CROATIANS AROUND EUROPE WEEK *XVIII*

England

Photo: Tottenhamhotspur.com, Kranjčar(far left) celebrating Crouch's goal

Tottenham Hotspur defeated Blackburn Rovers in a convincing 2-0 victory at Ewood Park with 26,000 fans in attendance. After a choppy and uneven battle to begin the contest, Spurs struck first as Peter Crouch headed home a Niko Kranjčar cross off the underside of the crossbar from just before the half ended. Kranjčar received a player rating of 8 from Skysports due to his excellent crosses throughout the course of the contest, while Vedran Ćorluka received a rating of 7 for his hard work and contribution to an impenetrable Spurs defense.

PHOTO: tottenhamhotspur.com, Vedran Ćorluka

"They give me so much confidence," he continued. "They work so hard. Michael Dawson is an unbelievable player, Benoit on the left, Charlie on the right, Sebastien Bassong, they are in such good form at the moment. -Heurelho Gomes, Spurs Goalkeeper, on his defensive corps.

PHOTO: tottenhamhotspur.com, Luka Modrić

Announced Friday, Luka Modrić had suffered an ankle injury which has ruled him out of the contest against Blackburn Rovers. It should be a minor bump in the road on the way to a full recovery for Luka. Despite the positive news, Harry Redknapp will have a tough decision to make when Modrić returns to full match fitness considering Kranjčar is playing arguably the best soccer of his career since moving to London this past summer.

The match also saw an appearance by Nikola Kalinić, who replaced Blackburn teammate Franco Di Santo in the 72'. The stout Spurs defense proved the substitution to be anything but a threat.

Blackburn Rovers v Tottenham Hotspur
Uploaded by holdincellz110. - Basketball, baseball, pro wrestling and more sports videos.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Spurs are 5th in the Premiership standings as they head into a Boxing day clash with cross-town opponents Fulham at Craven Cottage while 13th place Blackburn are away at Wigan Athletic on the same day.

Photo: bwfc.co.uk, Ivan Klasnić

Ivan Klasnić and Bolton will be at the DW stadium on Monday to take on Wigan. We will update this post after the game. Bolton defender Gretar Steinsson had some kind words for Klasnić before Monday's game:

"He is a world-class player. You see him in training every day and his finishing is fantastic. Now he is scoring goals for us that is fantastic too. He is just a great lad and deserves to be doing well now at this moment after a terrible period he had a couple of years ago. It is great to see a professional coming back from difficulties and doing well in the hardest competition in the world. It is hard to come in and adjust to English football when there is a lot of pressure on you because you are a big name and you need to perform."

Photo: Yahoo Sports, Eduardo goal

Eduardo was in action for Arsenal on Saturday against Hull City in front of 60,006 at Emirates Stadium. The 26 year old Croatian international started and played 75 minutes in a 3-0 win for The Gunners. Eduardo had five shots at goal and converted Arsenals second in the 59th minute when Diaby broke into the penalty area and pulled the ball back for Eduardo to tap home. SkySports gave Eduardo a 7, "Scored one, but missed a few more."

Eduardo goal


Wenger on Arsenal's Champions League draw

Germany

Photo: Bundesliga.de, Bayern president, Uli Hoeneß, firing up the grill before Hertha Berlin match

Photo: Bayern, Ivica Olić in action against Hertha Berlin

Bayern Munich striker Ivica Olić ended 2009 with a bang scoring his sixth goal of the year in a 5-2 romp of bottom dwellers Hertha Berlin. Ivica has now scored four times in the last three matches, helping Bayern advance to the Champions league knockout stage and a solid third place in Bundesliga, only two points adrift of first placed Bayer Leverkusen.

Ivica Olić goal at 2 min mark

Bayern have now won their last 4 Bundesliga matches and appear to have found chemistry after starting the season winless after three matches. Ivica played 80 minutes, and scored the fifth Bayern goal in the 77th minute after Arjen Robben set him up brilliantly with a through ball.

Photo: Bayern, Danijel Pranjić and Bayern celebrating Olić goal

Danijel Pranjić played the full 90 minutes for Bayern in the win. Looks like Danijel is starting to fit into Louis van Gaal's plans, starting the last six matches for the Bundesliga giants.

Photo: achtzehn99.de, Josip Šimunić looks on in desperation after Stuttgart score in the 68th

Josip Šimunić started and played the entire match for TSG Hoffenheim in a 3-1 defeat to Stuttgart in front of 41,000 at the new Mercedes-Benz Arena. TSG Hoffenheim find themselves in seventh place at the winter break. Joe will be 32 years old by the time the Bundesliga restarts next February. Will he still be part of Slaven Bilić's plans?

