Croatia 1 England 4: Theo Walcott hat trick gives England win in Zagreb

Screen capture: The Sun

South Africa 2010: Croatia - England: Football match revenge

England couldn’t qualify to Euro 2008: so they have the obligation to qualify to next World Cup. What a better way to follow the way to South Africa against the team that has eliminated them before?

On Wednesday, Croatia and England will be face to face again. The road to 2010 is large, sure; but only Croatia or England will qualify to World Cup in a straight line when Group 6 will finish.

Let’s see what happen. Prediction? Hmmm very, very difficult. A draw doesn’t pay too much...

England - Croatia Head to Head:

London 21/11/2007 ENG 2:3 (0:2) CRO Euro Q
Zagreb 11/10/2006 CRO 2:0 (0:0) ENG Euro Q
Lisbon 21/06/2004 CRO 2:4 (1:2) ENG Euro
Ipswich 20/08/2003 ENG 3:1 (1:0) CRO Friendly
London 24/04/1996 ENG 0:0 CRO Friendly

Croatia - Turkey, Turkey - Croatia: have you got a favourite?

For the second quarterfinal match, Croatia seems to be the favourite. They won all matches at Group B, included the second one against Germany, the first semifinalist... All the previous stats between this teams are saying that Croatia is the favourite.

But Turkey won two matches, both when they were down in the scoring. Just remember Czech Republic… Can be the first win for the Turkish team vs. Croatia in this history that has started 12 years ago?

Turkey vs Croatia head to head :

Euro 11.6.1996 Nottingham: Turkey - Croatia 0:1
Kirin Cup 12.6.1997 Sendai: Croatia - Turkey 1:1
Friendly 31.3.2004 Zagreb: Croatia - Turkey 2:2

Michael Ballack goal confirmed Germany vs Portugal in quarterfinals

At Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna, Ballack shot in the 4th minute of the second half gave the German victory 1-0 against Austria.

The match was rubbed, without many important attacks. It was a poor match, especially because Germany is not playing well at this EURO, although they have many important players in the squad.

In the other hand, at Worthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt, Croatia beat Poland 1-0 and it is the first team to earn nine points. Only Netherlands and Spain could reach it.

Austria vs. Germany; Poland vs. Croatia: debutants will decide their future

Euro 2008’s Group B will come to a conclusion with the Austria – Germany match outcome proving crucial to decide which nation will take on Portugal in the quarterfinals. An Austria victory will see the host nation or Poland progress at the expense of Germany, meaning that debutants will survive the Group phase for the first time since 1996. It is not imposible, but it is difficult.

Germany themselves were the last to lift the trophy on their debut (1972).

Progress by debutants at European Championship, according to Infostrada Sports

2004 Latvia 4th (of 4) in group
2000 Norway 3rd (of 4) in group
2000 Slovenia 4th (of 4) in group
1996 Croatia Quarterfinals
1996 Bulgaria 3rd (of 4) in group
1996 Turkey 4th (of 4) in group
1996 Switzerland 4th (of 4) in group
1992 Sweden Semifinals
1992 Scotland 3rd (of 4) in group
1988 Republic of Ireland 3rd (of 4) in group
1984 Portugal Semifinals
1984 Romania 4th (of 4) in group
1980 Greece 4th (of 4) in group
1976 Netherlands Third place
1972 Germany Winners
1972 Belgium Third place
1968 Italy Winners
1968 England Third place
1964 Spain Winners
1964 Hungary Third place
1964 Denmark Fourth place
1960 Russia Winners
1960 Yugoslavia Runners-up
1960 Czech Republic Third place
1960 France Fourth place

Croatia 2 - Germany 1: "Catastrophic"

Croatians surpassed Germany 2-1 but they were able to score more goals.

When Germany needs Ballack, he wasn’t part of the game. The German impotence generated the first excluded at EURO 2008: Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Bild describes the situation as "catastrophic".

Good news for Germany? Podolski scored again an reach David Villa as EURO 2008 top scorer.

Lineups:

Croatia: Stipe Pletikosa, Danijel Pranjic, Josip Simunic, Robert Kovac, Vedran Corluka, Niko Kovac, Darijo Srna (Jerko Leko, 80), Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Niko Kranjcar (Dario Knezevic, 85), Ivica Olic (Mladen Petric, 72).

