Croatia squad Euro 2012 [Archive] - soccer24-7.com Forums

TheNameOfTheG..

May 17 2012, 06:39 AM

Goalies: Pletikosa, Subašić, Kelava, Blažević

Defence: Buljat, Vida, Ćorluka, Šimunić, Lovren, Vrsaljko, Schildenfeld, Strinić, Pranjić, Buljat

Midfield: Srna, Dujmović, Vukojević, Rakitić, Modrić, Perišić, Kranjčar, Badelj, Iličević

Strikers: Olić, Jelavić, Mandžukić, Eduardo, Kalinić

5 will go.

With most I agree, would prefere Klasnić or Petrić instead of Kalinić though. Probably, Bilić called Kalinić beacause he is younger. Kalinić is 5th option, but would be better to have experience of Klasnić or Petrić.

Lovren is still in recovering proces so we are not sure will he be ready, which is bad, because defence is our worst part.

If all healthy and ready would play like this:

....................Jelavić.......
..................................Mandjukić
Perišić.........Modrić....Dujmović....Rakitić
Strinić......Lovren...Corluka...Srna
...............Pletikosa..................

but there are various options and much will depend about heallth and current form. It might be that Schiendfeld will play CB if Lovren wont be ready. It is even possible Corluka to play LB or Mandjukic to play RW and to put Olić (or Eduardo) up front together with Jelavić.
IMO Jelavić and Perišić should play. Think Bilić will play Jelavić, not sure about Perišić.

http://www.index.hr/images2/hrvatskanogometnareprezentacijabrezicetrening2012_ srdanvranciccropix.jpg

Celticrugby

May 17 2012, 07:11 PM

I am still not sure about Jellyfish up front, he better impress or I hope he's dropped. They can't **** around here.

I'm hoping the fact I call him out for being **** during games for the Vatreni he will pull a Petric and score some wonder goals.

TheNameOfTheG..

May 18 2012, 04:46 PM

Eduardo and Kranjcar have had full trainings these days, which is a good news. Both were injured. Kranjcar has just recently started with trainings.

blue for you

May 18 2012, 05:02 PM

Celticrugby

May 19 2012, 01:03 AM

Eduardo and Kranjcar have had full trainings these days, which is a good news. Both were injured. Kranjcar has just recently started with trainings.

Good. I still think no Eduardo killed Croatia in the last go around, if he was in the team they would have gone further. That killed their chance for really challenging IMO.

NoviDracula

May 19 2012, 04:45 AM

sve naj my neighbors! really hope you guys go far this euro semi finals even! :D

Celticrugby

May 19 2012, 01:35 PM

sve naj my neighbors! really hope you guys go far this euro semi finals even! :D

Depends on quite a bit I think.

No Niko Kovac leader type KILLS this team. There will be a point in this tournament where they need someone who says "We need to play like we will die after this game and leave it on the field" and they don't have that.

They also don't have the depth in a few spots, a couple of injuries and I'd expect them to tank out.

The potential is there, and if they get rolling I can see them doing great things, but they'd have to batter Ireland to do that I'd say.

TheNameOfTheG..

May 19 2012, 04:06 PM

Good. I still think no Eduardo killed Croatia in the last go around, if he was in the team they would have gone further. That killed their chance for really challenging IMO.

It's hard to tell, everything is possible, but I think the final was quite reachable, considering after Turkey we would face Germany who we defeated in the group stage.

TheNameOfTheG..

May 19 2012, 04:07 PM

sve naj my neighbors! really hope you guys go far this euro semi finals even! :D

Hvala. S moje strane bi bilo isto da je BIH na turniru.:)

TheNameOfTheG..

May 19 2012, 05:13 PM

Petrić said he is dissapointed with Bilić for not being called.

Celticrugby

May 19 2012, 06:47 PM

It's hard to tell, everything is possible, but I think the final was quite reachable, considering after Turkey we would face Germany who we defeated in the group stage.

With Eduardo, it was possible. That defeat is still probably the worst I've suffered perhaps in my soccer watching lifetime.

TheNameOfTheG..

May 20 2012, 11:32 AM

With Eduardo, it was possible. That defeat is still probably the worst I've suffered perhaps in my soccer watching lifetime.

