I don’t understand the logic here. What is Dalić doing?
For November’s final two UEFA Nations League matches versus Scotland and Portugal, Dalić has called up four goalkeepers but only two pure center-backs: DCC and Šutalo. (For sake of conversation, let’s assume Gvardiol will play the left-back position as he has been even though we know he can be slotted as a CB for Croatia if need be.)
This is what I don’t understand and I think Dalić got caught with his pants down. He was either expecting no ban on Livaković or two matches for the red card. Instead, UEFA knocked down the suspension to one match, which means Livaković has to sit for Scotland on the 15th but can play against Portugal in Split on the 18th.
If Croatia beats Scotland in Glasgow, they will confirm a top-2 finish in group and book their ticket to the Nations League quarterfinals next year. All should ride on this game where you know you will be playing without Livaković. With that said, I believe there’s 100% more value in bringing in a back-up CB like Erlić instead of eating that spot against Scotland so Livaković can play against Portugal. What if Gvardiol, DCC or Sutalo get an early yellow against Scotland? It changes everything. On top of that, if Dalić sticks with the 3-5-2 in November, what if one of the three aforementioned players above get hurt? Then Dalić has to go back to a 4-4-2 moving Sosa/Perišić back to the left side with no real right back in sight with Stanišić and Juranović still hurt. It’s just a weird call-up list. It really is. If anything, get rid of Moro and call up Erlić. Everything else is fine.
But honestly, this has 4-4-2 written all over it with Dalić killing his 3-in-the-back experiment. He probably plays Gvardiol and DCC in the back with Sosa on the left and anyone else on the right. That’s my guess. But it still makes zero sense to call up 4 keepers. Complete waste of roster spot. And it would be cool to see Vušković called up to the senior team even if he doesn’t play. It’s good for a teenager of his stature to be around the Croatians who paved his way….at least to calm the nerves if nothing else.
@Anyone who is following Matanovic…
Atm, Matanovic isn’t making much impact at Eintracht Frankfurt. Granted he’s been given limited playing time but at the same time Marmoush and Ekitike just keeps banging them in, like in the German Cup match yesterday. As far as I can remember, he has recorded 2 goals and 1 assist across all competitions so far this season. I’m concerned that his stock will keep falling in the coach’s eyes which will ultimately affect his long term prospects with the club.
I was hoping Igor would become that good young striker that our repka badly needs. I’m not dismissing the possibility that he could go on loan to a smaller club next season. Any thoughts on Igor or his club situation?
Haven’t followed too closely but have noticed his playing time isn’t great. He is also very young still and it’s tough to score with only getting 20 mins on avg per game.
He needs to get more playing time and take advantage of it and score when he’s on the field. I think him getting loaned to a smaller club next year would be a huge step back in his career
It’s funny how Dalic went ALL-IN on him and actually started him over guys like Budimir and Petkovic…
But with our other youngsters, he very slowly and inconsistently brings them in (like Baturina and Luka Sucic), and even if they play, they are played out of position.
I like Matanovic as a prospect, and I am glad Dalic brought him in and is giving him minutes…but at the same time, he needs to better manage the minutes of young guys (to develop them) and the minutes of our vets (to ensure we win games) as a whole.
I think Perisic needs to ride the pine, and Krama and Modric need to start playing 45 minute games. Luka, Petar and Martin need to play 60-90 minutes each game for us. Kovacic should be the only midfielder with a guaranteed 90 minutes every game.
Matanovic should get 45 minutes per game…but I’d even rotate that with any of our other young strikers (if one manages to have a good scoring season).
I’d watch guys like Vuskovic and Durdov like a hawk and integrate them the first chance I get (as they are potential game changers in the near future).
I do think Vuskovic and Durdov are getting close to the national team, but they still have such a small sample size. The biggest thing Vuskovic would bring right now is goals from set pieces. He’s a big guy and scores off corners and free kicks. Good on the ball as well, but I don’t think he’s quite at a point where he will be a starter for us so it doesn’t benefit him to call him up when he can start for the U21s right now. He is very close though.
Durdov is at very similar level to what Biuk was a few years ago. Biuk looked insane for about 5-6 games for Hajduk and then fell off before running for the money. Now he’s back and doing alright again. I do think he should be on the U21s already not sure if he’s hurt right now as I think he missed the bench the last two Hajduk matches. If Durdov can play at least a full solid season then for sure he should on the national team as he fits a position of need.
