WC 06 Qlif. Bulgaria-Croatia: Official thread

[Cevapcici Kid]

Not long to go i hope we win, please let it be swift and simple. Somehow i doubt it will.

Win or lose, I think this game will define alot of the direction that the team is going in. We are coming up against good opposition so it will test us as we have not had much of a challenge in our last few games.

Is anyone suspened? or are we all clear?

[Zvonimir]

as far as I know, all our guys are good to go

I think the bulgars though have one guy suspended and have a hristov injured who won't play...

If we win or draw the bulgars are pretty much finisihed...

Here's to victory! (or at least a draw) :clap: :clap:

[Ljubuski]

A few good things will come of this thread.

Good open discussion of our NT which is at a point where it can make a serious leap forward, as CK said.

Next, it'll bring bibi and the boys over here for some good exchanges.

Next we'll see how confident we are in our NT. I honestly think this team will do serious damage in Germany. We're good and hopefully they'll prove to be great. Sure we missed a great 'warm-up' opportunity last summer but we're here now and I think the lads can pick up 3 points if they concentrate on not giving S. Petrov too much space.

We're evenly matched with the Bugari and they always play well against us, so it'll be a good match, but with Prso on form and many of our players playing, even Tudor I think our quality will outweigh theirs on this occasion.

Furthermore they really need to win, more so than us because any more dropped points will be fatal for them so this will force them to be more open. So, if Cico deploys Srna and Seric/Babic in the right places and gives the proper orders I can see us countering against them with good effect.

Cheers

[croatian king]

I think we will beat bulgaria we have the talent all we need to do is use it and we shall win plain and simple.

[xerx]

Furthermore they really need to win, more so than us because any more dropped points will be fatal for them so this will force them to be more open.
we are out already, whether you know it or not. no one in Bulgaria believes that we can draw or win against the Swedes (0:3 and 0:5 in the last two matches, haven't beaten them for 37 years), and it is 1 or 3 pts that we need against them. in other words, loss vs SWE (which is clearly coming) is throwing us out of the WC.

still, we'll win against you guys to wash off the shame from our two last performances. Cheers! :devilish:

[JureM]

The most dangerous team is the team who has its backs against the wall. One of two things can happen, either Bulgaria comes out and fights or they wilt. With a victory, they put themselves right back in the thick of things..with a loss, they will pretty much hurt their chances of advancing forward. Add that they will be playing at home and they have a lot to prove after that disaster against Sweden, we're going to have a tough one on our hands.

We are a young team but we have the talent to pull this game out and I think we can (no disrespect to the Bulgarians). We need to come out and force Bulgaria to play our game. The most important thing is that we must take advantage of any mistake. I also think that the players and coaches both understand the importants of this game...being in first place, we control our own destiny.

[Ero]

I'm going to this game, I'll post a fan report of the experience after I come back to Mostar.

[JureM]

I'm going to this game, I'll post a fan report of the experience after I come back to Mostar.


If I were the Bulgarian authorities I wouldn't let you into their country. :devilg:

[Ljubuski]

Xerx, I hear you that skepticism might reign in Bulgaria regarding Sweden, but in all honesty I think you guys need to win both games.

Which means you'll have to open up against us because we can afford a draw much easier than you guys because that would mitigate the match in Zagreb. Which would still leave us +3 points on the Swedes.

With this situation, I believe our coach can take advantage especially with our quality wingers and legend-in-waiting...DADO PRSO.

Cheers

[croat hogan]

First 20 minutes will decide the game. The Bulgarians i think will come out flying and have to play well the first 20 minutes. If we survive those first 20 we'll be fine. I think with a healthy Robert Kovac and Tudor this time around we'll be fine.

[LICKI SOKOL]

U vezi s tim tko će igrati, a tko neće i kako će igrati hrvatska nogometna reprezentacija protiv Bugarske sljedeći mjesec u Sofiji izbornik hrvatske reprezentacije Zlatko Kranjčar najavio je najmanje dvije promjene. Jerko Leko bi, ne bude li senzacionalnih promjena, trebao dobiti priliku u prvoj postavi, a zanimljivo je i da bi Ivica Olić mogao zaigrati na mjestu koje nije striktno napadačko, vjerojatno na lijevome boku.

Ne odustajemo od našega stila, ali bit ćemo zgusnutiji, kao u Goeteborgu protiv Švedske, najavio je Kranjčar. Izbornik priprema nacrte za dvije formacije, standardnu 3-4-1-2 i novu 3-3-3-1, koja bi bila prilagođenija bugarskom rasporedu i u kojoj bi Jerko Leko čuvao leđa Dariju Srni i blokirao opasnoga Martina Petrova.

Čini se posve izvjesnim da će Ivan Leko, barem u Sofiji, ispasti iz prve jedanaestorice u korist Marka Babića, a na Babićevu lijevom boku mogao bi zaigrati Ante Šerić. U napadu Olić će vjerojatno dobiti prednost pred Klasnićem, jer je brži i mogao bi biti korisniji u igri na kontranapade.

Ako zaigramo u alternativnoj formaciji 3-3-3-1, jedini pravi napadač bio bi Pršo, s ofenzivnim trojcem Srna - Kranjčar - Olić iza leđa.

So i guess this(3-3-3-1) alternate formation would look like this

-----------------Prso-----------------
------Olic-------------------Srna-----
---(Babic)-----Kranjcar----------------
----Seric--------------------J.Leko----
---------------N.Kovac----------------
----Simunic---------------R.Kovac-----
----------------Tudor-----------------
----------------Butina-----------------

What you guys think? Tactically it makes sense! > a draw is what we would be happy with and with Olic in a counter threat a win is possible because Bulgaria is gonna have to play a more open game than us and in this case packin our midfield with 3 defenders and 3 offensive threats is smart. Although it looks a little offensive- (3-6-1)it really aint - you gotta look at what role Seric and Leko would play here thus in reality we are lookin at a formation of 6-3-1 in defence. I think Cico Kranjcar wants to break-down the Bulgarians midfield which i think really did us in the last game and if we can maintain them there we should be okay.

I agree with em here. Its not a system we would use though... Its use for this match would be a security 1-2 spot in the group .............We are currently first and we gotta think clear and for me this is the most important and tricky game of the qualifications. Its gonna be a dandy one!

So say we drew with Bulgaria won the rest of the qualifiers except tie Sweden at home, and say Sweden won all theirs except a tie with
Bulgaria at home > would we be equal on points, thus the goal differential would determine top spot or would we be a point ahead..........?? I think Sweden got an edge on us there with the osam komade blasted in against Malta :wallbang:

[Ero]

I thought head te head counts in case of a tie? If that's true, a point against sweden will be good, but we'll beat them 2-0 anyways..

[croat hogan]

VRATARI - Stojan Kolev (Lokomotiv Plovdiv), Dimitar Ivankov (Levski Sofija)

BRANIČI - Radostin Kišišev (Charlton Athletic), Rosen Kirilov (Litex Lovech), Elin Topuzakov (Levski Sofija), Ilian Stojanov (JEF United Chiba), Valentin Iliev (CSKA Sofija), Mihail Venkov (Litex Lovech)

VEZNI IGRAČI - Čavdar Jankov, Blagoi Georgiev (oba Slavia Sofija), Stilian Petrov (Celtic), Martin Kamburov (Lokomotiv Plovdiv), Hristo Janev (CSKA Sofija), Aleksander Aleksandrov (Istanbulspor)

NAPADAČI - Zdravko Lazarov (Gazientepspor), Dimitar Berbatov (Bayer Leverkusen), Martin Petrov (VfL Wolfsburg), Vladimir Mančev (Levante), Valeri Božinov (Fiorentina), Georgi Ivanov (Samsunspor)

Thats bulgaria's squad


Play to win don't play hoping for a tie, isn't that why we all hated Baric for. Stick with what has been working for the qualifiers. And also didn't we try this similar lineup against Ireland in a friendly and we created next to zero offense?

[CroatTommy7]

Good report Licki Sokol. I am usually against defensive formations but the 3-3-3-1 looks really good to me esspecially for this game against Bulgaria. With Jerko Leko back in the starting line-up and Srna freed up in a more attacking right wing role I like our chances. Cico has really thought about this game a lot, now we have to impose our will upon the Bulgarians who will not go down without a fight.

[markOH]

playing for a tie IS what we hated baric for and it's a terrible mentality that's bound to fail.

mixing it up against a team that's stumped us the last few tries... i'm all for it.

let's hope cico reminds the team that they're there to win, and not leave it to hoping sweden slips...

[gasparov]

Playing for a tie, is definitley the wrong way to approach this game, that is a losers mentality and tHat's why Baric was and is a shit coach. We had Bulgaria on the their death bed in Zagreb, but we screwed it up, this time we have to go out and finish the job, right now they (Bulgaria) are on life support and we have to pull the Plug!!! :fire:

[liberalelite]

Does anyone know the time of the game? Or if they've even released that info?

[gasparov]

Does anyone know the time of the game? Or if they've even released that info?
What's up cuz? The World Cup Website has the starting time at 18:00, so I am assuming that means A 12:00 PM start time for the HRVATI, in NY AND NJ.

[Ero]

3pm Bulgarian time.

[JureM]

playing for a tie IS what we hated baric for and it's a terrible mentality that's bound to fail.

mixing it up against a team that's stumped us the last few tries... i'm all for it.

let's hope cico reminds the team that they're there to win, and not leave it to hoping sweden slips...


Even Boban_2 will agree with you on that!!!! :grin2:

[Ante-8-]

JureM> Let´s hope that Croatia won´t disappoint us as your girlfriend on your avatar :pimp:

[kezele]

when is our squad expected to be announced for this game?

[JureM]

JureM> Let´s hope that Croatia won´t disappoint us as your girlfriend on your avatar :pimp:


:shake:

Just like Croatia, I never disappoint. :zany:

[Ero]

how's that dissapointing, it seems to me the guy in the pic is the only one that dissapoint after that scene ;)

but if he's Croatian, naaah :) :D

[robin]

Ero, it can't be that early?? That would be 2 pm in Hr..

[JureM]

Stoickov is ready for this game. Should be fun but a nail biter for both fans.

Stoičkov poručio Hrvatima: Dolazite na propali izlet u Sofiju!



IZBORNIK bugarske reprezentacije, kontroverzni Hristo Stoičkov, poručio je hrvatskoj reprezentaciji, koja na tablici kvalifikacijske skupine 8 za SP 2006 ima čak pet bodova više od Bugarske, da će u Sofiju 4. lipnja doživjeti "propali izlet".

"Nabrijani" Stoičkov potpuno je uvjeren u pobjedu svoje momčad u Sofiji 4. lipnja, što je još jednom ponovio u razgovoru za Sportske novosti.

"Dolazite na propali izlet! Ne sumnjam u kvalitetu sastava, ali mi smo iskoristili sve bonuse i više nemamo pravo na propust, u to ćete se uvjeriti sto posto!" - oštro je kazao bugarski izbornik, pa dodao kako izuzetno poštuje hrvatskog izbornika Zlatka Kranjčara.

"Kolegi s klupe svaka čast. Čujem da ovamo dolazi dostojanstveno, ne pričajući svašta, već kalkulirajući s neodlučenim. Drugi bi brbljali o pobjedi i tko zna čemu, on je realan, a ne prepotentan." - dodao je Stoičkov.

Bugarski izbornik svjestan je stanja na tablici Skupine 8 - ukoliko u Sofiji njegova momčad ubilježi poraz ili neodlučeno, Bugari se mogu oprostiti s plasmanom na SP u Njemačkoj, te zato od svojih igrača zahtijeva maksimalnu koncentraciju.

