Luka Modrić looks to return to the Croatia starting XI on Saturday when he will square off against Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe in the Round of 16. The match will be in Lens, in the north of France, and will kick off June 25th at 3PM (ET).
With Croatia defeating Spain last night and taking first in the group, the Vatreni were moved to the top half of the Euro bracket, avoiding Euro powerhouses Germany, Italy, England and France until the final. Croatia looked poises to take on Iceland in the Round of 16, however, a 94th minute goal against Austria earned Iceland the win, pushing Portugal to third in the group.
Portugal drew all three group stage matches at Euro 2016 against Iceland, Austria and Hungary. Although they have arguably one of the best players in the world in Ronaldo, Croatia is a much deeper team than Portugal.
More on this match throughout the week.
Kalinic scored goal and set up goal. I was impressed. I would like to see him up front with Mandzukic. A lone striker works with a gifted goal scorer, not with someone like
Mandzukic. I think it might work against portugal. If we take a good lead, i would then switch back to lone striker and shore up midfield defense.
@dannyj, haha. You nutter. Arrange for your kid to be cut from the team!???!!! That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Lol. There are other ways of keeping a kids feet on the ground than organising a conspiracy to have them cut….lol. 🙂
What about coric? I really love the kid style. For me he is the most talented, he has that special touch and imagination. I’d like to see him play a bit but it’s hard to imagine how he gets any game time now. Imagine if cacic goes totally left field and starts coric against the pork and cheese!! I would love it. Sorry, going crazy here…
Yeah, slavonac.
Yeah
Fuck HNS lets go huligans !!!!!
Exactly, maturity or lack thereof….hopefully it comes. Being a pro is more than working hard, training, staying clean, etc. Its also about supporting your teamates and coaches through good and bad, ups and downs.
I’m not so sure Halilovic is a problem, I just think he’s the type that wants to play and has even had issues with his contracts and clubs regarding his demands about playing. that can be perceived as good and bad, I want someone that wants to play all the time, he’s hungry. in the case of him playing for our repka, I think the situation just didn’t land in his favor. we have Pjaca, Broz and probably even Kovacic that could all play the position he plays and in a tournament like this, you NEED guys not just willing but also able to play defensively. who would he have replaced…Broz? Pjaca? Kovacic? I doubt it…then we look to the question of why Cop was added and he wasn’t. well, I highly doubt Cop will complain over playing time while I really do think Halilovic would have had a hard time controlling his emotions and not allowing them to affect those around him.
he will get experience and be a good player…most importantly is more EFFECTIVE player, more often (consistently).
The young legs have been a revelation….it was refreshing to hear the English commentators in Spain broadcast praise Croatian athleticism, stamina and speed over players like Iniesta….thought never in my life-time would I hear that, but that is soccre today…..
Before the tournament, I was adamant that the four horsemen of our apocalypse were Pranjić, Olić, Lovren and Srna.
I have to apologize for including Srna, as he is having an amazing tournament.
But we all need to praise Čačić for removing those other three from the squad. No way do we play this well with any of them playing.
Conspiracy theorists unite. A Spanish referee has been appointed to handle this Saturday’s game.
My hopes are high halilovic matures in mind
I’ll be the first to defend him
I had a serious attitude problem when young and you learn as u get older
Hope he just doesn’t keep the mentality of the all star kid
Now he realizes there are other all star kids and some without bad attitudes
Lovren we could be wrong but looks like that ship has sailed
Look at strinic He could have been a baby from last World Cup but he was humble took his opportunity to come back and helped the team. That’s the stuff a real player needs
I always said if I had a kid great at something I would arrange for it to be cut or something from a team early on
If done right it’s character building
Iggy i’ll hold you just buy a plane ticket to my place
Halilovic is also only 20 years old, hopefully he will grow up as my view from 10,000 feet is that he simply needs to mature….everyone matures at different stages.
He has all the raw tools, but often these young phenoms have rarely faced adversity….adversity builds character and humility, which is a good thing.
Lovren? You would have thought his ego would already be in check….looks good on him now though.
Perisic is intimidating and pjaca will be feared one day I believe
Crnkovic was pretty well his only supporter here before tourney
Well biggest for sure
Ya at this rate halilovic and lovren will have tough time cracking the squad in future
Jedvaj looks poised to come into a defensive starter and isn’t that caleta-car kid supposed to be something potentially special?
And our wings look nicely covered for now
When’s the last time we could say that
Halilovic I Thjnk tries to take on guys but he ain’t physically strong like perisic and pjaca at this point at least
Said that about Kalinic
@Slavonac
Criticism typically comes from those who judge things very narrowly….one needs to review the whole body of work to make a rational assessment as you have done.
I’ve nevre been comfortable with someone coming up with names like “druga liga” Cacic as to me it is very disrespectful, especially when the man has not even been given a chance to prove his worth. Glad to see he is proving his doubters wrong here….
U boj U boj!
Elvis…. U remember when Bilic said that eh?? Crossed my mind too ….
Lovern the pool boy is a bitch.
So glad the team doesnt have Lovren and Halilovic’s personalities to deal with in the locker room.
I was told that Cacic is Mamic’s guy, he probably is. I was told that Cacic will do exactly what Mamic wants him to do…I’m not so sure this is true. a few on here said he’s primarily a Croatian 2nd division coach, which is why they’ve named him druga liga Cacic.
so far, my only issue question mark with Cacic has been the fact he makes subs at the very end of the game. in my opinion, I think tactical changes need to start a bit earlier (60 minute mark) and tired legs or improved attacking options must be made a bit earlier. I watched as both Cop and Kramaric were subbed in with few minutes left and although I do understand the “time wasting” method, I felt exchanging two players for attackers just wasn’t smart.
overall, if we are going to pick apart druga liga Cacic then we have to give credit where it’s due:
Cacic is responsible for the player personnel, he’s responsible for the training sessions, he’s responsible for the line-ups, he’s responsible for adjustments that must be made during the game and from one game to the next. in all of these categories, he’s been very good so far and I think he’s been better than Stimac and Kovac. Kovac had a good team but a shitty environment. he forced Modric with Rakitic to play together and Cacic had the common sense to change that.
overall, Cacic has done a good job. I just can’t wait to see how our own members of the site will pick him apart the first time he makes a questionable decision.
