England
Nikola Kalinić started the week off in England with a bang on Wednesday as his Blackburn Rovers took on Aston Villa in the second leg of their Carling Cup semifinal match. Things were looking good for the Rovers as Kalinić scored two goals inside of 26 minutes to put Blackburn up 2-0 early. Kalinić had to climb the ladder to score his first goal as he headed the ball down and off a Villa defender's back before crossing the line. Moments later, Kale scored an easy Ivica Olić 'right place at the right time' tap in goal as backup Aston Villa goalie Brad Guzan could only get a finger on the first shot.
The effort was not enough as Aston Villa poured on goals after Blackburn player C.S. Veijeany received a red card in the 39th minute. Aston Villa won the match 6-4 and will face the winner of the Manchester United/Manchester City tie in the Carling Cup final at Wembley.
Contrary to many beliefs on CSR that Kalinić is only scoring goals in meaningless Carling Cup or FA Cup matches, I'd (Ante Kvartuč) have to disagree using this match as a prime example. Since Blackburn has already been ousted out of the FA Cup for this season, they only have two things on their agenda for the next five months: avoid relegation and win the Carling Cup. Blackburn are sitting comfortably in middle position of the Premiership table with only a total collapse causing them any relegation zone worries. They have nothing to play for as a European spot is too far in front of them. Therefore, as long as they don't start flirting with relegation, the Carling Cup is all they had. Kalinić stepped up in their second leg match and scored two quick goals. What more can you ask for? Aston Villa played their big boys and Kalinić still got two in on them. We just have to wait until he reproduces these performances in Premiership matches.
Tottenham Hotspur were also in action on Wednesday as they travelled to Anfield to take on Liverpool in a make-up Premiership match from last week due to the heavy snow. Luka Modrić, Niko Kranjčar and Vedran Ćorluka all started for the Spurs in this pivotal match that could shake up the fourth and last Champions League spot that England receives. It looked as if Tottenham didn't even want to suit up on the day as they went down easily to Liverpool 2-0. It was a very boring game after Dirk Kuyt opened up the scoring inside of 10 minutes with a strike from the top of the box. Tottenham only had three shots on goal for the day; one being a Luka Modrić strike on the run which he should have put away.
Vedran Ćorluka was surprisingly subbed out in the 61st minute for another defender. It seemed to be a tactical move as there are no injury reports on Ćorluka, but he was also given the day off on Saturday. After an average performance from Niko Kranjčar, he was also subbed out in the 65th for some much needed firepower from striker Robbie Keane. The Spurs never got the goal they were looking for and Kuyt added an injury time penalty kick to earn a double on the day. Spurs still sit in fourth place, but Manchester City and Liverpool are breathing down their necks.
On Saturday, Tottenham took on Leeds United at White Heart Lane in fourth round FA Cup action. Luka Modrić and Niko Kranjčar started for the Spurs while Vedran Ćorluka got the day off. Spurs dominated the game controlling ball possession for 57% of the match while outshooting Leeds on goal 15-4; with Kranjčar contributing four of those shots. Spurs missed a penalty kick in the 9' but scored right before halftime with a goal from Peter Crouch. Leeds quickly equalized in the 52' of play but Roman Pavlyuchenko looked to have locked things up with a goal in the 75th. With tons and tons of injury time to play, Leeds got what they were looking for and converted a 96th minute penalty kick to end the game at 2-2. A replay must now be played.
Kranjčar played well with plenty of shots before finally being subbed out in the 71'. Luka Modrić once again played the full 90 minutes and looks to be at full strength. Here's what Luka had to say about the game afterwords:
We dominated the early stages and Leeds had goalkeeper Casper Ankergren to thank for keeping them in the tie.
However, we took the lead just before half-time through Peter Crouch and following Beckford's first equaliser, led again when Roman Pavlyuchenko finished off a fine move for 2-1 in the 75th minute.
Leeds kept going though and found a second equaliser in the fifth minute of added time when Michael Dawson was judged to have fouled Beckford and the striker slotted home from the spot.
