Pletikosa’a Review of the Iran Match.

May 30th, 2006 | By: Soze | 7 Comments »

“I didn’t have too much work to do and when it came to the goals, there was not much I could do. I feel that these counter attacks, which Iran seemed to have a few of, came down to the breakdown in defence. We should have put that game away in the first half.” This was Stipe Pletikosa’s review of the Croatia vs. Iran debacle he was in net for on Sunday.

He’s blaming the breakdown on defence. Although that game gave us three big errors by our defendres, I think the golie should be there to at least assist is saving some of the shots that come his way. Most of the time you look at this guy, he seems to be swimming in his net, with no clear understanding of positioning angles.

In addition to that, his apparent lack of communication with his defence is worriesome. Stipe played the whole game against Iran, and I’m not sure if this was Kranjcar’s way of satisfying his curiosity about Pletikosa’s abilities as the WC comes closer, or if he is showing us who is boss again. Most people believe that if Butina is not fit to play, Didulica should be promoted to first golie…but you need play time to gain confidence. Pletikosa has had play time, and he’s still unable to perform.

Tags: Group F

Croatia World Cup RSS Feed

del.icio.us:Pletikosa'a Review of the Iran Match.

digg:Pletikosa'a Review of the Iran Match.

newsvine:Pletikosa'a Review of the Iran Match.

reddit:Pletikosa'a Review of the Iran Match.

fark:Pletikosa'a Review of the Iran Match.

Y!:Pletikosa'a Review of the Iran Match.

stumbleupon:Pletikosa'a Review of the Iran Match.

Comments

By Maurice | May 30th, 2006 at 2:58 pm

The goalie situation is a bit of a farce unfortunately. Clearly neither Butina or Pletikosa are in game form and yet they are being forced into that respective position by Cico. I’m not sure if you guys read the interview by Vedran Runje (who many feel SHOULD be one of the three keepers in Germany). When asked who should be the starting keeper at the WC he said it should be the goalie that has the most continuity of play and whose team has won something. When asked if that meant Joey Didulica (clearly it was him as he is the only one who fulfills that criteria) he responded with “Ja to nisam rekao!”

What a good politician!

Now, unfortunately it seems to me that when it comes to the goalie spot politics takes precedence. For whatever reason out of form keepers that happen to have been the captains of Hajduk and Dinamo respectively get the nod over a guy who hasn’t played a minute in the HNL. You guys draw your own conclusions.

I just hope all this doesn’t bite us in the you-know-what in a few weeks time.

Posted from Canada

By soze | May 30th, 2006 at 6:17 pm

Well said Maurice. I feel that Runje should be the first goalie, but I think his fast mouth and opinionated personality is keeping him off. Out of the three there Didulica is clearly in best form and has done most with his season.

By BIG_WOG | May 31st, 2006 at 4:05 am

Its an unfortunate position Croatia find themsleves in. Butina should be #1 but due to injury he has been unable to do so. Now to Pletikosa … whats happened to him recently? He used to be good now i’m not so sure. I’d be playing Didulica in goals but it’s not down to me to choose but Kranjcar. I just hope i dont travell all the way to Germany to see Croatia lose :/ GO CROATIA

Posted from Australia

By Tomislav | May 31st, 2006 at 7:11 am

It has to be Didulica in goals. No question about it!

If he was available for Australia he would be Austrlia’s No.1 for sure.

Posted from Australia

By Bigone | May 31st, 2006 at 7:54 pm

Please don’t call yourself “BIG_WOG “. This is a derogatory comment which the early immigrants had to literally fight to get rid of. It’s embarrassing & racist term, and you now choose to shame yourself by using it.

Posted from Australia

By Darius | June 2nd, 2006 at 9:35 pm

Dear Croatian fans,

I wish Croatia best of luck in the WC. I’m Persian and will be cheering for Iran and my Croatian brothers.

Posted from United States