[Sulla]

This three game qualifying campaign was make or break for Dalic and he's come out of it in arguably the strongest position he's been in since WC '18. In the aftermath of the Euro's he has moved decisively to omit players that he deemed problematic, and seemingly bought the team together. They clearly play for him, as the effort over the three games cannot be denied.

Other positives:

1. He rotated his squad to reasonably good effect despite being hampered by key injuries to Modric and Budimir;
2. He clearly made the right choice with Ivusic ahead of Sluga;
3. Sosa was seamlessly integrated into the team without any great publicity or issue;
4. Most importantly, I think, is that the team's style of play progressively improved as the campaign went on. We played the ball more forward and with intent. The game against Russia was slow and seemed without idea or purpose, but that started to change against Slovakia and against Slovenia we found ourselves in the rare situation where the issue wasn't created opportunities, but rather our wastefulness. Does that mean that Dalic has finally found resolved our problems going forward? Probably still too early to tell, but it's nevertheless evidence of progress, both on the part of Dalic and his team.

Dalic still has a lot of work to do. We still feel like a team that's very much in the transition phase and if you asked five different people what our best line-up would be, you'd get five different responses. It will also be interesting to see whether Dalic is capable of playing us in a 3-5-2 which seems to be the more compelling formation given our personnel.

Notwithstanding all of the above, we still can't say with certainty that Dalic has solved our scoring problems. Despite the Slovenia game, it can't be denied that we were poor in the final third and seemed to be stuck for ideas. And I'm not sure whether the Slovenia game was one where it all just clicked or whether Dalic engineered real progress. There's an argument for both.

My rating for Dalic across the three games: 7.5/10.

 

[Ante]

Dalic came up big these three games. And I love the move not calling up Rebic, Petkovic and Brekalo. No half a.ssed efforts and attitudes are needed nor welcome. Glad he set the tone and it bodes well for the future.

We've introduced some young guys that we know can be trusted now as they were literally thrown into the fire. Our depth has increased with options at the back and maybe even a new #1 keeper. Anything less than 7 points in this cycle and we would have been in trouble and Dalic delivered.

Of course there are 4 games to go, and anything other than direct qualification will be a huge disappointment as the schedule favours us over the ruskies. But lets see how it all plays out.

Dalic also showed there is life after Modric which was big as well.

For me, its 8.5. Well done and lets keep it going.

 

[Ivan7637]

He is criticized a lot, and deservedly so, but if I just take the last 3 games into account, then it’s 9/10 for me. 3 cleans sheets. 7 points. Looked pretty good for most of those games, including some moments against Russia.

 

[10Boban10]

Dalic did very well in a lot of areas but we can't be slaves to the results. The fact is we played poorly in the first 2 games and then came to life in the third against Slovenia. Dalic doesn't strike me as a great tactician at all but I guess that doesn't matter as much at an international level.

Big props to Dalic for rotating the squad. There is competition for every single position so not a single player should feel secure in their position which is how it should be. RB is maybe the only position but if Stanisic does indeed come through then Juranovic has a lot to work on.

Big props again for sorting out the defense. Opposition hasn't been great thus far but nevertheless we've only conceded 1 goal in 6 games which is good. I know Lovren/Vida is the usual combo but I really would like to see Duje get more chances alongside Lovren. Both of them are better than Vida with the ball at their feet which should help our play.

Squad selection was a negative imo. Too many CB's when we needed more CM's. Skoric and Uremovic were essentially useless and Broz/Kova had to play all 3 games. Moro was left out completely. I know Modric injury complicated things but surely it would have been better to call up Basic or even someone from the u21?

Moving forward I think we have two big questions. Who plays striker and who plays RW? Defense and midfield is set with a lot of options but we don't have a good classic 9 or a natural RW.

 

[Ante]

Moving forward I think we have two big questions. Who plays striker and who plays RW? Defense and midfield is set with a lot of options but we don't have a good classic 9 or a natural RW.

I think Budimir will be a big help up front when he comes back. Is strong and can win headers.

And Sosa has been a revelation as well as Ivusic.

We've also moved on at RB from Sime (its too bad but injuries took their toll and he is probably done at high level).

And don't forget we've at Euros introduced Gvardiol who would have started vs the Ruskies but for a last second injury so some more depth.

I am excited definitely. It was all doom and gloom expecting the worst, but we are looking good now. Throw Luka and Budimir and Gvardiol into the mix and it only gets better.