We now go to Elland Road for the replay scheduled for Tuesday, February 2 - subject to change pending television coverage - with the winners travelling to Bolton in the fifth round on February 13/14.
"We're all disappointed," said Luka. "We had the game in our hands but Leeds managed to score in the last minute.
"We all knew that Leeds are a good team and it was going to be tough, they beat Manchester United at Old Trafford, after all, but we deserved the win.
"We didn't take our chances and in the end we conceded a bit of an unlucky goal. I'm not sure if it was a penalty or not, but it was given and we need to quickly move on because we have another big game against Fulham on Tuesday."
Luka said he was delighted to see Roman get on the scoresheet - he was first on the scene to congratulate him. "Yes, I was pleased for him. Pav's a great player and a great lad and it was an excellent goal. It was a good moment for him."
Eduardo started on Wednesday for Arsenal in a Premiership clash against Ivan Klasnić and Bolton. The Gunners took on an early 2-0 deficit as Bolton quickly jumped on them. Eduardo had a few mediocre shots on goal including a free kick but was no threat to score. He has been very active in the Arsenal offense utilizing his view of the field and cheeky passing ability to set up teammates. Arsenal ultimately came back to win the game 4-2 under controversy as they scored the go-ahead goal as a Bolton player lied injured on the pitch. Eduardo's play as of late has been fantastic and his health looks to be 100%. Klasnić came on late in the match and only had two touches on the ball. Even 'Killer' needs some rest.
On Sunday, Arsenal travelled to Stoke City to take on the Potters in a FA Cup match. Eduardo came on in the 67th minute with the game tied at 1-1. Arsene Wenger fielded a young team as he seemed to not care for a result in this match. Eduardo couldn't manage a shot on goal with his time on the field but witnessed two more goals from Stoke as they won 3-1. This will give Arsenal plenty of rest the next four months as they battle for Champions League and Premiership titles already falling out of the Carling and FA Cups.
Ivan Klasnić started Bolton's FA Cup Match against Sheffield United on Saturday at the Reebok. He played 76 minutes and managed three shots in Bolton's 2-0 win. Klasnić is getting some rest as his club has a quick turnaround to makeup games having to play again Tuesday against Burnley. Prediction: Killer scores!
Germany
Ivica Olić and Bayern Munich continue to fire on all cylinders posting a 3-2 victory over Werder Bremen on Saturday in front of 39,100 at Weserstadion. Ivica had another great performance for the Bavarian giants, scoring a 'typical Ivica Olić tap-in goal' in the 35th minute. Olić has now scored six out of the last eight matches for Bayern raising his total to 7 goals this season.
Danijel Pranjić was left on the bench for Bayern Munich.
If the actual video of Monday’s training ground scuffle between Robben and Lahm has eluded you, you’re in luck below. As a bonus, it covers other great moments in FC Bayern training ground scuffles.
Josip Šimunić and the Hoffenheim defense took a day off Sunday, suffering a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Bayer Leverkusen. Joe played the full 90 and picked up a yellow card in the 62nd minute of play in front of 30,150 at the snowy Rhein-Neckar Arena. Hoffenheim are now winless in their last 6 and appear to be completely out of contention for a place in Europe.
Hamburg and Mladen Petrić were in action in Dortmund on Saturday in front of 80,500 at Signal Iduna Park. Mladen played the full 90, coming close to scoring in the 62nd minute headed just inches over the crossbar from close range.
HSV looked to have solved their striker problem, signing 33 year old former Netherlands international, Ruud van Nistelrooy for the remainder of the season. Ruud has been out of the Real Madrid lineup since suffering a knee injury in November of 2008. Petrić and van Nistelrooy up front? This should be interesting.
Hamburg’s kit sponsor Emirates recently picked up an Airbus A380 at the Airbus factory in Hamburg. A few of the Hamburg players gave it a thorough check-up. Watch the above video as Mladen Petrić plays a disappearing act.
Ivica Banović and Freiburg are flirting with relegation after posting another goose egg on Friday, falling 1-0 to Stuttgart in front of 23,900 at Badenova Stadion. Freiburg have now failed to score in their last 4 games and are winless in five. Ivica played 67 minutes, had one shot attempt, and failed to get anything going in the loss.
