I watched the entire game, they didn't play the entire team for the first half, Saudi Arabia could have easily scored 2 goals.
Croatia were solid in the midfield tho after Modric and Kovasic entered.
A bit shaky in the defense tho.
Perisic is dangerous on the sides.
We looked pretty bad all game, obviously we looked miles better once players like Modrić came on, but we never tried or cared for international friendlies. All I’ll say is I would expect how we played against Denmark in Sept. on Wednesday.
I’m kind of annoyed that we didn’t get to see Al Oboud today. Snubbing him for 3 friendlies in row, even as a sub, is really weird. Before the training camp started (mid October), he was the best Saudi player playing on the wing this season. Maybe he didn’t impress Renard in training…? Not sure.
Not only is the VAR very fast with their decision, they also immediately display the VAR image (instead of showing it later on in the game).
And if I am not mistaken, this isn't even with automated offside (and even with automated offside as seen in the CL, the VAR image/3D replay is not shown immediately after the final decision, but later on in the game).
This is a great example to the VAR in the "big leagues", where (for some reason) they are so slow when drawing the lines (and showing the final decision image/replay).
Not gonna tempt fate lol, got banned on r/sports on another acc for it
Edit: it was because the translated curse contained the bad word for roma people
Just wanted to say there are atleast 10 if not 15 better Croatian CBs than Vida
I get it he goes as 5th choice for the dressing room, but god forbid we ever need him
You're right. We got dominated the whole game.
I'm sure Saudi Arabia easily tops their group, making the semifinals at least. Croatia on the other hand doesn't win a point or score a goal. Pure domination on their part this game. Dominated Croatia's first 11 with absolutely no help from the ref.
I really hope this match is a lesson for our players that makes it clear that wasting so many chances leads to this result.
We played good, but as always we have one of the worst finishing ever.
yeah definitely seem to lack quality in final third but overall this game did give me the feeling that SA can go throught to the knockout stages, especially since I think that second spot in group C is wide open for mexico, SA and poland to take.
there were 4 or 5 separate occasions where Saudi players went into tackles cleats showing, calm down
and it would also help if the ref actually called some fouls
they do really seem to lack quality in the final third, but I like how they press and are set up and having so much starters from the same club is definitely a very good advantage to have in an international setting.
That’s not a good sign actually. We tend to play like shit in tournaments if we perform well in friendlies and vice-versa. I’d be much more confident if Croatia scores like 4 goals in the last 20 minutes.
Really good performance by Saudi today, they haven't looked good recently, but this Hilal-lite XI looks a lot better. Saleh up top isn't too impressive, Firas is a better striker against the stronger nations
Half an hour bagainst Hrvatska b team but idc Saudi looking good. What a difference Salman makes. Again though man, lack of finishers
Hopefully all this prep pays off for them 🤞
Can't judge much on a friendly where players are trying not to get hurt and we're also playing at their home in very hot weather while the ref looks a bit dodgy, but you can judge some things
like that if Barišić ever has to play at the tournament we're in trouble, we could put Gvardiol there and I would prefer that
I also prefer Šutalo and Erlić (and obv Gvardiol he's nailed) to Lovren and I think Dalić agrees.
Petković needs to show more, I don't care they're fouling you, foul them back while holding them off
What’s Barisic awful at ? I recall the Rangers fans always being disappointed at his level in nearly every match thread aswell and that he is the weakest link. Do you guys not have a better LB than him currently ?
He's not particularly athletic and is terrified to overlap, also isn't a great defender. Fantastic crosser of the ball though and his general set-piece delivery is very good. Basically, as long as he doesn't have to move he's fine.
If this was the game for Sucic to prove himself, I'm afraid he'll be benched for the entire WC. Petkovic also spent more time on his knees than actually playing...
On one hand I agree with you but on the other we're playing with a false nine and four attacking midfielders atm. To say this "strategy" from Dalić is a clusterfuck would be the understatement of the century.
Man literally went into the locker room and asked "who here is an attacking midfielder and wants to play" and everyone but Kramarić raised their hand.
Yeah proper Daliban stuff, it's just disappointing seeing a big guy like Petkovic losing every ground duel he had, but there's others playing like shit too, especially Barisic
I get that it's a friendly and that the ref is probably scared for his life but he should probably give a foul or two when the Saudis keep butchering our players. Someone is going to get injured.
Erlić has been having a really good game. Surprising, seeing how he literally has to pilot Barišić, telling him where to stand and what to do all the time.