Mine is for sure.
Last night' goes to top 10.

TheNameOfTheG..

May 20 2012, 03:48 PM

Bilić said that he and the squad will give their best to comfort Olić.

EarZ

May 20 2012, 06:03 PM

I hope that perilous is better than what he showed briefly at spurs for croatias sake

forest008

May 20 2012, 06:29 PM

Vrsaljko :wub

TheNameOfTheG..

May 20 2012, 06:49 PM

I hope that perilous is better than what he showed briefly at spurs for croatias sake

Not sure I understand it. You mean PLetikosa?

EarZ

May 20 2012, 07:04 PM

Not sure I understand it. You mean PLetikosa?

yeah sorry. bloody spellcheck

TheNameOfTheG..

May 20 2012, 07:18 PM

He is not reliable in my eyes aswell. When younger he was a great prospect and did quite well, but... Recently he is not doing bad in Russia. He is not the one I can say he'll win the game for us. No, unfortunatelly not. It will always have to be other players...
Our 2nd choice goalie Subašić scored a fine goal though. :S

http://sportski.net.hr/nogomet/lige-petice/danijel-subasic-zabio-za-monaco

Celticrugby

May 21 2012, 12:40 PM

Yeah, they let Pletikosa go for awhile, was going to sign with Celtic and then they dropped their interest which pissed me off.

It'll be interesting, as there and the defense the team is probably the weakest.

EarZ

May 21 2012, 01:08 PM

we had him on loan a couple of years back and he was 3rd choice behind gomes and cudicini. that says a lot

TheNameOfTheG..

May 21 2012, 01:11 PM

Would like to have Cudicini as our goalie.:S

EarZ

May 21 2012, 01:13 PM

he's not what he was mate. trust me

TheNameOfTheG..

May 22 2012, 02:58 PM

This morning our training partly was a game between two sides; one side: Vida, Ćorluka, Šimunić, Strinić, Srna, Dujmović, Modrić, Rakitić, Mandžukić and Jelavić, another side: Vrsaljko, Buljat, Schildenfeld, Iličević, Perišić, Badelj, Vukojević, Kranjčar, Kalinić and Eduardo. Olić, Pranjić and still not ready Lovren werent there. The reporters are speculating the first side might be the one which will face Estonia on Friday. Dont think Estonia is the right test for Irealnd, it will more be as general test...

TheNameOfTheG..

May 25 2012, 04:56 PM

Tonights game will be the test for players who arent certain they will enter the final squad. Therfore most or them will start, unlike modric, olic and others who have booked their ticket.

TheNameOfTheG..

May 25 2012, 05:11 PM

Kalinic,eduardo,strinic, shiffo,ilicevic,dujmovic,corluka,vida,badelj,subas ic. Charlie is the captain.

TheNameOfTheG..

May 25 2012, 05:13 PM

And perisic is there.

TheNameOfTheG..

May 28 2012, 10:49 AM

Most probably Lovren wont be ready for the first game. Even if he does, somehow, he'll be untrained... So, think Bilić should drop him or even better, he can take him and wait till the last two days before EC starts until when he can change injured player. So'he'll have more time to see his condition.

Celticrugby

May 28 2012, 12:20 PM

TheNameOfTheG..

May 28 2012, 01:23 PM

This sucks, there isn't enough defensive depth as it stands. Argh.

Well, on bright side, Lovren hasnt been as good as his level of quality is in last couple of games fr NT. So this might improve our defence sort of.:ninja

Anyhow, cro media is speculating Bilić will face this team against Ireland.

http://www.index.hr/images2/grafike11irska_index.jpg

It seems logical, considering Lovren and Šimunić arent fit. Doubts are Perišić as LW (I am for it, hopes Bilić is too, specialy now when Kranjčar hasnt played much after his injury), Dujmović or Vukojević as DM (Dujma is better linking player, Vuko might be more agressive though), Mandjukic instead of Olić (also logical, he has played his games for Wolfsburg, unlike Olić and can give more defensive help to the team aswell as some good crosses which Jelavić will need), Pranjić or Strinić (Strinić is natural LB, I give him an advantage) and will there be place for Rakitić (if Srna plays RW i doubt Raki will pair with Modrić as DM, would be "too light" IMO).