Ivan Rakitić started and played the full 90 minutes for Schalke on Saturday, blowing a 2-0 lead through the 82nd minute and splitting the points with VfL Bochum. Let's see how long Felix Magath continues to start Ivan. Schalke, with the draw, drop a spot to number three in the Bundesliga. The draw snapped a Schalke 4 match winning streak.
Italy
Palermo climbed to 5th place in the Italian Serie A standings after embarrassing Fiorentina in a 3-0 victory from the Renzo Barbera Stadium with 12,000 fans in attendance. Igor Budan entered the contest in the 53' for Abel Hernandez and sure enough scored just five minutes later with an acrobatic effort on target. Palermo are away at Bari next weekend.
Despite having ball possession for only 39% of the contest, Genoa defeated Atalanta 2-0 from the Comunale Luigi Ferraris with just under 26,000 in attendance. Ivan Jurić entered the already-decided contest in the 70' for teammate Omar Milanetto. The victory moves Genoa into 8th place in the Serie A standings as they head into next weekends contest at Napoli.
Siena and Cagliari battled to a 1-1 draw from the Artemio Franchi Montepaschi Arena with 10,000 in attendance. Mato Jajalo started the contest for his team and was subbed out in the 87' for teammate Marcelo Larrondo. The draw keeps Siena in dead-last of the Serie A standings as they are away next weekend at AS Roma.
The injured Dario Knežević was not featured in Livorno's 2-0 defeat at the hands of Napoli.
France
Vedran Runje and Lens were in action on Wednesday at home to Montpellier, looking for their first victory of 2010. Vedran started and played the full 90 minutes in snowy weather falling 1-0 on a 86th minute Víctor Hugo Montaño goal. Runje had no chance on this low blast to the corner and overall played a great match, making key saves throughout the match.
Lens dropped to 15th in Ligue 1, however still safe from the relegation zone. Runje was not featured in Saturday's 1-0 victory over Compiegne in Coupe de France.
Dejan Lovren made his Lyon debut today against Monaco at Stade Louis II in Coupe de France round of 32. Dejan played the full 90 minutes and received a yellow card in the 29th minute of play. No word on his overall performance. Lovren did look at fault in the above picture, giving up a goal to Chu-Young Park in the 78th minute.
Jerko Leko made a rare appearance for Monaco today, checking into the game in the 85 minute for Diego Perez. This was only the third appearance for the 29 year old former Croatian international this season, coming off the bench late in all three matches.
Spain
Sporting Gijon suffered consecutive defeats on Sunday, going down 1-0 at home to Racing Santander. Croatian international, Mate Bilić came on in the 71st minute of play for for Roberto Canella and didn't have enough time to get anything going, managing only one shot attempt. Sporting Gijon drop to tenth place after losing three of their last five contests and face powerhouse Barcelona next Saturday at El Molinon.
Belgium
Club Brugge was defeated 2-0 by Racing Genk in Belgian Jupiler League Action to open up the new year. Ivan Perišić start the contest but was subbed out in the 56' for teammate Vadis Odjija Ofoe. Club Brugge remain in 2nd place of the standings with the loss as they move onto next weekend where they will host Royal Excelsior Mouscron.
Turkey
Trabzonspor defeated Sivasspor 3-1 from the H. Avni Aker Stadium in Turkish Super League action to open up the new year. Hrvoje Čale played the entire contest for Trabzonspor, receiving a yellow card in the 41'. The victory keeps Trabzonspor in 6th place of the standings as they head into next weekends contest at Diyarbakirspor.