Photo: HSV.de, Mladen slipping and sliding against Werder Bremen

Hamburg striker Mladen Petrić was in action today against Werder Bremen in front of a sold out crowd of 57,000 at the HSH Nordbank Arena in Hamburg. The Rothosen squeaked out a 2-1 victory and remained in fourth place in the Bundesliga at break. Mladen played 80 minutes in his third straight game after being out of action for over two months, failed to get anything going.

Photo: AP, Banović(left) in action against Dortmund

Ivica Banović and Frieburg were in Dortmund to take on Borussia in front of a whopping 80,100 at Signal Iduna Park. Ivica played 67 minutes and picked up a yellow card in the 40th minute of play in a 1-0 loss. Freiburg has been victorious only once in the last six contests and find themselves 13th in the Bundesliga at the winter break.

Photo: schalke04.de, Ivan Rakitić(far left) celebrating after Schalke's goal against Mainz

Croatian international Ivan Rakitić was featured on Friday for Schalke in Friday's lone Bundesliga game against Mainz. Ivan failed to get anything going in 75 minutes of play in front of 60,582 fans at Veltins Arena. Schalke came away victorious 1-0 and tasting first place for less than 24 hours after Bayer Leverkusen returned up top after their win over Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday. Ivan has had a difficult two years in Gelsenkirchen, scoring only four times in 55 appearances. The 21 year old swiss born attacking midfielder will surely be a part of this winter's 'rumormill'.

France

Photo: rclens.fr, Vedran Runje, preparing himself mentally before taking on Valenciennes

Photo: rclens.fr, Vedran Runje(in gray) before game time

Vedran Runje and Lens were in action on Saturday taking on Valenciennes in front of 13,705 at Stade Nungesser. Vedran had little work in goal in freezing -5 C degree weather, splitting the points 0-0 with Les Athéniens. Vedran picked up his fourth shutout of the season and Lens find themselves in 14th place in the French Ligue 1.

Check out Runje's perm

Italy

PHOTO: Grazia Neri, Igor Budan

Palermo defeated Siena 1-0 from the Renzo Barbera Stadium with 20,000 fans in attendance in Serie A action. Igor Budan entered the contest in the 77' for teammate Edison Cavani while Croatia U-21 player Mato Jajalo remained on the bench of last place Siena as an unused substitute. Jajalo has been seeing less and less playing time on the field in recent weeks, leading to speculation that all is not well with management. Could the young Croat be looking for a way out of his Italian side come January 1st?

7th place Palermo are away at Sampdoria on January 6th while destined-for-relegation Siena host Fiorentina on the same day.

Dario Knežević

Livorno defeated Sampdoria 3-1 from the Armando Picchi Stadium with just over 9,000 fans in attendence. Dario Knežević received little playing time to close out the year, entering the contest in the 81' for Nelson Rivas. With the victory, Livorno move up to 15th place as they travel to Rome to face Lazio on January 6th.

Photo: AP, Ivan Jurić

Genoa (Ivan Jurić)were to host Bari in Serie A action on Sunday, but due to inclimate weather, the match has been postponed to a later date.

Turkey

PHOTO: trabzonspor.org.tr, Gabrić (6th from right), Čale (3rd from left)

Perennial Turkish power Fenerbace defeated hosts Trabzonspor 1-0 from the H. Avni Aker Stadium in Super League play. Hrvoje Čale played the entire match for Trabzonspor while Drago Gabrić started in the midfield for his club but was subbed in the 81' for teammate Baris Memis. Trabzonspor open 2010 on January 24th as they host Sivasspor.

To close 2009, it has been a successful year for Gabrić, who immediately found a place in the starting lineup with his new Turkish side since arriving from Hajduk Split in the summertime transfer window. For Hrvoje Čale, nagging injuries and inconsistencies in play led to a so-so 2009 campaign. Both players will need to have success early on in 2010 to prove that they are ready to be called up by Slaven Bilić for full-time positions. South Africa will be a thing of the past and all sights will be set on EURO 2010 qualifiers before you know it.

Austria

Austrian Bundesliga resumes 2/13

Ukraine

Ukrainian Premier league resumes 2/27

Belgium

Photo: UEFA, Ivan Perišić
A contest between Belgian Jupiler League powerhouses and table leaders Anderlecht and Club Brugge (Ivan Perišić) has been postponed for a later date due to inclimate weather.

Spain

Mate Bilić will be out of action for at least another three weeks with a leg injury after tearing a muscle during last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Tenerife. Sporting Gijon find themselves in 9th place in La Liga at the winter break.