Germany: Jens Lehmann; Philipp Lahm, Christoph Metzelder, Per Mertesacker, Marcell Jansen (David Odonkor, 45), Clemens Fritz (Kevin Kuranyi, 82), Michael Ballack, Torsten Frings, Lukas Podolski, Mario Gomez (Bastian Schweinsteiger, 65), Miroslav Klose.

Goals: 24 min. Darijo Srna 24; 62 min. Ivica Olic (CRO). 79 min. Lukas Podolski (GER)

Yellow Cards: Darijo Srna, Josip Simunic, Jerko Leko, Luka Modric (CRO); Michael Ballack, Jens Lehmann (GER).

Red Card: 92 min. Bastian Schweinsteiger (GER).

Luka Modric: a penalty kick and a victory

In Vienna, Croatia made debut against the co-host team, Austria with a triumph. At fourth minute Croatia already put in advantage when Luka Modric transformed a penalty kick into a goal.

After this goal, Croatia justified the victory, having the ball and approaching to the Austrian goal. Nevertheless lacking 10 minutes to finish the first half, Croatia left that the ball were managed by the Austrians.

The entire second half was very similar than the end of the first half: Austria generating danger with centers but without generating any trouble to Pletikosa, the Croatian goalkeeper.

With few minutes of good football Croatia obtained three points. It gave the sensation which the Croatians reserved something more, they promise better football caliber during the next presentations.

Lineups:
Austria: Macho, Standfest, Stranzl, Pogatetz, Aufhauser, Linz (Kienast 74), Ivanschitz, Gercaliu (Korkmaz 69), Prodl, Saumel (Vastic 60), Harnik.

Croatia: Pletikosa, Sumunic, Kovac, Corluka, Kovac, Srna, Modric, Olic (Vukojevic 83), Kranjcar (Knezevic 61), Petric (Budan 72), Pranjic.

The Goal: 4 min; Luka Modric.

Yellow Cards: Pogatetz, Saumel, Prodl (AUT), Kovac (CRO)

More Info: El Balón Europeo

Michael Ballack and Oliver Neuville saved Germany against Serbia

This weekend we have a friendly storm. Waiting anxiously the EURO 2008 matches, here we have saturday results.

Germany 2 - Serbia 1

Germany 0 - Serbia 1: Bosko Jankovic; 18th minute.
Germany 1 - Serbia 1: Oliver Neuville; 74th minute.
Germany 2 - Serbia 1: Michael Ballack; 82nd minute.

The important forward: Coach Joachim Loew had taken the precaution of resting striker Miroslav Klose, who has a minor ankle problem.

Lineups:
Germany: Jens Lehmann, Philipp Lahm (Lukas Podolski, 45), Per Mertesacker (Arne Friedrich, 45), Christoph Metzelder, Marcell Jansen (Heiko Westermann, 84), Clemens Fritz, Torsten Frings (Simon Rolfes, 70), Michael Ballack, Bastian Schweinsteiger (David Odonkor, 79), Mario Gomez, Kevin Kuranyi (Oliver Neuville, 70).

Serbia: Vladimir Stojkovic, Antonio Rukavina, Nemanja Vidic, Branislav Ivanovic, Ivica Dragutonovic, Milan Smiljanic, Stefan Babovic, Bosko Jankovic (Zoran Tosic, 82), Zdravko Kuzmanovic, Sasa Ilic (Dejan Milovanovic, 73), Marko Pantelic (Danko Lazovic, 45).

Spain 2 - Peru 1

Spain 1 - Peru 0: David Villa; 38th minute.
Spain 1 - Peru 1: Hernan Rengifo; 76th minute.
Spain 2 - Peru 1: Joan Capdevila; 90th minute.

Lineups:
Spain: Iker Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Carles Puyol, Joan Capdevila; Andres Iniesta (61', Santiago Cazorla), Xabi Alonso (46', Marcos Antonio Senna), Xavi (46', Cesc Fabregas), David Silva (84', Sergio Garcia); David Villa (57', Ruben De La Red) y Fernando Torres (46', Daniel Gonzalez Güiza).