All good points you bring up and the real key here is that Cacic has what appears to be options at multiple positions….when was the last time we could say that? Furthremore, having more than 11 in-form players bodes VERY well for utilizing guys off the bench as well when required.
Needless to say, I am very impressed with the TEAM attitude of this group and success in these tournaments from players gelling, buying into their roles and getting better as they go.
Looking forward to Saturday!
True
good points Sude Mi, I’m not trying to discredit your opinion…we both saw Kalinic do well and I think based on his one performance, we believe he can repeat it.
Mandzukic hasn’t scored yet, so we are all raising our eyebrows. I also do agree his body language can be negative but I don’t think it has been recently, I just think he’s not in the areas he needs to be at the time he has to be there but on the flip side, he opens up a lot of space for Rakitic and any midfielder pushing through.
form is an important thing and I do believe Kalinic is in better form BUT…we are facing a team with a very tough defender and I’m really not sure Kalinic is up to the task when we all know Mandzukic is proven to be a beast when he faces tough defenders.
Play them both against Portugal. BZ’s line up is good. Mandzukic struggles as a lone striker because he lacks pace, he works best with a strike partner I believe. And people have been saying for a while now that kalinic and mandzukic are similar, I don’t think they are. Yes they are are both simple and effective players who finish well in the area are tall. Kalinic has different movement off the ball. He picks up pockets of space, and has more speed than mandzukic so he can tcreate space by working the channel between opposition CB and FB, the problem with that is sometimes you are left without a striker in the centre but with two strikers it’s not a problem. Kalinic peels off the CB shoulder into space, mandzukic stays central as a focal point. Mandzukic can conserve his energy and occupy both central defenders. Support can come from all over midfield, to me it works even better than the 4231, except that rakitic has more defending to do in CM and modric has less freedom as a result (without badelj)….that’s why I don’t think we’ll see 442 from the start. I think kalinic is in better form at the moment and with his confidence high I would play him in place of mandzukic, with the rest of the lineup unchanged from turkey and czech matches. I like pjaca a lot, but I would use him as an impact substitute in the last 20/25 minutes, for now brozovic is more reliable. my 2 cents. Cacic will make his decisions,we will watch…
Based on this tournament, mind you Mandza had two games while Kalinic had the one I like Kalinic’s performance over Mario…full stop. Kalinic in my opinion linked up better with Perisic than Mandza has.
Mandza may be the better option against a physical defender like Pepe who could be goaded into an unfortunate yellow card(s).
And yes, I’ve watch Mandzukic over his entire career at his various stops….I’ve liked his physicality, his crazy work ethic but I find he can get moody at times and yes body language in my view can often be counter-productive in a team game.
Just my two cents, everyone is entitled to an opinion.
Sude Mi…Really? Mandzukic disengaged? This is the first time I’ve ever seen or heard anyone claim Mandzukic is disengaged… and for the record, I’ve watched almost every Juventus game he played in this season, almost every Atletico game last season…if anything, he’s a work horse and possibly guilty of being a bit too defensive!
Kalinic a pro’s pro????? Do you get a chance to watch him much or are you saying this based off of a few games you’ve seen him?
Kalinic played a great game vs Spain, I agree with that but he’s a very ineffective player for long periods throughout his career. on the other hand Mandzukic is a two way player that contributes and is a very desirable player to have on your team! his intangibles (drawing players towards him to make space for others, defending, in the box battles, holding up the ball, pressing defenders…) are often praised by his teammates and coaches all over Europe.
Although I was one of Kalinic’s biggest supporter prior to the Spain game…I disagree with the Mandzukic bashing.. Mandzukic is engaged, and on top of that he is almost too unselfish these days. He presses better than anyone on D too. His goals will come, as well as assists. Some of our best performances under Cacic were w two up top.
Crnkovic was Pjaca’s biggest supporter. Given his willingness and ability to defend, I am hoping Pjaca continues to impress.
My hope for Portugal:
Subasic
Srna-Corluka-Vida-Strinic
Pjaca-Luka-Rakitic-Perisic
Mandzukic-Kalinic
Considering Mandzukic,Perisic,Pjaca,Modric,&Rakitic all get back more than their traditional counterparts do, I don’t think Badelj is necessary. Brozo & Pjaca are interchangeable in my mind, but Pjaca has more upside.
Many of our formations/lineups can beat Portugal.
Kalinic is the future of Croatian Football. The prophecy will be fulfilled.
I prefer Kalinic’s body language ovre Mandzukic amongst other things….when things are not going well for Mandzo, he is noticeably disengaged while Kalinic is a pro’s pro….based on his performance vs Spain, I start Kalinic in the numbre 9 hole…
love seeing that goal Mucho Cacic.
Someone made a good point earlier on what Kalinic did in that play and asked if Mandzu would do the same. The thing with Mandzu is you get the feeling is a bit less of a team player than Kalinic.. he doesnt create many does he? I’ve also noticed he never celebrates a goal unless he personally scores it. I have to wonder if he’s a bit self-centred (not necessarily a bad thing for a striker but with his current form it is).
https://streamable.com/1czr
Not to be a nervous Nelly but the ref is Spanish for Saturday. That can’t be good. We just beat Spain and we get a ref from Portugal’s neighbor. He gave out seven yellows, including a send off in the Albania/Switzerland game.
On a side note, I just noticed that the ref for the Spain/Turkey game was Serbian. Not that it made much difference because Spain was dominant, but how can UEFA allow a Serbian ref to call a game in Croatia’s group.
Croatia is a good team i think.
Croatia is a good team.
hey anons(ziva?;) why not put your name on your postings so we can see your levels of genius…. two anons bashing each other
@Anonymous
“It is a bit strange that so many pundits are now saying Croatia will win Euro2016, especially with 16 teams remaining and nobody giving us a chance before the tournament started.”
We were a 26 to 1 chance at the start of the tournament! We’re a better chance now because some teams have been eliminated, probably works differently where you’re from though.
Look you’re a good kid I’ll help you out, the pundits have seen 3 Croatia games now, and they like what they’ve seen, hence they now feel Croatia can win the tournament, you see it’s really not that strange!
They’re otherwise disposed now than they were previously, for the life of me I don’t understand what’s strange about that!