Next Matches:

Tuesday, 12/22

St Etienne at Lens

Saturday, 12/26

Tottenham at Fulham, Blackburn Rovers at Wigan Athletic, Bolton at Burnley, Cercle Brugge KSV at Club Brugge

Sunday, 12/27

Aston Villa at Arsenal

Austrian Bundesliga resumes 2/13
Coupe de France resumes 1/9
French Ligue 1 resumes 1/16
Bundesliga resumes 1/15
Serie A resumes 1/6
La Liga resumes 1/3
Greek Super League resumes 1/6
Turkish Super Lig resumes 1/24
Ukrainian Premier league resumes 2/27

~Ivica Peroš reporting from Long Island, New York and Denis Svirčić reporting from San Pedro, California

CROATIANS AROUND EUROPE WEEK *XI*

England

Ivan Klasnić celebrating after scoring the game-winner for Bolton

Ivan Klasnić came off the bench for the Bolton Wanderers to score the game-winning goal in the 86' in a 3-2 classic from the Reebok Stadium against Everton FC. Klasnić entered the game in the 65' for Ricardo Gardner to score his first goal since coming to the the Premiership this summer on loan from French outfit Nantes. It was also the first home win of the season for the 12th place Bolton Wanderers. Ivan was given a match rating of 8 by SkySports.com.

KLASNIĆ BLASTS ONE AWAY FOR THE WIN

"Everyone at the club has been really supportive. I am enjoying it and also the fans have been good to me, and so it was good to score for them to show them what I can achieve." -Ivan Klasnić

Some 36,000 fans watched Tottenham Hotspur suffer a 1-0 upset loss to Stoke City at White Hart Lane in London on Saturday afternoon after a late goal by Glenn Whelan. The match marked the first anniversary of Harry Redknapp taking over as manager of the Spurs, who came over from Portsmouth FC last season. Vedran Ćorluka and Niko Kranjčar played the entire match for the Spurs and both earned a 6 game rating by SkySports.com.

Throughout the course of the game, Ćorluka joined the Spurs offensive attack in a few dangersous up-field runs, all the while managing to put forth a solid defensive performance. In the 65', Ćorluka set up a golden scoring opportunity by placing the ball into the box after a James Beattie giveaway, but there wasn't a Spurs player waiting at the backpost to put it away.

It was a good all-around performance by Niko Kranjčar that will leave Harry Redknapp with some tough tactical and formation decisions to make when Luka Modrić returns to the lineup. Kranjčar hit the post off a 1-2 pass outside the box from Peter Crouch in the 25', making for one of the better (and few) scoring opportunities of the day by the Spurs. The man of the match was Stoke City goalkeeper Steve Simonsen, who made little work of Kranjčar's crosses and efforts on goal. Tottenham were doomed when Aaron Lennon went off with 15 minutes remaining in the game after picking up an injury to go a man down when Redknapp had already used all of his substitutions.

"We are all frustrated because it would have been a massive three points for us. We expect to have loads of possession at the Lane and the first goal will always open the game up but we didn't get it. It's the old rule in football, if you don't take your chances you might get punished and that's what happened. Stoke defended for their lives, they always do and we knew what was waiting for us. Then again, we still created the chances and it would have been a lot easier if we could have scored that first goal. We didn't and as I said, the ball just didn't want to go over the line, we didn't score and they took advantage. Fair play to them, they did what they had to do."

~Niko Kranjčar

Despite dominating most of the match, Tottenham chances were marred by offside calls, goal posts, and great goalkeeping by Steve Simonsen. Spurs will have little time to recuperate, as they host Everton on Tuesday in Carling Cup action before traveling across town to the Emirates Stadium for the London derby against Eduardo and his Arsenal squad.

Luka Modrić remains out of the Spurs lineup with a broken leg. His return was slated for mid-October, but it appears he is still several weeks away from making a full recovery.

The Premiership career of Nikola Kalinić has been off to a very slow start, and today's performance did not help his case for earning more playing time or bettering his reputation. Blackburn were defeated 5-0 by Chelsea after managing the ball a whopping 31% of the game at Stamford Bridge in front of a sellout crowd. Kalinić did not start the match, coming in as a substitute in the 53' out of desperation by manager Sam Allardyce. Nikola's underwhelming performance earned him a match rating of 5 from SkySports.com. I understand that the opponent was Chelsea, one of the best teams in Europe, but considering his high-profile transfer this summer from Hajduk, the whispers are already beginning: Is Nikola Kalinić a bust?

Eduardo saw very little action today, coming off the bench in the 88' as Arsenal, despite leading 2-0 most of the contest, coughed up two late goals to draw 2-2 against West Ham. Playing time is a positive sign for Dudu, as it was his first appearance since picking up a thigh injury several weeks ago. Third place Arsenal host Liverpool on Wedmesday in Carling Cup action.