Peru: Leao Butron; Guillermo Salas, Alberto Rodriguez (24', Miguel Villalta), Walter Vilchez, Luis Hernandez; Nolberto Solano (90', Miguel Cevasco), Rainer Torres, Rinaldo Cruzado (46', Juan Carlos Mariño), Martin Hidalgo (73', Donny Neyra), Daniel Chavez (65', Hernan Rengifo); Paolo Guerrero.

France 0 - Paraguay 0

...zzz...zzz...zzz...

Lineups:
France: Gregory Coupet; Patrice Evran, Francoise Clerc, Sebastien Squilaci, Jean-Alain Boumsong; Jeremy Toulalan (70 Nasri), Claude Makelele (46 Diarra), Frank Ribery (46 Govou), Florent Malouda; Thierry Henry (46 Gomis), Karim Benzema (62 Anelka).

Paraguay: Justo Villar; Denis Caniza, Pedro Benítez, Paulo Da Silva, Darío Verón, Aureliano Torres; Victor Caceres (82 Santana), Edgar Barreto (89, Carlos Paredes), Sergio Aquino (41 Estigarribia); Roque Santa Cruz (56 Cardozo) y Nelson Haedo Valdez (68 Nelson Haedo).

Portugal beat Georgia 2-0

Joao Moutinho; 19th minute.
Simao Sabrosa (penalty kick); 45th minute.

Lineups:
Portugal: Ricardo (Quim 46), Bosingwa (Miguel 63), Ricardo Carvalho (Bruno Alves 46), Pepe (Fernando Meira 63), Paulo Ferreira, Petit (Miguel Veloso 46), Joao Moutinho (Hugo Almeida 71), Deco (Raul Meireles 46), Cristiano Ronaldo (Nani 46), Simao Sabrosa (Ricardo Quaresma 46), Nuno Gomes (Helder Postiga 63).

Georgia: Loria, Lobjanidze, Asatiani, Khizanishvili, Navalovski (Merebashvili 82), Kenia (Barabadze 69), Mentesashvili (Sanaia 69), Kobiashvili, Tskitishvili (Klimiashvili 46), Iashvili (Devdariani 46), Aleksidze.

Romania 4 - Montenegro 0

Adrian Mutu: 15th minute
Sorin Ghionea: 49th minute
Nicolae Dica: 55th and 70th minute

Lineups:
Romania: Lobont (M Popa 46), Contra, Tamas (Ghionea 46), Radu, Rat, Petre, Radoi (Codrea 46), Cocis (Dica 46), Chivu, Marica (Marius Niculae 46), Mutu (Daniel Niculae 46).

Montenegro: M Bozovic, Pavicevic, Tanasijevic, Jovanovic (Ognjanovic 76), V Bozovic, Bogavac (Dalovic 70), Drincic, Pekovic (Novakovic 72), Boskovic, Burzanovic (Jovetic 46), Vucinic (Porovic 86).

Hungary 1 - Croatia 1

Hungary 0 - Croatia 1 Niko Kovac: 23th minute.
Hungary 1 - Croatia 1 Niko Kovac again ! (auto-goal): 44th minute.

Lineups:
Croatia: Pletikosa, Corluka, R Kovac (Knezevic 62), Simunic, Pranjic, Srna, N Kovac, Modric, Kranjcar (Vukojevic 62), Petric (Klasnic 46), Olic (Rakitic 46).

Hungary: Fulop, Bodnar, Vasko, Juhasz, Bodor, Gera, Dardai (Szelesi 88), Vadocz, Dzsudzsak (Orosz 63), Hajnal, Huszti.

Croatia did not convince but Niko Kovac beat Moldova

In Rijeka, the local team defeated Moldova (38th in FIFA Ranking) with only a single goal thinking about EURO 2008. Croatian captain Niko Kovac scored the goal in the 30th minute. Coach Slaven Bilic is searching for the EURO 2008 strikers after Eduardo da Silva injury, and tried Ivic Olic and Igor Budan in the first half, and Ivan Klasnic and Nikola Kalinic after the break.

The line-ups:
Croatia: Pletikosa, Corluka, R. Kovac (Vejic 46), Simunic (Simic 46), Pranjic, Modric, N. Kovac (Pokrivac 59), Vukojevic (Leko 73), Rakitic, Budan (Kalinic 62), Olic (Klasnic 46).