 

[HajdukSplit]

His squad selections have made little sense for years, the group also isn’t so challenging and if they didn’t lose to Slovenia on the first match they would already pretty much be in. I worry more about these upcoming away games against bunkers honestly than the home games

 

[croatian batman]

We should honestly be beating Slovenia and Slovakia’s of the world.

 

[SuhoZD]

Yeah, with five minutes to go against Slovakia it was looking like another boring draw. We showed glimpes in Euro quals too, Slovakia away and Hungary at home were great performances.

Dalić gets credit for swinging the changes, for sure. And the team did look very motivated.

I need to see them follow up next month, maybe lift it a notch over the two games before I get too excited.

For me, Dalić's biggest fail was not calling up Stanišić. Timing was perfect to get him into the mix.

 

[SuhoZD]

[*]Most importantly, I think, is that the team's style of play progressively improved as the campaign went on. We played the ball more forward and with intent. The game against Russia was slow and seemed without idea or purpose, but that started to change against Slovakia and against Slovenia...

That Russia game is basically how we've played most of our away games under Dalić, and any game against big opposition. IMO he shows teams too much respect, is happy to try to break even and just hope something happens.

Against SVK but especially against SLO that wasn't an option. When you undeniably have the better talent and look to attack because there is nothing or little to be gained from being cagey, you're going to look better.

 

[Ante]

We should honestly be beating Slovenia and Slovakia’s of the world.

Yes, we should be, but qualifying is easier said than done. Especially with these compressed schedules. Even the minnows can play now and make things difficult. Some of the other big boys have dropped points as well... Italy has drawn a pair of games, Spain lost and tied, the Germans lost at home to the Macs, etc...

 

[dinamozagreb86]

Yep, he's certainly bounced back a little and I hope the team continues this form going into the next games. The criticism surrounding him is still warranted though. Lets just see what happens going forward.

 

[Ante]

Yep, he's certainly bounced back a little and I hope the team continues this form going into the next games. The criticism surrounding him is still warranted though. Lets just see what happens going forward.

I just hope you keep doubting we will score goals in future games. )))

 

[dinamozagreb86]

I just hope you keep doubting we will score goals in future games. )))

I will continue having those doubts.

 

[ForzaFiume]

Yes, we should be, but qualifying is easier said than done. Especially with these compressed schedules. Even the minnows can play now and make things difficult. Some of the other big boys have dropped points as well... Italy has drawn a pair of games, Spain lost and tied, the Germans lost at home to the Macs, etc...

I was looking at the UEFA table the other day and you're spot on about this. I don't think it absolves Dalic of some of the choices and tactics used, but if you look at the other groups and group leaders so far, we have the same amount of points as Portugal, Spain, Netherlands and actually have more points than France (all traditional tough teams for us).

Not only are these cycles a slog now, but the quality of the mid-tier and 'minnow' teams has improved. I think some of us think back to 10-20 years ago where playing teams like Slovakia, Cyprus and even other teams outside of our current group like Azerbaijan, Luxembourg and Armenia were guaranteed results, usually by a 2-3 goal margin but these games are played tighter. Not just for us, but other big sides.

Even in this cycle:

Spain has dropped points to Greece and almost dropped points to Georgia in their group.
Italy have dropped points to Bulgaria.
France has dropped points to BiH.
Germany dropped points to Macedonia.

Point being, I think a little bump in the road i.e. what happened with our first game with Slovenia, is par for the course. I don't know about you all, but I assumed we'd have a hiccup like that and that potentially Russia would take some points off us.

If we take full points from Cyprus away, Slovakia home and Malta away (and hopefully Slovakia or someone else take points off Russia) we should be in the drivers seat for 1st come last match day vs. Russia at home.

 

[Rupa]

I watched the Slovakia game last night. Now that i have watched all 3 games, i would take away that nothing has changed. yes we were more aggressive and pushed higher up the field against Slovenia and thus created more chances. But that is to be expected when playing at home as you have the home crowd support(mind you i felt like Slovenia had low energy, but that is probably due to us being over hyped).
Perisic put in a shift against Slovenia and he created a goal. Nothing new there. And not surprising that Mario Pasalic is involved in both of the first 2 goals, as he has a nose for goal. But in general the team just played with more energy at home. The tactics were not much different, even though i will say that Kramaric did not drop as deep to pick up the ball and dribble through the Slovenia midfield. And that is probably a good thing, as he needs to be utilized higher up the pitch, as Brozovic and Kovacic could pickup the ball too. I liked the inclusion of Ivica Ivusic, I thought he was the best goalie(i thought Kahlina looked pretty good too, before he left for Ludogorets) in the HNL the last season. The other inclusion was of Livaja playing as a false 9 i guess, and Kramaric more on the right. I don't feel that does much for us, but i don't mind Kramaric as a wide player, as hopefully with his dribbling he can bring runners in behind him(juranovic) and other diagonal runs/runners off him. Livaja is just meh for me, not a player that i see as making an impact on either end of the pitch.

