As an old follower of football, more than 50 years, I am impressed by your analysis. I haven't heard such a detailed approach for a long time, you obviously know something very well that few people understand!✌
We have a team of seasoned veterans upgraded with some premium young talent (Šutalo, Gvardiol, Sučić). Our control of midfield is second to none. And most importantly - for the first time since I can remember, although we've been playing well for some time now, there is absolutely no euphoria in Croatia, just healthy confidence. I have a good feeling about this upcoming EURO. Excellent analysis, by the way. You obviously understand the nuances of the game, but you also know how to present them in a clean and simple way. Keep up the good work!
This analysis is spot on. I just hope other teams haven't got us figured out yet! Also, thanks for the kind and fair words, average football fans still underestimate us without blinking, despite we won 2 medals from the last two WCs... kinda silly, but the underdog label works in our favour. It's nice to finally get some recognition, especially when it comes from a Brit! Greetings from Croatia and good luck to England. I sincerely hope you get rid of Southgate soon and properly use that absolute nuclear attacking potential of yours!
the world is not ready for Croatia this time around. they will outplay 90% of the teams they play against no matter who its is Portugal England France Spain Brazil Argentina Germany no matter any more we can beat them all. I didn' tname Italy because they have never beaten us .we have beaten every team from top 10 and Italy a countrythat has won everything but jet they have never won against CROATIA
To be fair, Croatia barely outplayed anyone at the last 2 World Cups. Went to pens 4 times and won another game aet. They're tough but they don't play teams off the park. Not even close.
@@thomaskelly3474 we completly outplayed Argentina in 2018 outplayed England in n2018 go back and watch again you will learn a lot about this sport.we outplay Denmark twice we outplayed France and Nederland in nation league so I don't know what sport you following and Brazil in 2022 so idk what planet you live on
I am half German and half Croatian and very enthusiastic and also have tickets for the quarterfinal in Stuttgart where both teams can okay against each other. I am 100% sure that Croatia will Beat Germany and will be a hot take at this euros and probably win the tournament! You analysis is quite good and it is very hard to score against them. Due to their history under the recent war where several players lost someone of their family, their pride is unmatched to any other nation. Eyeryone will give 110% and run for each other! I can’t wait to see them winning the group.
There's nothing possibly "shocking" from a team that played World Cup final, and semifinal in the last two world cups. It would be more "shocking" if Croatia doesn't reach semifinal.
Completely agree with you but if you listen to the average football fans opinion then this time isn't highly thought of at all, don't think they're given enough credit
@@Zedders You are spot on... most of those football fans can't name a player past Modric. Maybe they recall Perisic then think, "Wow that's an old team." Savvy fans know Croatia just as well for Brozovic, Kovacic, and Gvardiol. Kramaric is just coming off the best stretch in his career and if they are to make a serious run for the title, they need him to step up.
@@terrywho22 And most of non-croatian football fans - they don't know quality of younger players, and how many of them are actually already experienced (mostly because of the last world cup and NL games) and knows right way how to play international football (thankfully because they have greatest influence with Modrić, Perišić, Brozović, Kovačić)... actually just 8 of them are same players in this roster from WC 2018 roster (just 6 of them played games). "Switching generation" more than a successfully done. And these young guys are all incredibly good on a ball, in terms of that skill Croatia never been so talented, especially on a defensive line.
Teams can only be judged by the strength of the squad. The bookies, who make a living by getting odds right, surely know what they're doing. Croatia's squad isn't any better than the last 2-3 tournaments. Apart from Gvardiol there's no new potentially world class players in the squad and all of the best players are older.
Modrić is old Modrić is old....we have been hearing this for past 10y and he will play next world cup too. Actually you can never be sure when speaking about Modrić. he is like vine...the older the better
Impressive tactical analysis, spot on. Croatia has good reserves, as long as Dalic doesn't leave the older players on the field to long and with a bit of luck, they will lift the trophy. Croatia is due for some good luck at the euro's. VATRENI all the way.
i wouldnt agree with jude bellingham taking modrics position in madrid, i dont think anyone could take modric position not even while hes 38, hes just so good to have in the middle no matter whats the formation played
Ya it would be Fede. Which happened in 2020 when Zizu came back-but Modric fought his spot back. Jude is a false 9 Fede is literally taking up the CRM Modric position at real
If Europe gets shocked by Croatian team then Europe didn't pay attention. In the last 6 years Croatia won 2nd and 3rd place in World Cup and 2nd place in League of Nations, why would anyone be shocked if they do well again?
