Showing newest posts with label 2010. Show older posts
Showing newest posts with label 2010. Show older posts
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
CROATIA-ESTONIA FRIENDLY
Sunday, May 23, 2010
BAYERN FALL SHORT IN CL FINAL
As expected, Inter Milan manager José Mourinho bunkered down and 'parked the bus in front of the net' after Diego Milto opened up the scoring in the 34'. Even though Bayern Munich controlled possession for 70% of the match, Ivica Olić and the rest of his offense couldn't break the Inter defense. Olić had one good look at goal early in the first half but botched the opportunity as he hit wide. Referee Howard Webb missed an obvious handball in the box when Maicon handled the ball, not once but twice, on the same play in the first 15 minutes of the match. Danijel Pranjić remained on the bench as an unused sub but he surely would have done better than Altintop.
Olić was shut down, Robben was shut down and the presence of Franck Ribery was deeply missed. But in the end, the best team won. Inter Milan arguably defeated the best two clubs in the world: Barcelona and Chelsea and deserve the Champions League title. What Olić and Arjen Robben did for Bayern Munich on their way to the Champions League Final was magical and will not be forgotten.
TEAM CSR caught the game at Alpine Village amongst Germans, Italians and dozens of pitchers of Hefeweizen. It was a great place to watch the game as the atmosphere was festive and energetic. Feel free to join us at Alpine Village next month for World Cup games.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
GUESS WHO'S BACK...
Stipe Pletikosa has returned to training after a knee injury sidelined the former Croatian #1 keeper for over a year. He recently trained at Hajduk's Poljud Stadion and looked to have all his mobility back. Croatian manager Slaven Bilić has put the 31 year-old Pletikosa on the roster for the three upcoming friendlies in May.
This will be huge for Pletikosa as he tries to get back into Croatia's starting XI while auditioning for a new club job. Right before Pletikosa sustained torn ligaments in his knee during training last year, it was rumored that Tottenham was interested in the services of the Croatian keeper. We'll find out where Stipe stands in the next few weeks as the summer transfer window opens.
Thanks to Tom in WPG for the video. Who's the sound editor for Hajduk.hr anyways? He can't be serious.
Monday, March 1, 2010
CROATIA-BELGIUM LIVE ON CSR
Thursday, February 18, 2010
OFFICIAL: NEW CROATIAN KITS
Not much to say here. This is what the new Croatian shirts will look like during Euro 2012 qualifying. I don't mind the 'red and white checker' look as it has been Croatia's flagship symbol for years- as long as the mini-checkers don't make players glitter and look like runway models running up and down the field. The away blue jersey is proof that Nike has to go as Croatia's shirt maker. This is absolutely hideous!
Memo to HNS: Go back to Lotto or go Adidas! End of story.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
WINTER WINDOW WATCH 2010
As the winter transfer window approaches (Jan 1st-Feb 2nd) for European clubs, management and coaches across the continent will try to tinker with roster spots attempting to bring in those one or two players that can become the missing piece to the puzzle of an eventual strong finish to the current season. Let's take a look at what Croatians are currently on the Hot Stove for a transfer in the upcoming month.
Ivan Rakitić's position at Schalke has been a regular topic for discussion during CSR's 'Croatians Around Europe' feature. Only weeks ago, Rakitić's stats this season were only one goal in seven Bundesliga matches, having made just four starts. During this stint, he was subbed at half time on three occasions. However, the last month has been better for Rakitić as he reported that his relationship with Felix Magath is improving. Rakitić has undeniable talent at age 21 and still has a big career ahead of him. Rakitić has already made 24 appearences for Croatia scoring a respectable seven times. Rakitić has regularly been linked with a move away from Schalke, but it is unlikely we will see Rakitić turning out for the previously mentioned Inter, Juventus or Arsenal in the new year. A midtable Serie A club looks very possible though with Palermo and Everton also rumored to be very keen on him. Don't count out Rakitić staying with Schalke until at least the end of this season. Possibility: 20%
Jerko Leko's status within Monaco has been so bad that he may be calling on the help of old friends this winter to achieve a transfer. The 29 year old is no longer trusted by Monaco's Guy Lacombe and has now been dumped from the national team by Slaven Bilić. Having spurned good offers in the summer from English Premiership clubs Stoke City, Wolverhampton and Portsmouth, Leko's hope of a transfer now appears to rest either in Germany, Austria or via a move to the Russian Premier League. However, as the player has no serious football since last season, his fitness levels may be brought into question. A rumor linking Leko with Chelsea was reported on Eurosport, but it appears this came as a consequence of a recommendation which Chelsea are unlikely to act upon. Possibility: 100%
Darijo Srna continues to be linked with every western European powerhouse on the map, but once again it remains only speculation as to where or if he will transfer at all. Srna still seems more than satisfied with his status as captain of Shakhtar, which solidifies his position in the Croatian national team in the face of competition from Ivan Rakitić and Drago Gabrić. His very high transfer value is believed to be in the region of 15-18 million Euro while already putting off numerous big clubs earlier in the year. Chelsea is the latest to be linked as the English Premier League side consider replacements for the currently injured Jose Bosingwa allowing Branislav Ivanović to be used as a utility defender. Possibility: 20%