Germany

Photo: Bayern, Danijel Pranjić in action against Frankfurt

Bayern Munich defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 from the Allianz Arena in German Bundesliga action in a contest dominated by the Bavarians. Bayern defender Daniel Van Buyten provided the game winning goal with two minutes to go in the contest. Danijel Pranjić played the entire match for his team, news that is welcomed following his benching last week against Freiburg. It should be noted that Bayern Munich manager Louis Van Gaal made the decision to move Pranjić to left back for the game, the exact position he plays for the Croatian NT under Slaven Bilić. Odds are this was a temporary tactical move to make up for injuries in the Bayern Munich squad, and Danijel should be back to his regular position next week. Bayern Munich will once again take on Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday for a German Cup (DFB Pokal) match, this time as the guests.

Photo: achtzehn99.de, Josip Šimunić celebrating one of three goals against Nurnberg

TSG Hoffenheim defeated FC Nurnberg 3-0 in front of a sellout home crowd at the Rhein-Neckar Arena. Josip Šimunić played the entire match for TSG Hoffenheim, who dominated possession for 59% of the match-time. TSG Hoffenheim host TUS Koblenz on Wednesday in German Cup (DFB Pokal) competition.

Photo: achtzehn99.de, Josip Šimunić(right) in action against FC Nurnberg

Photo: HSV.de, Mladen limping off against Hertha Berlin

Hamburg striker Mladen Petrić has been ruled out until after the Bundesliga's winter break due to an ankle injury suffered against Hertha Berlin on October 4th.

Photo: AP, Banović(left) in action against Mainz

Ivica Banović played the entire match in SC Freiburg's 3-0 defeat to Mainz. Mainz enjoyed the home field advantage in front of a sellout home crowd of 20,150 at the Stadon am Bruchweg. Despite having 55% time of possession, SC Freiburg couldn't handle the Mainz onslaught, as 3 of 5 Mainz shots on goal went past goalkeeper Simon Pouplin. SC Freiburg next take on Josip Šimunić and TSG Hoffenheim next Sunday.

Photo: Antonio Bronić, Ivica Olić helped off the field after tearing calf muscle in training for Croatia

Bayern Munich striker Ivica Olić will be out of action for another month after sustaining a calf injury on international duty with Croatia.

Photo: AP, Ivan Rakitić celebrating one of three Schalke goals against Hamburg

Schalke 04 and Hamburg drew 3-3 in a wild see-saw battle at the Veltins Arena that saw a goal by Kevin Kuryani (Schalke 04) in the 90' to end the game a draw. With the arrival of Ivan Rakitić off the bench in the 45' as a substitute, Hamburg watched its 2-0 lead disappear to the delight of 61,000 fans in attendance. After weeks of riding the bench and living in the dog house, Ivan is starting to see more and more playing time with his German squad. Will we see a revitalization of the 'wonderkid' we thought Rakitić was, or has his ego taken too big of a hit to recover in his young career. Ivan will again have a chance to prove his worth as Schalke 04 are guests to TSV 1860 Munich in German Cup action Wednesday afternoon. In German Bundesliga standings, Schalke 04 are currently 4th in a very tight race with leaders Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburg and Werder Bremen.

France

Photo: rclens.fr, Vedran Runje, stretching before the Toulouse game

Photo: rclens.fr, Vedran Runje before game time

Vedran Runje surrendered two goals on Sunday as Lens were defeated by Toulouse 2-0 in front of 35,000 fans at Stade Felix-Bollaert. Lens are now winless in the last 6 games and with each week look more and more like they are doomed for relegation for next season, currently second to last in the standings.

Lens 0 Toulouse 2

Overall Vedran played well, had a few quality saves and was very unlucky in both Toulouse goals. The video explains it all.

Photo: rclens.fr, Vedran Runje, trying to pump up his Lens teammates today in defeat

Italy

Photo: AP, Ivan Jurić in action against Cagliari

Genoa were defeated 3-2 today at the hands of Cagliari at the Stadio San Ella in front of a crowd of 12,000. Despite starting for Genoa, Ivan Jurić was subbed out of the game in the 29', picking up another injury. Just weeks after undergoing intense rehabilitation to treat an injury that kept him out of the tail end of Crotia's failed World Cup qualification campaign, Ivan looks to be out of commission once again for the near future. No word on how serious the injury is, however.

Palermo defeated guests Udinese 1-0 today from the Renzo Barbera stadium. Igor Budan did not start the match but came on as a substitute in the 59' for Javier Pastore, a welcomed role after riding the pine last week against Livorno. Palermo's solid form thus far in the season have them sitting in 4th place in the Serie A standings. Next week they will be guests at Italian giants Inter Milan.

CROATIAN U-21 CAPTAIN MATO JAJALO

Mato Jajalo played the entire match for Siena in a 1-0 defeat to Juventus at the Artemio Franchi Montepaschi Arena with 50,000 in attendance. Surprisingly, Siena held their own against the perennial Italian power despite holding the ball only 33% of the contest. Siena sit dead last in the Serie A standings and are away at Bologna on Wednesday.