Most of non-croatian football fans - they don't know quality of their younger players, and how many of them are actually already experienced (mostly because of the last world cup and NL games) and knows right way how to play international football (thankfully because they have greatest influence with Modrić, Perišić, Brozović, Kovačić)... actually just 8 of them are same players in this roster from WC 2018 roster (just 6 of them played games). "Switching generation" more than a successfully done. And these young guys are all incredibly good on a ball, in terms of that skill Croatia never been so talented, especially on a defensive line.
After what Croatia achieved during the past few tournaments, I don't think anybody would be "shocked" if Croatia were again among the top 4 in the upcoming tournament.
Don't think I'll get time to do it before the euros start, but I'll be sure to keep an eye on teams like Hungary who could ove rachieve as the tournament goes on
You mentioned positional play qualities; what is that? Off topic, how high is T.Motta celling as a manager- he's joining my team. Where you rank him among young managers; is he up there with Arteta, Alonso etc. Also, looks like Douglas Luiz joining Juve; thoughts on him as a player- haven't watched him enough. Apologies for being off topic; I just value your knowledge, which is why I'm asking.
Mate no need to apologise at all! Positional play is a little complicated but I'll try and summarise it. Its gaining a numerical advantage by having players in their own individual "zones" and when one moves towards another's position, players than have to shift to make sure they're all occupying differing vertical and horizontal levels to progress the ball. I think Motta will need go be given time because he's a completely different manager. His ceiling remains to be seen, but he's a fantastic coach that I'm looking forward to seeing at Juve. He will be benefitted by players at Juve like Douglas Luiz who is a fantastically well rounded midfielder amazing signing for you guys
If you watch Croatia-Portugal match again, you'll see that in defensive fase Croatia had 10 players between 16m and 30m creating a double block and leaving the flanks wide open to prevent Portugal holding the ball and play their technically superior game, Portugal adapted in a way and used the chance from right wing at the start of second half but for the most of the game they were lost and their play was limited to shots from distance and mostly useless crosses.. Croatia is tactically outsmarting every opposition, rather then trying to outplay them and it actually works, except when opposition gets pushed by that lucky (or ref) factor like France and Argentina and Spain did in last few (semi) finals..
The coach of Portugal stated that the Croatian national team played in a tie as if they were a football club and not a national team, because it is realistic that they play better in the club than in the national team.
as a Croat... I have to warn you all... do NOT over-hype Croatia. That is our WORST curse! Everyone praises us, it gets to our egos (our players' egos), we think we're the favorites, and then we fall apart, because we start off as thinking we've already got this one in the bag. Our players have to be humble but confident, and that is of vital importance for our success. If we go into games thinking that we are better than others, we will be humbled by those who actually have an advantage because they want to prove they are capable of beating the great Croatian players.
@@anthtan as a Croat myself, who religiously follows football, as every Croat does, because football is practically our religion... ;) I can tell you, with full confidence and experience that since our golden generation of 1998, there hasn't been a single tournament for which we were not over-confident. And also... a damn curse and idiotic mentality that we haven't changed for decades is - if we score a goal, and get 1-0, then change the game, and start defending and keeping the score, instead of trying to score 3,4,5 goals. When a team is happy with 1-0, they will lose. A team should always try to score as many goals as possible, and never stop at a certain number.
Ronaldo is not tacticly important. He is old and can only play as classic 9. If Santos was smart enough that way portugal would be in final in Qatar. But he stood a side with ronaldo haters and put ramos....and his ramos costed him 2 clear chances against Maroco.
One plays for Real Madrid and has won his sixth Champions League; the other plays in the Camel League and has zero trophies from there. So one is still at the highest level, and the other is not. What is there that confuses you about that fact?
