Is there any striker hotter in Europe over the past three matches? The answer is NO.
On Sunday, Andrej Kramarić scored two more goals in a 4-1 victory over reigning European and Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich. With the game 2-1 in the 2nd half and Kramarić already hitting the post earlier, he would send a no-look shot just inside the far post to beat Manuel Neuer and make it 3-1. Kramarić would add a powerful penalty kick in extra time to seal the match. Krama has now scored an astounding nine goals in his last three Bundeliga matches played. Simply incredible! On top of that, this was Bayern’s first Bundesliga loss since December 7th.
Kramarić Goal and PK
Josip Brekalo is on the board early in the Bundesliga season! The 22 year-old Croatian winger banged in a free kick from just outside the box in the 42nd minute to make the game 1-1 versus Freiburg. It would end that way.
Brekalo ripped the ball off the bottom of the crossbar following a slight deflection off the wall. This could only boost the kid’s confidence, especially with him receiving free lick duties so early in his career. Many Croatians have already called Brekalo a bust. He’s not even close to being considered a bust.
Brekalo Free Kick
Sevilla’s Croatian captain is back! After spending the last six seasons at Barcelona – winning trophies galore – Ivan Rakitić has returned to his first Spanish club where he started in 2011. After losing to Bayern Munich 2-1 midweek in the UEFA Super Cup, Sevilla opened up their La Liga season Sunday with a 3-1 victory over newly promoted club Cadiz. Rakitić scored Sevilla’s third goal in injury time and was voted ‘Man of the Match’ with an 8.4 rating via FotMob. Raketa received a simple pass in front of the goal following a break away for the easy tap-in goal. Rakitić goal can be seen here.
AC Milan beat Crotone 2-0 on Sunday to stay perfect in the early Serie A season, but it did not go without loss. In the 57th minute, Milan striker Ante Rebić was tripped up and landed awkwardly on his left arm. He would get up in agony and quickly made his way to the locker room. It is being reported that Rebić dislocated his left elbow and had it immediately popped back into place, via SempreMilan. The timetable for Rebić’s return is unknown as his hospital results have not been made public yet. If it’s purely a dislocation, he should return in the next week or so. If it’s a broken bone, he may likely miss all of October.
Suba, in this formation a wingback is less defensive than our current 4 back (including the RB and LB) system.
Obviously, Perisic doesn’t prefer it, which is part of the reason he wanted out of Inter last year, and this year too.
But if Inter excels, then it might be financially lucrative for an aging Perisic to rebrand himself as a LB. Not many teams are going to pay big bucks for an aging winger, but every team needs a good LB.
Don’t get me wrong, he still has alot left at wing for us.
There are actually several Croatian boxers coming up the ranks.
I rarely watch boxing, but it might be something that CroatianSports.com will be covering in the future.
Seeing Perisic playing left back would certainly be interesting viewing
How would he view this
^^ even if they repeatedly write his name incorrectly lel
Hrgovic must have done okay he made the news here in Aus where boxing never does:
https://www.news.com.au/sport/boxing/filip-hrgovic-delivers-ko-of-the-year-contender-in-hellacious-onepunch-stunner/news-story/f5e24fc6da666d30780f3f31a748d038
Perišić and Brekalo would be good as wing backs.
Our defense will be improved with the return of Modrić and Brozović playing the full game.
Maybe have Petković up top to pair with Kramarić and see if they gel together. I don’t think we’ve evert seen those two play together.
Krama and Bruno up top, with Vlašić behind them (and Modrić/Brozović right in front of our CBs).
Not 100% sure Vrsaljko is out, but the guy isn’t even on Atletico’s recent rosters due to injury. Just like last round, I am almost certain he won’t see the field.
@Maminjo- imo, that lineup is waay too defensive. If we play a 3-5-2 or any slight variation thereof, those wingbacks need to be more offensive than Bradaric and Vrsaljko.