Photo: AP, Dario Knežević in action against AS Roma

Dario Knežević played the entire match as his Livorno squad defeated a solid AS Roma team 1-0 on a goal from Francesco Tavano in the 40' from the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Second-to-last place Livorno host Atalanta Wednesday.

Russia

Tomislav Dujmović scored in the 47' for Lokomotiv Moscow in a 2-2 draw against city rival Saturn Moscow at Lokomotiv Stadium in front of a small crowd of 10,000 fans. Dujmović started the match but was subbed in the 66'. Lokomotiv Moscow are away at FC Tom Tomsk next weekend as they continue to fight for a UEFA Europa League spot, nipping at the heals of CSKA Moscow in the standings.

Ivica Križanac played the entire match for Zenit St. Petersburg on Sunday in a 2-2 tie with Spartak Nalchik from Petrovski Stadium. Zenit sit in third place, good enough for a UEFA Europa League spot for next season, but are just five points behind Spartak Moscow for a Champions League spot. The pressure is on Zenit, who have FC Moscow on their tail in these final weeks of the Russian Premier League season before another rough winter arrives.

Stipe Pletikosa remains off the Spartak Moscow roster with a serious knee injury.

Turkey

Photo: Trabzonspor, Drago Gabrić in action against Kayserispor

Trabzonspor defeated Kayserispor 2-1 on friday afternoon at the H. Anvi Aker Stadium in Turkish Super League play. Drago Gabrić and Hrvoje Čale played the entire match for their side, with Gabrić receiveing a yellow card in the 41'. Trabzonspor are currently 8th in the Turkish Super League and face Ankaraspor next week.

Austria

Both Nikica Jelavić (Rapid Vienna) and Nikola Pokrivač (Red Bull Salzburg) were absent from the lineups of their respective clubs this weekend. Pokrivač was battling the flu last week and may still be suffering some lingering effects, Jelavić as suspended due to receiving a red card last week.

Ukraine

Photo: Shakhtar.com, Darijo Srna in action against Zakarpattia Uzhhorod

Shakhtar Donetsk tied Zakarpattia Uzhhorod 1-1 from the Avanhard Stadium in a hard fought contest. Darijo Srna came in as a substitute in the 62' but was unable to break the already-tied contest. Shakhtar currently sit in second place in the Ukranian Premier League standings, 6 points behind Ognjen Vukojević's Dynamo Kiev, who defeated Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk 2-0 on Saturday afternoon. Vukojević played the entire match for his league-leading squad in front of 31,000 at Dnipro Arena. The two Croats will face each other Wednesday as their teams will meet in a Ukranian Cup contest.

Photo: Dynamo, Ognjen Vukojević(right) celebrating with Dynamo teammates after goal

Belgium

Photo: Club Brugge, Ivan Perišić in action against Roeselare

Ivan Perišić scored the first of three Club Brugge goals as his side went on to defeat Roeselare in a 3-2 thriller Sunday afternoon. Young Ivan continues his solid form with Club Brugge, producing both in the Jupiler League and in the UEFA Europa League. His proven consistency and ability to find the ball as any natural goalscorer does will be sure to catch the eye of European scouts as the season continues. Will he be tempted by a big money move to a major European club, or will he stay at least another season with Club Brugge to develop his skills for the future? Club Brugge are now well atop the Belgian Jupiler League standings, sitting 4 points clear of Anderlecht with Champions League qualification dreams on their mind.

Perišić vs. Roeselare

Spain

Mate Bilić came off the bench today as a substitute in the 64' for David Barral as Sporting Gijon drew Spanish juggernauts Real Madrid 0-0 in front of a sell-out crowd at the Estadio Municipal El Molinon. Though Bilić had an ample amount of playing time, he was unable to make a difference in the match against the star-studded Madrid squad. Sporting Gijon (7th place in La Liga standings) play away against Recreativo Huelva this Tuesday in Copa Del Rey action.

Next Matches:

Tuesday, 10/27

Everton at Tottenham(Carling Cup), Peterborough United at Blackburn(Carling Cup), Sporting Gijon at Recreativo Huelva(Copa del Rey)

Wednesday, 10/28

Liverpool at Arsenal(Carling Cup), Bolton at Chelsea(Carling Cup), Schalke at TSV 1860 Munich(DFB Pokal), Bayern Munich at Eintracht Frankfurt(DFB Pokal), TUS Koblenz at TSG Hoffenheim(DFB Pokal), Atalanta at Livorno, Siena at Bologna, Red Bull at LASK Linz, Rapid Vienna at FC Karnten, Dynamo Kyiv at Shakhtar Donetsk(Ukrainian Cup)