Croatia has one of the best defenses in the world and in every major tournament, they concede the fewest goals of all teams. Croatia has combativeness, patriotism, unity and a great quality of football players, an excellent calm coach, and when all of that comes together, you get the best team in the world. They played with France in the 2018 final, the referees did the work for Argentina in the 2022 semi-final, and all because of Messi, who then played for PSG, and the owner of PSG is the Emir of Qatar, who bribed FIFU, to be the organizer of the world cup, because money is not a problem for them and everything was done to make Argentina the winner. So we can say that Croatian football is at the very top of the world class. France is first because of Mbappe-the goal-scoring robot player, but Croatia is second, but very underrated.
Nice summary. Agree with pretty much all of it. There is quite a bit of strength in depth this year too with Sucic relieving Modric in games and good replacements for top 3 in Petkovic, Vlasic, Ivanusec, Pjaca and Pasalic's
People always use the exuse that croatian team is ageing old so they wont do well at every tourmenet.... Last time that exuse was walid was at euro 2021. Now, we have done a generation shift just before wc22. We only have 3 or 4 players above 30 in our Squad i think now.
The first favorite according to the rating is France, the second is Spain, followed by a very equal group of 6 national teams, Portugal, Belgium, England, the Netherlands, Croatia and Italy. Germany has a slightly lower rating, but it is the host, so we can also classify it in that group of favorites. Croatia currently looks powerful and solid, the forwards are in much better shape than they were at the last World and European Championships. Budimir and Petković had the best seasons of their careers, and Kramarić recently scored a Bayern hat trick. Majer is in top form. The midfield is still among the strongest in the world, and the defense seems solid and coordinated. We have a lot of reasons for optimism, and the real test will be Spain, where we will see if Croatia can finally win the title.
Yeah, we are pretty strong this year and with youngsters like Luka Sucic the future still seems bright. Having said that, this is football and anything is possible. England has great team as well...I don't recall England having such a strong side for a very long time. It should be a very interesting Euro for both teams.
I think people are getting carried away with Croatia's win against Portugal. That midfield trio is not as press resistant as it once was, which Turkey proved in their second meeting in qualifying. The Turks pressed them high and Croatia looked completely disjointed as a result. Gvardiol and Stanisic in the full back positions instead of Sosa and Juranovic is a big improvement as both are more capable at interplay and providing an outlet. Still, the Portuguese didn't press at all so we don't know how effective they'll be in a high intensity game. We know Spain will press Croatia all over the pitch. The CB pairing, whether it's Sutalo-Pongracic or if Erlic comes in for one of them, will be highly vulnerable against Spain's pace coming from wide positions. None of the three are proven at international level and lack Lovren's experience and Gvardiol's class. Back to the midfield, it's really noticeable how much less running Modric does these days. In the past he'd be everywhere, these days he sticks to more central positions and usually deep. In qualifying, when playing against weaker opponents, Croatia is generally capable of working the ball into the opponents third gradually, helping Modric join in the attack. However, at this top level Croatia won't be able to do that, leaving Kovacic as the only midfield option capable of breaking lines and playing in transition (and he lacks final product). Up front, Budimir is honest and serviceable, but lacks genuine quality. He needs a decent quantity of balls played into the box for him to get goals and it's hard to see that happening against Spain. Kramaric is too slow in his execution, always takes that extra touch and his lack of pace has always been a major negative. Majer is probably Croatia's best player these days in terms of end product in the final third but he'll be out of position here and it's questionable how much he'll be able to impact the games since Spain is expected to have bulk of possession. Ideally, he'd be in an advanced central mid role or even as a support striker.
They are indeed very unlucky with their draws though, but yep my money would be for the Croats and I do anticipate them to be at least a finalist this year
So yeah as I was saying, Croatia aren't that good really 😂 Tbf Croatia created their own chances and that penalty fiasco was silly, I still think they'll be fine. Cut the man marking out and drop the line and it'll be a lot better, still predicting em to finish 2nd
@Zedders Alright the referee completely messed up the penalty: it should have been a straight red (he can't give a yellow simply because he didn't want it "to affect the outcome of the match") and the disallowed goal was nonsense. However Croatia has no strikers who can score and their defense had holes in it. I see them getting 3rd place in the group and their qualification to the Round of 16 depends on whether or not they tie Italy (there's no way they can beat Italy).