TheNameOfTheG..

May 29 2012, 10:29 AM

Dejan Lovren, Nikola Kalinić, Šime Vrsaljko and goalie Goran Blažević are out. So, this is the final squad:

goalies: Pletikosa, Subašić, Kelava,

defence: Buljat, Vida, Ćorluka, Šimunić, Schildenfeld, Strinić, Pranjić

midfield: Srna, Dujmović, Vukojević, Rakitić, Modrić, Perišić, Kranjčar, Badelj, Iličević

forward: Olić, Jelavić, Mandžukić, Eduardo

Celticrugby

May 29 2012, 08:50 PM

I still hope Jellyfish comes through. Surprised Gordon starts, but like you say, a lot of injuries and depth issues.

This is arguably the most important game, so I'd rather the best team than trying to accommodate, but he usually adjusts well on the fly.

TheNameOfTheG..

May 30 2012, 10:33 AM

Bilić has been leading Cro for 5 years 10 months and 6 days. He is 3rd by this statistics out of all EC12 coaches.
Also, with his 43 years of hard life he is 2nd youngest cocah at EC.

Gerry_BMG

May 30 2012, 03:06 PM

TheNameOfTheG..

May 30 2012, 04:31 PM

Decent team, although that Vida is in speculated first 11 makes this team seem rather desperate :S but I guess he is better now, after leaving Leverkusen. Modric is the sole topclass player in this team as much as I can say... not many for a team like Croatia. I wouldnt want Germany to play against them nevertheless, bad feeling. I think Croatia and Serbia are in quite a low these years. Does Croatia have good youth players coming up?

Vida was not bad at the beginig of the season, but like all Dinamo players he has deteriorated in 2nd part of the season. Probably due to lack of interest cause they were in easy lead in the league. However, defence is our weakest part of the team and injury of our best defender Dejan Lovren didnt help.
This team is not so old, not too many players over 30 and (except Olić) everyone will play for next 2 years if magic happens. Not too many of young players in this team either - Perišić, Badelj, Vida 23, Lovren (who is out) 22, aswell as Vrsaljko 20 who is dissmised yesterday too. There are youngsters who can come, specialy in Vrsaljko's generation who were 3rd in EC 2 years ago). Im not afraid of that, always someone shows up to make a decent team who can make trouble to everyone and not only that. What I am affraid of is like always: coach&organisation and leadership.
This is not too much different team like the one from EC 2008. All of players have much more international experience, plus in form Jelavić is here and once great Eduardo too. But 2 v impportant players are missing, Kovač brothers.
Think that this team doesnt have much of pressure, they are not in 2 first favorites of the group unlike EC08 and ppl here dont expect great things from them, just good fight. Bilić is leaving after the EC so he can have less pressure aswell and I feel he does have less rpessure.
I always belive. We'll'see.

Gerry_BMG

May 30 2012, 04:40 PM

Vida was not bad at the beginig of the season, but like all Dinamo players he has deteriorated in 2nd part of the season. Probably due to lack of interest cause they were in easy lead in the league. However, defence is our weakest part of the team and injury of our best defender Dejan Lovren didnt help.
This team is not so old, not too many players over 30 and (except Olić) everyone will play for next 2 years if magic happens. Not too many of young players in this team either - Perišić, Badelj, Vida 23, Lovren (who is out) 22, aswell as Vrsaljko 20 who is dissmised yesterday too. There are youngsters who can come, specialy in Vrsaljko's generation who were 3rd in EC 2 years ago). Im not afraid of that, always someone shows up to make a decent team who can make trouble to everyone and not only that. What I am affraid of is like always: coach&organisation and leadership.
This is not too much different team like the one from EC 2008. All of players have much more international experience, plus in form Jelavić is here and once great Eduardo too. But 2 v impportant players are missing, Kovač brothers.
Think that this team doesnt have much of pressure, they are not in 2 first favorites of the group unlike EC08 and ppl here dont expect great things from them, just good fight. Bilić is leaving after the EC so he can have less pressure aswell and I feel he does have less rpessure.
I always belive. We'll'see.

Kovac Brothers? You mean Robert and Niko Kovac? they are still alive? :cool:drinkbeer

Well, thanks for this post - interesting one

TheNameOfTheG..