Thursday, 10/29

Palermo at Internazionale

Saturday, 10/31

Tottenham at Arsenal, Chelsea at Bolton, Blackburn Rovers at ManU, Lorient at Lens, Bayer Leverkusen at Schalke, Bayern Munich at VfB Stuttgart, SV Mattersburg at Red Bull, SV Josko Ried at Rapid Vienna, St. Truiden at Club Brugge, Zenit St Petersburg at FC Moscow, Karpaty at Dynamo Kyiv

Sunday, 11/1

TSG Hoffenheim at SC Freiburg, Genoa at Palermo, Internazionale at Livorno, Lazio at Siena, Sporting Gijon at Deportivo La Coruña, Lokomotiv Moscow at FK Tom' Tomsk, Trabzonspor at Ankaraspor, Shakhtar Donetsk at Chornomorets

~Ivica Peroš reporting from Long Island, New York

CROATIANS AROUND EUROPE WEEK *X*

England

Niko Kranjčar started for the Tottenham Hotspur in his first return to Fratton park since being picked up by the Spurs earlier in the year. Kranjčar played solid as SkySports.com gave him a 7.3 rating as his crosses were always a threat during the match. Niko assisted the first Spurs goal off a corner that linked up with the head of Ledley King. Kranjčar was subbed out in the 67' for tactical reasons. Tottenham beat Portsmouth 2-1 on the day and currently sit third in the Premiership table; only three points behind leaders Manchester United.

Vedran Ćorluka played the entire game for Tottenham in their sixth win of the season. Ćarli was given a 7.1 rating for being a solid full-back but game footage showed otherwise. He let a few pesky Portsmouth attackers get by him which resulted in golden chances for Pompey. Although that's being extremely critical of the Croatian defender, Ćorluka made up for it at other points in the game. Tottenham just keeps on rolling.

When will Luka Modrić be back to entertain us with his midfield play? My guess is after the winter break. Why rush a young, upcoming player when Tottenham is running well and have found a replacement in Niko Kranjčar for him? Stay tuned on news about Modrić's broken bone in his leg in the upcoming weeks.

WHEN WILL EDUARDO FLY AGAIN FOR THE GUNNERS?

Eduardo's thigh injury will keep him out of Saturday's match against Birmingham. "Eduardo is not available," said Wenger. Every time we turn our heads, Eduardo is out with another knock or injury. I don't see him returning to the same form he had pre-broken leg. Sorry to tell you guys but our jewel in the rough will never shine for Croatia like he once did. Arsenal beat Birmingham City 3-1.

Ivan Klasnić came on in the 50' for Bolton in their 2-1 loss to Premiership leaders Manchester United. Klasnić played well and was given much accolade for the efforts he put in during the match. Klasnić had a goal disallowed which would have put him on the board as a Bolton Wanderer. There's always next week Ivan. At least you're getting more minutes now.

Nikola Kalinić was left off of Blackburn's squad list for their derby match against Burnley. Blackburn ultimately won the match 3-2 without their young Croatian. This is not good news news for Kalinić as he has underperformed thus far in his Premiership career.

Germany

Photo: Antonio Bronić, Ivica Olić helped off the field after tearing calf muscle in training for Croatia

Bayern Munich striker Ivica Olić will be out of action for five more weeks after sustaining a calf injury on international duty with Croatia last week.

Photo: Bayern, Danijel Pranjić

Danijel Pranjić wasn't featured once again for Bayern Munich in a 2-1 victory over recently promoted Freiburg. Danijel looks to be in the dog house registering his sixth game without a start. Any news as to why Danijel has been out of favor the last month or so?

Photo: AP, Josip Šimunić(left) in action against Werder Bremen

Josip Šimunić started and played the full 90 minutes for Hoffenheim falling 2-0 to Werder Bremen in front of 33,000 at Weserstadion. Joe picked up a silly yellow card in the 40th minute leading Hoffenheim to a second straight loss.

Photo: AP, Josip Šimunić(right) in action against Werder Bremen

Photo: HSV.de, Mladen limping off against Hertha Berlin

Hamburg striker Mladen Petrić has been ruled out until after the Bundesliga's winter break due to an ankle injury suffered against Hertha Berlin on October 4th.

"I felt right away that something wasn't right. This was clear to me on the pitch when I tried to continue after the hit. Above all, I am disappointed for Hamburg and Croatia. If everything goes according to plan, I should be able to start playing in January."

~Hamburg and Croatian international, Mladen Petrić

Photo: AP, Banović(right) has disgusted look on his face after Mueller goal

Ivica Banović started and played the full 90 for Freiburg in a 2-1 home defeat to German giants Bayern Munich. Ivica and Freiburg couldn't get much going against a far superior Bayern in front of a sellout crowd of 24,000 at Badenova-Stadion in Freiburg. Bayern dominated from start to finish and enjoyed a 63% possession advantage.