Did you make a prediction before the tournament?
I’m scared !! Someone hold me !! : |
^^
Those are my two big questions too.
In Cacic I trust!
@BZ
Looked at Rrronaldo’s header again. A great goaI? I don’t see it. Nice header, accurate well placed but far from amazing considering the Hungary defender was about 7 feet away from him, maybe more. The ball in was nice but if he was man marked pretty easy to defend that ball.
I’ll say it again looking back Iceland would have been the tougher team as I think they will beat England. A bunker team that defends in unison is hard to beat and Croatia struggles in those matches. I recall a draw to Azerbaijan and a loss to Georgia in recent qualifying campaigns due to teams using the bunker tactic. Difference with Iceland is they have midfielders that can hurt any team.
Portugal favors our style because they will be very open. They are not static and will attack us constantly which leaves channels open for Perisic, Srna; Brozovic will also have shooting opportunities if he plays. With Luka back in the mix we will win the midfield battles. For me big questions are do Mandzukic and Brozovic get back in starting 11?
The morata kick of Jedvaj was at 34:something. Maybe deserved a yellow at worst. Perisic grabbed face in 54th minute, as Mirata was yapping at Jedvaj. Glad nobody got carded.
It is a bit strange that so many pundits are now saying Croatia will win Euro2016, especially with 16 teams remaining and nobody giving us a chance before the tournament started.
Another challenge for Cacic to keep the team grounded and focused on one game at a time.
@rije-Just watched a video of the scenario, & I didn’t see Morata kick Jedvaj, just walk up to him and bump him. The video was grainy, but from what I saw it was not red card worthy.
After that last game Kalinic and/or Pjaca could step into the starting 11 and I wouldn’t disagree.
@rijecanin- if that is true, it just shows how biased media is. In the USA on espn, they showed a replay only of Perisic grabbing Morata. They commented that Perisic should know there are better ways to handle the situation. No mention of Morata and his kick nor a replay, from what I recall. Media continuing to paint us in a bad light every chance they get.
If you want to go deep or even win these tournaments you have to play the ‘big’ teams. So no point about crying over getting Portugal instead of Iceland. Either we are a legit contender or not
http://www.telegraaf.nl/telesport/voetbal/ek2016/26062709/___Alles_ging_fout_bij_penalty_Kuipers___.html
There are a few sites that grade referees.
Reading a referees report for the Croatia, Spain game, It says that Morata should have gotten a red card for kicking Jedvay.
Thats when Peresic stepped in and grabbed Morata by the face right in front of Kuipers. The ref gave Morata a talking to and let Peresic off with what should have been a yellow.
Ovaj Perisic majke mi nije normalan!
Oh yeah Mr Portugals basketball vikings? At least whether we lose, and especially when we win, we do it as real Europeans and especially as Croatians, and not as africans wearing portugals jerseys, for me the real Europe ends at Spain.
…many dont know that the portugals is the oldest country of europe and best looking women because we say so, many of the portugals were vikings before the moors, this is why we get mistaken so much for looking like swedes and polish, after soccer most portugals are basketballers, mostly just the africans with portugal names and smells. our sardines and chickenfeet soup is the best in the world. cristiano ronaldo DID NOT have plastic surgeries new nose and mouths, this is all lies from all the fat ugly lithuanians and nazi polish and ukrainian peoples.
Article saying Croatia has been the best team at the Euros so far and is everyone’s second favorite
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3654051/Croatia-lit-Euro-2016-s-second-team-success-danger-marred-field-disruption.html
Hrvatska u finalu sa Engleskom
Prvaci cemo bit
Kladio se na Hrvatsku 5000 Eura da osvojimo
Zante koliko pive mogu kupit haha
Croatia will beat Portugal my guess 3-1
Poland should take the Swiss down. Don’t know why but I think we lose to Poland
Poland Germany Final Poland Prvaci
btw i like that story bout the guy who get sent off for farting
i have to say i would have been sent off a lot if that was a hard and fast rule lol
@mixed grill
we played off vs iceland for 2014 world cup
first leg 0-0 over there, second leg 2-0 in zagreb, we were 1-0 when mandzu lashed out and got a red
The portugals and brazilias make the best zoo porn and gay horse fuck films, most of the portugals are descended from moors who owned them, fkd their short fat mustached women, the portugals mainly were peoples spain didnt want so let them to the moors, thats why, most of the portugals dont know where eastern or central europe is because they think europe stops at berlin, jesus de jesus francisco joao de jesus santobaldo is the catholic king and pope of portugal, he turned sardines into chicken feet soup by a miracle, made a chicken from fish eyes, they drank too much wine and got drunk thought the sun turned into fatima de jesus ricardolamella de jose cristofago. then the catholic king and pope of portugal ordered all families to put plastic on their couches and chairs and buy lots ceramics and ceramic figures to put around the house, and lots of moorish jesus and cristofago photos. all hail the portugals, moors and brazils!
Comment: Rakitic was not an 8 against Spain. He lost the ball allot and had many turnovers. He stugles to hold the ball generally.
Comment 2: Didn’t we once face Iceland in qualifying for something? Didn’t they bunker until we got a red card which forced them to start paying against us? Didn’t we then play better and score? Do we really want that again? We play best in open games, when we can exploit opportunities and counter attack. I won’t say I’m happy to play Portugal, but I prefer an open game, to a game against defensive opponents with cross after cross to a hapless Mandzukic while risking a last minute goal by our opponents to screw us over. My only worry are dives by Ronaldo and company. Pepe showed in this year’s Champions League final that he is a shameless and disgraceful fake.
@ Jarac
Completely agree. We don’t fear anyone. Let’s not kid ourselves, although Iceland looks easy on paper they have been tough…they haven’t lost in their three games.
We can beat anyone and are playing some beautiful football. Bring it I say.
On a lighter note….reading this story made me giggle like a kid!