@mislavsplitski7522 I think this Italy team is beatable, Albania had a couple openings against them and lacked the quality to put them away. Guess one of us will be proven right 😂
As an old follower of football, more than 50 years, I am impressed by your analysis. I haven't heard such a detailed approach for a long time, you obviously know something very well that few people understand!✌
Very kind words my friend, that's very humbling to read. Thanks a lot
We have a team of seasoned veterans upgraded with some premium young talent (Šutalo, Gvardiol, Sučić). Our control of midfield is second to none. And most importantly - for the first time since I can remember, although we've been playing well for some time now, there is absolutely no euphoria in Croatia, just healthy confidence. I have a good feeling about this upcoming EURO.
Excellent analysis, by the way. You obviously understand the nuances of the game, but you also know how to present them in a clean and simple way. Keep up the good work!
Kind words mate, thankyou very much
Thank you for covering my country and thank you for showing us so much respect! Subscribed!
Thankyou for the kind words mate!
This analysis is spot on. I just hope other teams haven't got us figured out yet! Also, thanks for the kind and fair words, average football fans still underestimate us without blinking, despite we won 2 medals from the last two WCs... kinda silly, but the underdog label works in our favour.
It's nice to finally get some recognition, especially when it comes from a Brit! Greetings from Croatia and good luck to England. I sincerely hope you get rid of Southgate soon and properly use that absolute nuclear attacking potential of yours!
Very kind words mate, very gracious to hear it. Best of luck to you guys as well, be an interesting tournament for both!
Good analysis chief. From a Croat
Much love mate, thankyou!
the world is not ready for Croatia this time around. they will outplay 90% of the teams they play against no matter who its is Portugal England France Spain Brazil Argentina Germany no matter any more we can beat them all. I didn' tname Italy because they have never beaten us .we have beaten every team from top 10 and Italy a countrythat has won everything but jet they have never won against CROATIA
The last time Ita beat Cro was in the 30s.
@@pellevanlig245 1942 frendly 4-0 for Italy but thath was played in some wird time
To be fair, Croatia barely outplayed anyone at the last 2 World Cups. Went to pens 4 times and won another game aet. They're tough but they don't play teams off the park. Not even close.
Penalty merchants
@@thomaskelly3474 we completly outplayed Argentina in 2018 outplayed England in n2018 go back and watch again you will learn a lot about this sport.we outplay Denmark twice we outplayed France and Nederland in nation league so I don't know what sport you following and Brazil in 2022 so idk what planet you live on
I am half German and half Croatian and very enthusiastic and also have tickets for the quarterfinal in Stuttgart where both teams can okay against each other. I am 100% sure that Croatia will
Beat Germany and will be a hot take at this euros and probably win the tournament! You analysis is quite good and it is very hard to score against them. Due to their history under the recent war where several players lost someone of their family, their pride is unmatched to any other nation. Eyeryone will give 110% and run for each other! I can’t wait to see them winning the group.
Love the optimism in that mate, all the best!
Croatia never lost in 2 decades against germany or so
Well done 👍🏻 I can’t wait for Euro to start 🇭🇷🔥💪⚽️🥇
There's nothing possibly "shocking" from a team that played World Cup final, and semifinal in the last two world cups. It would be more "shocking" if Croatia doesn't reach semifinal.
Completely agree with you but if you listen to the average football fans opinion then this time isn't highly thought of at all, don't think they're given enough credit
@@Zedders You are spot on... most of those football fans can't name a player past Modric. Maybe they recall Perisic then think, "Wow that's an old team." Savvy fans know Croatia just as well for Brozovic, Kovacic, and Gvardiol. Kramaric is just coming off the best stretch in his career and if they are to make a serious run for the title, they need him to step up.
@@terrywho22 And most of non-croatian football fans - they don't know quality of younger players, and how many of them are actually already experienced (mostly because of the last world cup and NL games) and knows right way how to play international football (thankfully because they have greatest influence with Modrić, Perišić, Brozović, Kovačić)... actually just 8 of them are same players in this roster from WC 2018 roster (just 6 of them played games). "Switching generation" more than a successfully done. And these young guys are all incredibly good on a ball, in terms of that skill Croatia never been so talented, especially on a defensive line.