In regards to Matanovic. He’s definitely looking like the right profile striker for our team. He is just not close to the finished product yet. He’s shown flashes just needs to be ruthless. I would like to see more of the young guys get chances though. Beljo could get another shot if he keeps scoring. Marin Ljubicic has been solid in Austria. Franjo Ivanovic is the most similar prospect to Kramaric in my opinion and doing alright in Belgium. Frigan hit some form but still has some work to do. Roko Simic has been non-existent for about a year, really needs to find some consistency. I would not be surprised to see Sandro Kulenovic getting a shot either. He’s still 24 and scoring goals for Dinamo when he gets his opportunities. Heck, I’d give him a shot this time around if Petkovic is injured like they are saying he is.
Lastly, Dalic should just call up Uremovic. He can cover at CB and RB and has been solid for Hajduk for the better part of a year. Doesn’t have to start but at least gives some options. Smolcic from Rijeka is another option who could be alright as well as maybe Fran Tudor? Actually plays as a wingback and can even cover CB in the back 3 in a pinch.
Just a few thoughts. Been quite a while since I have commented on here. Seems my login no longer exists.
Where’s the write up on Spurs loss to winless Palace?
Why would anyone give a shit about Spurs?
2-1 final Spurs
Hung on
If Werner could score he’d have a hatrick today (like most games if only)
Gvardiol looked really good – nova was a bit quieter but still sharp
93 min
Beautiful slalom run Kova and pass thru 3 players
Jacob wright poor shot
83 min
Gvardiol terrible throw in to Stones but right to Richardlison in front of net
Richardson still rusty coming back from injury so of course didn’t put it in
Silly mistake by Gvardiol, it took him almost 20 seconds to decide where to throw the ball and, in the end, he throws it back into his own penalty box.
Every schoolboy knows if in doubt go down the line with throw ins.
Apart from this played OK.
Mikey Moore on RW (he’s better on LW)
So we’ll see some Moore vs gvardiol
Can’t believe Ange wants this match up
69 min
17 yo mikey Moore coming on !!!!
And pigeon dance Richardlison
66 min
Beautiful tracking – awareness by Gvardiol to intercept cross from Werner to Johnson (that cross is Spurs bread and butter man city well prepared for it all game)
Savinho injury
Thank god
“Only” Jacob wright coming on and not Haaland
Oh great
Now we get Bernardo Silva on
At least foden is off
Mickey VDV hammy after 14 min
Now Romero off
Ben Davies on
Dragusin bang average
Rb is 18 yo Archie gray
Run for cover
Kova and Gvardiol on for 2nd half
Pls b easy on my fragile Spurs
Man city vs Spurs kick off 4th round 4:15 ET today
But lucky for us we’ll also see Gvardiol and Kova vs Ange ball on Nov 23 (man city home) and Feb 25 (Tottenham home)
Pls mark on ur calendars now so u don’t forget
As reminder – Spurs had a stinker on Sunday vs Crystal Palace w no fight – Anonymous hopes we don’t see that 2nd time in a row – Pep mind games he’s playing academy players today – hope not as pressure is than really on for Spurs to play well
❤️❤️ ❤️
Anonymous
Here is a nice post by Hull City on Pandur performance in October (btw: why doesn’t Dalic have another keeper on standby list ?)
x.com/HullCity/status/1851594903492723065
Now
Ivusic vs. Pandur (based on last 4 matches they’ve each played – per Sofascore)
Punchline
Pandur 73% save percent (on 19 shots) vs. Ivusic 50% save percent (on 9 shots)
Doesn’t account for more difficult opponent Pandur faces vs. Ivusic
Re: distribution – Pandur averages c.50 passes vs. Ivusic c.15 passes
No statistical or objective argument (esp. when factoring in difficulty of opponent) that one can point to that justifies Ivusic over Pandur
Ivusic
50% save percent (3 goals vs. 6 shots)
Omonia
1 GA
1 save
Heidenheim
1 GA
2 saves
Karmiotissa
0 GA
0 saves
Petroclub
1 GA
0 saves
vs.
Pandur
73% save percent (4 goals vs. 15 shots)
Derby
1 GA
2 saves
Burnley
1 GA
3 saves
Sunderland
1 GA
1 save
Norwich
1 GA
5 saves
P.S. also Pandur is five years younger than Ivusic – Ivusic same age as Livakovic
As long as Livakovic is around Ivusic won’t ever start – so when Livakovic retires – Ivusic will be same the same age – and he won’t be the one to take over
Really dumb – anyway u look at it
Operation Reverse Psychology aka #EveryWingerD’oesntMatter working nicely so far
i.e. we’re getting limited comments on M.J. and M.P. (or M.O.) i.e. the w*ngers
This is wonderful ! EVERYONE please don’t mention either before the 15th !!!