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/22/swedish-footballer-sent-off-for-farting-during-match
The 0-3 record vs. Portugal is meaningless. None of these matches are relevant. The Euro ’96 match was played by Croatia’s B team. I don’t recall the other two matches, so they were probably friendlies, which are even more irrelevant. In thinking back to Croatia’s victories over the top teams in Europe, the only two they haven’t beaten in qualifying or a tournament is Portugal and France. They’ve beaten Germany, Spain, Italy, England and the Netherlands. Here’s hoping they take care of the remaining two on the list in the next two and a half weeks. It’s actually funny how the pundits group us with the likes of Poland, Belgium and Wales as the next tier of favorites, yet those teams rarely beat any of the top teams.
hello guys..
waiting me so badly for my reliable assessment?!
we play well against Spain, seems SS Cacic still keep his foolishness, but anyway it because our players help him so far.. so here we go ->
GK Subasic …………. 6.0
I give him credit for the penalty save, but i kinda blame him for late reaction to lunge the ball from morata and let him scored
DF Corluka ………….. 7.0
really impressive to manage defense area well, keep the ball away from our goal post
DF Jedvaj ……………. 6.0
he had struggle and really uncomfortable assigned as a central defender, because he actually a libero (cross and overlapping). if there was vida alongside corluka and without DMF badelj, he surely outstanding in this match.
LB Vrsaljko …………… 6.0
i didn’t see his contribute neither his skill on dribble, he rely on Perisic so far to piercing from left side
RB Srna ……………….. 7.5
tremendously awesome for his cross also he ran well consider of his age, but seriously i am impress for his tireless
DMF Badelj …………… 6.0
yeah he was assigned as a shield for our defense, but in this case we don’t need his presence coz he just halted jedvaj for overlapping. Jedvaj would become a scapegoat for our losing if that happened. i would love to deploy Vida instead of activate DMF and causing a talent in a vulnerable position
MDF Rog ………………. 6.5
was SS Cacic know that he just release a bull for spain?
i hope that it was true and i come to admit him for a nice strategy. yeah somehow i feel wonder if someone in the middle of pitch go ramming! but heey, you don’t know football can be deceptive with a magic red card!
MDF Rakitic ……………. 8.0
he was awesome for his technique and keep the ball well (even spain can’t steal from him), conduct for our attacking and organize it well.
AMF Perisic …………….. 8.5
i really love to see his nice dribbling and run like a bullet.
the more thing -> he can score, and do you know what?!
i think he can be a top score for this tournament> mark my words..
FW Pjaca ………………… 7.5
yeah i like his body balance, also he can endure 90 minutes with tirelessly run.. even he came to defense area and helping for our lack formation on defense.. we were really exposed right there!>
FW Kalinic ……………….. 7.0
he was good, he catched up our rhythm well..
our counter with him really kind of effective 1
Tbone-Ronaldo’s header was great. The great ones make it look simple. His timing, leaping ability, and perfect placement of the ball should not be underestimated. Ramos had a few similar chances against us yesterday that Ronaldo would gave buried, so here is to hoping we don’t let him get similar service.
Let’s hope Modric is ready to go. Some of our other players are well rested b/c of Cacic’s. Should be a fun game. My prediction is 3-2… Croatia wins, bring on the Pollocks! Or the Swiss Cheese.
Happy for Cacic. I will readily admit that I was one of his biggest detractors on here.
I’m still not totally convinced and it’s better to judge him after the tournament, but given his pedigree he’s got their heads right and his tactics have been good. I hope he keeps proving me wrong.
were due for a win against them, bring it stop being a pussy
Iceland why, why, why? Completely screwed us!
I don’t see how Corluka or Vida will be able to stop the crosses coming at Ronaldo. He’s going to rape us in the air. Every team has 1-2 teams they can’t play against and Portugal is that team for us. We are 0-3 against these guys and I don’t see us getting the win. However if Cro want to be champs it’s time to put up.
Enough of being the pretenders and time to become contenders!
u know the big boys will come calling for perisic
i just dont’ want him to go somewhere and is not a starter… at this point of his career his play demands it… not like lovren who just verbally demands it
but who knows like maybe some have you have said he is not making subs at the right time…
maybe though this gives confidence… i noticed at one point yesterday srna was going to throw ball in and he looked and someone was warming up.. im sure he was just looking to be out of the way but you have to think if the coach is taking you out you gonna stress some
he letting them play.
whatever happens saturday, we can’t say cacic has been a bad coach. sure there are better but even bring in another guy from another country… whose to say they will understand those guys…
we croats are a special bunch in the head as most of you know and if you don’t your in denial;)
im telling you luka has probably witnessed 100 ronaldo melt downs… he will know how to fuck with him… not him personally but whoever has to mark him
i say play mandzukic just to mark him all game:) he would fucking cry so much
on a serious note… like i said time and time before… i don’t know what cacic is as far as soccer wise, but it takes a hard working, humble man to run a business especially something like service work(tv repair) people often putting pressure on you to finish quick… having to be friendly when you dont want to be, having lazy employees that you can’t lose it on cause you need a body to work…
i don’t know much about soccer but i know running small business… its one of the toughest jobs one can do. this is why he is a smart practical man and no ego like stimac, kovac trying to re-invent the wheel and trying to be big boss hog.
bilic was good cause he was there friend… cacic good cause he is there friend and there father figure, without being an ass. remember these guys have mental midgetness in them we croats we all do… so you have to learn how to treat em the way they can handle.
Actually i should have said 3-0 over Denmark in Euro 96 as the most important group win, it was over the reigning Euro champs (just like this spain game) and we smashed them and that was really when we “arrived”.
No one knew who we were during 98 World Cup?? I beg to differ….The majority of that team were playing on big clubs. Pele picked Croatia to win the tournament.
I meant to say I didn’t understand putting in two forwards in the last few minutes of the Spain game.
Here we go already with the rumors. A third Croatian midfielder to be owned by Barcelona? With 2 still at Real Madrid?
What other country can say this? It really would be incredible – once in a lifetime.
http://gol.dnevnik.hr/clanak/euro-2016/ivan-perisic-na-meti-barcelone—441107.html
Watching Portugal Hungary also… some observations:
Hungary created a ton of chances with a decent midfield that has no stars. Hungary looked to have scored easily without any wing play… yes Hungary scored on two deflections but bottom line is the shooters were not defended against well.