Vrsaljko cannot get up field nearly as well without a true winger occupying defenders in front of him.
I actually think Perisic and Brekalo would serve well as these pseudo-wingbacks that have 3 dedicated defensive “stalwarts” behind them.
Our repka definitely need an improvement in teamwork. Too many individuals trying to just do their own thing out there. What makes Modric, Rakitic, Brozovic, Rog, Badelj, and Perisic effective is that they can slot into any team and make it better. I feel the same way about Kramaric, Pjaca, and Rebic except that they are pure forwards, so they need to take on defenders and go for goal themselves. The players who don’t seem so clear are Kovacic, Pasalic, Brekalo, and Vlasic—all very, very talented, but can they gel with a team that meets only a few times per year?
If Lewandowski had the chances Krama did last game, he would’ve put at least 2 if not 3 more goals. That said, the non penalty goal was great technique. Krama played CF and less of a roaming position this time against Bayren. Like someone alluded to earlier, he was a handful for the Bayren defence and they had trouble containing him.
Based on current form and health, if the National Team played tomorrow, this is my line up;
—————— Livakovic
Perisic – Vida – Lovren – Caleta-Car – Bradaric
——————Brozo
———- Modric – Kova
—————- Vlasic
—————- Krama
Subs:
– Brekalo and Pjaca for attacking needs
– Badelj and Sutalo for defensive needs
– Honorable mentions to guys who don’t get playing time;
Vrsaljko, Petkovic, Pongracic and Benkovic
With Andrej’s great form and if it continues does Bayern make a play for him eventually to replace an aging Lewandowski??
Far fetched at this point but not like Bayern hasn’t does this before more than a few times.
I think Krama’s a gamer.
Plays good when the stakes are high.
Hopefully this Antonio Marin transfer works out.
Seems like such a dumb move to transfer out such a good young prospect who did extremely well at the recent U19 UEFA Youth league tournament.
The fact it’s such a low 6 million dollar buyout option for this Serie B club, concerns me.
They never managed to integrate Antonio Marin into the first team like they did Josko Gvardiol.
Unlike a player like Ante Coric (who was also sold off for 6 million), Antonio Marin actually has some solid performances from that Youth League, so he’s not strictly hype.
Maybe this is just Dinamo trying to make cash this year due to missing out on Champions League. Who knows.
This is an example of the importance of qualifying for these major tournaments.
@Slavonac
Yea, I think he’s selfish there too. But it’s not a problem if he’s scoring goals.
Dalic has gotta figure this out. Too potent a scorer to be scoring goals for us at such a low rate.
Yeah I mentioned it a few times Maminjo and maybe you’re right, he might not be playing under the formation and position that makes him successful at his club. I’ve always known he can score and recently he’s been doing it quite regularly…I’ve just never felt he connected well with our system and I do think he’s been very selfish at times.
Really?
What’s with the cheap firesale?
Antonio Marin will be spending the year on loan with Serie B side Monza. There’s an option to buy for 6 million euro.
I think people’s perception of Kramaric not pressing and defending is a bit inaccurate on this website.
He actually does seem to try and pressure. He doesn’t just stand around or jog lightly (like how Kovacic does). He actually does run at opponents.
I guess we’re just not putting him in a good position to succeed. People mentioned it a few times here already, but it looks like he isn’t suited to play in that spica role by himself up top, or it seems like he is going too far deep to get the ball (and tries to run it up himself).
Dalic needs to sit down and watch a full season of Krama at Hoffenheim to see how he is being used there, where he is positioned most of the game, and make sure our formation makes the best use of his scoring abilities. We definitely have the personnel. We just need to make the pieces fit together.
The german commentator on Sportsnet kept saying:
“wow, how good is Kramaric!”
I watched the Hoffenhiem game too, and not only did he score, but Krama always looked dangerous attacking. He was constantly giving bayern problems, and creating chances. As stated above, he almost scored several more. Also worth mentioning: this dominating performance was against the current best team in the world.