"Hrvatska hoće remi, hoće presudan bod za plasman na SP i ja sam toga svjestan. Bugarska će se pripremiti dobro, protivnika poznajemo vrlo dobro - uvjeren sam da neće mnogo promijeniti u vlastitom stilu, ipak je posrijedi balkanski mentalitet." - zaključio je Stoičkov.

[Cevapcici Kid]

More about the enemy :grin2: ...




Iliev braced for Bulgaria bow
Tuesday, 17 May 2005
By Stoyan Georgiev

In-form PFC CSKA Sofia defender Valentin Iliev has received his first call-up to the Bulgaria squad for the key 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Croatia next month.

Defensive pillar
The centre-back, whose father is Bulgarian goalkeeping legend Ilia Valov, has been an integral part of CSKA's success this season as the capital club near their 30th league title. The 25-year-old has been ever-present since 13 November, his side subsequently conceding a miserly two goals in 16 league games.

Fitness boosts
Defenders Georgi Markov, Asen Karaslavov and Radostin Kishishev are all omitted as coach Hristo Stoitchkov recalls Stoian Kolev and youngster Mihail Venkov following the retirement of veteran goalkeeper Zdravko Zdravkov. Meanwhile, ACF Fiorentina forward Valeri Bojinov and VfL Wolfsburg's Marian Hristov return after injury ruled them out of the spring double-header against Sweden and Hungary.

Pivotal match
In their absence, Bulgaria managed just one point, dropping to third place in Group 8, and Stoitchkov knows how crucial the 4 June encounter with section leaders Croatia in Sofia could be. "The game against Croatia will be the most important for us," he said. "The season has been very hard for all my players, but I am sure they will be completely ready."

Bulgaria squad
Kolev (PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv), Ivankov (PFC Levski Sofia), Venkov (PFC Litex Lovech), Kirilov (PFC Litex Lovech), Topuzakov (PFC Levski Sofia), Stoianov (JEF United), Iliev (PFC CSKA Sofia), S Petrov (Celtic FC), Yankov (PFC Slavia Sofia), Georgiev (PFC Slavia Sofia), Aleksandrov (Istanbulspor AS), Yanev (PFC CSKA Sofia), Kamburov (PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv), Berbatov (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Ivanov (Samsunspor), Bojinov (ACF Fiorentina), M Petrov (VfL Wolfsburg), Hristov (VfL Wolfsburg), Lazarov (Gaziantepspor), Manchev (Levante UD).

[Zvonimir]

Is it just me, or is anyone already nervous about this one? Someone pass the Rolaids... :tongue1:

[kezele]

Is it just me, or is anyone already nervous about this one? Someone pass the Rolaids... :tongue1:

anyone who follows cro soccer should be nervous about this game. the bugars have had our numbers and all our games against them are always nailbiters.

should be a good one

[Ero]

i know...tough games all..

[Ljubuski]

anyone who follows cro soccer should be nervous about this game. the bugars have had our numbers and all our games against them are always nailbiters.

should be a good one

No kidding man, the Bugari are dangerous and they're skill level is as high as any.

Great footballers, but I feel we're the stronger side and should play like it.

Cheers

[JureM]

This is one of the games where you have to worry just a bit. Bulgaria has talented players and they also like to push the ball up. But, they just haven't put things together lately and you always worry that they are due to put together a good game...coming of a huge loss like they had at home to Sweden and add the fact that they are literally facing a do or die situation, well, they will have something to prove to themselves and their fans.

That being said, I think that we will show up to play as well...we also have the talent. It will be a fun game....

[kezele]

No disrespect to anyone, but i don't buy the "they need this win, they will play hard" or "they are down right now, they will play harder" comments. If being down is the only thing to get a teams ass in gear then they don't deserve to play at this level. Bulgaria will play just as hard as they did last time against us.

Again, i mean no disrespect.

[JureM]

Again, i mean no disrespect.

Yes, you do. You hate me. :grin2:

[Ljubuski]

No disrespect to anyone, but i don't buy the "they need this win, they will play hard" or "they are down right now, they will play harder" comments. If being down is the only thing to get a teams ass in gear then they don't deserve to play at this level. Bulgaria will play just as hard as they did last time against us.

Again, i mean no disrespect.

Well it's a good point.

Cheers

[Zvonimir]

Hey, the heat is on the Bulgars...if they don't score early and we hold them to a tie or even take the lead, the pressure will be on them and it will grow as the game progresses...they will be very susceptible to the counter attack....I see Olic as very important in this one with his speed...

And don't forget we were missing Tudor last time...if he plays or even if Kovac didn't leave the game, the game was ours...this time, they are both 100% fit and I like our chances with Prso in great form....

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

I'm hyped up for this game guys let me tell ya! Croatia to win (just like every other of my Croatia game predictions :blues: :crazyt: :heart: )

[Ljubuski]

I'm hyped up for this game guys let me tell ya! Croatia to win (just like every other of my Croatia game predictions :blues: :crazyt: :heart: )

HH, where the heck have you been?

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

HH, where the heck have you been?
At XT you should know that. geez!

[Ljubuski]

At XT you should know that. geez!

I know, stupid question...

[bibi]

Well, this is it. Do or die. At least we have the chance to
play in Sofia. Hopefully there will be no injuries.

I do believe that BG can get 3 points against CRO.

:clap: :clap: :clap:

BBB

[markOH]

don't we still have two weeks to go anyways?

nice to see everyone so fired up for this one..

[Ljubuski]

don't we still have two weeks to go anyways?

nice to see everyone so fired up for this one..

Fuc.kin A man!!!

This is a big match and a true six-pointer if I ever saw one.

Za Dom Spremni

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

With a win we would effectively take out Bulgaria from second spot so with a win we are almost guaranteed second. If we lose then we are in jeopardy of coming in third and not qualifying. This game is of great importance.

And come on Malta!

[Ero]

Sofia 04.06.2005

Here's the thread, and the poll.

Happy posting
Marko....errr... Ero

:)

[markOH]

love you too ero.

[Ero]

can you feel the love on this forum?

:D

[Ero]

and our herceg mate Jure still has his Zrinjski avatar, legenda.

PONOSNA MOJA JE ZEMLJA HER-CE-GOVIINAAA!!

sing with me Jure, you know you want to.

:)

[markOH]

everyone's happy, and it's a wonderful thing!

[Ero]

it's swell !

[Ero]

ooooh, someone's voted for Bulgaria...

fess up, who was it?

:)

[croatian king]

I am really hyped up for the match as well but nervous I think if we can score early it will be too much for them to handle.

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

ooooh, someone's voted for Bulgaria...

fess up, who was it?

:)
I'm guessing it was Xerx.

[robin]

Cro king, scoring early I believe would be the worst thing for us. Look what happened to us when we scored early against the english last summer. Knowing us, we would become complacent and blow the entire match. I think the longer it stays scoreless the better for us, let them get frustrated and maybe we can sneak one in at the end.

[croat hogan]

Is anyone else shocked that through 4 pages about the upcoming game against Bulgaira nobody here has mentioned.



BISCAN

[BOban_2]

no...he is a traitor

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

Cro king, scoring early I believe would be the worst thing for us. Look what happened to us when we scored early against the english last summer. Knowing us, we would become complacent and blow the entire match. I think the longer it stays scoreless the better for us, let them get frustrated and maybe we can sneak one in at the end.
True but that was under the Baric era.

[JureM]

True but that was under the Baric era.

And one game in the Cico era as well...remember Bulgaria..2-0 and the game ends up 2-2. Those 2 lost points sure would look much better right now in terms of the standings.

[Zvonimir]

And one game in the Cico era as well...remember Bulgaria..2-0 and the game ends up 2-2. Those 2 lost points sure would look much better right now in terms of the standings.

Had we held on, this game would be virtually meaningless...but alas, we are going to have to do it the hardway again...but I like our chances. The Bulgars are not invincable at home as the swedes showed...

[JureM]

Very true Zvone...though, its still good to know that we hold our destiny in our own hands. Though more breathing room would have been better.

[robin]

The mere mention of that game at home makes me ill. We lost 2 points in the worst possible fashion but there's no use in crying over spilt milk, let's just get on with it and make sure we don't f it up again. I still don't like the fact that Olic may be starting, what's wrong with starting Klasnic and then if he's not up to it, putting Olic in for the second half. Another bad thing is the fact that Berbatov is hot, he scored a hattrick today, and M. Petrov scored for Wolfsburg.

[robin]

Does anybody know the probable lineup???

[xerx]

I'm going to this game, I'll post a fan report of the experience after I come back to Mostar.
i admire your courage. :devilg: wish i could go, too... :cry:

[robin]

Ero, are you really going to Sofia?? Shite, that's great bro, but just be careful over there.

[BaD^bLu^BoY]

Does anybody know the probable lineup???

im just guessing here:

-------------butina---------------

------tudor--kovac-simunic--------

---srna---kovac---babic---seric---

------------kranjcar---------------

-----------prso---olic-------------

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

And one game in the Cico era as well...remember Bulgaria..2-0 and the game ends up 2-2. Those 2 lost points sure would look much better right now in terms of the standings.
Yes, I am aware of this unlike stubborn Baric however I see Cico learning from that game. Can't wait for next week!

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

im just guessing here:

-------------butina---------------

------tudor--kovac-simunic--------

---srna---kovac---babic---seric---

------------kranjcar---------------

-----------prso---olic-------------
I don't like that lineup one bit. Babic in the middle? Seric on the wing? OLIC??? I would rather have an unfit Sokota than him.

[Cevapcici Kid]

---------------Butina------------------
Tudor--------R.Kovac-----------Simunic
Srna------------------------------Babic
------N.Kovac--------IorJ Leko---------
--------------Kranjcar-----------------

--------Prso-----------Klasnic---------

Thats my formation for the game. We have to play our game, not revert back to Baric-ia. We had that game in ZG with a weaker squad. So why could we not do it again? If its not broken you dont have to fix it! Olic on the bench for sure, bring him on in the 60th i to ti je to. He really doesnt deserve a starting spot.

[kezele]

U vezi s tim tko će igrati, a tko neće i kako će igrati hrvatska nogometna reprezentacija protiv Bugarske sljedeći mjesec u Sofiji izbornik hrvatske reprezentacije Zlatko Kranjčar najavio je najmanje dvije promjene. Jerko Leko bi, ne bude li senzacionalnih promjena, trebao dobiti priliku u prvoj postavi, a zanimljivo je i da bi Ivica Olić mogao zaigrati na mjestu koje nije striktno napadačko, vjerojatno na lijevome boku.

Ne odustajemo od našega stila, ali bit ćemo zgusnutiji, kao u Goeteborgu protiv Švedske, najavio je Kranjčar. Izbornik priprema nacrte za dvije formacije, standardnu 3-4-1-2 i novu 3-3-3-1, koja bi bila prilagođenija bugarskom rasporedu i u kojoj bi Jerko Leko čuvao leđa Dariju Srni i blokirao opasnoga Martina Petrova.

Čini se posve izvjesnim da će Ivan Leko, barem u Sofiji, ispasti iz prve jedanaestorice u korist Marka Babića, a na Babićevu lijevom boku mogao bi zaigrati Ante Šerić. U napadu Olić će vjerojatno dobiti prednost pred Klasnićem, jer je brži i mogao bi biti korisniji u igri na kontranapade.

Ako zaigramo u alternativnoj formaciji 3-3-3-1, jedini pravi napadač bio bi Pršo, s ofenzivnim trojcem Srna - Kranjčar - Olić iza leđa.