Of course Portugal can score, Nani and Ronaldo the main threats but the great thing about Ronaldo is if you disrupt him he cries like a bitch; rattle him, take him off his game and you remove his impact on the game. The only goal that was impressive for Portugal was their second… the Ronaldo backheel flick. Piss poor lazy defending on the first Ronaldo goal which was slightly similar to Spain against Cro but much easier for the porkchops than the Spanish. Third Portugal goal was also lazy defending (man marking) on Ronaldo which gave him an almost free header from three yards out. The way the header was described on sports site recaps made it seem like a monster of a goal. It was average at best.
On this evidence Croatia will win on Saturday.
Tactical subs can be beneficial, they are usually done starting at the 60 minute mark. I do think we could have made earlier subs in our first two games and I really didn’t understand putting in kramaric and cop at the very end of the game!
I’m not complaining, it’s just an observation.
Let’s go out and play a good game vs Portugal!
@Brkic, reread the poll question. It is correct to say 2008 and not ’98 as it is the most important group win. We beat Germany 2-1 in the group in ’08.
I don’t think this was our most important group win cos we were already through and play either italy if we lost/draw and portugal if we win. Not a massive difference. The Italy in ’02 wasnt important cos we failed to get out. I mean, i would almost argue if you are saying what the most important group win was, it prolly was our very first game vs Jamaica since it was our very first match, no one knew who we were and it set us up to go through. Far more important than the Spain win for sure.
Portugal was drawn into the weakest group and finished third without a win. Could have easily been eliminated.
Croatia is drawn into the group of death, finishes first and goes undefeated
How does Portugal on 2 days rest all of a sudden beat Croatia? There is no chance.
Anytime a team makes a sub during injury time, you can bet your ass the ref will add a minimum of 30 seconds per sub, most likely more if they are taking there time like we did. Spain was in a panic after the goal and i thought the confusion with the subs gave them a chance to catch there breath and recoup a bit
Reading a lot of posts where people don’t like having to face Portugal! If you want to see Cro win the Euros then you have to beat good teams! To me, I don’t give a shit who we play. Don’t think anyone wants to play us! I really believe our boys don’t give a shit who they play. Right now they are playing with no fear! So play Portugal now or later? No difference!
@T Bone
Agreed on sharpening our defense. There were times in the first half where we looked unorganized in defense and one step behind while chasing them around the perimeter of our box.
I need to watch the game again, but my initial reaction on the young guys was that Rog gave the ball away too often and didn’t add much. Although Jedvaj showed a bit of inexperience he was pretty solid and could be used to sure up the defense with a lead or as an outside defender. Pjaca played very well and could be used as a starter or come on as a sub (60th minute not 88th).
One thing I find interesting is to look at the WhoScored ratings because it’s basically a statistical score. No prejudice, just by the numbers… Not arguing they’re right, but interesting. Here they are in order vs. Spain:
Perisic 8.7 MoM
Kalinic 7.8
Srna/Badelj/Pjaca 7.4
Subasic 7.3
Corluka 6.7
Jedvaj 6.6
Rakitic 6.5
Rog 6.2
Vrsaljko 5.7 (this may be partially impacted by the pen which was BS)
Vs. Czechs Rakitic was MoM at 8.5 and vs. Turks Modric was MoM at 8.7.
You don’t make subs, for the sake of making them.
If the players are not tired, and if we are playing well, then why mess with it by making a sub?
In all three games we were dangerous throughout the entire game, so I have no problem with him making a sub strictly for injury or time wasting purposes (which he has been doing).
Also those extra two minutes that the ref gave Spain was actually wrong to do as our subs during injury time should not have gone toward extending injury time.
No one thought Cleveland and Kobe could do it but they did!
Watching a repeat of the Hungary vs Portugal match. Honestly, they aren’t that great. If we play as well as we have been we will handle them.
Čačič is either a genius or a retard…..the timing of his subs and the players he subs in are leaning towards retard.
I know everyone agrees but are trying to ignore it because we are getting results right now.
…I want credit for the new poll… I asked the same question immediately following the win.
I answered Germany (assuming it was supposed to be WC ’98, not 2008) because it was a bigger upset and a knockout game at the time. I may consider Spain to be the biggest if we go all the way to the final because we would then look back at that game as being our most important of the tournament… Aside from the final itself. I’ll be rooting for Slovakia, Ireland and Iceland to slay the Giants on that side of the bracket:)
A couple more cents on getting Portugal in round of 16… sure it’s disappointing to play against a gesticulating crybaby and Pepe instead of an ‘easier’ team like Iceland BUT a team that plays bunker like the Icelanders can frustrate the hell out of a team like Croatia. There would be very few counter punch chances which worked so we’ll against Spain when playing a team like Iceland. Static D’s are a pain in the arse especially with Croatia who like to penetrate via the wings. With Portugal we will have plenty of chances and we will win the midfield. Croatia’s D has to be even sharper than its been and as long as the refs don’t give in to Roooonaldo we should win in regular time.
Tri-Nula
Portugal Shmortagul, vatreni will dissect the insect.
Atletico sign Sime Vrsaljko. I guess being able to hold your ground against the Spanish is a good indicator of your potential in La Liga. Good move for him at this stage of his career as long as he can play regularly.
Croatia have to win, don’t they? I mean, they’ve played in one knockout game since WC ’98. They’re due to go on a run. They’re too good not to win. If they lose Saturday, it might hurt more than ’08, because they have a team that can win the whole thing.
I definitely think Portugal would be more scared of us than us of them, and rightfully so.. and i definitely think we can win, just wouldve preferred any of the other options. Good news if we get through though, it surprisingly gets easier next round (arguably). I want to win and see Ronaldo crying his baby eyes out 😀
@ Bobby V
Agreed. One of my best friends is Portuguese and although he’s completely biased, I said he is no Figo. My buddy’s name is Joao and we always joke about Joao Pinto and his dramatic ways. They had a much stronger and more cohesive team.
Now, their defence is aging and mediocre. Quaresma and is horrible teardrop tattoo has played well as has Nani to some degree. I honestly think we are better on paper and have played much better. The ball is round as they say so it should be a great game. I say bring on the good teams…you have to beat some great teams to win this.
I think we will be up for this game and move on. U Boj!!!!
Ronaldo is one goal away from tying Platini with most Euro goals. This is concern for me.. This baby gets everything
If anything, the way we handled our subs at the end i thought helped Spain to settle down and added another minute or so to injury time. I thought that was gonna backfire especially with putting on 2 forwards as if we were chasing goals.