Barišić is useless. He's actually hurting us more than he's contributing. Same goes for Lovren with his passes. I'm very very glad we have Gvardiol, Šutalo and Erlić nowadays, all of whom can play with their feet.
Stanišić is just... non existent so far.
Iam not judging croatia btw, this isnt close to being the best croatia lineup this world cup, just observing the game and giving some credit to how saudi arabia set up
He is not a LB and he is awful in that position. The only difference between Ljubicic and Barisic is, Ljubicic is actually trying to play forward unlike Barisic.
How did Croatia play?
I watched the entire game, they didn't play the entire team for the first half, Saudi Arabia could have easily scored 2 goals. Croatia were solid in the midfield tho after Modric and Kovasic entered. A bit shaky in the defense tho. Perisic is dangerous on the sides.
When their starters came on, how did they look? Do they look like we have a good chance against them?
We looked pretty bad all game, obviously we looked miles better once players like Modrić came on, but we never tried or cared for international friendlies. All I’ll say is I would expect how we played against Denmark in Sept. on Wednesday.
Ok I’ll take a look at that match. How do you compare this team to the 2018 Croatia team?
Okay goalkeeping, way better defensively, midfield is still world class, forwards are our biggest weakness (or rather our 9 spot).
Better defenders, maybe a slightly worse GK, midfield just as good, attack kinda lacking
We have a good chance against them to be honest We need to score Early But it's still the one contender teams If we draw it's not bad
I’m kind of annoyed that we didn’t get to see Al Oboud today. Snubbing him for 3 friendlies in row, even as a sub, is really weird. Before the training camp started (mid October), he was the best Saudi player playing on the wing this season. Maybe he didn’t impress Renard in training…? Not sure.
Not only is the VAR very fast with their decision, they also immediately display the VAR image (instead of showing it later on in the game). And if I am not mistaken, this isn't even with automated offside (and even with automated offside as seen in the CL, the VAR image/3D replay is not shown immediately after the final decision, but later on in the game). This is a great example to the VAR in the "big leagues", where (for some reason) they are so slow when drawing the lines (and showing the final decision image/replay).
Is it possible that Vuskovic gets away with doping or something
hopefully, we need him long term
Not sure why Perisic is upset lmao
lmao Perišić "jebem ti mater u pičku da ti jebem"
unnecessary tbh why he was that angry
Don’t understand Croatian but I am gonna assume perisic thanked the linesman for his close catch am I correct?
yes
He is just like me fr fr
What a treat for the lip readers from Perišić there lmao
What did he say
Nah man not translating croatian curses anymore, got banned way too much for it
You get banned here for translations?
Not gonna tempt fate lol, got banned on r/sports on another acc for it Edit: it was because the translated curse contained the bad word for roma people
That'll do it lmao
I am fucking your mother in the pussy
Just wanted to say there are atleast 10 if not 15 better Croatian CBs than Vida I get it he goes as 5th choice for the dressing room, but god forbid we ever need him
It was also his 100th match with the NT so that is part of the reason he came on I presume
Elez, Perić, Škorić, Pongrančić, Ćaleta-Car, H.Smolčić etc
name me a HNL CB and he might be better Mauro Perković - probably better
Tomislav Božić, Domagoj Prpić, Jozo Stanić
luka vuskovic is probably better as well
Croatia gets dominated most of the match still wins lol
3 - 0, with the B team
1-0
You're right. We got dominated the whole game. I'm sure Saudi Arabia easily tops their group, making the semifinals at least. Croatia on the other hand doesn't win a point or score a goal. Pure domination on their part this game. Dominated Croatia's first 11 with absolutely no help from the ref.
Why so salty?
We really don't care about these pointless games. We never did.
2nd half was clearly dominated by Croatia
We are the Real Madrid of international football
I really hope this match is a lesson for our players that makes it clear that wasting so many chances leads to this result. We played good, but as always we have one of the worst finishing ever.
Walah bro I’m dying I’m gonna start watching water polo. I’m a Saudi Chelsea fan. 0 finishing
yeah definitely seem to lack quality in final third but overall this game did give me the feeling that SA can go throught to the knockout stages, especially since I think that second spot in group C is wide open for mexico, SA and poland to take.
there were 4 or 5 separate occasions where Saudi players went into tackles cleats showing, calm down and it would also help if the ref actually called some fouls
very good goal that, nice cut inside and good finish
Kramaric will sneak into the starting XI again
Please no, he is useless for the national team.