How bout this lineup below?
We can use the amazing chemistry that Perisic and Krama have together. 😉
……………………Perisic – Kramaric
……………………………Vlasic
……………………Modric……Brozovic
Bradaric….Barisic….Caleta-Car….Lovren….Vrsaljko
Is it confirmed that Vrsaljko is out?
If both Rebic and Vrsaljko are out, we can’t go too experimental.
I’d love to try a 5-3-2 wingback formation with Perisic or Bradaric at LWB and Vrsaljko at RWB (but since Vrsaljko is out, I wouldn’t want to play someone out of position at RWB and waste another game just to see if a player can fill in there). The only exception I’d make is playing Brekalo there, but I really don’t want to see that same experiment again.
I guess without Vrsaljko, we’ll have to play four at the back and just have someone who can stop-gap it on the right side until Vrsaljko comes back. I don’t mind seeing a bit more of Uremovic for now. Maybe Sutalo would have been good to try (but we didn’t call him up). Don’t care to see Jedvaj or Vida on the right side (as I think we’ve seen enough of that already).
If Vrsaljko is still out, then I assume we’re going to go with a Bradaric – CaletaCar – Lovren – Uremovic lineup in the back.
Without Rebic likely out, and Vrsaljko perpetually injured, Dalic should try something significantly different.
I have always advocated trying Perisic at Lwb, just to get more talent on the field. However I cannot argue the success of our 4-2-3-1 or any slight variation thereof.
Now is the time to experiment drastically, 0-2 in the Nations League and Sweden up next. With Modric back in the mix, we should be much improved regardless of formation.
For us to win with Brekalo and Kramaric on the field we need to change up the formation.
We can always fallback to our default formation. We know it works with the right personnel
I think Vida has lost his spot looks terrible at besiktas. Petkovic is in dog house for lack of focus he has been called out. I think by next summer pongracic should be given a looknat cb too. Pjaca will be good joker from bench once he gets in form and stays healthy. We look ok need chemistry. Hope Dalic makes some moves
Based on form and Modric is a zicer to play
Livakovic Uremovic Lovren Caleta Car Bradaric Brozovic Modric Vlasic Brekalo Kramaric Perisic. But kramaric isnt a cf. Like to see kramaric Petkovic partner ship maybe? Vs swiss will be a b team i think i can see Grbic/Sluga Uremovic Jedvaj Caleta Car Bradaric Kovacic Rog Badelj Brekalo Budimir Petkovic prvih 11. Vs France id like to se Livakovic Vrsaljko/Uremovic Lovren Caleta Car Bradaric Modric Brozovic Vlasic Brekalo Petkovic Perisic.
I definitely think Kramaric is held back by poor midfield chemistry. He is a pure striker, and if the rest of the team can get him the ball in the right place, he scores. I think Dalic will come out with a new approach in the next matches, and Kramaric might just have to be the centerpiece. He’s been consistent in scoring major goals at Hoffenheim and continues to develop technically. Any offensive strategy should be geared toward getting him the ball in a scoring position. When Modric, Brozovic, and Perisic are on the field, it works. It’s the other players who aren’t adapting.
Get well Ante hoping for a speedy recovery
I thought Hrgovic only hasn’t fought tougher competition cos everyone is scared of him and there isnt that much money in fighting him so he can’t progress, didn’t think there was a doubt about his skillset?
Watched the Hoffenhiem game; Krama should’ve had more goals but nice finish on one.
Re LB/RB situation
Perisic started and played LWB for Inter.
Uremovic had a good game at RB for Rubin Kazan.
Sutalo started and played LCB for Atalanta.
Jedvaj and Vrsaljko didn’t even make the bench.
Bradaric started and played well.
Barisic started and played well.
Sosa started and played LM.
Meljnak plays in the Bosnian league??
With Vrsaljko and Jedvaj not getting minutes; Maybe Dalic switches to the more common use of a back 3 and wing backs.