So i guess this(3-3-3-1) alternate formation would look like this

-----------------Prso-----------------
------Olic-------------------Srna-----
---(Babic)-----Kranjcar----------------
----Seric--------------------J.Leko----
---------------N.Kovac----------------
----Simunic---------------R.Kovac-----
----------------Tudor-----------------
----------------Butina-----------------

What you guys think? Tactically it makes sense! > a draw is what we would be happy with and with Olic in a counter threat a win is possible because Bulgaria is gonna have to play a more open game than us and in this case packin our midfield with 3 defenders and 3 offensive threats is smart. Although it looks a little offensive- (3-6-1)it really aint - you gotta look at what role Seric and Leko would play here thus in reality we are lookin at a formation of 6-3-1 in defence. I think Cico Kranjcar wants to break-down the Bulgarians midfield which i think really did us in the last game and if we can maintain them there we should be okay.

I agree with em here. Its not a system we would use though... Its use for this match would be a security 1-2 spot in the group .............We are currently first and we gotta think clear and for me this is the most important and tricky game of the qualifications. Its gonna be a dandy one!

So say we drew with Bulgaria won the rest of the qualifiers except tie Sweden at home, and say Sweden won all theirs except a tie with
Bulgaria at home > would we be equal on points, thus the goal differential would determine top spot or would we be a point ahead..........?? I think Sweden got an edge on us there with the osam komade blasted in against Malta :wallbang:

klasnic on the bench? i don' tknow if i like that. ah well, as long as we have srna starting and playing a full 90 we will be unstoppable.

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

Here is a starting lineup I would like to try out.

------------Butina-------------

----Tudor---Kovac---Simunic---
------------Biscan-------------
--------Kovac-----Leko--------
--Srna------------------Babic--
------------------Klasnic-----
------- Prso---------------------

What you guys think?

[JureM]

Here is a starting lineup I would like to try out.

------------Butina-------------

----Tudor---Kovac---Simunic---
------------Biscan-------------
--------Kovac-----Leko--------
--Srna------------------Babic--
------------------Klasnic-----
------- Prso---------------------

What you guys think?

If we use that lineup and win, you're a genius! If we use that lineup and lose...well, we shoot you. :laugh2: :cool1:

[Jesper]

a very powerfull midfield. I like it- though Biscan would be a big surprise. I would ex-change the positions between Klasnic and Prso

[JureM]

Oh Hajduk...didn't notice..but Biscan??? :sun:

[croat hogan]

Here's the players going to Bulgaria and their is one big suprise in their Dario Simic!



Šimić i Pletikosa među izabranima za Bugarsku

Izbornik hrvatske nacionalne selekcije, Zlatko Kranjčar, objavio je danas kandidate za kvalifikacijski susret s Bugarskom koji se igra u Sofiji 4. lipnja. Među reprezentativcima su nakon kratke pauze i Stipe Pletikosa i Dario Šimić...



Šimić ponovno među kandidatima (Karlo Dževerlija)


Kao što je i do sada bio slučaj s Kranjčarevim popisima, pravih iznenađenja nema, Cico je ostao vjeran igračima koji su do sada pod njegovim vodstvom pružali kvalitetne igre. U odnosu na prethodne akcije, promjena se odnosi na vraćanje Pletikose i Šimića, koji su zbog neigranja u klubovima nakratko bili u nemilosti izbornika, u reprezentativni kadar.

Reprezentacija će se okupiti 29. svibnja u Zagrebu, a uslijedit će kratke pripreme u tradicionalnoj bazi "kockastih", slovenskom Čatežu. 2. lipnja Kranjčarevi izabranici lete u Sofiju, gdje se na stadionu Levski 4. lipnja igra susret Bugarske i Hrvatske.

Kranjčar je bio vrlo optimističan na konferenciji za novinare, podsjećajući da za Hrvatsku to nije presudan susret, ali da se jako mnogo može dobiti. Remi bi praktički izbacio Bugare iz utrke za SP i osigurao najmanje drugo mjesto, dok bi eventualna pobjeda približila Hrvatsku na korak do Njemačke.

Pozitivan rezultat pokušat će ostvariti vratari Butina, Pletikosa i Didulica, braniči Robert Kovač, Šimunić, Tudor, Tomas, Šimić i Tokić, veznjaci Srna, Niko Kovač, Babić, Kranjčar, Šerić, Jerko Leko, Ivan Leko, Vranješ i Bošnjak te napadači Pršo, Klasnić, Olić i Balaban.

Other than Dario no real suprises, good to see Balaban back in the squad.

[CroatTommy7]

Very good line-up selected by Kranjcar. Sablic maybe should've been called instead of Tokic but whatever, the strikers look compact and with the addition of Balaban we have another threat as a substitute, midfield is realy solid but not spectacular, but that's the most we could ask for as of right now, and I believe it's strong enough to link our grade A defence to our grade B strikers. Simic and Pletikosa back in the squad is also positive. Jerko Leko if he starts has to show his worth(which is a lot in my opinion) and him along with N.Kovac, Kranjcar and Babic in midfield(assuming we use the 3-3-3-1 formation) I think we can handle the Bulgarians unlike last game in Zagreb. Jerko will also free up Srna offensively so he won't get that tired coming back as he had to the first time we played against Bulgaria. This game is going to be great, we must go for the win but play smart.

[JureM]

I like the add ons of Simic and Pletikosa though now is not the time to start either of them...we've done fine with the lineups we've been using. I like Simic because he is a veteran and has played in a lot of important games. If anything his presence there is good for the younger guys who haven't played in any big games. That's why I do hate Baric...he could have played the younger guys that Cico has been playing in Portugal and we could have used Euro04 as a stepping stone in the same way we used Euro96. It would have gotten the younger players feet wet in terms of playing in a big tournament where every game is important.

[Zvonimir]

If Pletikosa and Simic have a great attitude going into this it should be a positive...I know it will be hard for them knowing they won't be playing (well, maybe Simic gets on at the end possibly) so hopefully they suck it up for the good of the team...we need to be united going into this huge game...all for one. :hug:

[robin]

Good to bring these guys back, but do we really need 3 goalies?? I mean, wouldn't it be better to bring an extra defender or forward.

[kezele]

Good to bring these guys back, but do we really need 3 goalies?? I mean, wouldn't it be better to bring an extra defender or forward.

my guess its more out of respect that cico is calling these guys up. i dunno, i probably would have called up rapaic instead of another goalie.

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

a very powerfull midfield. I like it- though Biscan would be a big surprise. I would ex-change the positions between Klasnic and Prso
That could work to and I would like to see that as well, so Prso doesn't get called offside every 2 minutes.

[Cevapcici Kid]

Here is a starting lineup I would like to try out.

------------Butina-------------

----Tudor---Kovac---Simunic---
------------Biscan-------------
--------Kovac-----Leko--------
--Srna------------------Babic--
------------------Klasnic-----
------- Prso---------------------

What you guys think?


I think, this would be probably the best team we can put out there, Biscan is the missing piece of the puzzle. He will strengthen the corridor in midfield.Which, what we all know, is not our strongest component.

Now who thinks he'll be back? ARRRGHHHHH he wont the bloody silly man. But come WC time i think he will be. But if Kranjcar decides to bring him back then, i wontsupport it.

[Jesper]

..and one thing more. with this line up Croatia will be a very feared opponent to everyone in any freekick or cornersituation. I mean, look at how many of the guys who are even very strong in the air. Simunic,Tudor,Prso,Leko,Biscan,Klasnic ready in the field and Srna or Babic to serve a perfect crossball...I wouldn´t be happy to be some asian "smallguyteam" in a situation like this against Croatia :shocker:

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

..and one thing more. with this line up Croatia will be a very feared opponent to everyone in any freekick or cornersituation. I mean, look at how many of the guys who are even very strong in the air. Simunic,Tudor,Prso,Leko,Biscan,Klasnic ready in the field and Srna or Babic to serve a perfect crossball...I wouldn´t be happy to be some asian "smallguyteam" in a situation like this against Croatia :shocker:
Thanks for the praise of my formation (if that's what it was)

[croatian king]

Cro king, scoring early I believe would be the worst thing for us. Look what happened to us when we scored early against the english last summer. Knowing us, we would become complacent and blow the entire match. I think the longer it stays scoreless the better for us, let them get frustrated and maybe we can sneak one in at the end.
Well against the english it was too early im talking around the 30 th minute should have been more specific. Like i said i think the more preasure we put on the bugari the better for us to be frank i do not think they can handle it.Oh yeah and Hajduk_Hrvatska i like the formation bro nice work.

[Jesper]

Hajduk Hr: hmmm "praise" is perhaps a little strong word to use. But I agree with the point to make a solid midfieldzone with players, who can both attack and defend, wich you solution indeed has.

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

Oh yeah and Hajduk_Hrvatska i like the formation bro nice work.
Thanks.

Hajduk Hr: hmmm "praise" is perhaps a little strong word to use. But I agree with the point to make a solid midfieldzone with players, who can both attack and defend, wich you solution indeed has
Yes, I couldn't think of a different word to use at the moment great to see you like it.

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

..and one thing more. with this line up Croatia will be a very feared opponent to everyone in any freekick or cornersituation. I mean, look at how many of the guys who are even very strong in the air. Simunic,Tudor,Prso,Leko,Biscan,Klasnic ready in the field and Srna or Babic to serve a perfect crossball...I wouldn´t be happy to be some asian "smallguyteam" in a situation like this against Croatia :shocker:
I was thinking about this before once as well a team like Korea would have no chance against us we would get all the balls in the air especially the ones at our own end.

[bibi]

Reality check: You are going to SOFIA not SEOUL!! :D :D

BBB

PS ... and we will kick your asses!

[Jesper]

Korea...Bulgaria...whats the difference? :devilish:

[bibi]

Ok, Jesper, now let go of the Tuborg (and the herring too!)

whipe your eyes from the beer-stains ok?

now is that shade of yellow gone?? :sheep:

BBB

[Jesper]

uopst...I thought it was tea.... who put that toxic frog into it? :frog:
:frog:

[bibi]

uopst...I thought it was tea.... who put that toxic frog into it? :frog:
:frog:

stay off the toxic frogs Jesper - they are not good for you! :D

granted if we don't take 3p in June i'll be ready for a toxic
frog...

BBB

PS Denmark is looking to have a "rocky-ride" to the WC :roll:

[Jesper]

please dont mention that - after all that could be a reason for me to use toxic frogs.... :explode:

[bibi]

please dont mention that - after all that could be a reason for me to use toxic frogs.... :explode:

sorry, ... didn't mean to kick you where it hurts the most ;)

(i am a great fan of danish soccer since 1986!)

DK has the only NT in scndinavia that plays fun-to-watch soccer

BBB

[Jesper]

thanks for the nice words - they really cheered me a little up in this huge darkness :thumbup2:

anyway I think I´m clean again now. do you know the exact time for matchstart (localtime in Sofia)?

[bibi]

no don't know the time yet, but i will find out and post it.

BBB

[Cevapcici Kid]

Hey Bibi, Jesper is one of us now, Denmark-Shmemark. Hrvatska all the way! :grin:

Ps. WE will kick your ass, we learnt a lesson that day in Zagreb. We will not make the same mistakes. My prediction is 2-1 to us, Prso and Tudor from a set piece. Pretty pin point prediction there huh? :grin:

[bibi]

Hey Bibi, Jesper is one of us now, Denmark-Shmemark. Hrvatska all the way! :grin:

Ps. WE will kick your ass, we learnt a lesson that day in Zagreb. We will not make the same mistakes. My prediction is 2-1 to us, Prso and Tudor from a set piece. Pretty pin point prediction there huh? :grin:

Hmmm, yes there there is some red-and-white in Jesper,
but i am not so sure about the pattern.