Photo: AP, Ivan Rakitić celebrating his first goal of the season

Schalke playmaker, Ivan Rakitić started and scored his first goal of the season for Schalke in an important 2-1 victory at Stuttgart. Ivan scored off a defensive bobble in the 26th minute to give Schalke a 1-0 lead. Apparently, Ivan failed to impress the rest of the way, as in the 63rd minute, Levan Kenia was brought in for the 21 year old Croatian international.

Photo: AP, Ivan Rakitić celebrating his first goal of the season

France

Photo: rclens.fr, Vedran Runje, sporting the 1982 Tom Selleck Ray-Bans, taking a stroll in Monte Carlo with his teammates before Sunday's game against Monaco.

Tom Selleck, legend, Magnum PI

RC Lens failed to show up on Sunday at the Stade Louis II, falling 2-0 to Monaco. Starting Croatian keeper Vedran Runje made a few great saves and might have been at fault for the first goal for not coming out on the free kick. You be the judge. Also, at 34 years of age, is there still a spot for him at Croatia? Lens are starting to look like a second division French team back in the relegation zone and now winless in five games.

Lens 0 Monaco 2

Italy

IVAN JURIĆ CRUISING AROUND TOWN

Ivan Jurić is still out with an injury and as a result cannot help bolster Genoa's midfield. Genoa took on current Italian champions Inter Milan this past Saturday and got crushed at home 5-0. Will Ivan Jurić be part of Croatia's Euro 2012 qualifying campaign? The magic 8-ball says "Chances are slim."

Igor Budan sat on the bench as an unused substitute in Palermo's 2-1 away win over minnows Livorno. It seems Budan is only getting game time in blowouts. I guess he'll have to prove himself before he gets any quality time on the pith for Palermo. Dario Knežević was not featured as a squad player for Livorno in this match.

CROATIAN U-21 CAPTAIN MATO JAJALO

Mato Jajalo came on at halftime for Siena in their clash with Parma. However, Jajalo couldn't get the offense to equalize an early 6th minute goal by Parma. The game ended 1-0 in favor of Parma with Siena dropping to second from the bottom with only five points from eight games.

However, it's could to see a future Croatian senior international getting some experience in Italy at such a young age.

Russia

Ivica Križanac may have been kicked off the Croatia squad, but he's certainly back on the Zenit team as he started St. Petersburg's match away to Kuban Krasnodar. Križanac helped Zenit earn the clean sheet in a 2-0 win even though he was subbed out in the 78'. With only five games left in the Russian season, Zenit sit in third position only four points behind current champions Rubin Kazan.

Tomislav Dujmović and his Lokomotiv Moscow side were crushed by (still) Stipe Pletikosa's Spartak Moscow club 3-0 on Sunday. Spartak will rival current champions Rubin Kazan for the 2009 title as they are now only one point behind. Lokomotiv sit tied for fifth and five points behind a Europa League spot. Only five games left in the Russian season, so soak it in people!

Turkey

Photo: Trabzonspor, Hrvoje Čale

Trabzonspor put up a valiant effort today but were defeated 4-3 by Turkish Super League juggernauts Galatasaray from the Ali Sami Yen Stadium. Hrvoje Čale received a yellow card in the 13 minute but played the entire match for his squad. From the video, Hrvoje looked to be at fault for allowing Galatasary quality crosses from that left side. Trabzonspor are in fifth place in the Turkish Super League standings. On Friday, Trabzonspor will take on Kayserispor.

Trabzonspor 3 Galatasaray 4

Drago Gabrić started and played the full 90 minutes for Trabzonspor failing to get on the scorers sheet.

Austria

Photo: AP, Nikola Pokrivač(Right) in action against Austria Vienna

The 11th round of Austrian Bundesliga play saw Nikola Pokrivač and his Red Bull Salzburg squad lose 1-0 to Austria Vienna FC from the Franz Horr Stadium in Vienna following a Zlatko Junuzović strike in the 20'. Pokrivač started the match for his squad but was given a red card in the 62' bear hugging an Austria Vienna player in the box for an obvious penalty kick. (surely due to the frustration stemming from Croatia failing to qualify for next summers World Cup in South Africa). Fortunately for Nikola, Austria Vienna missed the kick. Nikola has a lot to learn before he can step in for Niko Kovač. The loss means that Red Bull Salzburg are now currently are tied for first place in the Austrian Bundesliga with, you guessed it, Austria Vienna.

click on first video for Pokrivač Red card

Nikola will miss Red Bull Salzburg's next Austrian Bundesliga match next weekend against SV Josko Ried due to suspension. However, he is eligible and will more than likely be featured in the starting lineup on Thursday when Red Bull (Group G leaders) hosts Bulgarian outfit PFC Levski Sofia in UEFA Europa League action.