Potential for this back line;
Bradaric/Barisic – Caleta-Car – Lovren – Vida – Perisic
Geez.
Krama’s goal and PK goal were great. Even his insane dribbling on the PK link above was awesome.
Brekalo’s free kick goal was great too.
Dalić can’t take the easy road anymore with a COPY and PASTE lineup.
People are going to criticise him if we aren’t getting results with his favorite lineup that doesn’t include red hot players like Krama, Brekalo and the young back line players.
His experiments need to include formations where he can get the most out of these newer players….and he can’t be too loyal to some of his favorites.
Kramaric PK
https://streamja.com/OnVEe
Kramaric goal
https://streamable.com/uwdq5x
Brekalo goal
https://streamja.com/5rZ7g
Rakitic goal
https://streamja.com/l2Zqe
Kramaric PK
https://streamja.com/OnVEe
Kramaric goal
https://streamable.com/uwdq5x
Brekalo goal
https://streamja.com/5rZ7g
Rakitic goal
https://streamja.com/l2Zqe
@Croatian Sensation
You’re essentially dropping Perišić from the lineup with that formation, in order to keep Kovačić in it.
I can’t get down with that.
Swapping out our biggest impact player for a zero impact Kovačić will hurt us.
sounds good. id be happy to try that. is vrsaljko fit ?
I just read an update on Rebic on an Italian website. Not fracture but his elbow was dislocated and put back into place. It appears to be short term but I doubt he’ll be ready for the October fixtures. More time for Brekalo and Kramaric. After those performances this weekend. They deserve it the most. I’d even try a 4-1-2-3. Barisic, Bradaric, Vrsaljko, Caleta-Car, Kovacic, Modric, Brozovic. Then have Vlasic, Brekalo and Kramaric up front. We need goals. Only three in two games.
@ Crnkovic – Dislocated elbow for Rebic.
Hrgovic is scary!! wow
is Rebic ok? i think he broke his arm today
^^
anyone got a link to krmarics goals or brekalo?
not bradaric he is an attacking full back. he would be first replacement for perisic in that formation. Probably you meant barisic. he might suit left of a back three
Should we try going with a 3-4-1-2
This is what Inter is playing with Perišić on the wing back role.
Two guys up top can be Krama and Petković (or Rebić). Vlašić behind them, and Modrić/Brozović would be right behind Vlašić.
Perišić and Vrsaljko play the wing backs.
Back three could be any combo of Bradarić, Ćaleta-Car, Lovren, Vida, or Pongračić (when he gets back).
Re: Kramarić…
Is it really our formation that prevents him from scoring for the National Team the way he does for his club?
Hrgović has dominated guys in the matches I watched, but the we need to see him fight better competition.
Too soon to tell, but I’m no boxing expert.
Is hrgovic capable of being champ?
I remember someone saying he wasn’t a true killer.
He seems to hunt when he fights to me
Kramaric man we need this for cro….
Brekalo on the board too. This might be his breakout year.
Dalic is so screwed.
This weekend’s results are gonna be bad for our NT team.
Good news for Dalic: Modric back. We play Sweden, and have Portugal and France at home. So the only place to go is up after his failed experiments.
What do you get when you win a club team title (Bayern Munich) but disrespect a major piece of the puzzle (Perisic)?
A major beatdown. Congrats Kramaric.
Champ Tyson Fury
1 Anthony Joshua
2 Deontay Wilder
3 Andy Ruiz Jr.
4 Alexander Povetkin
5 Luis Ortiz
6 Michael Hunter
7 Dillian Whyte
8 Kubrat Pulev
9 Filip Hrgovic
10 Robert Helenius
Hrgovic won https://youtu.be/sPdM0a4bQ5Y
Suba, fun. Forgot I can scout Sutalo on espn. Gives me something to watch later.
Atalanta beat Torino 4 2
Hope Sutalo works out
He looks like a tough hercegovac