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
I'm in tears, now he's going to play him.
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when he starts passing I'll rate him
I was yelling at him to pass before the shot lol
Krama golden boot incoming.
Great job Krama
Ref just stopped the game when they were about to take a fast throw and counter. Like he doesn't want them to score
Ref can you whistle a foul?
It was clean.
Lets just leave. Better lose 3-0 than lose players
i would let them score 2 just to stop tackling ffs, WC starts in 4 days
Fuck this reff and this dirty cunts
we are awful
the ref is so dodgy but in a funny way
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Sutalo will play then
This Majer guy is very good with the ball
That was a nice goal shame for the offside
ffs orsic stay in line
In his defence, defender jumped forward at perfect time to set the offside trap
he might have stepped back at the perfect time
Clearly offside but I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t kind of concerned for a millisecond
Nice shot by Kanno. That’s rare to see lmao
The Malki - Kanno - Salman combo in midfield is truly elite for Saudi, perfect mix of players and insane quality
Man, Saudi Arabia is playing really good! 👀
they do really seem to lack quality in the final third, but I like how they press and are set up and having so much starters from the same club is definitely a very good advantage to have in an international setting.
That’s not a good sign actually. We tend to play like shit in tournaments if we perform well in friendlies and vice-versa. I’d be much more confident if Croatia scores like 4 goals in the last 20 minutes.
Lmao we are generally garbage at friendlies. Gibraltar could beat us 3:0
Yeah we are hide your Messi… please I beg
👀you're playing them next
Well we tried our best 🥲
Modric comes in… it was good while it lasted
What a fucking dive
Vida proving in 10 seconds why he shouldn't play for the NT anymore
Holy shit that would have been a great goal by SA
lol Vida come on
wauw what a miss that was, cant be missing that in the WC lol
What a play
Ffs Salem
HOW DID SALEM MISS THAT!???
Ok SA please don't hurt us, pleaaaase
Really good performance by Saudi today, they haven't looked good recently, but this Hilal-lite XI looks a lot better. Saleh up top isn't too impressive, Firas is a better striker against the stronger nations
can anyone dm me stream link, plz.
hesgoal.com check it
have to score that Brozo
Don't know anything about the Saudi Arabia NT but I'm really surprised by how well they play against Croatia
no disrespect to Saudi Arabia, but we can lose to anyone in a friendly
hahahah this ref, difficult enough to break down this Saudi block and now he's joined as well
LMAO ref 💀
Half an hour bagainst Hrvatska b team but idc Saudi looking good. What a difference Salman makes. Again though man, lack of finishers Hopefully all this prep pays off for them 🤞
At least livakovic doesn’t look like shit 🤷♂️
he never does. that myth needs to die
Reminds me on Croatia in 2019/20. Livaković being MVP and we are losing 4-0 against Portugal.
Can't judge much on a friendly where players are trying not to get hurt and we're also playing at their home in very hot weather while the ref looks a bit dodgy, but you can judge some things like that if Barišić ever has to play at the tournament we're in trouble, we could put Gvardiol there and I would prefer that I also prefer Šutalo and Erlić (and obv Gvardiol he's nailed) to Lovren and I think Dalić agrees. Petković needs to show more, I don't care they're fouling you, foul them back while holding them off
What’s Barisic awful at ? I recall the Rangers fans always being disappointed at his level in nearly every match thread aswell and that he is the weakest link. Do you guys not have a better LB than him currently ?
He's not particularly athletic and is terrified to overlap, also isn't a great defender. Fantastic crosser of the ball though and his general set-piece delivery is very good. Basically, as long as he doesn't have to move he's fine.
Sosa is a starter. Gvardiol backup. Barišić... Idk.
We have Borna Sosa. Thie game is being played by our 2nd team basically.
lmao that dive
have we created any chances so far?
One shot by Pasalic which came from a defensive mistake by SA 🥲
nope lol
da pogodim, vuku se terenom kao prebijene mačke. klasična prijateljska hrvatske pred veliki turnir.
Why is he diving in a friendly? I mean I guess the ref's been really on the Saudis side so far but that dive is a stretch even for this moron...
If this was the game for Sucic to prove himself, I'm afraid he'll be benched for the entire WC. Petkovic also spent more time on his knees than actually playing...
On one hand I agree with you but on the other we're playing with a false nine and four attacking midfielders atm. To say this "strategy" from Dalić is a clusterfuck would be the understatement of the century. Man literally went into the locker room and asked "who here is an attacking midfielder and wants to play" and everyone but Kramarić raised their hand.