The form of Niko Kranjčar for Tottenham gives rise to the possibility that Harry Redknapp might consider a major substantial offer made for Luka Modrić. Rumors of Manchester United and Inter Milan moving for the player circulated in the summer and would seem unlikely Spurs would reject a Champions League club. Redknapp has also been told he needed to raise funds if he is to bring in any new player, but would prefer to offload the likes of Alan Hutton, Roman Pavyulchenko, Gareth Bale, Giovanni Dos Santos and David Bentley before mulling over any transfer of Modrić or Jermaine Jenas. Modrić's brief for 2010 may be to dislodge Tom Huddlestone from the center of the Spurs midfield in order to break back into the side should Kranjčar continue to shine. Possibility: 10%
Although Igor Budan describes his relationship in Palermo as excellent, the striker may be tempted to switch clubs in the winter with many lower level Serie A sides very interested in offering the player regular first team football. Budan has appeared 15 times scoring five goals for Palermo, but has started only four games. It is believed Palermo would now like to step up to the next level to become a competitive top flight side in Serie A and may be willing to part with their 30 year old striker. Bari wanted the player in the summer, but Livorno are now also believed to be tracking Igor. Budan is not under great pressure to transfer in order to secure his national team place, so it is possible that Budan may stay with his small time role until the summer. Possibility: 20%
The plight Croatia's undisputed first choice keeper has been startling. Capped 79 times, Pletikosa had appeared as the unrivaled starter for Spartak Moscow at the beginning of the season after an impressive Euro 2008 campaign for Croatia's national side. However, a few average games later in Russia and an unsteady showing in Croatia's 4-1 loss to England was all that it took for Pletikosa to find himself out in the cold going three months without any competitive football. In response Pletikosa attempted a last ditch effort to transfer before the summer deadline, but suffered ligament damage in training with Spartak blowing any possibility of being moved. Having missed the remainder of 2009, Pletikosa will have to wait to make another bid for a new club in July. Spartak Moscow justified their decision to give Soslan Dzhaneyev the gloves as they finished runners up in the Russian Premier League. It is unlikely coach Valeri Karpin will change his mind. Croatia coach Slaven Bilić on the other hand is willing to offer Pletikosa a way back should he find a new team in 2010. Possibility: 30%
A winter transfer would be fitting with Nikica Jelavić's astronomical rise. Since Rapid took a gamble on signing the 23 year old striker from Zaregem after scoring just seven goals during last season's campaign, Jelavić has never looked back. Jelavić has gone on to nestle the ball 19 times into the back of opponents nets between the months of July and December, leaving Rapid Vienna with a dilemma. With the player's value having rocketed since they bought him for a measely couple of hundred thousand, Rapid may consider a sale. Jelavić's form has been so good that his status in the Croatian national team would also have improved even rivalling a revitalized Ivan Klasnić and a tried and trusted Eduardo for a shirt. Possibility: 50%
Jurica Vranješ' status compares to Jerko Leko's in that he is out of the plans of the first team at Bremen. However, as Vranješ plays with a much stronger side in Bremen, he is more likely to attract a move. Vranješ in fact was said to be furious that he could not get out of Bremen before the transfer window and exchanged words with coach Thomas Schaff in a heated discussion. It is likely that Vranješ and his agent would have been getting something ready for this winter. Vranješ would prefer to stay in the Bundesliga possibly with former teammate Zvonimir Soldo at Koln. It is also possible that this could be a new signing for Hajduk Split in the winter. Vranješ is known to be a fan of Hajduk and almost returned to Croatia from Bayer Leverkusen when he was a Croatia international. Possibility: 100%
It is hard to know the plans of Dario Šimić at age 34. It appears obvious that Šimić would like to retire at the end of the season and expressed hope of playing the next six months with Dinamo Zagreb. Dinamo appear less enthusiastic however, purely due to the fact they have no idea where to fit him in or any real cause to make the signing. Dinamo appear to be more keen to continue with youngsters Ivan Tomečak and Tomislav Barbarić rather than affect their progress through signing Šimić. Dinamo are also carrying another old timer in Robert Kovač on their roster along with Igor Biščan and definite first teamer Dejan Lovren. Šimić himself appears disinterested in a move to any other Croatian club and six months living in Monaco would not be the most galling way to finish his career. If Šimić were to transfer to a smaller French club or even to Greece, it looks like that would be the final straw for Croatia's only 100-time capped player. Possibility: 60%
Disaster would be the only way to describe Andrej Kerić this season. Coming only months after becoming the top scorer in the Czech League with Slovan Liberec during the 2008/09 campaign, the 24 year old has bizarrely played 18 games scoring just 2 goals leaving his hopes of stepping up to the next level in tatters. Kerić, however is at a small club and it may be that the pressure of being relied on to lead the team has took its toll on him. A move to a better side in Croatia or another country may be all that is required to get Kerić firing again. It is hard to believe that a player who scored 21 in 51 games so recently for Slovan could suddenly have gone cold overnight. Possibility: 20%