Next Matches:
Tuesday, 1/26
Fulham at Tottenham, Burnley at Bolton
Wednesday, 1/27
Wigan Athletic at Blackburn, Arsenal at Aston Villa, Lyon at Lorient(Coupe de la Ligue)
Friday, 1/29
Wolfsburg at Hamburg
Saturday, 1/30
Tottenham at Birmingham, Blackburn at West Ham, Bolton at Liverpool, Lens at Lille, Mainz at Bayern Munich, TSG Hoffenheim at Schalke 04, Palermo at Bari, Genoa at Napoli, Trabzonspor at Diyarbakirspor
Sunday, 1/31
Manchester United at Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain at Lyon, Freiburg at Bayer Leverkusen, Livorno at AC Milan, Siena at AS Roma, Barcelona at Sporting Gijon
Important Dates
UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying draw 2/7
Austrian Bundesliga resumes 2/13
Europa League resumes 2/16
Champions League resumes 2/16
T-Com 1.HNL resumes 2/20
Ukrainian Premier league resumes 2/27
Croatia at Belgium,(Brussels) Friendly 3/3
Croatian Cup Semifinals 3/24
U-21 Qualifying Croatia at Slovakia 5/19
Croatia at Austria,(Klagenfurt) Friendly 5/19
~Denis Svirčić and Ante Kvartuč reporting from San Pedro, California and Ivica Peroš reporting from the "Big Apple"
31 comments:
I think Kalinic has improved in recent weeks. I actually advocate Kalinic playing some of the Belgium friendly. I see no reason to call Srna, Olic, Modric, Kranjcar, Klasnic for that friendly. Slaven Bilic highlighted Ivica Banovic - then i reckon Banovic should play that friendly alongside Dujmovic in midfield.
Subasic, Corluka, Lovren, Simunic, Cale; Gabric, Dujmovic, Banovic, Pranjic; M Bilic, Eduardo
Subs for use: Kalinic, Rakitic, Knezevic, Ilicevic, Bartulovic, Petric, Vida, Pokrivac
Playing anyone else is a waste of time at moment. Only reason Eduardo should get call is he needs reintegration to national team and to build partnerships.
I think Budan deserves more respect. I think he is doing as well as Kalinic or Klasnic are in prob less playing time. However as he is so fragile injury wise then i think he has to stay away from national team until a point when he may be critically need, but nice goal for Palermo and good run they are just now.
also on 5/19, croatia austria friendly
What the hell happened with Bayern-all that in-fighting? I was looking for Olic to deliver the eye gouge and left hook.
Go Cilic! I saw the first 4 sets before I fell asleep (at 2:30 am) and it seemed like Cilic was toying with Del Potro like a cat to a mouse. Great player. I think he'll be in the top 5 by the end of the year.
I do not believe that game conflicts with anything the Under 21 team is doing, so I would also give Perisic a call up. I watched the Freiburg v Stuttgart match on Friday. The announcer made a point of mentioning how well Banovic was playing during the game and all season. However, when he was subbed off it looked like it was due to injury. Either way, I would consider him for a half as long as Ilicevic can play the opposite 45 minutes.
French media are saying that despite some shaky moments, Lovren adapted himself quickly to his role in the Lyon defense and showed a lot of promise in terms of aerial ability and overall skill.
Think he'll do well at Lyon.
I think Lovren is not the finished article, but he's 20 and there is plenty there for Lyon to work on. He is athletic, quick, decent on the ball, versatile and good in the air. With most defenders they are less agile then Lovren, so its for Lyon to make him into a high quality player and coach him. If Lovren is in the team and sometimes on bench that's fine for this season. I'm sure he'll see plenty of action. I don't think anyone is too fussed by his sales. Everyone knows Croatia's defensive issues so its something that has to be done. We need more defenders playing at that level.
I just hope they dont play him against Real Madrid. Let him build his confidence slowly. I have a gut feeling that Madrid will massacre them in the Champions League. Last thing he needs is to have his confidence shattered before he can build off some solid performances.
Is Lovren cup-tied though? Anyone have the answer and the source?
Yes, he is cup-tied.
He should be cos he played with Dinamo??? Unless there is a rule about phases??
Read that at least 3 Argentine sides and others in Europe want Cufre. They have to pay us a fee prob at 2m Euro, but surely Dinamo must see if that guy is this much in demand then he's a big player. Ibanez is all well and good, but it makes more sense to me to go with Cufre and make Ibanez a squad player.