Honestly, Spain is way better than anyone on our side of the bracket, so we should fear no one. We got a bit unlucky with Portugal as opposed to some of the other possibilities, but we’re going to have to beat some more decent sides to reach the final – what did anyone expect? I would much rather face Portugal than sit in Spain’s spot. It’s possible they will have to through Italy, Germany and France just to reach the final. On our side it’s Portugal, Poland and Belgium if the favorites win. Not saying these are easy wins but we’ll probably be favorites in all three given our form.
@ Mali Ante – You’re right about Ronaldo. He’s frustrated. Their fans have been telling me that this is the worst supporting cast he’s had since he’s been on the national team, and he knows it.
Nani and Quaresma can send in crosses, and Renato Sanchez is going to be good, but, he’s just too young for this moment.
There is no Luis Figo, Rui Costa, or Joao Pinto in this midfield.
It was Pjaca with that pass to Kalinic!
This should be a walk in the park, Our players have nothing to worry about. 3-0 Croatia
@ Bobby V
I think this is a tough matchup for us but I hope they do take away your club membership because Portugal loses to us! Lol
I have faith in this team. They’ve played exceptionally well and although we don’t typically matchup against a quick team, this Portugal team isn’t anywhere near as good as past teams. If Ronaldo is on they will be tough but if he gets frustrated they will self destruct. His temper tantrum today after the third goal was priceless!! So many times they panned on him with pissed off looks at his teammates…in my eyes he’s a great player but is such a cry baby that I’m sure many players have no respect for him. He’s no Messi that’s for sure….
Ajmooo decki!!!
Cacic is a fucking genius. Did you see the confusion he created with trying to put in two subs at the end of the Spain match. that wasted more time than it would to normally put them in separately.
On the winning goal, it was a huge defensive block from Srna, a great, quick outlet from Rog to Kalinic, who dragged the ball for awhile before feeding Perisic.
We need a theme song. I recommend this.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_PpzveeXLO8
@Tbone,
UEFA has “lost all credibility” a long time ago.
Jarac,
Citam izjave poput moramo ovo, pa ono, lijevo, desno, ovo, ono…racku. Score one more goal than Portugal and it’s done.
I liked his “small mentality” comment. I don’t care if they only have 300,000 they have a decent team and shouldn’t play with fear. Have sone belief and aom a little higher. It’s not like Portugal are Spain or Germany. Then u cap it off with the way the Icelanders were celebrating like they’d won something huge. It was a friggin 1-1 game and they got played off the pitch. Ronaldo was spot on!
We’ve never celebrated like Iceland did that day even when we took the scalps of Spain, Italy, England, German, maybe Holland but that did lead to an actual medal.
@ante b
joj kako si ti pametan 😉
One of the things that has impressed me the most about our team this tournament has been the tactical approach to games. For example darijo srna positioning against spain, marking nolito, following him when he came inside, pressing the ball in an inside position, allowing corluka to cover and pjaca to provide back up defence in case of the overlap. What this has meant is that until now he has never been exposed in 1v1 situations. This set of players are tremendously experienced and very very smart. It’s not just about player attributes, it’s more to do with how the team sets up to contain the opposition threat, to minimise our own weaknesses and to exploit the weakness of other teams. There is no reason to believe cacic will suddenly get it wrong for the Portugal match. We have every chance of winning this game. Intelligence, team work and desire, we have more than them….
If it gets bad have someone jab their thumb up Ronaldo’s ass. That will show them.
Portugal have been quite unlucky in this tournament. They dominated all three games and got draws (two deflection goals for Hungary today). Portugal actually had 18 attempts on goal in all three games. Croatia is much better than those teams they played though. Hopefully Croatia controls the middle and Perisic gets unleashed for a few game turning runs.
The most important factor is this:
That we score one more goal than Portugal. That’s it.
2 of the goals against Portugal today we’re very lucky. Deflections that the keeper was not to blame for.
the thing is ronaldo is a bit of a cunt tbh.. remember him whining and whinging after iceland drew with them “oh at least try to play real football” etc.. he’s such a whiney man-child, i do NOT want to lose to that fuckstain
Early goal is key… the fact Hungary lead 3 separate times in their match is a very good omen. I haven’t seen the goals but that tells me Portugal’s D and keeper are suspect. I wasn’t too thrilled when I heard we got Porkugal but hey with Luka in it and how we’ve played so far it’s all good.
@Mile, are you talking about the potential competitiveness of the final? or big nation v small nation and interest in the game itself should say a Belgium face Germany?
You only have to look back to the last EURO final when two ‘big’ nations faced off in Italy v Spain. The game was a dog.
And your concerned about a smaller nation v one of the big boys, you can look back to EURO 92′ Denmark beating Germany 96 – The Germans edging out the Czech’s on a Golden Goal and 04′ – Greece beating the hosts Portugal.
Of the teams you listed above are most of them not inside of just out of the FIFA top 10? I haven’t checked in awhile and I realize the rankings are a joke but you can’t honestly say a Portugal or Belgium wouldn’t make a decent finalist from Croatia’s side of the draw.
This is the best article written about this team that I have read. Read the last paragraph more than once – it tells you all you need to know.
Most times, the hard work is done at the beginning – he’s just letting the boys loose now.
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/news/newsid=2382476.html
The other teams and their fans are fearing us way more than the other way around.
did u see ronaldo throw the tantrum when hungary went up 3-2
theres another point where he basically stole the ball from his teammate
there are videos where he is the big humanitarian… maybe he is i don’t know but his attitude on the field is a one of 5 year old at times
i would also be humanitarian of the year if i made 100 mill or whatever he makes lolol
I obviously meant intangibles.
Well said t bone!
I think one of the tangibles in our favor is team spirit. Seems the guys are all in it together and unity is really good. Portugal is always bickering because Ronaldo bitches at everyone or gives dirty looks when he doesn’t get the ball. Hopefully, Croatia can frustrate them on Saturday.