The result: 2-0 for us! ...i am being modest, i like you guys :D

BBB

PS ...and don't you ever make goals from PLAY? Like you know dribble
with the ball, pass, shoot ... :sun:

[xerx]

i'd say 3:1. clear home win, should bet some money to rip off the bookmakers. such good coefficients for a clear '1' sign. :juggle:

[robin]

Only time will tell, but here goes, 1-0 for HRV!!!!!!!! Srna 78 min. and out goes Bugarska. :yeldance:

[kezele]

Only time will tell, but here goes, 1-0 for HRV!!!!!!!! Srna 78 min. and out goes Bugarska. :yeldance:

i like that call. i'll go with 1-0 with srna the goalscorer aswell.

[Cevapcici Kid]

PS ...and don't you ever make goals from PLAY? Like you know dribble
with the ball, pass, shoot ... :sun:

Yes we do. Against Malta and Iceland thats how we scored most of the goals. We are just good at everything :D :hmmm:

[Ero]

we dribble, pass, shoot...but Bulgarias goalpost stopped it from being 3-0 and game over in zagreb, we shall see. I say a 1-1 draw...thats how I voted too..

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

Reality check: You are going to SOFIA not SEOUL!! :D :D

BBB

PS ... and we will kick your asses!
I wasn't thinking about Seoul I was thinking of Germany you know the place you 're team wont be in next summer.

[bibi]

I wasn't thinking about Seoul I was thinking of Germany you know the place you 're team wont be in next summer.

weeeeell we'll see about that... still a few more games to play.

and don't forget, it is football after all :D

(now you will probably tell me that it was fair that
liverpool won tonight...)

BBB

[JureM]

Final score..>Croatia 21 Bulgaria 3.....

Srna runs for 157 yards and 3 touchdowns on the night. Bulgaria can only manage a 42 yard field goal by Stoichkov after a fit of anger at his teams play, he desides to dress for the game to show the rest of his team how its done.


:grin2:

[bibi]

Final score..>Croatia 21 Bulgaria 3.....

Srna runs for 157 yards and 3 touchdowns on the night. Bulgaria can only manage a 42 yard field goal by Stoichkov after a fit of anger at his teams play, he desides to dress for the game to show the rest of his team how its done.


:grin2:

hehehe...

Jure u r too cool!

BBB

PS my son scored an 88yrd TD last weekend - maybe he should be on the
team :D

[JureM]

hehehe...

Jure u r too cool!

BBB

PS my son scored an 88yrd TD last weekend - maybe he should be on the
team :D

Ok, if your son plays...21-10 Croatia :grin2: My feeling is that the team that can establish the running game will win.

[Ljubuski]

Originally Posted by HajdukSplit
The squad selected by Cico
Goalkeepers: Tomislav Butina (Club Brugge) Joseph Didulica (Austria Vienna) Stipe Pletikosa (Shakhtar)

Defenders: Robert Kovac (Bayern Munich) Josip Simunic (Hertha Berlin) Igor Tudor (Siena) Stjepan Tomas (Galatasary) Mario Tokic (GAK) Dario Simic (AC Milan)

Midfielders: Darijo Srna (Shaktar) Niko Kovac (Hertha Berlin) Marko Babic (Bayer Leverkusen) Niko Kranjcar (Hajduk Split) Jerko Leko (Dinamo Kiev) Anthony Seric (Lazio) Ivan Leko (Hajduk Split) Jurica Vranjes (Stuttgart) Ivan Bosnjak (Dinamo Zagreb)

Forwards: Dado Prso (Rangers) Ivan Klasnic (Werder Bremen) Ivica Olic (CSKA Moscow) Bosko Balaban (Club Brugge)

Looks like no Biscan and Simic is in the squad

I have no problem with Simic in the squad, though I'm surprised to see Tomas and no Sablic.

I never liked Tomas. I think he's a plumber and Olic is better suited to serve water to Prso and Tudor.

But our lineup overall is strong, powerful even. Look at the quality players we have from top to bottom and even in depth. I tell you, we can take the three points from the Bugari if we play smart football.

I'm quite proud our football has produced a squad like this and I'd employ this formation....

-----------------------------------------Klasnic-------------
-------------Prso---------------------
----------------------------Kranjcar--------------------Srna--
Seric---------------J.Leko--------------
--------------------------------N.Kovac-------

-------Simunic----------Tudor---------------R.Kovac

-------------------------Butina--------

Holding them will be vital for the first few minutes and if Srna and the strikers can be employed properly we can hit them on the counter-attack hard.

There are two very important factors also.

1) The ability to shut down Petrov in the middle. He's dangerous when given space. Hence J.Leko, N.Kovac and Kranjcar need to work diligently to hold the ball in the middle and work just as hard in getting it back. And I concede if Kranjcar gets lazy in the middle sub the punk and get someone who'll work, maybe Vranjes.

2) The play of Butina. He'll have work to do for sure. So, if he has an off-day it doesn't matter how well the other 10 play. It's vital that he dominate his box, especially on crosses which will come in bundles. I think Butina is key not only for this match but the rest of the qualification round and beyond. If he's a stalwart, we'll go far.

Cheers

Some thoughts I had from the other forum.

[kezele]

Originally Posted by HajdukSplit
The squad selected by Cico
Goalkeepers: Tomislav Butina (Club Brugge) Joseph Didulica (Austria Vienna) Stipe Pletikosa (Shakhtar)

Defenders: Robert Kovac (Bayern Munich) Josip Simunic (Hertha Berlin) Igor Tudor (Siena) Stjepan Tomas (Galatasary) Mario Tokic (GAK) Dario Simic (AC Milan)

Midfielders: Darijo Srna (Shaktar) Niko Kovac (Hertha Berlin) Marko Babic (Bayer Leverkusen) Niko Kranjcar (Hajduk Split) Jerko Leko (Dinamo Kiev) Anthony Seric (Lazio) Ivan Leko (Hajduk Split) Jurica Vranjes (Stuttgart) Ivan Bosnjak (Dinamo Zagreb)

Forwards: Dado Prso (Rangers) Ivan Klasnic (Werder Bremen) Ivica Olic (CSKA Moscow) Bosko Balaban (Club Brugge)

Looks like no Biscan and Simic is in the squad

I have no problem with Simic in the squad, though I'm surprised to see Tomas and no Sablic.

I never liked Tomas. I think he's a plumber and Olic is better suited to serve water to Prso and Tudor.

But our lineup overall is strong, powerful even. Look at the quality players we have from top to bottom and even in depth. I tell you, we can take the three points from the Bugari if we play smart football.

I'm quite proud our football has produced a squad like this and I'd employ this formation....

-----------------------------------------Klasnic-------------
-------------Prso---------------------
----------------------------Kranjcar--------------------Srna--
Seric---------------J.Leko--------------
--------------------------------N.Kovac-------

-------Simunic----------Tudor---------------R.Kovac

-------------------------Butina--------

Holding them will be vital for the first few minutes and if Srna and the strikers can be employed properly we can hit them on the counter-attack hard.

There are two very important factors also.

1) The ability to shut down Petrov in the middle. He's dangerous when given space. Hence J.Leko, N.Kovac and Kranjcar need to work diligently to hold the ball in the middle and work just as hard in getting it back. And I concede if Kranjcar gets lazy in the middle sub the punk and get someone who'll work, maybe Vranjes.

2) The play of Butina. He'll have work to do for sure. So, if he has an off-day it doesn't matter how well the other 10 play. It's vital that he dominate his box, especially on crosses which will come in bundles. I think Butina is key not only for this match but the rest of the qualification round and beyond. If he's a stalwart, we'll go far.

Cheers

Some thoughts I had from the other forum.

good analysis. some debates though....i can see babic starting out wide over seric simply because kranjcar said himself that we don't plan to sit back this game but go out scoring. seric is more of a defender where babic can provide on offense.

also, everyone has j leko starting when in fact i leko has been starting the past few qualifiers. i'd rather see j leko but i'm just telling it like it is.

[Cevapcici Kid]

It is so good to hear that Cico is going to be playing an attacking game. Oh how one man can make a difference, thank god the OTHER man is not around.

And Ljubo I agree with Kezele, Babic should start over Seric. We need to attack. We must control the game.

[croat hogan]

1) The ability to shut down Petrov in the middle. He's dangerous when given space. Hence J.Leko, N.Kovac and Kranjcar need to work diligently to hold the ball in the middle and work just as hard in getting it back. And I concede if Kranjcar gets lazy in the middle sub the punk and get someone who'll work, maybe Vranjes.


.


I think Jerko Leko would be ideal at that second dropped midfield position. Vranjes played very poorly against the Bulgarians. Petrov had all kinds of space and room to operate. Vranjes was excellent against the Swedes earlier because i think he plays better when it gets more physical. Against the Bulgairans he looked real slow. I think with N. Kovac and J. Leko we have more than enogu speed to cope with Petrov. Shut Petrov down we'll keep them in check.

Also love the idea of Klasnic being up in front of Prso. Prso is much back at coming back and getting the ball. Klasnic is deadly though inside the penalty area. I think it would be a great move by Cico and i think both prso and Klasnic production would improve.

[kezele]

I think Jerko Leko would be ideal at that second dropped midfield position. Vranjes played very poorly against the Bulgarians. Petrov had all kinds of space and room to operate. Vranjes was excellent against the Swedes earlier because i think he plays better when it gets more physical. Against the Bulgairans he looked real slow. I think with N. Kovac and J. Leko we have more than enogu speed to cope with Petrov. Shut Petrov down we'll keep them in check.

Also love the idea of Klasnic being up in front of Prso. Prso is much back at coming back and getting the ball. Klasnic is deadly though inside the penalty area. I think it would be a great move by Cico and i think both prso and Klasnic production would improve.

i'm not liking the reports saying that klasnic isn't 100% fit for this game. and olic is still wearing a facemask and also isn't at 100%. i havn't seen or heard anything about balaban in a long time so i don't know how effective he will be.......we should have called up more strikers instead of 3 goalies. i know bazina and budan are on standby, but how effective could they possibly be?

its sounding more and more understandable if cico goes with a lone striker up front with 2 speedy wingers on either flank (my guess is olic and srna), cuz our situation at forward doesn't sound promising.

[Cevapcici Kid]

Croatia out to attack, says Kranjcar
24 May 2005
by The Press Association




Croatia coach Zlatko Kranjcar has pledged to go on the offensive for their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria on 4 June.
Speaking at the announcement of his 22-man squad for the match in Sofia, Kranjcar insisted his side would be gunning for all three points as they look to consolidate their position at the top of Group 8.

Unbeaten Croatia are currently on 13 points, one ahead of Sweden while Bulgaria are third on eight points.

"We will not play defensively, we want to win this match," Kranjcar said. "However, we do respect their team, but they are psychologically in a worse position as they have to win."

Kranjcar has included CSKA Moscow forward Ivica Olic and Werder Bremen's Ivan Klasnic in his squad even though neither player is fully fit.

For that reason, the Croatia boss has also put Marijo Bazina and Igor Budan on stand-by for the match.

Croatia squad:
Tomislav Butina (Club Brugge), Joseph Didulica (Austria Vienna), Stipe Pletikosa (Shakhtar Donetsk); Robert Kovac (Bayern Munich), Josip Simunic (Hertha Berlin), Igor Tudor (Siena), Stjepan Tomas (Galatasaray), Dario Simic (AC Milan), Mario Tokic (GAK Graz); Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Niko Kovac (Hertha Berlin), Marko Babic (Bayer Leverkusen), Niko Kranjcar (Hajduk Split), Jerko Leko (Dynamo Kiev), Anthony Seric (Lazio), Ivan Leko (Hajduk Split), Jurica Vranjes (Stuttgart), Ivan Bosnjak (Dinamo Zagreb); Dado Prso (Rangers), Ivan Klasnic (Werder Bremen), Ivica Olic (CSKA Moscow), Bosko Balaban (Club Brugge).
Stand-by: Marijo Bazina (GAK Graz), Igor Budan (Atalanta).

