zlatan has that personality where he’ll do what he wants. I am just curious to know aside from posting up, is Ibra setting up more goals now or supporting the play rather than looking for the goal/end product than he has in the past in his career?
Have any of you been following enough to know? I personally feel like he and Rebic have a good understanding on the field.
Croatlanta….good one.
AC should keep Zlatan too. The new style of football is more about experience and finesse rather than how it used to be about fitness/stamina and ball possession.
11 – In 2020 calendar year, only Erling #Haaland (13 goals) and Robert #Lewandowski (12) have netted more goals excluding penalties than Ante #Rebic (11) among the top-5 European Leagues. Explosion.
These guys are archetypal #9 strikers.
When you can run and score you need to be the focal point forward at the #9 hole.
Rebic (8.5 – MOTM): As always offered dynamism and pace on the wing creating the space for Theo’s assist of the first goal and then added one of his own turning the defender and then smashing it to make it 4-1.
This man is bringing his A game during the business end of the season.
Rebić has reached a new level of performance entering into his prime footballing years.
He now has a shot of becoming world class.
He can play all across the front line.
His destiny is as our #9.
His two footed finishing has improved to that level.
I have never seen a footballing nation have players improve from ages 25 – 34 like nogometaši.
Modrić looks better than ever !!
Olić was a revelation into his 30’s.
This is just bananas.
Another goal for Rebic. Kid is playing great.
Rebic goal
@Maminjo. Brekalo at Atalanta in their high octane offense is pure genius.You should take over G.M.. duties at Hajduk!!
Where do you get this out of the box ORIGINAL thinking?
We are Central European with a a Slavic strand and a western Balkan flavor.
Throw in the Adriatic beauty and you are good to go.
I think everyone realizes this.
The language group is Slavic. Just like how Italians shares the same language group as Mexicans, but are obviously not Mexican.
Croatians are part Slavic not full. Take a DNA test
And you will see. Why do some us not realize this?
The Slavic identity is Yugo shit to keep us down.
Bilić given a life line after brentford lost today.Win Wednesday vs. QPR and he’s in against the big boys next season.
Imagine Slav and his games against west ham next year…he will be a lunatic on the side lines.
I personally think Brekalo would be a good signing for any team in the world. I was telling my friend who is a big Man U fan and always says how they really need a right winger. And I said Brekalo would be a good cheaper option to Jadon Sancho. Brekalo does prefer to play on the left and cut in, but he still does very well on the right. Atalanta or Milan honestly might be the best teams he could go to though. Very good chance he remains a starter and doesn’t have to share as many minutes. It looks like Bosko Sutalo could end up fighting for a starting CB spot next season for them too.
Petkovic to Atalanta would be interesting. It actually definitely could happen. They might buy him as a backup OR as a replacement for Duvan Zapata if he was to be sold. But either way Atalanta will be in the Champions League again next season and I think they will want to challenge for Serie A so they will need some depth. But if they sign even just one more Croatian and Sutalo does get into the lineup, do we then call them CROATalanta?
Also, I saw that Niko Kovac is supposed to be taking over at Monaco. My how they have fallen after selling all of their young players after winning the league. They’re basically a mid-table team now. Maybe he signs some Hrvati. Pjaca might not be bad in Ligue 1?
Boban will be forgotten in Milan.
Terrible timing for him.
They lay a foundation, and now these new guys will get all the credit.
Rangnick is pretty good and will probably go after Brekalo and he will explode in Serie A.
A part of me is cheering against Milan, but for our own National Team’s sake, I want Rebic to continue what he has going there and have some additional NT players join him for chemistry (i.e. Brekalo).
I’d still love Brekalo at Atalanta though. Would love it if Petkovic went too. Get some young Croats in that high octane offense.
Great read.
Love Imotski!
No wonder Boban wanted him.
The media skewered Rebic
The management used his lack of playing time, as an excuse to make Boban et al look bad.
The coach finally got fired as the team tanked…
Then the Rebic enlightenment happened…
Rebic carried the piano and played Ode To Joy as Milan miraculously climbed the standings.
Moral of the story: Fuck Milan and their dopey ass fans.
Rebic should take biggest offer on the table and go to England. They’d love him there.
#Rebxit
Nice article.
I forgot about Ralf Rangnick and RB Leipzig connection with Rebić.
I didn’t know that Ralf pursued him that hard back then and wanted him.
Looks like Rebić will be a big piece at Milan.
Rebić is ready:
https://www.rossoneriblog.com/2020/07/18/rebic-when-my-opportunity-arrived-i-took-it-im-strong-in-my-head-and-whoever-attacks-me-fires-me-up-my-favorite-position-playing-with-someone-like-ibra-hes-a-leader-and-we-need-him/
@ Ziva Istina
Is that you Momak?
Živa “the bust” Istina back in the house?
I remember when a rotten locker room/Media scapegoated one Luka Modrić during his first few months at Real Madrid.
8 years later and the best midfielder on the planet still showing the world what it means to be a champion.
If that Is really you Živa ?
Allow me to be the first to welcome you home as the prodigal poster.
Stay thirsty my friend.
Start the hype for Stipe facing DC! Fight is less than a month away.
That’s one thing I admire about Real Madrid. Despite losing Ronaldo, they’ve done expectational well this season. Keep in mind they had a dreadful season the year after Ronaldo left. But it’s been all uphill now. Madrid players can adjust after Ronaldo leaving. Benzema has stepped up. The truth is, Messi and Suraez keep that team glued together. Other key players like Kroos, Ramos and Modric step up. Idk about anyone else predicting champions league. I’m picking Atalanta to go all the way to face Bayern.
Yeah Barca rely more on Messi now than they ever have before and 1 player can only take you so far. As my old coach used to say, You have players who play the piano and you have players who carry the piano, if you can do both you’re a professional.” Barca relies on 1 player to play the piano.
Setien’s failure was he built the team around Messi and appeased his every request. Barca require an overhaul. Rakitic is not the problem.
It’s a shame how managers become scapegoats to a club rotten at the core. I can relate.
@ Maminjo – yeah I see that too. He’s going to Sevilla.
@ Croatian. They bought De Jong, he knew he wasn’t going to play as much. Did the Barca club treat him poorly or fans making comments online ? Big difference
He’ll go back to Sevilla.
Barca may try to play hardball to get a good transfer fee, in which case Raketa will just threaten to stay at Barca and play out the year (then leave for free).
His wife is pretty hardcore Andalusian and they are living there long term.
I don’t think he was ever that interested in moving his family outside of Spain. He wouldn’t even go to Juventus when he had the chance (and that would’ve been amazing for his career).
It’s Barca… then Sevilla next year, or the year after.
Rakitic should just leave Barca immediately after this season. The way he’s been treated during this season is appalling. He should just move to MLS. Barca has De Jong, Arthur, and Vidal is better.