Croatia must control the midfield and limit Portugal’s opportunities down the wings. Hungary scored 3 goals against Portugal, I think we can control the tempo and maintain possession, we have to attack them with a lot of pace and make them self destruct…an early goal would be nice!
agreed t bone
trust me we are just as much in their heads. we have so many more options now then in the past… in theory with luka back.. we shold be able to own the midfield
ronaldo knows whats up.. he knows with out luka bust modric in real line up.. they dont win champion leauge
perisic and srna gonna make those runs!!!… kalinic and super mario gonna tap it in olic style…
wait wait, shouldn’t the irish get docked points for racism lolol
Bunch of negative Nancy’s. Sure Iceland would have been preferable but the Porkchops came out winless in a group with Austria Hungary and Iceland… conceding 4 goals.
Anyone that said Hungary would be preferred I say hell no. We tied them 1-1 in Budapest just before the Euro and they looked solid. The whole Ronaldo factor comes into play yes, but Spain with Silva and Iniesta just got put to the sword minus Luka and with 5 benchers, no reason why we can’t do the same to Portugal.
2-1 Croatia
Anybody catch some of the funny Irish fan videos from Euro 2016. I guess they have been doing auto repairs, singing to babies, cleannig up towns they’ve been partying in, etc.
Here’s one with a black guy, which gets them singing the Yaya/Kolo Toure song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAcdvfobaYk
sorry, Poland or Switzerland, the above should read
And if we win we play portugal or switzerland so that means we have to wear blue again, looks like we won’t ever get to wear our home jersey this whole tourney LOL
My girlfriend is Portuguese and a big Benfica fan. I’m a member of the Portuguese club in Gloucester, Ma and watch many games there with the guys – but not the next one.
My phone has been ringing all afternoon. I just keep telling them that after Croatia beats Portugal, I hope you don’t take away my membership card.
Iggy if they wear that tourqoise i think we can wear checkers
Iggy don’t be greedy be happy we avoided england, germany, france, spain, italy….. You gotta play someone good eventually….
If Croatia’s not in the final, it will probably be one of Portugal, Wales, Belgium or Poland. How crappy a final would that be if it’s one of those teams against one of the monsters on the other side. Yikes.
Also i take it this means we have to wear blue again
We could’ve had Austria, Hungary or Iceland and we’d be fucking laughing. Portugal.. fuckkkk
Jebi Penaldo! Subasic zna plesat…
Ide Koka, zabi jos pet…
Za Koku!
dude u guys are crazy, portugal is not to be feared……we play like we have been I see 2-1 or 3-1 for cro.
I know anything can happen, but this is a team that could not beat Hungary, Iceland or Austria.
Portugal’s midfield is not good. Croatia should dominate possession and create more chances.
Ronaldo won’t have many chances – that’s why the over/under on the amount of flops in the penalty area for him in this game is 5.
Terrible draw for Croatia. We will lose 2-1 with a bullshit penalty shot call in favour of portugal around the 75th minute. Probably a Ronaldo flop. UEFA has an agenda to push as well. Ronaldo sells merchandise and draws crowds. They’ll find a way to help them through. Absolutely disgusted.
I really think us vs Portugal is more or less a fifty-fifty game. On form we are going better but you can see either team winning really.
Pretty sad a team with 3 draws makes it to th knockout phase of a major tournament. I never liked the idea of expanding the EURO. I know it’s about making more coin.
Portugal have concerns of their own conceding 3 to Hungary and looking slow and disorganized in the back.
Again, tough matchup but we have the players that can pull through in the end.
As mentioned above, Portugal is on 2 days rest. Fatigue could play a factor even if it’s of a minor nature.
Do cards carryover to the round of 16 or are they wiped out?
Very worried about Portugal, wanted Iceland. Sigh. Oh well, the positive news is they get less rest than us – not sure if they played the same team all 3 matches? But we obviously rested a few last game so hopefully fitness is on our side
I knew Italy would do the right thing!
Thank you Italy!
They were very convincing Italy, they really made it look like they were trying to win.
I’m over here like jadni zlatan, then I’m like nah he rich
Sweden blowing it, belgium with a wundergoal if sweden pulled off the win, belgium would’ve been out, that would’ve been crazy
Go the Irish!
@Denis
Why were people concerned about a point docking? Russian hooligans rushed an entire section of England supporters,punching and kicking their way through the stadium with women and children present and they did not lose the point they had… if Croatia lost a point uefa wouod lose all credibility.
Ireland just scored
@Denis Svircic,
I completely agree with you. This just isnt a good match up for us. A team like Portugal can cause nightmares for our slow D even though theyve held up fairly well. Srna has been a big surprise and has done a lot of good things for us this tournament but im worried he can be exposed against a Portuguese attack.. Like you said Ronaldo can be quiet all game and explode for 2 goals out of nothing. If we play like we have up to this point, anything can happen. What also worries me, and i hope im wrong, I can see Portugal drawing all 3 group games and suddenly exploding there way to the final. That being said, im still glad to be on this side of the bracket.
or it will be like 04 when portugal lost to greece!
We will lose to Portugal because now its a different ball game and its not the group stage. So more pressure it will be like Euro 2008 when we beat Germany now Spain then lost to Turkey now Portugal
oh FFS really.. that fucking sucks
They are a good team but to do well in major tournaments you have to beat good teams, so what can we do? We should beat them if we keep our focus.
Past Performance means little. Next game is knockout. We can win but yes have to worry about flops. If we lose due to a BS PK call then fucking run riot.
Portugal are not like Sweeden in terms of being a 1 man team; there’s other dribblers on the squad there’s actually people on Portugal that can get it to Ronnie as we saw today.
Portugal only on 2 days rest.
So what you guys think on formations?
Would you play two strikers up front?
Part of me thinks the Pork and cheese defence would buckle under the pressure of mario and nikola
There is one thing we can control that no one can take from us… just like any succesful team… effort and work rate.. i believe the boys have this now as a whole. I believe we will want it more… whether thats enough we will see
portugal coming off a come back tie vs. hungary… they have yet to strangle any team… we freaking dominated turkey and czech and showed the mental toughness we haven’t in the past to come back against spain and win it(sure maybe we had some luck but every game and team that wins has some “luck” in some way)
Do i need to remind some of you of the 98 team “luck” some like to bring up??