May 30 2012, 05:01 PM

Kovac Brothers? You mean Robert and Niko Kovac? they are still alive? :cool:drinkbeer

Well, thanks for this post - interesting one

Yes, but they have retired in meanwhile. They had leadership abbilities, were good players too.

Gerry_BMG

May 30 2012, 05:18 PM

Yes, but they have retired in meanwhile. They had leadership abbilities, were good players too.

Yes, they were good players with a certain quality and they were serious guys = leaders :drinkbeer

Celticrugby

May 30 2012, 07:56 PM

Yep, and leaders is what this team needs to take it to the next level....they haven't had it since Niko.

TheNameOfTheG..

May 31 2012, 10:10 AM

Even tennis player Marin Cilic agrees that game against Ireland is by far the most important one.

Celticrugby

May 31 2012, 02:02 PM

Even tennis player Marin Cilic agrees that game against Ireland is by far the most important one.

If Croatia loses they are sunk, a draw is still REALLY bad, and a win is the only option.

Problem is I could see a draw, and we'd have to hope Italy and Spain choke or Croatia pulls something out of their ass like they are capable of, but don't necessarily do all the time.

TheNameOfTheG..

Jun 3 2012, 05:12 PM

Olic might miss the EC. Medical tests will show how serious is the injury he earned last night in the friendly agaisnt Norway.

Celticrugby

Jun 3 2012, 06:52 PM

Goddamnit. You knew someone was going to drop, was hoping it wasn't going to be him. His engine and workrate is great for some of these games.

TheNameOfTheG..

Jun 3 2012, 07:26 PM

He is not a starter, but he is quite usefull and will have a minutage if healthy. Would be a loss if we lose him. This would open more space for Eduardo though.

TheNameOfTheG..

Jun 4 2012, 10:48 AM

It's over for Olić, he'll miss the EC. Kalinić has been invited.

Celticrugby

Jun 4 2012, 04:37 PM

It's over for Olić, he'll miss the EC. Kalinić has been invited.

This sucks.

I know Ivica's days of starting are over (though I'd rather have him start :ninja) but he would be great to bring on if winning especially at the 70 minute mark or such, so he runs everyone down, hustles and attacks to put pressure on the counter etc.

Now the team doesn't have that. There doesn't seem to be a lot of hard workers like him on this team.

We will see if that has a big effect or not.

_Bavarian_

Jun 4 2012, 06:04 PM

I keep hearing from certain croats that Dujmovic is very clumsy and makes very stupid mistakes, not good for Croatia :S

NoviDracula

Jun 4 2012, 06:10 PM

Olic should def start he never stops running and has shown he can score for Croatia. Ireland is your most important game, then comes italy, idk about spain if u guys can pull a draw you'll be good.

best of luck to you my neighbors! :D

_Bavarian_

Jun 4 2012, 06:12 PM

NoviDracula, our olic got injured and will miss the EC, I feel bad for him..

NoviDracula

Jun 4 2012, 06:21 PM

NoviDracula, our olic got injured and will miss the EC, I feel bad for him..
:( damn i just heard.

Is Petric still playing for you guys?

_Bavarian_

Jun 4 2012, 06:27 PM

:( damn i just heard.

Is Petric still playing for you guys?

Petric didnt get called up, Bilic called Kalinic instead..

Max Power

Jun 4 2012, 08:47 PM

I already have to change my fantasy line up. Thanks a bunch.

Celticrugby

Jun 4 2012, 09:19 PM

Petric didnt get called up, Bilic called Kalinic instead..

Mistake, because when I scream at the TV at Petric he scores insane goals.

A(Bosancero)

Jun 4 2012, 09:26 PM

Damn no Olic? That kinda changes my prediction a bit. Olic can bring impact off the bench.

Celticrugby

Jun 4 2012, 09:30 PM

Damn no Olic? That kinda changes my prediction a bit. Olic can bring impact off the bench.

Yep, that's what I've been saying, it's a bigger loss than most people are going to think.

I don't know anyone else that his engine, and sets up people like he can. It's all poachers and skill players...but you need someone to deliver, which is partly why Jellyfish has been ******* useless on the international stage.

TheNameOfTheG..