[Ljubuski]

Hey, whether it's Babic or Seric at the back I don't care. Both are effective as attackers up the flank.

I just happen to rate Seric and always have, for like years now, since before that OTHER coach dropped him.

Cheers

[Zono]

ahahah,
however, cico said that babic will play as defensive central midfielder,
and that babic played sometimes so in bayer,
i dont know, he isn't powerfull but tiny, i hope that it will be a good idea!

[robin]

Can somebody please answer this question for me. Is Berbatov playing or is he suspended?? It seems that once again I read an interview with one of our players and he mentioned Berbatov's absense.

[JureM]

Robin, according to uefa.com berbatov is on the Bulgarian roster.

http://www.uefa.com/competitions/WorldCup/news/Kind=1/newsId=302701.html

[Ljubuski]

ahahah,
however, cico said that babic will play as defensive central midfielder,
and that babic played sometimes so in bayer,
i dont know, he isn't powerfull but tiny, i hope that it will be a good idea!

As do I my brother, as do I.

Cheers

[xerx]

if u haven't noticed Berbo's name in the roster, you can wait coz it will appear on the scoresheet, as well. :cat:

[Cevapcici Kid]

if u haven't noticed Berbo's name in the roster, you can wait coz it will appear on the scoresheet, as well. :cat:

Yes thats right..... for scoring an own goal :tongue1:

[xerx]

wat the heck are 3 goalkeepers doing on your list?! haha.... i guess butina will get injured, pletikosa will let a few goals in after that, and didulica will have to come in. :howler2: *joke*

guys, the bulgarian satellite tv won't be showing the match, so we are coming to the croatian bar scorpio. will you treat us good? :hands:

[CroatTommy7]

Damn, one more week and a bit untill this huge game finally is here, and Xerx don't worry those 3 goalies on our roster will all keep a clean sheet :winkg:

Where is Zdravko Zdravkov lol thats a great name :shake: too bad he has retired.

[Grozdan]

Where is Zdravko Zdravkov lol thats a great name :shake: too bad he has retired.

Zdravkov has retired. He did it after the game with Hungary(1:1), sying that external interests have made Stoichkov to use Ivankov instead of him. Partially I agree with him. In my oppinion he is much better than Ivankov, but anyway he shouldn't leave the team. Who knows.
I bought a ticket today for the game - sector V. It wasn't like the game with Sweden, there were no even tails at the small pavilions for tickets. People are more realistic, but I hope all the tickets will be sold till the first signal of the referee.
I do believe in the victory of the LION-Team. :reddance: But I think it will we a quite hard game.

[JureM]

Thanks for the input Grozdan. It should be a fun game.

Anyway, CT, don't forget we also had our version of Zdravko Zdravkov...his name was Mladen Mladenovic. :shake:

[CroatTommy7]

Yeah Mladen Mladenovic that's who it was :tooth: I knew we had one of our own.

[bibi]

Well, I hope that Levski is sold out. It is a home game after all.

I will try to catch the game at some sportsbar.

I also think that it will be a tough game. We have our backs against
the wall. Only a win counts! :hammer: :hammer: :hammer:

BBB

PS Our goalies is a sad story. We don't even have 1 goalie who
is of "decent" European class. It is pathetic.

[Zvonimir]

PS Our goalies is a sad story. We don't even have 1 goalie who
is of "decent" European class. It is pathetic.

I hope they continue with their poor form next week... :rollang:

BBB Burlington :sun:

[robin]

As long as we're on funny names, what about our swimmer Milos Milosevic. Wow, what a classic Croatian name. :tooth:

[CroatTommy7]

Robin that name is more Croatian(Crnogorski) than it is Serbian :beer:

[Ljubuski]

wat the heck are 3 goalkeepers doing on your list?! haha.... i guess butina will get injured, pletikosa will let a few goals in after that, and didulica will have to come in. :howler2: *joke*

guys, the bulgarian satellite tv won't be showing the match, so we are coming to the croatian bar scorpio. will you treat us good? :hands:

Are you kidding me?!?!

Your own satellite service won't show their own NT play at home, and in an important match at that?

Honestly, I thought our satellite service was bad. That's terrible.

And I hope the Scorpio Bhoys treat you guys all right, but if the game goes badly for Cro then watch out!

Cheers

[JureM]

My advise....kind of lay low...wear the Croatian NT jersey and just act like the rest of the people there...which is, drink way to much and smoke like the smoke coming from the chinmey stacks of an unregulated chemical factory. Throw in a couple of "ufff....jebem ti mater Cico, sto radis..." and some "koju picku materinu seres (insert players name here)" and you'll be more than fine in Scorps. :Grint:

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

My advise....kind of lay low...wear the Croatian NT jersey and just act like the rest of the people there...which is, drink way to much and smoke like the smoke coming from the chinmey stacks of an unregulated chemical factory. Throw in a couple of "ufff....jebem ti mater Cico, sto radis..." and some "koju picku materinu seres (insert players name here)" and you'll be more than fine in Scorps. :Grint:
:rotfl2: Great post.

[Hajduk Chicago]

If you really want to have a laugh, when Cro sends a long ball, with your best cro accent scream "op sides". The reaction you gets from the stari's is priceless...."nije to op sides pizdu mater!" No matter how many times you do it during a game, there's always a response. Love doing that one.

[Ljubuski]

If you really want to have a laugh, when Cro sends a long ball, with your best cro accent scream "op sides". The reaction you gets from the stari's is priceless...."nije to op sides pizdu mater!" No matter how many times you do it during a game, there's always a response. Love doing that one.

LOL...great post.

I know, no matter what Croatia is never 'op side'.

Great stuff man.

Cheers

[Grozdan]

Guys, I am enjoying your postings
very funny muahaha at least for me they sound.

[JureM]

If you really want to have a laugh, when Cro sends a long ball, with your best cro accent scream "op sides". The reaction you gets from the stari's is priceless...."nije to op sides pizdu mater!" No matter how many times you do it during a game, there's always a response. Love doing that one.


I just pissed my pants! :Grint: Its so true...and when the guy is saying "nije to op sajdz..." you can see every vein popping out from his neck.

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

Guys, I am enjoying your postings
very funny muahaha at least for me they sound.
Ya, Croatian is the best to swear with.

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

and when the guy is saying "nije to op sajdz..." you can see every vein popping out from his neck.
:howler:

:respect: Jure.

[robin]

Guys I think it's time for all our members to change their avatars to the HNS grb. Naprid Vatreni!!!!

[markOH]

robin's right - let's all go!!!

i wore my away jersey to pickup today and never played better soccer in my life! i'm fired up!!!!!!

[JureM]

Great job...either the HNS logo or the Croatian flag..or the Grb will do fine...

[CroatTommy7]

Good idea, lets all unite! U BOJ U BOJ ZA NAROD SVOJ :fire:

[markOH]

HR - VAT - SKA! :cheers:
HR - VAT - SKA! :cheers:
HR - VAT - SKA! :cheers:
HR - VAT - SKA! :cheese:

[Zvonimir]

Any word on the injury front for both teams?

[Grozdan]

I am not very well informed but as far as I know we do not have injuried players in the squad. Just Marian Hristov(Wolfsburg) will not play since he is always missing in half of the hames and even more. He is weak-leg football player Half of his career is period of healing. Muahaha. But he is important when he plays because he is tall enough and plays in the front mitfield and ties on players form the other team, which makes holls for the attackers. I hope his lack will not be crucial for our team since we know each other, he would be much important for the game with Sweden that already passed.
What about your guy(and his mask) that won the UEFA Cup with CSKA Moscow two weeks ago?

[xerx]

If you really want to have a laugh, when Cro sends a long ball, with your best cro accent scream "op sides". The reaction you gets from the stari's is priceless...."nije to op sides pizdu mater!" No matter how many times you do it during a game, there's always a response. Love doing that one.
please write the transcription of that for me. don't want to get it wrong, lol, will be too suspicious..... will definitely try it out. :gone:

Jure, where are you going to watch the game?

[bibi]

:( Manchev is out. And his team (Levante) is out (now in 2:nd div).

man, he was on the roll when he first got there, but the spring
season has been terrible!!!

on the bright side - Viola made it - yesssss!

and valeri should be "rested" (he didn't play any). i hope he is ready to
score a couple against cro!

BBB

ps ... and the "cro-bar survival manual" was hilarious :D :D

[croatian king]

cannot wait until the game AJMO HRVATSKA

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

Avatar Changed, Ajmo Hrvatska!

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

WTF I picked the Brasil avatar by accident! :hammer:

[markOH]

welp, i'll be at scorpios again. i was going to finally give mulligans a whirl, but my sister just moved into her new apartment right above scorpios and since i'm gonna make the day out of hanging out with her, scorpios it is...

she'll have one miserable brother if a few things don't go our way! ;)

happy posting,

marko

[robin]

There should be a good crowd down at Mulligan's in Hoboken, so if any of our members here are from New Jersey, join us and enjoy!

[Cevapcici Kid]

Sorry this is seriously off topic but,... has anyone seen Team America? If the answer is yes....how good is the theme music!

AMERICA

FUCK YEAH

COMIN TO SAVE

THE MOTHERFUCKIN DAY YEAH :shake: :zany:

That has to be the funniest thing in the movie for me.

I saw it for the 1st time this weekend, very funny movie. I love anything those South Park guys do, best sense of humour :shake:

Sorry for the OT

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

Sorry this is seriously off topic but,... has anyone seen Team America? If the answer is yes....how good is the theme music!

AMERICA

FUCK YEAH

COMIN TO SAVE

THE MOTHERFUCKIN DAY YEAH :shake: :zany:

That has to be the funniest thing in the movie for me.

I saw it for the 1st time this weekend, very funny movie. I love anything those South Park guys do, best sense of humour :shake:

Sorry for the OT

ya. I also love how they use the same lyrics for all the music and in different situations they just change the mood of the song.

[robin]

I'm starting to feel that nervous feeling in my stomach, anybody else getting it yet? Jeez, they better not dissappoint me this weekend, Sunday is my freakin B-Day!!! :scared:

[JureM]

Where in Hoboken is Mulligan's???

Not sure where I'll be for the game...some bar near my house may end up showing the game but we're not 100% sure yet. If they don't probably Scorps or if I can hack it, Mulligan's.

[Ljubuski]

Where in Hoboken is Mulligan's???

Not sure where I'll be for the game...some bar near my house may end up showing the game but we're not 100% sure yet. If they don't probably Scorps or if I can hack it, Mulligan's.

If you lads want, you can always come up to Monahan's here in Oakville, you're more than welcome.