Some have said this team is much the same as a few years ago and won’t do any different then previous years… this is partly true but there is one variable that has changed. they are now veterans with experience and with many mental battle scars that they have fought through
look at this tourney its been a revenge tour of euros gone wrong. we got our revenge once again on 08 turkey. they taught us to play to the final whistle(cause you know ronaldo will get extended minutes to try to tie it up) which i know some of us(including myself) had in the back of my mind trying to hold off spain
now 2012 rolls around… we play some of our best soccer in a while… we play spain hard… deserve a tie at least but we get hard done by the refs… just like yesterday. they taught us we have to beat the refs and the team… simple… just like it will be on saturday.
everyone knows cro gets up for bigger games… i like to think our team is more mature now and coudl take out iceland… but need i remind you it wasn’t a cake walk against them in that playoff… and they playing with house money… all the pressure would be on us..
this way pressure is still on ronaldo… ve small kuntry stil! let them think that
look we can sit here and be negative and say we are hard done by… look at the wops… they win their group and they get spain… its just the breaks. how would it be if we steam rolled iceland/hungary who ever to get to the semis then come up against belgium… or whoever in the finals…
i still feel more confident about portugal then italy… we get italy in pks… game over… we get portugal in pks… they choke city
lets be positive… the world is watching saturday… the boys are soooo hungry right now(watch the emotion of luka against turkey!)… they will battle till the end. and coupled with our experience and talent level… we have a good shot boys… to quote mamic AAAAJJJJMMMMOOOO!!!!
I hope Cacic doesnt fuck up the formation and throws in an early sub if needed. Not this 83rd minute bs.
1) Kalinic for Mandza all day. Mandza had 2 games and failed to deliver.
2) Jedvaj and Rog on the bench.
3) Pjaca played well, but played with a full head of steam like youngsters do. Look what happened to Ante Rebić at the world cup. Experience wins in the knockout staged when the pressure heats up.
4) Vrsaljko or strinic? I like vrsaljko at RB as he doesnt have a left foot. Strinic played just ok the first 2 games.
5) I pray for Badelj. I can see a yellow card maybe more in his future.
6) I would start Schifo over Vida at CB. But at this point, its difficult to experiment.
We’re playing with house money right now. Croatia got revenge against Turkey and Spain. We have the talent and easier route to the semis to most likely face Belgium in the semis.
However, one goal, one red, one penalty, one corrupt ref, one fan runs onto the pitch, can end our run.
Im proud of our boys. As long as they show up and play the way we played the last three days is all I can ask for. If the refs f us, so be it.
The fact that they finished third in the group without a win against Austria, Hungary, or Iceland is a clear sign that we don’t have to worry.
We beat Turkey, We would have beat the Chechs 3-1 (if it wasnt for the flare) and we beat Spain.
The world loves us and any team will fear us.
Our boys will do us proud! They know they can do this. Its all about them staying focused and realising that they are currently the best players in the competition.
I agree with Mr. Svircic. I don’t like winning the group and getting the porkchops. Iceland would have been the ‘easier’ game. I expect Iceland to knock England out. Yes historically we have a bad record against Portugal but we also had a poor record against Spain. If we play like we’re playing the win is ours. It will be interesting to see how much respect we give them. I can’t figure out who Cacic will start up front. I think Kalinic is the obvious choice but Mandzu can disrupt the Porkchops in their box; his finishing is suspect though.
I think our boys got this one
Early lines put as a slight favourite
Cro + 160
Draw +210
Portugal + 180
Im super pissed after flipping back and forth between Portugal-Hungary and Iceland-Austria.
I do not want to face portugal.
1) Uefa will push portugal. I felt that uefa pushed spain too as the ref gifted them a pk and didnt call one for us.
2) Ronaldo will be difficult for our D. Look for lots of fouls and yellow cards. Ronaldo is like Kobe Bryant. Sucks all game, then scores 3 goals in 10 minutes. Kobe goes 2-15 in the first half then finishes with 40 points.
3) Pepe will play like a bitch, flop, get ref to pull out cards
4) Nani will be up to his old tricks, another actor that can flop in the box.
5) Luck… has been on our side so far.
a) ueaf didnt dock us a point.
b) perisic game winner took a deflection
c) Subasic was way off his line when he saved pk, could have been called back
d) avoided italy and bracket of death.
6) Cacic
a) Has been lucky with formations. Rog 80 minutes against spain?
b) Terrible on subs. 0 subs until the 82nd minute against spain?
c) brings in 2 strikers in 90th minute(Cop and kramaric)?
d) Fails to put in another defender, history almost repeats itself after croatian offside call gives spain a last second hail mary and silva almost gets a last second draw.
I dont mean to sound like negative nancy, but I dont like this game. I have a bad feeling about this game. Hopefully, i am wrong.
Poglavnik said it. Perisic is our Ronaldo.
It’s gonna be tough but our boys can do it.
We always play to the level of our opponents. Might as well play a higher rated team to earn some respect. Last thing you want to hear if this team makes it deep is how weak the bracket was.
and guess what, all the pressure is on Portugal…announcer today was talking about how they were favorites coming into the Euros…lets F them up…idemo napred
Portugal have not won a single game in group, bring it ronaldo, lets do this. Nothing better to send his little bitch ass home.
yeah, Portugal are Ronaldo and Nani, but not much else.
To prefer Portugal over Iceland in my opinion is completely ridiculous. Portugal are not just Ronaldo, plus uefa really want superstars to play so expect refs to be blowing Portugal.
We tend to rise up versus the bigger nations. No doubt it’s a tough matchup but the boys just beat Spain minus a few regulars in the starting 11. Confidence should be sky high.
Portugals defense was exposed today against a direct and pacey opponent in Hungary. We are deadly out wide and have good speed. I think we will find success.
Gonna have to play tough opponents here on in so put the big boy pants on and go out there and prove you are a contender.
I would love nothing more than to see Ronaldo cry like a baby when they are defeated by us. He’s a selfish player and a premadonna.
Gonna be nice and open hopefully.
We have our own Ronaldo in Perisic.
Bring it!
I agree, I prefer portugal over iceland, I don’t like bunker teams. Portugal is all ronaldo, ball hog.
Better we play an attacking team. Although Iceland has showed to be better than expected they’re bunker would frustrate us.
Tough game waiting…..
Tough tough draw. Literally a second away from drawing Iceland. Portugal and Ronaldo will show up when it really matters. That being said we should be confident about this match. With Luka healthy, Croatia are easy favorites.
3-2 Croatia.