Let’s just continue focusing on Keepers and CBs (and strikers) – basically everyone else
That way Dalic will finally not feel pressure to play proper w*ngers them and voila we’ll see two of them start
#EveryWingerD’oesntMatter
Oh no. My lips are sealed
#it Anon. Attaboy. You do you boo
Anonymous you need to get a job or a life this isn’t a spurs fan boy page!
My honest attempt at explaining this:
Jakić played mostly as a CB in a 3-man defense for a season, and he is currently in better form than Erlić, who played poorly against Poland and does not play at his club. Jakić is a versatile player who should be looked at as a defender for Croatia and not a midfielder. Nikola Moro is also in form at his club and is the backup to Petar Sučić. I guess this Scotland match is the chance for the three backup keepers to compete for a roster spot. Personally, I think Kotarski is the best of the three, followed by Ivušić, but obviously Labrović got game time last time around, so the 4 keepers callup is a training camp thing.
Vlašić is in form, but I don’t see him playing or being needed.
Jakic plays as a central midfielder for Augsburg. Right in the middle of the pitch.
He hasn’t played any games this season as a central defender or even a winger/fullback either.
He also hasn’t been playing particularly well either. Last game he had an error that led to a goal. His SofaScore and WhoScored ratings are always lower than his team’s average too. He probably shouldn’t be on the callup list at all.
If we’re going by where each of our players have been playing this season, Dalic has called up NINE central midfielders, THREE CBs, ONE LB, and ZERO RBs.
When Jakic did play as a defender for Frankfurt I seem to remember he was a right back in a 4 man defense.
The only reason he’s been called up is because of injuries to Jova and Stan.
To his credit he did play well when he filled in as right wing back against Portugal even though that is not his position.
Dalic need’s to back to 4 defenders. Jak – Sutalo – Gvardi – Sosa
Jakić should never start for us.
Unless we want him putting another one into our own net.
He should have at least called up Hrgović if we’re going back four.
At least have some sort of backup RB there in case we actually do start Jakić and things go bad.
I actually agree with whoever posted that Uremović should be called up. Uremović is a very solid CB and is in form.
A lot of players on the list won’t play a minute in the upcoming NL matches so I don’t mind Dalic calling up 4 goalkeepers. With Livakovic getting a one match suspension it is likely that Labrovic will keep against Scotland and Livakovic to come back against Portugal.
Definitely not enough CB’s on the list and no idea why Pongracic is on the stand by list when the guy is injured and has not played in weeks. He should have called up Uremovic from Hajduk who is in good form and is by far the best CB in HNL and has some international experience albeit some years ago.
Calling up 8 forwards is also too many, and it is hard to see Orsic, Pjaca and Marco Pasalic getting any meaningful time on the field.
Having watched all our U21 matches in my opinion none of the players are ready for the seniors and they are better off being with Olic and playing against Georgia then sitting on the bench and watching the seniors play. This includes Luka Vuskovic and Beljo who is in good scoring form at the moment.
We get two cb injuries.
Dalic going down the bench passes on Jakic
Pasalic, vlasic. Ajmo!
Anyone know timeline for JJ and stanisic injury returns?
Speaking of Center backs
Whatever happened to Benkovic?
Didn’t pan out. Probably isn’t motivated anymore.
Lots of athletes like Jozo Šimunović, Franko Grgić, Andrija Balić, Dino Mansour, Ante Palaversa, all lost motivation in their careers. They just stopped caring, stopped training, and didn’t max out on their potential.
Franko Grgić (if you recall) was supposed to be one of the best swimmers in the World. Probably would have given us multiple gold medals by now. A few years ago, he broke the World Junior record when he was 16 years old and he still holds the record as the fastest 16-year-old freestyle swimmer in history. He’s 21 now, and apparently he hasn’t trained in years.
Dino Mansour was a big boxing prospect. He was much better than Hrgovic ever was, and he quit boxing only a year after he won the European Junior title (when he was 19 years old). He hated the pressure and started hated his training, then just stopped.
Funny we’re such a small country, and yet we produce a lot of busts who never pan out on TOP of the actual stars we produce.
What’s the expected career earnings for a “typical” swimmer from the actual swimming ?