Cheers

[robin]

Steve, don't know how well you know Hoboken but Mully's is on 1st street 2 blocks west of Washington Street, I forget the names of the avenue's it's between. Should be a big crowd, actually for the Iceland game many of the crew from Astoria were there due to some silly boycott of Scorp's ( Balkanska posla). Anyway, our crew will consist of 9-12 people and it should be pretty good. :froggy:

[robin]

BTW Ljubo, thanx for the offer! :thumbup2:

[Zvonimir]

I'm starting to feel that nervous feeling in my stomach, anybody else getting it yet? Jeez, they better not dissappoint me this weekend, Sunday is my freakin B-Day!!! :scared:

Robin, you think you are getting nervous? I am literally shitting my pants with nervousness about this one..kind of like when I was a kid before my games... :grin:

oh yeah, in advance... :bday:

[robin]

Thanx for the B Day wishes Zvone! :rocker2:

[JureM]

Steve, don't know how well you know Hoboken but Mully's is on 1st street 2 blocks west of Washington Street, I forget the names of the avenue's it's between. Should be a big crowd, actually for the Iceland game many of the crew from Astoria were there due to some silly boycott of Scorp's ( Balkanska posla). Anyway, our crew will consist of 9-12 people and it should be pretty good. :froggy:


Ahhh ok...Washington is the main strip where everyone hangs out and all the bars are. As long as I know where it is, I'm sure it won't be too hard to ask where the place is or at the very least where 1st Street is.

Gotta love the Croatian boycotts. What did Scorps do this time? Close at 3 am and it pissed everyone off? :winkg:

Oh and we can't lose since its almost your birthday!

[Grozdan]

Oh and we can't lose since its almost your birthday!
Let's wait until Saturday 21:00 CET, to see who can lose :)...

[xerx]

Let's wait until Saturday 21:00 CET, to see who can lose :)... :shake: :thumbup2:

[robin]

Only time will tell. BTW, is this fecking week over yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My zivci can't take this!!!!!!! :pchate: :grin:

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

Only time will tell. BTW, is this fecking week over yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My zivci can't take this!!!!!!! :pchate: :grin:
Tell me about it. Every 2 hours I stop myself and say to myself "shit, it's still Tuesday" and "4 more days."

[kezele]

Tell me about it. Every 2 hours I stop myself and say to myself "shit, it's still Tuesday" and "4 more days."


might as well enjoy the wait cuz when saturday passes you'll have ALOT more then 4 days to go before the next qualifier.

[Cevapcici Kid]

The time is nearing....as is the shit coming out of my pants.

AJMO HRVATSKA

ZA NJMACKU06 SPREMNI

[mARZ]

The key to this game is not to conceed a goal early.. if we do it could be a repeat of last time cause we usually tend to struggle abit against Bulgaria.

On the other hand if we stand up and are some how able to pinch a goal i reckon we'll take 'em.. after all the pressure is really on them.

I think Kranjcar saying we will attack is a good thing.. there's no use sitting back cause if we do they will take us. Best option is to take the game to them much like the Swedes did and see how we go.

[ETAR_vt]

Bok people!,

i am a bulgarian and here are my comments comming from the bulgarian side ...

I was at the sweden game 0:3 and i don't know if you have watched it but it was not as easy for the swedish to take the game as the result seem . In fact i really think that our side played at least equal to the sweds and provided even more goal chances then them . But at this time we were out of luck ... Stoichkov said after that game that if he had the chance to replay it again he would put the same 11 and wouldn't change anything. I agree with that absolutly .
Don't forget that we were missing Stilian and Martin Petrovi in that game and that ment a lot for our strenght ...

Next - the draw with Hungary (1-1) . Have you ever watched a game played at one goal ? that was the game vs. Hungary . we were out of luck for 2nd time . I mean Berbatov had 2 equal chances and he missed them both , also petrov , Ivanov and Lazarov had great opprtunities and i think the fair result for that game should be like 3-0 or 4 -0 for Bulgaria . But in the 93rd minute the hungarians equalized from their only chance in the whole game ... BAD luck 2nd time !

So .... i hope that there won't be no 3rd time BAD luck ....

And also Berbatov hasn't scored for 2 consecutive games which hasn't happend since a long time ..... and besides you are his regular clients .

Watch out for Bojinov too .. our 18 year old bhoywonder finished with 14 goals in serie A this season and is a real Goal demolisher .

I respect you for the good goal keepers that you have - Butina, Pletikosa but Boji has dispatched this season 2 times Toldo , Buffon and Dida so i hope it won't be a problem to dispatch yours too as well . besides it took quite a long time for him to score his first goal for Bulgaria in an official game so let's pray the time has finally come .

we haven't been in such a full squad since a long time and there's another reason for you to beware !

I was at the previous game vs. Croatia 3 years ago - (2-0) and as i remmember it was hard for you to even pass over the center line not to mention that i don't remmember you having a goal chance in the whole game . And at the end you must have been happy with the result (2-0) cause it might have been 5-0 for example .

i really respect the traditions in football and for the short period of time that we have rivalry with your side i believe the tradition is on our side !

Also don't forget that there would be 40 000 ludi junaci at the stadium who would make the croat's experience on the field quite a hell .

Your only chance is that our goal keeper is an absolute "0" , and let's hope srna won't strike him from 40 meteres as happend in Zagreb .

well that's what i had to say about the game .

I have a ticket , i will be there , and will support Bulgaria ... and let the better side win ! :trooper: :bouncing: :froggy:

p.s. Otherwise all my other attitudes towards Croatia are calm and friendly .I have a couple of croatin friends in Varajdin , and i wished they could come to watch the game but unfortunately they won't be able to do that . greetings to them and to all the croats !

[Cevapcici Kid]

Firstly welcome Etar vt! Please post an after match report, seeing so that you are going to the game.

Now, our squad has changed alot since 3 years ago.
Menatlity, players and formations. So be afraid of our team with us on the counter we will be dangerous. We wont be playing defensive, otherwise you will defintely win. Our coach, Kranjcar has said we will be attacking. I dont think this is going to be a walk in the park for either team. I hope your strikers fail miserably :D with all due respect.

Srna will be the danger man in my opinion. But we must control the middle, so Kranjcar and whoever else Cico puts in the middle has probably the most important job. If we fail there, i fear the result. If WE ARE in control then i dont see us losing this game. We also have a stronger squad defensively, from the last time we palyed in Zagreb.

[Grozdan]

Zdravo i Здравейте,
I just want to mention the biggest observation about the BG-team that I have seen. I watch soccer since the world championship in Italy 1990, I know one thing about the Bulgarian team - we play hard againts teams that remain in their half and do not attack. The last matches with Sweden since 1994 we lost crucially(4:0, 1:0, 1:0, 5:0, 3:0) and they were always winning the same way, which shows quite bad things for us. I don't care if Croatia is comming fo a DRAW or a WIN but I hope they will play open and offensive football :). I remember 3 years ago the qualifications for the Euro04. 0:2 in Belguim, 2:0 with Croatia and the next match 2:1 with Andora so it's quite significant. I also hope our attackers will be able to score at least the half of the situations in front of the Cro-door, bad luck once, bad luck twice, bad luck forever means bad attackers.

Well I can wait no longer, just 3 days, I am sure you feel the same.

About the posting of ----> ETAR_vt <---- : you are right but not exactly, there always can be put one if or no, becasue you mentioned only the good part of the games :).
Чат ли сте?

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

I remember 3 years ago the qualifications for the Euro04. 0:2 in Belguim, 2:0 with Croatia and the next match 2:1 with Andora so it's quite significant.
When we lost to you guys 2:0 we thought it was over and we weren't going to qualify and I remember guys thinking (me included) how we are going to try to rebuild so we could make 06' world cup. Luckily we brought guys like Prso in and we qualify let's see what happens this year. I think we are a much improved team since then and I expect a win on Saturday nothing less.

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

might as well enjoy the wait cuz when saturday passes you'll have ALOT more then 4 days to go before the next qualifier.
And all of soccer, I HATE THESE odd number years no major tournament. What am I going to watch, MLS? BAH!

[kezele]

And all of soccer, I HATE THESE odd number years no major tournament. What am I going to watch, MLS? BAH!

look at the bright side....there is the transfer window to look forward to. There are a few Croats to watch who are changing clubs this year (off the top of my head: Srna and Didulica)

[bibi]

I can't believe my eyes! Two new Bulgarian posters - great!!!

Welcome to the BG football forum ETAR vt and Grozdan!

http://www.finalfootball.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=94

We have to win this one. Our boys can not let the fans down one more
time.

BBB

PS Etar, brate, vikai i za nas!!!!

[bibi]

Man if you guys could see the Swedish press now... :mad1:

Sweden best in the world - Zlatan the greatest player in Europe.

Qualification to Germany basically won.

Talk is cheap! I so hope we can steal points against them
in Stockholm and that you kick their asses in Zagreb.

BBB

[JureM]

They are in 2nd place...lost to us in their home country and now they think they have direct passage to Germany? Let them think that way....we'll beat them in Zagreb for you. ;)

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

Man if you guys could see the Swedish press now... :mad1:

Sweden best in the world - Zlatan the greatest player in Europe.

Qualification to Germany basically won.

Talk is cheap! I so hope we can steal points against them
in Stockholm and that you kick their asses in Zagreb.

BBB
Yes, Sweden is making me sick as well, one of their football federation members called Srna a monkey after we beat them. I want to us to win on Saturday but I would much rather have you guys coming in second place then them.

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

Man if you guys could see the Swedish press now... :mad1:

Sweden best in the world - Zlatan the greatest player in Europe.

Qualification to Germany basically won.

Talk is cheap! I so hope we can steal points against them
in Stockholm and that you kick their asses in Zagreb.

BBB
Zlatan I can't score on 3 defenders and in Europe Ibrahimovic? puhlease.

[robin]

The Swedes aren't arrogant people, but here they've definately crossed the line. Don't they remember we beat them in their own backyard??

[CroatTommy7]

Well accoring to an article from vecernji-list.hr it seems that Berbatov is very arrogant as well, saying that Croatia is an over-hyped side and if they beat us before they will beat us again. :yawn: :thumbd:

We'll have to wait and find out.....

oh and btw just looking at that close up picture of Bojinov you really see how strong he is, damn and he is only 18-19 imagine when he is 24 how dangerous he will be, putting away 14 goals in the Serie A at any age is great but 18 wow.

[xerx]

here's something that cheered me up - Bolton Wanderers will try to transfer our goalie Ivankov to the club after the match at Vassil Levski. they'll be watching him on Sat. if they do get him, they are getting relegated next season. just kidding, wish best of luck to Mitko. :noidea:

i read about a precedent today - that the Dinamo and Hajduk fans will travel together for a qualifier abroad.... lolol.... that's a first. :winkg: hope they don't kill each other on the way to Sofia. :)

[Zvonimir]

Man am I so nervous...but I rather be 5 points ahead of the Bulgarians then 5 behind heading into this one... :noevil:


Hey Berbatov, we beat you before, we'll beat you again. :rocker:

[xerx]

calm down, Zvone. i'm soo calm. :zany: maybe coz we really don't have anything to lose coming into this one.

[ETAR_vt]

About the posting of ----> ETAR_vt <---- : you are right but not exactly, there always can be put one if or no, becasue you mentioned only the good part of the games :).
Чат ли сте?

yes , Grozdane ,you're right i mentioned only the good part .... It's a pitty but i must confess i think with all my respect to Itso Stoichkov he fuked up the last 2 games - Owflull substitutes . You can't put 3 identical forwards (Berbatov, Manchev and Gonzo) and take out the fast and furious Marto and Lazarov in the closing minutes vs. Hungary when you are expected to just wait till the end and take the 3 points :nono: :nono:

But let's hope the curse will brake at saturday !

I really hope Bojinov will finally make his first great game for the first team !

Forza VALERI ! GIve'em the blizzards !

:bow: :bow: :bow:


PS Etar, brate, vikai i za nas!!!!

No problem bibi ! There would be the same support as in the Sweden game for the LIONS and i will be one of the 40 000 throats that will shout "BULGARI JUNACI!" till yesterday 27 000 tickets were already sold .... so Vassil Levski would be a boiling cup again !