Jun 5 2012, 05:51 AM

Cmon Bilić, let's play like this:

Pletikosa

Srna Corluka Schifo/Simunic Strinic/Pranjić

Ilicevic Vukojevic Modric Perisic

Eduardo Jelavic

TheNameOfTheG..

Jun 5 2012, 01:13 PM

Croatia arrived today in Warka (Poland), the place where is theier training camp.

NIce welcome by Poles!

http://euro2012.net.hr/hrvatska-na-euru/urnebes-na-doceku-hrvatska-stigla-u-warku

Celticrugby

Jun 5 2012, 02:31 PM

Croatia arrived today in Warka (Poland), the place where is theier training camp.

NIce welcome by Poles!

http://euro2012.net.hr/hrvatska-na-euru/urnebes-na-doceku-hrvatska-stigla-u-warku

This is why....

A06hGaXB9C8

TheNameOfTheG..

Jun 5 2012, 04:14 PM

This is why....

A06hGaXB9C8

What the frack was that. Anyway, a good video.:drinkbeer

We have many Polish tourists over here, one of the most frequent tourists here they are. Quite a few I have introduced, quite a few I have slept with.:S
nice ppl... very nice girls.

Celticrugby

Jun 5 2012, 05:17 PM

What the frack was that. Anyway, a good video.:drinkbeer

We have many Polish tourists over here, one of the most frequent tourists here they are. Quite a few I have introduced, quite a few I have slept with.:S
nice ppl... very nice girls.

CATHOLIC BROTHERHOOD, is a lot of it. There is always been a Polish-Croatia connection.

Originally with hot chicks (as both countries seem to have the best in Central/Eastern Europe in the opinion of many) but I've seen a ton of Poles backing Croatia, and I've always liked Poland -- even before Boruc, though I am pulling for Greece over them in the opener.

TheNameOfTheG..

Jun 5 2012, 05:37 PM

As i can hear there are many Poles in UK now, loads in USA too, but from before...

Celticrugby

Jun 5 2012, 11:49 PM

As i can hear there are many Poles in UK now, loads in USA too, but from before...

There are more Poles in Chicago than any other city other than Warsaw.

Where I live now, and where I used to live are the other two big Polish hubs.

_Bavarian_

Jun 5 2012, 11:57 PM

Mistake, because when I scream at the TV at Petric he scores insane goals.

Petric is one of the more Experience Croatian strikers, and u need him against big teams, I have no idea why Bilic didnt call him, u cant be calling younger strikers, thats just ridiculous :rolleyes:

tomato

Jun 7 2012, 03:31 AM

The Luka Modric mystique
What is it that makes the Croat so coveted?
http://espnfc.com/us/en/news/1086938/musa-okwongathe-luka-modric-mystique.html

TheNameOfTheG..

Jun 7 2012, 12:27 PM

Ilicevicout cause of injury. Recovery will take too long. Vrsaljko instead of him.

Celticrugby

Jun 7 2012, 01:47 PM

Ilicevicout cause of injury. Recovery will take too long. Vrsaljko instead of him.

Damnit.

DROPPING LIKE FLIES.

The Luka Modric mystique
What is it that makes the Croat so coveted?
http://espnfc.com/us/en/news/1086938/musa-okwongathe-luka-modric-mystique.html

I and many others was on this bandwagon before the bandwagon existed. :D

Seriously, these ESPN people need to go watch his old Dinamo games....it's unreal. I've never seen anything like it.

TheNameOfTheG..

Jun 7 2012, 07:20 PM

Corluka is injured, tomorrow we'll know more about his condition.

Celticrugby

Jun 8 2012, 12:42 AM

Corluka is injured, tomorrow we'll know more about his condition.

Are you ******* serious?

This campaign is looking more and more in doubt. Ugh.

_Bavarian_

Jun 8 2012, 01:49 AM

Olic, Ilicevic and now Corluka? dam this not looking good for Croatia..

Celticrugby

Jun 8 2012, 02:50 AM

This ******* blows. Just once I'd like them to go in with a relatively full squad, and two key parts for me are out.

Whether or not people think Olic is past it, I don't, I think he would be perfect for this Euro with his workrate.

Charlie being out, obviously blows...in a ******* MUST win game, against Ireland who apparently is bring the entire Island to go watch these games.