Moldova: St. Namasco, Lascencov, Rebeja, Epureanu, Golovatenco, Zmeu (Cebotari 69), Se. Namasco, Gatcan (Andronic 79), Comleonoc (Suvorov 74), Frunza (Aleksejev 79), Bugaiov (Ovsevnikov 60).

23 names for Croatia

Slaven Bilic named the official squad for the EURO 2008, resigning Eduardo Da Silva:

Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (Spartak Moscow), Vedran Runje (Lens) y Mario Galinovic (Panathinaikos).

Defenders: Vedran Corluka (Manchester City), Dario Simic (AC Milan), Robert Kovac (Borussia Dortmund), Josip Simunic (Hertha Berlin), Dario Knezevic (Livorno), Hrvoje Vejic (Tom Tomsk).

Midfielders: Danijel Pranjic (Heerenveen), Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Niko Kovac (Salzburgo), Luka Modric (Dinamo Zagreb - Tottenham), Niko Kranjcar (Portsmouth), Jerko Leko (Monaco), Ivan Rakitic (Schalke 04), Ognjen Vukojevic (Dinamo Zagreb), Nikola Pokrivac (Monaco)

Forwards: Mladen Petric (Borussia Dortmund), Ivica Olic (Hamburg), Ivan Klasnic (Werder Bremen), Igor Budan (Parma), Nikola Kalinic (Hajduk Split).

Germany and Poland could be very difficult without Eduardo. So, a victory in the first match against the host team, Austria, is very important for Croatia.

A good example

The Croatian Football Federation extended by two years the contract of Slaven Bilic which assures his role during South Africa 2010 qualifying. Good news for the Croatia coach that can work calm during the EURO 2008. His performance against England give some credits to him.

More information: AFP

Swiss wants EURO 2008

Additionally, it wasn’t common that the Olympics Games aren’t priority for Swiss people. Nowadays, according to CNN, they are waiting anxiously for the EURO 2008.

Why England won’t be in EURO 2008?

The EURO is more and more close. While the national leagues are being finishing in each angle of Europe, the trainers continue filing details to give the lists of the players who will represent their selections from the on 7th June.

But without doubts there will be a great absent in the competition: England. The factors of the absence of the English team in the competition need to be analyzed.

Players: Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, David Beckham… seem to be players with great quality and the sufficient experience like being in any EURO. It doesn’t seem to be the factor.

Coach: Fabio Capello is an italian guy customary to lead teams with great stars. He was, -more or less- successful in the Juventus, Roma and Real Madrid where always have great stars in each group but also with much ego in each person. Perhaps being a foreign man harmed in a national team that have had only one experience before (Sven Goran Eriksson).

The key matches: Russia and Croatia defeated England at home. And in the most important match, England fell in Wembley!!! suffering the forcefulness of the Croatian team.

Infrastructure: Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool which are in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League. We know that England organized one of the most important leagues of the world. But the national team could’t appreciate it last year. It doesn’t seem to be the factor.

Good Luck: good luck always has a quota of importance in each sport. But it can’t be so outstanding in a classification with 12 dates and 36 points to win.

Eduardo da Silva: Croatia miss you

Eduardo Alves da Silva has played single 22 international matches with the Croatia national team. Nevertheless that reached for score 13 goals, 10 goals during the EURO qualifying, which sanctified him in an idol of the Croatian fans.

Nevertheless, an historical kick of Birmingham’s Martin Taylor playing for the Arsenal - that has paid 24 million Euros for him-; ruled out Eduardo of the EURO. For that reason Croatia, which will debut versus Austria, will need to replace him to be fine in a Group B that complete Germany and Poland. Niko Kovac, Mladen Petric and Ivica Olic are some of the key players in the team coached by Slaven Bilis.

In 1996 The Blazers reached EURO quarterfinals with players who, then, was third in 1998 WORLD CUP, always with Davor Suker as the main star. Now, Croatia will go for the quarterfinals after be unsuccessful four years ago. They must demonstrate that the English elimination in Wembley wasn’t casual. In spite of Eduardo absense…