[Zvonimir]

PREVIEW-Soccer-Bulgaria face must-win match against Croatia

By Liliana Semerdjieva

SOFIA, June 2 (Reuters) - Bulgaria's hopes of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup finals could evaporate on Saturday if they fail to win at home to Group Eight leaders Croatia who will be happy with a draw.

"There is no alternative for us but to take all three points," Bulgaria coach Hristo Stoichkov said this week.

Third-placed Bulgaria have eight points from their five matches and are five points adrift of Croatia and four behind second-placed Sweden who face no-hopers Malta on Saturday.

Wins for Croatia and Sweden and a defeat for the Bulgarians would all but end their qualifying hopes.

The first group match between the two ended in a 2-2 draw in Zagreb last October.

Stoichkov will rely on all-out attack from the first minute but Croatia coach Zlatko Kranjcar is also determined to play with some offensive flair in Sofia, where he says his squad could knock out one of the two main opponents for the top spots in the group.

"Our aim is to clinch a victory even though a draw would not be unsatisfactory. However, we're aware that playing defensively would do no good," Kranjcar told reporters earler this week in the squad's training camp in Catez, in neighbouring Slovenia.

Local media hype and local belief that the Bulgarians have the ability to overcome the well-accomplished Croatia side and keep them in the hunt for a place in Germany next year, puts an extreme pressure on the hosts.

"There is strong pressure on the Bulgarians. They have to win all five remaining games if they want to qualify for the World Cup. On the other hand, we're aware of our qualities and I am not even considering a defeat," said confident Kranjcar.

Stoichkov, who said he knew the Croatia side well and expected a tense battle, urged his men to follow his tactical plan and directions but not disregard them as some did at the 3-0 home defeat to Sweden and 1-1 draw in Hungary in March.

Bulgaria's joker -- striker Dimitar Berbatov, who has scored 24 goals for the national team, is under no illusions about the difficulty of winning against the Croats:

"For each one of us this match will be life or death," he warned.

Probable teams:

Bulgaria: Dimitar Ivankov; Radostin Kishishev, Rosen Kirilov, Ilian Stoyanov, Chavdar Yankov, Blagoi Georgiev, Stilian Petrov, Hristo Yanev, Martin Petrov, Zdravko Lazarov, Dimitar Berbatov

Croatia: Tomislav Butina; Igor Tudor, Stjepan Tomas (Dario Simic), Robert Kovac, Josip Simunic; Darijo Srna, Niko Kovac, Marko Babic, Niko Kranjcar; Dado Prso, Ivan Klasnic (Ivica Olic)

Referee: Kim Milton Nielsen (Denmark) (Additional reporting by Igor Ilic in Zagreb)

[ETAR_vt]

--------------------------- Ivankov ----------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------ Kirilov --------- Stoyanov(Iliev) --------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-- B.Georgiev -------------------------------------------Kishishev-----
--------------------- S.Petrov ----- Yankov --------------------------
------ Lazarov -------------------------------- M.Petrov -------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------- Bojinov ------ Berbo -----------------------------

that's how should we look on the pitch at saturday in my opinion .

----------------------------------------------------
BULGARI - JUNACI !!!

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

Well accoring to an article from vecernji-list.hr it seems that Berbatov is very arrogant as well, saying that Croatia is an over-hyped side and if they beat us before they will beat us again. :yawn: :thumbd:
He's not saying much for his own side is he, then. He will eat his words.

[HAIDUTIN_BG]

Seriuosly the Croatian team is not that good as many people think. You will see on Saturday that we will dominate them. :reaper:

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

Is this what the lineup is going to look like??

---------Butina----------
---------Tudor----------
--Kovac-Simunic-Tomas--

-Srna-Kovac-Kranjcar-babic

----Klasnic------Prso

Or is it going to be like this

---------Butina----------
---------Tudor----------
--Kovac-Simunic-Tomas--

--Srna---Kovac---Babic
--------Kranjcar-------
---Klasnic------Prso

Or are we going to stick with our old formation and Cico is just playing mind games?

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

Seriuosly the Croatian team is not that good as many people think. You will see on Saturday that we will dominate them. :reaper:
Wait who is the team with 8 points? and the one with 13? Which team tied Hungary and which team beat them 3-0? Which team beat Sweden 1-0 at Sweden and which team lost to Sweden at Bulgaria? Which team has a goal difference of +2 and which team has the goal difference of +11?

Here's a question that does not yet have an answer: which team will be in 1st and which team will be in 4th after Saturday?

[gasparov]

Seriuosly the Croatian team is not that good as many people think. You will see on Saturday that we will dominate them. :reaper:
Hey, that's your opinion and you are entitled to it, I love it when people under estimate US, because that is when we are at our best. I believe we have a very strong team and will have a good chance to win the group, I also feel that Bulgaria and Sewden are both very strong teams and will give US strong competiton for first place, Now here's my opinion, to say the Croatian Team is not strong is just pure ignorance, ask the Swedes if they think we are strong or the Hungarians and they will tell you that we have a very strong team. End of Story!!! ;)

[Grozdan]

Wait who is the team with 8 points? and the one with 13? Which team tied Hungary and which team beat them 3-0? Which team beat Sweden 1-0 at Sweden and which team lost to Sweden at Bulgaria? Which team has a goal difference of +2 and which team has the goal difference of +11?

Here's a question that does not yet have an answer: which team will be in 1st and which team will be in 4th after Saturday?

Well we all know that saying that: When facts speak, Gods keep silent.

to: HAIDUTIN_BG
I hope your words will be true at least in the result. Only for this I care! The other is not of such an importance. Your photo really cracked me. I think it will be the same tomorrow.

[robin]

I can see that the Bulgarians seem to be very confident and are especially downplaying our chances. I'm not going to say anything except that every person has the right to their own opinion and also see Hajduk Hrvatska's last post!

[bibi]

--------------------------- Ivankov ----------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------ Kirilov --------- Stoyanov(Iliev) --------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-- B.Georgiev -------------------------------------------Kishishev-----
--------------------- S.Petrov ----- Yankov --------------------------
------ Lazarov -------------------------------- M.Petrov -------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------- Bojinov ------ Berbo -----------------------------

that's how should we look on the pitch at saturday in my opinion .

----------------------------------------------------
BULGARI - JUNACI !!!

Yes, me likes that lineup.

Hope Stoichkov does not experiment too much ... AND even more
important, hope Ivankov has a good day. I swear that man gives
me panic-attacks.

Do Haidutin: evala be pich, tova e gotina snimka!! :devilish: :devilish:

BBB

PS Valeri will score if he plays. Berbo will definitely score.

[Cevapcici Kid]

Ah you just gotta love Bulgarians...The way they are talking it up you'd think we are playing Brazil or something. Your record in the Qualifiers speaks for itself. As does ours. Think that, that will be to our advantage.

[HAIDUTIN_BG]

Ah you just gotta love Bulgarians...The way they are talking it up you'd think we are playing Brazil or something. Your record in the Qualifiers speaks for itself. As does ours. Think that, that will be to our advantage.
Cevapcici yes you are right you gotta love us. As far as our confidence I think we have a good team to be so confident. About my previous post I think I was wrong because your team shows that it can play as one. Your advantage is that your players play as a team while most of the Bulgarians try to prove themselves and disregard the team. I wish you good luck guys and I hope you will see a good game on Saturday. I say you will see because I'm in the USA now and I won't be able to see the match/ :respect:

[JureM]

I will take the Teddy Roosevelt approach until Saturday:

Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.
Theodore Roosevelt

:devlaug:

[LICKI SOKOL]

The last i read Cico wants to play like this......
insisting that Tudor will play in the mid.....
I can see him playing a somewhat role like that and this is why he wanted Biscan to play and i think this is Tudors best position(Cut off high balls strong on the ball, he is awfully slow but nice passes good eye for counter situations, I dont think he is an awesome one on one man but its hard to beat him in the air and with R.Kovac behind I think they are one of the best duals for this approach. I always wanted him here not to deep in D and not to far in the Mid...just right) On the upside to the last game in Cro vs Bulgaria, I think Srna has improved in his defensive game as well since his club side has played him like a Right back winger (Cafu role) and this is where we got fucked up last time besides all the questionable subs Cico used that game. We cant be beat on the wings or else they will eat us alive.........there mid is stronger then ours and our D must step up defensively and creat offensive breaks and me thinks they will be the key to this game!!

-------------------------Butina----------------------------
------------------------R.Kovac---------------------------
-----------Tomas---------------------Simunic-------------
-------------------------Tudor----------------------------
-Srna--------Kranjcar--------------N.Kovac---------Babic--
-----------------------------------------------------------
------------------Prso------------Olic----------------------


Cico i truly support it!!! :cheers: Dont be foolin me around now :finger:

[kezele]

The last i read Cico wants to play like this......
insisting that Tudor will play in the mid.....
I can see him playing a somewhat role like that and this is why he wanted Biscan to play and i think this is Tudors best position(Cut off high balls strong on the ball, he is awfully slow but nice passes good eye for counter situations, I dont think he is an awesome one on one man but its hard to beat him in the air and with R.Kovac behind I think they are one of the best duals for this approach. I always wanted him here not to deep in D and not to far in the Mid...just right) On the upside to the last game in Cro vs Bulgaria, I think Srna has improved in his defensive game as well since his club side has played him like a Right back winger (Cafu role) and this is where we got fucked up last time besides all the questionable subs Cico used that game. We cant be beat on the wings or else they will eat us alive.........there mid is stronger then ours and our D must step up defensively and creat offensive breaks and me thinks they will be the key to this game!!

-------------------------Butina----------------------------
------------------------R.Kovac---------------------------
-----------Tomas---------------------Simunic-------------
-------------------------Tudor----------------------------
-Srna--------Kranjcar--------------N.Kovac---------Babic--
-----------------------------------------------------------
------------------Prso------------Olic----------------------


Cico i truly support it!!! :cheers: Dont be foolin me around now :finger:

good ideas. but i hear that cico wants to use olic like the swedes used ljungberg on the wing. he absolutely abused the bulgarians with his speed, so i think cico will do the same with olic and have klasnic up front with prso.

Plus klasnic stated on his site that he is fit and ready to go...

just a guess

[LICKI SOKOL]

i think that would be an even more explosive attack with Olic on the wing I agree with you on that. Do not get me wrong, Klasnic deserves and should play a role in the starting line-up....Its just in this case i would give Babic the start and Olic the second half where he is always more of a threat I think.. I just dont like Olic as a starter in any position lol he is the best when the opponent is a bit tired :devlaug: but man he is exciting to watch when he comes on as i do find the team begins to play with a higher rhythm when he comes in the game!!!!


a :beer: for an Olic winner in the 89 minute lol!!!

[kezele]

i think that would be an even more explosive attack with Olic on the wing I agree with you on that. Do not get me wrong, Klasnic deserves and should play a role in the starting line-up....Its just in this case i would give Babic the start and Olic the second half where he is always more of a threat I think.. I just dont like Olic as a starter in any position lol he is the best when the opponent is a bit tired :devlaug: but man he is exciting to watch when he comes on as i do find the team begins to play with a higher rhythm when he comes in the game!!!!


a :beer: for an Olic winner in the 89 minute lol!!!

i would rather see babic start too. he's killer. olic would be good in the second half i agree. i dunno, i guess no one is right until match day...which sucks because i'm going up north camping for the weekend, so i won't get to follow along anywhere. i'll just be biting my nails in silence while drinking beer, i'll just call home in the afternoon to check the final score. someone better have a good analysis of the game when i get back :beer:

[ETAR_vt]

just a little example how "Vassil levski" will look like tommorrow

FORZA BOJINOV !!!!


GIVE"EM THE BLIZZARDS !