It’s negative
i.e. most spend their lives struggling w/ side jobs just to support / fit in training hoping they are good enough to make Olympics
Than once there – and let’s say they win a gold – what’s the pay-off ?
From endorsements, speaking engagements, etc
Look at 5 highest net worth swimmers of all time
After Michael Phelps ($100m) – #2 is $12m – #3-#5 are $5m
Now compare Phelps (28 medals – 23 gold) vs. struggling Ryan Lochte (12 medals – 3rd most after Phelps and Ledecky)
The difference (beyond medal/gold count) is one bad decision (gas station incident) or doping test away from losing all the extra $$$ (see Mario Vuskovic)
These are US athletes – what’s the highest net worth (non-female) swimmer outside of the US ?
Hell even Miocic – who is a Heavyweight champ in UFC – is struggling and needed to start on OnlyFans account
It’s of course admirable and commendable when you see Sinkovic brothers continue to dedicate their lives to Rowing for the love of the sport and / or country
But from an objective (and probability standpoint i.e. eliminating the
“right-tails” as the Truth2 would say) standpoint – hard to justify for a Croatian kid to dedicate their lives to swimming – it’s actually a very smart decision if they have their eyes on university and/or starting their own biz, etc than training X hours a day in the pool
If you’re 16 years old and you break the Junior World record in swimming (which still hasn’t been broken today)…then it’s definitely worth continuing on that career path.
I went to college and hated it…but I powered through it, because I knew it would be a lot more difficult finding work without the degree.
Sometimes these kids need to be told that life is not all sunshine and lollipops, and if you have a great opportunity, then stick it out and take advantage of it.
Unless he’s a remarkable academic or a savvy businessman, I highly doubt Franko Grgic is doing anything special in his life right now. He didn’t want to “suffer” through swim training, so now he’s going to have to suffer in the real world, trying to make money off of Chinese tourists and whatever tips they leave him.
Mansour had a great opportunity, but I won’t criticize someone quitting boxing (due to the long term health issues with that sport).
How good is Greg Popovic !
Superb
Majer just put in a 90 min shift for Wolfsburg today
Guess he’s back to full fitness…..
No, he came off with an ankle injury again
If Lewandowski plays the entire game there is a good chance Poland win the last game. Once he was in the game they could not contain him. It took a Liva karate kick to his shins to slow him down. Liva could have easily cleared the ball towards the sidelines but he chose to kick through him.
Gvardi needs to go back to CB paired with Sutalo. HRV are not Man City….and Dalic is NOT Pep Guardiola. Who cares if he plays as FB/WB for Man City….we need him as a CB.
We do not have the players to play 3 at the back right now until Stanisic and Jova return from injury. If you play with 3 CB’s you need to have wing backs who can bomb the wings. Sosa did OK but his crossing is horrid and Perisic is way to slow now to play as a wing back. Dinamo played with 3 CB’s and WB’s against Salzburg. Both goals were the result of crosses from Ristovski & Ogiwara.
Regarding Dalic the saying, A bird in the hand is better than two in a bush, comes to mind. Dalic is a decent gentleman although he might not be the perfect coach for executing the final result. Having a spiritual man who wears his religion and culture on his sleeve seems to be Croatian perfect, rather than an over-ambitious worldly foreign man, who may or may not, have actually done better.
We really don’t know what the outcome would have been better without him, but it is possible to ponder. Sometimes it is wise to be content I imagine. I think in two years, everyone involved maybe okay with a change with no regrets on either side. Modric can give it a try at that point.
its quite easy to understand Dalic’s decisions when you take a closer look. he has a dilemma with healthy defenders. both Stanisic and Jura are nowhere near ready to play.
Martin Erlic has played in 2 (total of 112 minutes) of the last 8 games in Seria A. he’s been injured
Marin Pograncic has played 9 minutes in the last 8 games in Seria A. he’s been injured.
Ivica Ivusic plays in Cyprus and hasn’t been very good this season
Nediljko Labrovic is doing ok. he’s conceded 20 goals in 9 games
Dominik Kotarski plays in Greece and doing ok
just looking at the state of our goaltenders I would have reserved a spot for Livakovic as well. none of these guys are on his level to play against Portugal
It’s still a massive risk to call up no backup defenders, in favor of calling up additional central midfielders who are guaranteed to not play. Everyone knows we don’t need Moro or Vlasic right now.
If Erlic is a backup in Serie A, then he’s fine as a backup on our National Team. If there are concerns about his health or form, then call up Prpic from Hajduk or someone else who is in good form.