@@Zedders Bookmakers are worst than fans. 😅 40/1 to win 😅 Tournament is in Germany, 2nd home for Croatia.
Teams can only be judged by the strength of the squad. The bookies, who make a living by getting odds right, surely know what they're doing. Croatia's squad isn't any better than the last 2-3 tournaments. Apart from Gvardiol there's no new potentially world class players in the squad and all of the best players are older.
well done. First video ive ever seen that has given praise to our national team and that has broken down our tactical structure 👍
they are gonna get the biggest participation trophy football has ever seen . hahah loved it
Modrić is old Modrić is old....we have been hearing this for past 10y and he will play next world cup too. Actually you can never be sure when speaking about Modrić. he is like vine...the older the better
10 years in his prime with increased experience
Impressive tactical analysis, spot on.
Croatia has good reserves, as long as Dalic doesn't leave the older players on the field to long and with a bit of luck, they will lift the trophy.
Croatia is due for some good luck at the euro's. VATRENI all the way.
Haha, love it lad. Cheers for the kind words!
i wouldnt agree with jude bellingham taking modrics position in madrid, i dont think anyone could take modric position not even while hes 38, hes just so good to have in the middle no matter whats the formation played
And Kramarić is not a left wing 😊
Krama igra sta god treba i rastura🇭🇷 💪
Ya it would be Fede.
Which happened in 2020 when Zizu came back-but Modric fought his spot back.
Jude is a false 9 Fede is literally taking up the CRM Modric position at real
If Europe gets shocked by Croatian team then Europe didn't pay attention. In the last 6 years Croatia won 2nd and 3rd place in World Cup and 2nd place in League of Nations, why would anyone be shocked if they do well again?
Completely agree with you mate, but people are really unaware of the qualities of this Croatia team. The consensus seems to be that their "passed it"
Most of non-croatian football fans - they don't know quality of their younger players, and how many of them are actually already experienced (mostly because of the last world cup and NL games) and knows right way how to play international football (thankfully because they have greatest influence with Modrić, Perišić, Brozović, Kovačić)... actually just 8 of them are same players in this roster from WC 2018 roster (just 6 of them played games). "Switching generation" more than a successfully done. And these young guys are all incredibly good on a ball, in terms of that skill Croatia never been so talented, especially on a defensive line.
It's like they saw your vid and said this is exactly what we're NOT gonna do
After what Croatia achieved during the past few tournaments, I don't think anybody would be "shocked" if Croatia were again among the top 4 in the upcoming tournament.
Bookmakers only
Croatia are a very underrated team, I'd like to see a video on Hungary after their massive unbeaten run recently, they've got some brilliant results
Don't think I'll get time to do it before the euros start, but I'll be sure to keep an eye on teams like Hungary who could ove rachieve as the tournament goes on
Amazing video ,top analysis
🇭🇷
Kind words mate, thankyou!
I can't wait to be there for Italy game in leipzig!
Buzzing mon, what a cracking game that'll be for you!
Spot on
You mentioned positional play qualities; what is that?
Off topic, how high is T.Motta celling as a manager- he's joining my team. Where you rank him among young managers; is he up there with Arteta, Alonso etc.
Also, looks like Douglas Luiz joining Juve; thoughts on him as a player- haven't watched him enough.
Apologies for being off topic; I just value your knowledge, which is why I'm asking.
Mate no need to apologise at all!
Positional play is a little complicated but I'll try and summarise it. Its gaining a numerical advantage by having players in their own individual "zones" and when one moves towards another's position, players than have to shift to make sure they're all occupying differing vertical and horizontal levels to progress the ball.
I think Motta will need go be given time because he's a completely different manager. His ceiling remains to be seen, but he's a fantastic coach that I'm looking forward to seeing at Juve. He will be benefitted by players at Juve like Douglas Luiz who is a fantastically well rounded midfielder amazing signing for you guys
If you watch Croatia-Portugal match again, you'll see that in defensive fase Croatia had 10 players between 16m and 30m creating a double block and leaving the flanks wide open to prevent Portugal holding the ball and play their technically superior game, Portugal adapted in a way and used the chance from right wing at the start of second half but for the most of the game they were lost and their play was limited to shots from distance and mostly useless crosses.. Croatia is tactically outsmarting every opposition, rather then trying to outplay them and it actually works, except when opposition gets pushed by that lucky (or ref) factor like France and Argentina and Spain did in last few (semi) finals..