[bibi]

Ah you just gotta love Bulgarians...The way they are talking it up you'd think we are playing Brazil or something. Your record in the Qualifiers speaks for itself. As does ours. Think that, that will be to our advantage.

Yeah, right, you wish you were playing those South-American "softies"!!

This will be something different! A do or die game! Man can't wait
for 5pm tomorrow (game starts 5pm CET).

:reddance: :reddance: :reddance:

BBB

[markOH]

"let's all go camping the weekend of the big game."

;)

[markOH]

also...

uefa.com is reporting tudor will be "deployed in the midfield" (this from stari krajncar himself) and that stilian petrov was injured in training (tackled by ilijev) and is doubtful for the match.

any of their players taking a dip in form is good news, even if he plays some. as for tudor, saw him play midfield a few times, lippi was really into that at juve (when tudors form was fine) but i'm worried that this is just another sign we're going there to play for a draw, and that's just terrible, IMO.

happy posting,

marko

[croat hogan]

also...

uefa.com is reporting tudor will be "deployed in the midfield" (this from stari krajncar himself) and that stilian petrov was injured in training (tackled by ilijev) and is doubtful for the match.

any of their players taking a dip in form is good news, even if he plays some. as for tudor, saw him play midfield a few times, lippi was really into that at juve (when tudors form was fine) but i'm worried that this is just another sign we're going there to play for a draw, and that's just terrible, IMO.

happy posting,

marko


I don't mind Tudor much in the midfield, he played pretty well their when he was deployed their with the NT and Juve. And i believe a few times he played midfield with Siena this year. He's solid their doesn't have the ideal speed their but i think N. Kovac will make up for that. And with R. Kovac behind him i don't think he'll be a liability.

I like the move its defensive but not really.

[Zvonimir]

Bulgaria's Petrov doubtful for Croatia game

SOFIA, June 3 (Reuters) - Bulgaria captain Stilian Petrov may miss Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Group Eight leaders Croatia after suffering an injury in training on Friday.

The influential midfielder was involved in a clash with defender Valentin Iliev.

"Knowing his character I am not worried but even if he cannot play, there are other men who can replace him in his position," Bulgaria coach Hristo Stoichkov told a news conference.

Bulgaria lie third in the group with eight points from five matches, five adrift of Croatia and four behind Sweden.


I don't know if it's bull$hit or not...

Anyways...



what time is the game? I assume Monahan's is showing it guys?

[baraba]

yeah what is the start time tomorrow? I don't wanna miss it. I might bring my little Czech wife in a NT dress we got at a fan shop in Pula last summer. :)

[Grozdan]

Bulgaria's Petrov doubtful for Croatia game

SOFIA, June 3 (Reuters) - Bulgaria captain Stilian Petrov may miss Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Group Eight leaders Croatia after suffering an injury in training on Friday.


I don't know if it's bull$hit or not...

Anyways...



what time is the game? I assume Monahan's is showing it guys?


I don't think it's a bullshit. Because I saw the report on TV. But I am 95% sure that he will play tomorrow, because he is a WARRIOR, and they didn't say that he will miss the game for sure. His attendance on the field is mo re than neccessary.
The game starts at 17:00 CET. All people that will not be able to see it may listen to it on the radio on internet, of course it will be in Bulgarian.

http://www.darik.net/?module=stream

from here chose 64 or 24 kbps, which leads to:

http://broadcast.spnet.net:8000/darikhigh.m3u
or
http://broadcast.spnet.net:8000/darik.m3u

Any croatian radios I do not know. :-)

[CroatTommy7]

I can't believe the game is tommorow....FINALY! may the best team win, I honestly mean that, because if we come to Sofia not able to make 2-3 passes in a row then we deserve to lose. I want to see some goals from open play instead of free kicks and corners only!!! IDEMO NA BUGARE!!!!!!!!!! :clap: :mad1: :cheers:

PRSO! PRSO!....i Srna :beer:

P.S. JureM's Signature flag is CRAZY!!!! :thumbup2:

[ETAR_vt]

well , round 1 is over .... Bulgaria's U21 finally showed some chracter and won the game vs. Croatia U21 with 2-1 ....

Good news ! I expect the first team to do the same tomorrow ;)

FORZA BOJINOV GIVE'EM the BLIZZARDS !!! :frog1: :frog1: :frog1:

[JureM]

yeah what is the start time tomorrow? I don't wanna miss it. I might bring my little Czech wife in a NT dress we got at a fan shop in Pula last summer. :)


That's it, I'm driving up to Canada! :angel:

[bibi]

I agree 100% with Grozdan, unless Stilians leg is broken he will
play. And he is needed on the field.

As for the Juniors, great job boys!!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

To our CRO friends, can you feel which way the wind is blowing :D

BBB

[croatian king]

Cant belive the match is tommorow but unfortunatly i will not be at Monahan's because i cant get a ride there so ill just have to keep track on the internet :depress:

[Palacinka]

Cant belive the match is tommorow but unfortunatly i will not be at Monahan's because i cant get a ride there so ill just have to keep track on the internet :depress:
be on msn at the same time cuz well chat during the game.

[Max_Luburic]

I agree 100% with Grozdan, unless Stilians leg is broken he will
play. And he is needed on the field.

As for the Juniors, great job boys!!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

To our CRO friends, can you feel which way the wind is blowing :D

BBB

What way is the wind blowing?

Mores osjetit gdje moja saka ide?

[Ljubuski]

Bugarska-Hrvatska

1-2

Cheers and let's hope for a good match.

[xerx]

just a little example how "Vassil levski" will look like tommorrow

FORZA BOJINOV !!!!


GIVE"EM THE BLIZZARDS !
Way to go! shte kaja na picha ot Turnovo. :froggy:

Hrvati, don't worry, we are in no way underestimating you, we just believe very much in our own side!

Stilian HAS GOT to play tomorrow. if he doesn't start you may found me hung on a tree in Astoria or smth....... :grin2:

our U-21s did a nice job today. greets to them!! turning this match from 0:1 to 2:1 is what strenghtens the nerves of one young player. Genkov and Domovchiyski have been shining all season, what a way to finish it! :howler2:

i'm an optimist for the match tomorrow, Hrvatska play open football, and that's the way we like it. we need to get control of the midfield from the very beginning and try to score early. we have the midfielders we need, i'm not worried even a little bit. Blagoi Georgiev and Chavdar Yankov will shine brightest tomorrow. our bright hope's name in defence is Valentin Iliev. hope this young lad stands up to the enormous expectations i have for him.

and pray the Croatians don't shoot towards our goal tomorrow, coz there will be Ivankov. that means every single volley will be a scoring opportunity for the opponent. damn it, Mitko, keep your nerves this time!! :rollang:

if Berbatov, Bojinov and Marto Petrov score an early one tomorrow, we'll be watching a goaling fiesta. i pray for that. :reddance: AJDE BULGARI IUNACI!!!! :froggy: :froggy: :froggy:

[Cevapcici Kid]

MELBOURNE AND SYDNEY...1224 SBS radio is broadcasting the game live from 12:45am in Croatian

Good luck Hrvatska :star:

[robin]

Game day gentlemen. Are you ready to rumble!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :punch:

[Palacinka]

dont worry were ready :rock3: :fire: :dj:

[robin]

Only one reply so far, come on gentlemen, ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :fero:

[Palacinka]

Only one reply so far, come on gentlemen, ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :fero:
YES IM ready TO RUUMMMMMMMMBBBBBLLLLLEEEEEEE :rock3: :cheers: :punch: :flame: :rocker2: :devlaug:

[Palacinka]

This will be zlatko after the game.


http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/photos/index.html?i=31&d=1

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

Some guy at FSW (Fox Soccer Channel in the states) must be a Cro hating bastard.

Why? look at this: a few months ago I remember the newscaster called Dinamo Partizan Belgrade during the UEFA CUP. BAH! They showed Serbia's last qualifier and their showing their one today.

TODAY which is worst of all, they had like a 3 minute preview for the Serbia-Belgium game and a 30 second preview of Bulgaria-Cro where there was no mention of new news on the Croatian side. Oh this made me want to SHOOT THE FUCKIN TV the fucking guy after talking about Serbia he said "Serbia have not been a major tournament since 1998 where they were semi-finalists" JEALOUS MOTHERFUCKER(S)

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

Everybody write your letters to foxsports.com

PRICKS

[Palacinka]

Prolly Dutch

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

I wrote this letter...

With Fox Soccer Channel and their obvous hatred for my homeland Croatia. I don't know who is sparking this but here are a few examples/. A few months when talking about the UEFA cup one of your sportcasters called Dinamo Zagreb a Serbian team Partizan Belgrade as you may know this is not respected not only as getting the team wrong but saying the team that's in a country we where in war with just 10 years ago. Also today on FSW Report when talking about Serbia & Montenegro one of your sportcasters said this "If Serbia were to qualify it would be the last World Cup since 1998 where they were semi-finalists. Croatia where sem-finalists in the 1998 World Cup and not Serbia & Montenegro, (then Yugoslavia) Yugoslavia went to the round of 16. That as far as mistakes go and for favorism there seems to be a lot of Serbian favorism on FSW as well. Serbia's last qualifier was shown and today's qualifier. Whenever I see footage of Croatia on you're program it's old footage from EU 2004, that's my rant

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

Back on topic:

AJMO HRVATSKA

[Hajduk_Hrvatska]

Just making sure... Is Zone 1 showing the game?

[Palacinka]

30 mins to kickoff!!!!

[bibi]

First yellow - Olic.

BBB

[Palacinka]

First yellow - Olic.

BBB
:thumbd: :dontkn:

[bibi]

CRO up a goal ... :mad:

BBB

[Palacinka]

Marko Babic in the 18th minute

[bibi]

Tudor sees yellow.

BBB

[Palacinka]

Tudor sees yellow.

BBB
:hide: not good, calm down boys

[bibi]

Berbatov gets yellow for talking back to the refs... :angry: :angry:

Mindless $%&!!@!

BBB

[Hajduk Chicago]

To the Bulgarian posters:
No matter what the final score is, you posters have a lot of class coming on the cro board and handling yourselves very respectfully. It's been great reading all your posts. Don't just leave after this game. Thanks.

Oh, yeah...go Hrvatska!

[Ero]

Berbatov gets yellow for talking back to the refs... :angry: :angry:

Mindless $%&!!@!

BBB


He got a yellow for booting the ball 50 meters, Kovac got a yellow for nothing though...

[Palacinka]

To the Bulgarian posters:
No matter what the final score is, you posters have a lot of class coming on the cro board and handling yourselves very respectfully. It's been great reading all your posts. Don't just leave after this game. Thanks.

Oh, yeah...go Hrvatska!I agree. :cheers:

[bibi]

Yes, but Berbo is out against SWE after that yellow!

What a pu$$y - booting the ball... :shocker:

BBB

PS are you watching the game??

[croatian king]

good thing we are 1-0 up at the half now the pressure is on them oh yeah and im glad someone who i share the exact same name with scored. :cheers:

[Palacinka]

good thing we are 1-0 up at the half now the pressure is on them oh yeah and im glad someone who i share the exact same name with scored. :cheers:
Hey you wouldnt have even thought of that if it wasnt for me :finger: lmao jk

[bibi]

Well, this has to be said - if BG does not get a result towards
CRO in Sofia, then we definitely do not deserve to go to Germany.

Still, 45min left. There is still some hope...

BBB

PS Ivankov ... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh :wth: :wth: :wth: :wth: :wth:

[Hajduk Chicago]

anyone watching the game or reading a text of it? How is cro playing?

[croatian king]

shhhhhhhh no one has to know