It appears that football fans will once again be exposed to the shananigans of the Drpić's this winter. While Drpić plays unsuccessfully with a midtable second division side at Karlsruhre, he is sure to get out at the soonest possible moment. It is very likely that Dino Drpić will make a bid to transfer from his club this winter. the most ideal move for the player would be if a top flight Bundesliga club took him on. Several clubs including HSV, Hertha Berlin and Bordeaux were linked, but nothing materialized. Drpić transferring to Hertha wouldn't be out the question. It is hardly likely Drpić will be willing to stay in Bundesliga 2 which does little for his hopes of international football. From the perspective of Dinamo looking back, it was a great move to shift Drpić off their books. Possibility: 50%
Whether Ante Rukavina transfers or not will depend on the player's desire for first team football. Despite being at a big club, Rukavina has yet to convince the coaching staff of his ability to start matches. Rukavina played 25 matches for Panathinaikos last season scoring seven goals, but had just eight starts. Despite those numbers, coach Henk Ten Cate plays the one striker he recently signed, Djibril Cissie, rather than turn to Rukavina. It is believed Dmitrios Salpingdis is his second preferred option. For Rukavina it will be interesting to see if he makes a gamble and transfers or plods along with Panathinaikos till the end of the season. So far, Croatia fans have not seen enough of Rukavina at Hajduk or Panathinaikos to understand if he will become a potential national team star or not. It would appear the 23 year old needs to drop down to a smaller club in order to move forward in his career. Possibility: 10%
Mladen Bartulović has been the one beacon of light during a poor season for relegation threatened Ukrainian Premier League side Krivbass. The Croatian international has been on loan from Dnipro for a second time having signed during half of the 2008/09 campaign. Bartulović's form has been so good in the last few months that he was fielded by Croatia coach Slaven Bilić in the country's most recent friendly with Liechtenstein. The wideman has scored a sparkling eight goals in 17 matches and made 5 assists. Now back at Dnipro he is desperate for a transfer during the winter break to a stronger club. At 23 Bartulovic still has time to realize the potential he showed at Hajduk Split which earned his transfer to Dnipro in 2006. It is not certain why he was allowed to go on loan considering his current form, but it appears best for the player to transfer into another country. It is not expected that Bartulović would return to Croatia. However, he would make a more than worthwhile signing for either Dinamo or Hajduk, who could both afford the compensation Dnipro would be asking, which is believed to be in the region of 1 million Euro. Possibility: 30%
Having scored his ninth goal of the season in just 14 appearences, it would be high time to announce the name of Danijel Cesarec to the CSR reader. Cesarec sits top of the Greek league in scoring alongside French hotshot Djibril Cisse. Cesarec is already 26 and may be unfamilar to Croats having left the Balkan state way back in 2002, signing with Sparta Prague from Marsonia. The Czech's never saw the best of him despite staying long enough to claim nationality as he moved across to Greece with Akratitos. A strong 2004/05 season with them led to switches to Egaeleo and then to Asteras. In 2009 Cesarec has finally found his best form and could be about to finally step up his career to a higher level. With his contract due to expire in the summer, Asteras may be forced to cash in on the striker. It will be interesting to see what 2010 brings for Cesarec who could appear in a Croatia shirt should his form continue in the not too distant future. Possibility: 50%
After a very successful loan spell in the Czech Republic with Sparta Prague, Manuel Pamić's one year loan deal has now expired. He returns to Red Bull Salzburg where his status at the moment is unclear. Dinamo Zagreb have already made it clear they admire the player and Pamić was believed to be their primary target in the summer. However Pamić could well have done enough in Sparta to attract a stronger foriegn club or to break into the Red Bull side. It will be interesting to see what happens with Pamić during January. Possibility: 30%
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
HNL 'LIGA 16' TO BE DISBANDED
Numerous newspapers out of Croatia are reporting that the HNL will disband their experimental 'Liga 16' immediately after the current 2009-10 season. This is one of the quickest reversals I have ever seen in professional sports.
Only weeks after the HNS decided to add four more teams to the already 'watered-down' Prva Liga, they are now rescinding their decision and will have a new plan and layout for the 2010-11 season.
Now the question is: Will they go back to 12 teams or consolidate the Prva Liga even more?
I would personally like to see Croatia hold eight teams in their top tier of football as the competition would keep teams and fans alike more honest. Although, I would not have an issue with 10 teams.
Monday, January 14, 2008
WORLD CUP 2010 QUALIFYING SCHEDULE RELEASED TODAY
After an 8 hour meeting at the Sheraton hotel in Zagreb, Bilic emerged to reveal a schedule which includes two September clashes with Fabio Capello and his non-European championship qualifying England.
September 6, 2008 Kazakhstan at Croatia
September 10, 2008 England at Croatia
October 11, 2008 Croatia at Ukraine
October 15, 2008 Andorra at Croatia
April 1, 2009 Croatia at Andorra
June 6, 2009 Croatia at Ukraine
July 19, 2009 Croatia at Belarus
September 5, 2009 Belarus at Croatia
September 9, 2009 Croatia at England
October 14, 2009 Croatia at Kazakhstan
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