The Friendly Whine

October 31st, 2009 | by: Mario |

Wow, waking up just to see all those journalists crying on how Bilic (or Markovic rather) picks his friendlies ain’t the best way to start the morning. But seriously though, the journalism in Croatia is rubbish. Like fast food. It’s all around, lacks the attention & nutrition of a real meal, and in the end will leave you plunging the nearest available restroom. The newest whine came when the Croatian FA announced that our next friendly would be against Lichtenstein.

Though the FA didn’t do themselves any favors with announcing that they’re trying to bring Argentina for a friendly, the tone with which the media have interpreted the fact that it’s Lichtenstein that’s coming over, is bordering childish and unprofessional. One web portal went as far as writing a headline that resembled: Thanks for “Nothingstein”. And that’s just mean. Don’t know about you, but I for one would actually rather see us play someone like Lichtenstein, rather then get depressed after playing Argentina and seeing what exactly have we missed in terms of competitiveness and atmosphere. The wounds are still far too fresh for that. Bring them on in a year’s time, when we’ve got something to hope for and cling on to.

U21HRVCG But would you believe it, I actually have some good news to share as well. And it’s the fact that after beating Serbia 3:1 (strong favorites in the match), our U 21’s still have a good shot at making the EURO 2011 competition. And to further boost these chances, Bilic has sent reinforcements to our U 21 coach Drazen Ladic, in the shape of Kalinic, Rakitic and Lovren. Although a part of the senior team in recent times (Rakitic the exception), these players are still eligible to play for the youth team, so it makes sense for them to make this transition as some important matches are coming up. I can’t stress how important it would be for these players to make the best of these qualifiers and hopefully eventually partake in that tournament. It’s been a while (forever to be more exact) since our youngsters have come off with a result of some kind, but looking at some of the names we have on our U 21 roster now, I think we’ve got the talent to pull it through.

If I was to be corny here, I’d write something like: There’s hope at the end of the tunnel still. But I’ve (obviously) decided against it.

Tags: Croatia, Croatia U 21, Friendly game

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Comments

By ivan | November 8th, 2009 at 12:36 pm

Kalinic hasn’t been playing much. Its good to get him into some games with meaning.

By Harun | November 13th, 2009 at 1:36 pm

Whatever happened to Rakitic? I assumed Magath would mold him into a star, but I haven’t noticed him in the starting line-up as much lately.

By ivan | November 14th, 2009 at 1:20 am

@ Harun… Yeah Im not sure whats going on with Rakitic. When he first got to Shalke he was impresive for a 19 yr old. He got a few goals and looked like an offensive weapon from the midfield. He had some problems with the manager in the later half of the season and he was sitting more then playing. I thought things would improve this year when Shalke changed managers but it hasn’t turned into more playing time for our Croat. I think he needs a change in venue, Shalke is in some financial trouble and there may be a selling spree there. I expect Rakitic to be moved during the January transfer window. Right now there seems to be a lot of interest in him from Italian clubs. Hopefully he moves and gets his game back on track.

Kalinic is also being traeted with kids gloves in Blackburn. They are being very carefull with him and It was fine when he first got there since he wasn’t in playing shape. But its been months now and he needs to get into games on a more regular basis. Our players cant be sitting on the bench for their club teams and then be expected to produce for our national team. Kalinic, Rakitic, Klasnic, maybe Kranjcar (once Modric gets back) all need to play regularly if they expect to be productive for the national team.

By Katarina | December 4th, 2009 at 7:37 pm

Okay…this might not have much to do with this particular post but…plain and simple, we didn;t make it to WC 2010 cuz the English screwed us over. We HUMILIATED them on their homefield, effectively ending their EuroCup chances. So, coinciedentally, shortly after our victory in England, Da Silva had his ankle STOMPED on by a British player…effectively eliminating Da Sailva (One of our best players) from participating in any games for quite a loong while. THEN, we somehow have the bad luck (coincidence?) of being in the same World Cup Qiualifying group as England. England, I KNEW, would lose against ukraine, (when we all know they could of easily beat them). Revenge is what got us good…but, yes, we could’ve fought harder, as us croats are a strong nation, mind, body and spirit! Zivila Hrvatska!!

By Gilfix/Croatian Ambassador | December 7th, 2009 at 2:33 pm

Look lets be honest. The Croatian soccer team is lacking in every aspect of the game. I being a Croatian native myself feel y’alls pains. However its important to not dwell on the defeats and move forward. My plans for the team include promoting myself as head coach and captain of the team. Also we should make the team co-ed so the females dont feel left out. Dont worry all male shower parties rules will still be strictly inforced. I know many of you were concerned. In conclusion, CROATIA FOR LIFE!!!

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