I wanted to see ronaldo play , we have to wait until the tournament starts
The coach of Portugal stated that the Croatian national team played in a tie as if they were a football club and not a national team, because it is realistic that they play better in the club than in the national team.
Great video
Much love mate
why shock?
as a Croat... I have to warn you all... do NOT over-hype Croatia.
That is our WORST curse! Everyone praises us, it gets to our egos (our players' egos), we think we're the favorites, and then we fall apart, because we start off as thinking we've already got this one in the bag.
Our players have to be humble but confident, and that is of vital importance for our success.
If we go into games thinking that we are better than others, we will be humbled by those who actually have an advantage because they want to prove they are capable of beating the great Croatian players.
As an English man then can I can only encourage the over hyping 😂 we need all the good luck we can get
@@Zedders 😅 ... Croatia will take this Euro and teach you all to respect us!!
Was there ever a tournament where the Croats were over-confident?
@@anthtan as a Croat myself, who religiously follows football, as every Croat does, because football is practically our religion... ;) I can tell you, with full confidence and experience that since our golden generation of 1998, there hasn't been a single tournament for which we were not over-confident.
And also... a damn curse and idiotic mentality that we haven't changed for decades is - if we score a goal, and get 1-0, then change the game, and start defending and keeping the score, instead of trying to score 3,4,5 goals.
When a team is happy with 1-0, they will lose. A team should always try to score as many goals as possible, and never stop at a certain number.
Croatia VS Italy head-to-head
Croatia 5 W = 5 D = 0 W Italyu
And shocked they did with last place in group
I feel like Albania might win against Italy
A lot of people feeling Albania, can't see it myself but open to being proven wrong
they are OUT lmao
This didnt age well hahaahahhaah
Croatia will fail this time. Trust me on that.
Modric is important but Ronaldo isn't to Portugal? yeah you're a clown.
Is this a sign I'm doing well that I've got my first slightly stalker-ish hater 😂
Ronaldo is not tacticly important. He is old and can only play as classic 9. If Santos was smart enough that way portugal would be in final in Qatar. But he stood a side with ronaldo haters and put ramos....and his ramos costed him 2 clear chances against Maroco.
One plays for Real Madrid and has won his sixth Champions League; the other plays in the Camel League and has zero trophies from there. So one is still at the highest level, and the other is not. What is there that confuses you about that fact?
@@Zedders😅😅
😂😂😂
Thanks mate👍
As a Croat....you detected our team very well tacticly. Good job!
Thankyou for the kind words mate!
*Croatian wink* *Croatian wink*
Croatia has one of the best defenses in the world and in every major tournament, they concede the fewest goals of all teams. Croatia has combativeness, patriotism, unity and a great quality of football players, an excellent calm coach, and when all of that comes together, you get the best team in the world. They played with France in the 2018 final, the referees did the work for Argentina in the 2022 semi-final, and all because of Messi, who then played for PSG, and the owner of PSG is the Emir of Qatar, who bribed FIFU, to be the organizer of the world cup, because money is not a problem for them and everything was done to make Argentina the winner. So we can say that Croatian football is at the very top of the world class. France is first because of Mbappe-the goal-scoring robot player, but Croatia is second, but very underrated.
Reffs did number on Croatia in 2018 finals as well to be honest.
The best team in the world😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Well, the so called "best team in the world" would have won at least one tournament, now, wouldn't it?
@@RZucic That's not being honest. That's whinging and lying to yourself.
Looking at your upper comment i decided im not gonna argue with idiots. @@damirblazevic4823
@@RZucicfirst france goal was from free kick after obvious dive from grizmann
Nice summary. Agree with pretty much all of it. There is quite a bit of strength in depth this year too with Sucic relieving Modric in games and good replacements for top 3 in Petkovic, Vlasic, Ivanusec, Pjaca and Pasalic's
People always use the exuse that croatian team is ageing old so they wont do well at every tourmenet.... Last time that exuse was walid was at euro 2021. Now, we have done a generation shift just before wc22. We only have 3 or 4 players above 30 in our Squad i think now.