Photo: AP, Nikica Jelavić(left) in action against Rapid Vienna

Nikica Jelavić made his return to Austrian Bundesliga play today as his Rapid Vienna squad were defeated 1-0 by Sturm Graz from the UPC-Arena (formerly known, believe it or not, as the Arnold Schwarzenegger-Stadium). Jelavić played the entire match, receiving a yellow card in the 27' and once again in the 90', earning himself a red card and a game suspension for next weekend (clearly he wasn't the only member of the Croatian NT bringing his anger and frustration back to his club team).

Photo: AP, Nikica Jelavić(right) gets fouled against Rapid Vienna

Currently, Rapid Vienna sit in 4th place in Austrian Bundesliga standings. The Group C leaders will travel to Israel this week for a UEFA Europa League game against Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC on Thursday. Will Jelavić return to his scoring ways this week, or can we consider this young striker a 'flash in the pan'?

Ukraine

Photo: Shakhtar.com, Darijo Srna in action against Obolon Kyiv

Darijo Srna captained Shakhtar Donetsk to a 5-1 home victory over Karpaty Lviv on Sunday to keep the pressure on league leading Dynamo Kyiv in the race for the Ukrainian championship. Dario played the full 90 and forced a Karpaty Lviv hand ball in the box for one of three Shakhtar penalties of the night.

Photo: Shakhtar.com, Darijo Srna congratulating teammates after one of five Shakhtar goal

With the win, Shakhtar now find themselves four points behind league leaders Dynamo Kyiv, but only three points ahead of Dnipro. Shakhtar will entertain Toulouse at home in Europa League on Thursday.

Photo: Dynamo Kyiv

Dynamo Kyiv turned a 1-0 home deficit into a 2-1 victory, scoring twice in six minutes to keep them top of the Ukrainian premier league.Ognjen Vukojević started and played the full 90 minutes, going yellow card free. Dynamo Kyiv have now won nine of their first ten matches to start the season. Dynamo will be at Shakhtar on October 28th. Goran Sablić was also left out as he is still recovering from injury.

Belgium

Photo: Club Brugge, Ivan Perišić in action against Zulte-Waregem

Club Brugge defeated KAA Gent today by a score of 1-0 today at the Jan Breydel Stadium, moving into first place in the Belgium Juplier League. Newly minted U-21 Croatia international Ivan Perišić played the entire match but failed to make an impact on the score-sheet, receiving a yellow card in the 41'.

Since his recent arrival to Club Brugge, Perišić has received a significant amount of playing time, capitalizing on multiple scoring and play-making opportunities in domestic and UEFA club competitions. Given his current form and recent U-21 call-up, Ivan's stock is rising dramatically. It is only a matter of time before we see young Ivan moving on to a bigger club in a bigger league. Club Brugge will be hosting Partizan Belgrade this Thursday in UEFA Europa League action.

Spain

Photo: Sporting Gijon, Mate Bilić

Mate Bilić came on in the 67th minute for Sporting Gijon in 2-1 victory at Atlético Madrid. Mate had a few touches on the ball but failed to get anything going as Sporting hung on for the victory. With today's three points, Sporting find themselves in seventh place on the La Liga table only one point shy of a Europa League spot.

Next Matches:

Tuesday, 10/20

Dynamo Kyiv at Inter Milan(Champions League)

Wednesday, 10/21

Bayern Munich at Bordeaux(Champions League)

Thursday, 10/22

Dinamo Zagreb at Ajax(Europa League), Genoa at Lille(Europa League), Rapid Vienna at Hapoel Tel-Aviv(Europa League), Partizan at Club Brugge(Europa League), Toulouse FC at Shakhtar(Europa League), SK Sturm Graz at Panathinaikos(Europa League), Levski Sofia at Red Bull Salzburg(Europa League)

Friday, 10/23

Kayserispor at Trabzonspor

Saturday, 10/24

Stoke City at Tottenham, Blackburn Rovers at Chelsea, Eintracht Frankfurt at Bayern Munich, Freiburg at Mainz, Nurnberg at TSG Hoffenheim, Dynamo Kyiv at Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk

Sunday, 10/25

Everton at Bolton Wanderers, Toulouse at Lens, Real Madrid at Sporting Gijon, Udinese at Palermo, Juventus at Siena, Livorno at AS Roma, Hamburg at Schalke, Spartak Nalchik at Zenit St Petersburg, Saturn Moscow at Lokomotiv Moscow, SV Josko Ried at Red Bull Salzburg, SV Mattersburg at Rapid Vienna, Club Brugge at Roeselare, Shakhtar Donetsk at Zakarpattia Uzhhorod

~Denis Svirčić and Ante Kvartuč reporting from San Pedro, California and Ivica Peroš reporting from Long Island, New York