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!✌
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
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.
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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!
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..
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.
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
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.
33 Comments
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!✌
I feel like Albania might win against Italy
Good analysis chief. From a Croat
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
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.
Well done 👍🏻 I can’t wait for Euro to start 🇭🇷🔥💪⚽️🥇
well done. First video ive ever seen that has given praise to our national team and that has broken down our tactical structure 👍
Thank you for covering my country and thank you for showing us so much respect! Subscribed!
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
I can't wait to be there for Italy game in leipzig!
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?
why "shock" … Croatia is a constant
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.
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.
Everyone is again underestimating us, bus we always prove everyone wrong and shit in ur mouth.
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.
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!
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
Thanks mate👍
why shock?
Amazing video ,top analysis
🇭🇷
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.
Albania ❤❤❤
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.
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!
great analysis, in the phase of building the attack it reminds me as if we are playing like man city 325
Croatia will fail this time. Trust me on that.
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..
Croatia VS Italy head-to-head
Croatia 5 W = 5 D = 0 W Italyu
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.
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
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.