The days of the great broad expressway to South Africa 2010 are decisively past: the struggle now has moved onto a narrow mountain pass. Every victory won today was as thin as it may be decisive. And it wasn't merely Europe – many held their breath across the world today. Few have cause to exhale yet.

Click to continue reading...

Despite nicking a few decent results in recent times (a draw with Portugal comes to mind), football's minnows Lichtenstein proved to be nothing more than than a shy sparring partner to a mixed lineup of "Vatreni" that Bilic had come out with. Croatia came up with a convincing 5:0 victory, putting one past the visiting goalie as early as in the first minute of the match.

Click to continue reading...

Croatian national team have arranged an International friendly match with Lichtenstein for November 14th. Croatia still face old injury problems and several new since the announcement of the lineup. Key players Luka Modrić, Mladen Petrić, Ivica Olić, and Stipe Pletikosa remain sidelined, while Vedran Ćorluka took a knock and will . Click to continue reading...

Wow, waking up just to see all those journalists crying on how Bilic (or Markovic rather) picks his friendlies ain't the best way to start the morning. But seriously though, the journalism in Croatia is rubbish. Like fast food. It's all around, lacks the attention & nutrition of a real meal, and in the end will leave you plunging the nearest available restroom.

Click to continue reading...

You can bet on Spain again.

Tis a wonderful thing to have a country oozing skill and technique capable of being considered a worthy contender without the qualifying phrase "but...but...but...it's Spain!". It simply makes tournaments that much more scintillating and victory for the winners (if not Spain) that much more delicious.

Click to continue reading...

A lot of commentators here in England think that some of the very much smaller European nations (San Marino, Lichtenstein, etc.) should not even be able to take part in the qualifying rounds for the 2010 World Cup football finals. They think there should be a separate qualifying tournament for these countries and only the winners should be allowed to compete in the World Cup qualifiers proper. Click to continue reading...