Either way, if one of Gvardiol, Duje or Sutalo is carded or injured in that first Scotland game…we’re now going to have to teach Nikola Vlasic how to be a centerback in 3 days.
Sounds like a great comedy movie idea actually. But sadly, a reality for our National Team.
Erlic is listed as “hamstring injury” for his club’s game today and for the 2 previous games so I’d say its impossible to call him as a backup.
Prpic has an ankle injury and has been out for 2 games.
The game is 2.5 weeks away.
Dalic could have waited before releasing the squad, especially if we have injury question marks.
Hopefully Erlic gets activated from the pretpoziv list…but I’m not sure what the protocol is if you call up 25 players instead of 23 (I assume he may not be able to activate Erlic even if he wants to).
Standby list is just a PR exercise
We learnt in October fixtures Dalic called someone not on the list ie the standby list doesn’t restrict who u can call (forget who it was)
think the 23 restriction is for the game itself ie doesn’t mean u can’t have more in camp to do training w squad – just need to only put 23 names down day of game
Re vlasic – dalic will show tape of Petric saving 2 penalties (once at Basel, once at west ham) – and say if a striker can go in net u should be able to play CB for us
omgosh i had forgotten about that but that brings back memories haha!
Did anyone follow the Balon D’or shit show? I think Real Madrid were petty and immature for not showing up just because Vini didn’t win. I actually believe Rodri deserves the award.
I think your right, this looks like a 4-4-2 setup. I just don’t understand why not bring Erlic just in case.
Surely luka says something about this???
Gets better
Dalic announced 25 players today
Nations League u can 23 i.e. 11 starters + 12 subs bench
25-23 = 2 players from his list won’t even be on the bench
Dalić keeps playing with fire and takes unnecessary risks.
1. Prioritizing the U21s,
2. Squad selection influenced by relationships over merit and performance; and
3. Substitutions with zero strategy attached to them
At the Euros, we take the lead on Italy and were dominating possession… then he chose to sub out Kova and Modrić for two non-defending mids with 20 minutes left in the game. Lost the possession game and eventually we were scored on. This is one of many examples of risky subs that make no sense.
After this fireable offense, he is now just catering to guys like Krama, Modrić and Perišić…allocating 90 minutes to each of them for every game. He’s also running our entire offense through them as well.
Even Liva being called up with three other keepers is just Dalić catering to Liva too. Big deal if he misses a game. We have replacements and we didn’t need to call him up this round at the expense of depth in other positions. Calling up Vlašić is also a dumb catering move as well, when we could used more CBs.
Catering to Olić (of all people) is also a dumb reason not to entertain bringing in another U21 player. Even if you are against a Vušković or Beljo callup, you probably still disagree with Dalić not even considering it.
He’s been very lucky that VAR and some low talent lack of finishing from Poland and Scotland kept us from losing significant points last round.
We’ll scrape on by, and into the quarters (being no threat to Portugal) and lose a “hard fought” battle (with many poor substitutions) in our quarterfinal match and call it a successful Nations League.
Locker room unity is important. Immaturity should be minimal. Avoiding internal fighting is important, etc… There may be these behind the scenes reasons why Mr. Dalic makes these decisions. We were seconds away from advancing to the knockout rounds at the Euros. Two World Cup Semifinal appearances and one Nations League final. I am giving Coach Zlatko the benefit of the doubt through the ‘26 World Cup qualifiers.
It does not matter if we were ‘seconds away’. We played very poorly at the Euros. We have largely played very poorly in these Nations League as well.
This recurring “first half” issue, where we cannot seem to be prepared for our opponent, is a coaching issue that doesn’t seem to be resolving itself and has continued through many games now.
I am also giving him the benefit of the doubt (because the timing to replace him should have been after the tournament, and not in the middle of a qualifying campaign)…but it’s definitely something that warrants a lot of criticism.
It’s true. In 2018 down 1-0 to Denmark Russia, and England. In 2022 down 1-0 to Japan and 1-0 to Brazil. We won them all. We seem to do better when are losing. The cardiac kids. Remember: we were beating Albania and Italy!
…until Dalic made the pointless subs, where he took out our best players and replaced our defensive players for offensive ones.
Is there a historical game, at a professional level where 3 goalies were ever needed, that someone can remember. Hard to believe there has ever been an incident.
What defenders? Lol
From 1966’s
Alf Ramsey “Wingless Wonders”
To 2024
Dalic “Wingless Centerbackless but Goaliefull Wonders”
Abstract expressionism at its finest