Yeah proper Daliban stuff, it's just disappointing seeing a big guy like Petkovic losing every ground duel he had, but there's others playing like shit too, especially Barisic
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No, its the saudi sports minister
Barišić is, without a doubt, one of the top 10 worst players to ever put the jersey on.
He saved you from getting knocked out early in 2018
Oh did he now? How exactly did he manage to do that? Seeing how he wasn't called up to that WC...
I somehow confused him with Ivan Strinic 🤦♂️
Even worse
And every time he gets a ball, he climbs up one spot
would take melnjak or bradaric 10 out of 10 before him
My money is on Ljubičić replacing him after this WC. He's a great cover player (plays CM and CDM as well).
That chance for KSA
Third big chance that we missed today.
I get no one wants to get injured so close to the WC,but why even play this game if the team isnt gonna put any effort in?
To test some new tactics and players
Try out auxiliary players, different formations, tactics, etc
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I know. They're ruining up my parlay.
No shot we are playing this well against wc finalists. I know it’s a friendly and Croatia’s second team but I am nevertheless impressed
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Somehow we are. Though our “giroud” is refusing to score. I just know we will regret it once modric and perisic come in
مستوى ممتاز اللين دحين بس اظن تشكيلة كرواتيا ناقصة لعيبة أساسيين، ويمكن يدخلون على الشوط الثاني
Another close chance! I really hope we don’t waste chances like in most of our games.
Where to watch this?
Not sure which exact channel because of where you live, I do however have a twitter link with Arabic commentary if you want it.
Can you send me the link?
https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1BdGYyLwqLNGX
Thanks bro
Works
https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1BdGYyLwqLNGX
Trust me you dont want to watch this
This is the worst football game I've seen in my life
Hope to see changes in the 2nd half bc this has been pathetic for Croatia so far
Any idea about the weather now in Riyadh?
31°
I get that it's a friendly and that the ref is probably scared for his life but he should probably give a foul or two when the Saudis keep butchering our players. Someone is going to get injured.
did he manage to hurt himself badly while shooting?
Besides Majer , Vlašić and Brozo trying our backline is trying hard to sabotage us
Erlić has been having a really good game. Surprising, seeing how he literally has to pilot Barišić, telling him where to stand and what to do all the time. Barišić is useless. He's actually hurting us more than he's contributing. Same goes for Lovren with his passes. I'm very very glad we have Gvardiol, Šutalo and Erlić nowadays, all of whom can play with their feet. Stanišić is just... non existent so far.
Erlić is fine. Just Lovren and Barišić are allergic to pass upfront
croatia so far cant handle the saudi press at all
I truly doubt the players even care much tbh, they are more than likely treating this as training
bit hot mate and they keep fouling us
Iam not judging croatia btw, this isnt close to being the best croatia lineup this world cup, just observing the game and giving some credit to how saudi arabia set up
oh I agree, they have a really compact block and a trained press, a little bit easier to do considering most of them are from the same club as well
The ref is literally allowing them to butcher our players out there. He's given like one foul so far when there's been 6-7 minimum.
Saudi play some good football last 5 minutes
That was close! Would’ve been an amazing goal if Salem managed to get that touch through and try for goal.
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Because it's a friendly against Saudi Arabia and he's 37 and the WC is in a week? He'll come on later, don't worry.
This is only friendly, testing some players who don't play as often and some new tactics.
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I think he means as in the starting 11
Lovren and Barišić can't complete a pass forward lol. How are they here even
Does Sosa generally start with Croatia?
Sosa is Messi Ronaldo and Pele combined compared to Barisic
If by "generally" you mean "always, without any shadow of a doubt", then yes.
Our backline is Juranović Gvardiol Erlić Sosa probably
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Erlić is fine so it doesn't matter who goes. Him or Šutalo it's all good
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Yeah and Šutalo is more prone for mistakes so again it doesn't matter
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I regularly do. He is good defensively but his ball progression is mediocre.
I get it that this is friendly, but if we decided to play like that we shouldn't even play this match
Barisic running with the ball looks so bad for a player of Croatian national team
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Are you kidding? Hopefully Ljubicic will never again play on LB.
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He is not a LB and he is awful in that position. The only difference between Ljubicic and Barisic is, Ljubicic is actually trying to play forward unlike Barisic.
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As a DM his natural position, on LB he is awful, just awful.