The first favorite according to the rating is France, the second is Spain, followed by a very equal group of 6 national teams, Portugal, Belgium, England, the Netherlands, Croatia and Italy.
Germany has a slightly lower rating, but it is the host, so we can also classify it in that group of favorites.
Croatia currently looks powerful and solid, the forwards are in much better shape than they were at the last World and European Championships.
Budimir and Petković had the best seasons of their careers, and Kramarić recently scored a Bayern hat trick. Majer is in top form. The midfield is still among the strongest in the world, and the defense seems solid and coordinated.
We have a lot of reasons for optimism, and the real test will be Spain, where we will see if Croatia can finally win the title.
Yeah, we are pretty strong this year and with youngsters like Luka Sucic the future still seems bright. Having said that, this is football and anything is possible.
England has great team as well...I don't recall England having such a strong side for a very long time. It should be a very interesting Euro for both teams.
Defo agree mate, a tournament for someone to take hold off
I think people are getting carried away with Croatia's win against Portugal. That midfield trio is not as press resistant as it once was, which Turkey proved in their second meeting in qualifying. The Turks pressed them high and Croatia looked completely disjointed as a result. Gvardiol and Stanisic in the full back positions instead of Sosa and Juranovic is a big improvement as both are more capable at interplay and providing an outlet. Still, the Portuguese didn't press at all so we don't know how effective they'll be in a high intensity game. We know Spain will press Croatia all over the pitch. The CB pairing, whether it's Sutalo-Pongracic or if Erlic comes in for one of them, will be highly vulnerable against Spain's pace coming from wide positions. None of the three are proven at international level and lack Lovren's experience and Gvardiol's class. Back to the midfield, it's really noticeable how much less running Modric does these days. In the past he'd be everywhere, these days he sticks to more central positions and usually deep. In qualifying, when playing against weaker opponents, Croatia is generally capable of working the ball into the opponents third gradually, helping Modric join in the attack. However, at this top level Croatia won't be able to do that, leaving Kovacic as the only midfield option capable of breaking lines and playing in transition (and he lacks final product). Up front, Budimir is honest and serviceable, but lacks genuine quality. He needs a decent quantity of balls played into the box for him to get goals and it's hard to see that happening against Spain. Kramaric is too slow in his execution, always takes that extra touch and his lack of pace has always been a major negative. Majer is probably Croatia's best player these days in terms of end product in the final third but he'll be out of position here and it's questionable how much he'll be able to impact the games since Spain is expected to have bulk of possession. Ideally, he'd be in an advanced central mid role or even as a support striker.
DELUSIONAL
why "shock" ... Croatia is a constant
Because I would say the general fan isn't giving Croatia any real credit going into the tournament that they could do well
They are indeed very unlucky with their draws though, but yep my money would be for the Croats and I do anticipate them to be at least a finalist this year
Wow, loving the boldness with that prediction haha
@@Zedders The odds are pretty good so I don’t mind taking the plunge for a good team
great analysis, in the phase of building the attack it reminds me as if we are playing like man city 325
Albania ❤❤❤
Albania next one
Who is here after 3 - 0
So yeah as I was saying, Croatia aren't that good really 😂
Tbf Croatia created their own chances and that penalty fiasco was silly, I still think they'll be fine. Cut the man marking out and drop the line and it'll be a lot better, still predicting em to finish 2nd
@@ZeddersNo Croatia are done for this tournament. They need to form a new team and drop the old guard.
@mislavsplitski7522 I'm not gonna completely 180 my opinion on this team after 1 game. Them and Italy is the big game of the groups
@Zedders Alright the referee completely messed up the penalty: it should have been a straight red (he can't give a yellow simply because he didn't want it "to affect the outcome of the match") and the disallowed goal was nonsense. However Croatia has no strikers who can score and their defense had holes in it. I see them getting 3rd place in the group and their qualification to the Round of 16 depends on whether or not they tie Italy (there's no way they can beat Italy).
@mislavsplitski7522 I think this Italy team is beatable, Albania had a couple openings against them and lacked the quality to put them away. Guess one of us will be proven right 😂
Nope,, they will suck.. as usual
That's not usual though is it mate