Also heard Ibricic in Blackburn is possible. If West Ham's bid for McCarthy is accepted i think that Blackburn will get the green light to buy Ibricic.
Any word on why Bilic is playing less for Gijon. I know he was getting more playing time a month or two ago, probably because of the amount of goals he produced. But just wondering if anybody had any word on his situation...
Bilic was out with an injury a few weeks ago and he's been back but slowly.
About 2 years ago, Real Madrid had to choose between either Las Diarra and Huntelaar. Both were purchased in the January transfer window, both were cup tied. Uefa Champions League regulation 17.18 says one player who was cup tied can be registered. I would have to read the Uefa rule book further to see if this sale applies.
Cilic becomes 1st Croat to make Aussie Open Semis
What a match. I won't lie, lost hope on Cilic after he gave up on fourth set. Trying to stay up for this Nadal match.... 2:30AM over here...
Yeah it seemed like Cilic got tired for the 3rd set. That's when I stopped watching. After the first set Roddick was apprently given some painkillers. Roddick seemed very hyper after the 2nd set and his shoulder didn't seem to bother him any more. Maybe the doc gave him some aphetamines instead of aspirin. He was almost pacing around between points. Cilic needs a big glass of protein shake today. Way too many unforced errors from Cilic-which may be a sign of his youth. Alot of stray 1st serves and hits off the racket frame.
Anybody know why Kranjcar isn't starting or even on the bench for Tottenham?
He got injured so Bently got the start. Finally a win.
@Zach,
thanks for the info. Any other important dates?
I just realized something. Croatia have a friendly at Austria on May 19th on the same day that the U-21 team plays a qualifier in Slovakia.
Will Lovren, Perisic, Kalinic, and Rakitic play U-21? or will they suit up for this friendly?
Pretty sure that was the 1st comment on this post.
Check out the assist by Modric today...fought through it the whole way.
http://www.mysoccerplace.net/video/crouch-vs-fulham
@ Denis Svirčić - While it may seem like a meaningless friendly.
A) Bilic has to get this side playing with confidence again. Even wins against inferior opposition help at this point.
B)The Under 21s can take a strangle hold on first place with a win at home to Slovakia. I cant see Ladic letting any of the key starters leave for a "friendly". Once we beat Slovakia, then we focus on beating the Serbs in their own park. After that, WORLD DOMINATION!!
Transfer news..
Leko's probably going to Club Espanyol.
Kalinic hits the post......again
1st premier league goal
Fantastic game for Kalinic. was a threat all game. looked really good
He played a very good game. Good to see.
My Home/Away Hajduk jerseys with Kalinic on the back are staring to look like a better buy now. Lets see if Ticinovic can also repay me for my faith.
Right on for Kalinic! It seems like the NT has so many good strikers to choose from to start now. Bilic needs alot of friendlies this year to try something new. The lineup lost it's fire for the WC qualifying. He tried the same formula from Euro but maybe the Brits caught on. Capello made alot of changes to his squad in order to beat us.
Mate Bilic is just back from injury so that's why he's seeing less playing time. But also Sporting rotate Barrall and Bilic anyway depending on who they play. They've only got 2 strikers.
Kalinic is first choice at Blackburn now. McCarthy's gone, Di Santo has disappointed and Roberts has been injured, getting old and poor. I'm not too bothered about Kalinic's goals or lack of them, i think he's found himself now. What's impressed me is Kalinic's general play and his ability to hold off defenders, which shows he can cope in the league. He could see easily hide or throw a tantrum like Balaban used to, but i think Kalinic has got a bit of about him to fight back and show he's a decent player.
He is also very important at present as Budan, Petric, Olic, M Bilic and Klasnic are around the same age and will disappear all in the same year in the not too distant future, just like all Croat defenders did in 2007/08 season.
Yes there is Eduardo who is still youngish, Jelavic, but Mandzo is absolutely crackers so who knows what he'll turn out to be. Maybe Kalinic needs bringing on a bit once he's finished with the Under 21's.
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