As for the games against Russia and Slovakia, we were outplayed in both games i thought. Not thoroughly outlplayed but both of those game could of easily have been loses. Slovakia moved the ball through that midfield too easily at times. Though when we brought in Pasalic, Perisic, Livaja and Kramaric we seemed to have more stability/balance(maybe because Pasalic and Perisic will defend(and Kramaric tries to defend)), thus negating their passing through the midfield. I thought Russia just played nicer team football then we did and could of beat us. I consider us lucky to get 4 points out of those games against Russia and Slovakia. Our away form brings me no confidence.

Dalic to me has enough admiration and respect of these older players that every one else falls in line. but the play is not there. this team is in essence too static and ball movement is slow. Don't know when to make runs and thus everything is in front of the opposing defense. Defensively we did not allow any goals, but none of the 3 teams we played against has a striker that will put the fear in us(i guess sort of like us right now). We continue to rely on Perisic to create and someday that will stop(against really good defences it already has). And all we will be stuck with will crosses, which are hit or miss. I am optimistic that we can qualify for Qatar(i still can't believe it will be in Qatar in November) but our stay there will be short i think.

Dalic Rating : 6.0

 

[Tuco Ramirez]

I watched the Slovakia game last night. Now that i have watched all 3 games, i would take away that nothing has changed. yes we were more aggressive and pushed higher up the field against Slovenia and thus created more chances. But that is to be expected when playing at home as you have the home crowd support(mind you i felt like Slovenia had low energy, but that is probably due to us being over hyped).
Perisic put in a shift against Slovenia and he created a goal. Nothing new there. And not surprising that Mario Pasalic is involved in both of the first 2 goals, as he has a nose for goal. But in general the team just played with more energy at home. The tactics were not much different, even though i will say that Kramaric did not drop as deep to pick up the ball and dribble through the Slovenia midfield. And that is probably a good thing, as he needs to be utilized higher up the pitch, as Brozovic and Kovacic could pickup the ball too. I liked the inclusion of Ivica Ivusic, I thought he was the best goalie(i thought Kahlina looked pretty good too, before he left for Ludogorets) in the HNL the last season. The other inclusion was of Livaja playing as a false 9 i guess, and Kramaric more on the right. I don't feel that does much for us, but i don't mind Kramaric as a wide player, as hopefully with his dribbling he can bring runners in behind him(juranovic) and other diagonal runs/runners off him. Livaja is just meh for me, not a player that i see as making an impact on either end of the pitch.

As for the games against Russia and Slovakia, we were outplayed in both games i thought. Not thoroughly outlplayed but both of those game could of easily have been loses. Slovakia moved the ball through that midfield too easily at times. Though when we brought in Pasalic, Perisic, Livaja and Kramaric we seemed to have more stability/balance(maybe because Pasalic and Perisic will defend(and Kramaric tries to defend)), thus negating their passing through the midfield. I thought Russia just played nicer team football then we did and could of beat us. I consider us lucky to get 4 points out of those games against Russia and Slovakia. Our away form brings me no confidence.

Dalic to me has enough admiration and respect of these older players that every one else falls in line. but the play is not there. this team is in essence too static and ball movement is slow. Don't know when to make runs and thus everything is in front of the opposing defense. Defensively we did not allow any goals, but none of the 3 teams we played against has a striker that will put the fear in us(i guess sort of like us right now). We continue to rely on Perisic to create and someday that will stop(against really good defences it already has). And all we will be stuck with will crosses, which are hit or miss. I am optimistic that we can qualify for Qatar(i still can't believe it will be in Qatar in November) but our stay there will be short i think.

Dalic Rating : 6.0

Rupa, perfect analysis.👍🏻

As I stated in another thread, I will not be convinced unless we completely crush Cyprus away next month .

I truly think it’s down to the selection at this point. We have the talent and even the depth for the first time .
now we have to put round pegs in round holes and make the tough decisions to bench some of the superstars .
Only way I can see us growing and really being a force to be reckoned with.

 

[Ivan7637]

Maybe I need to watch the game again but I don’t recall Russia outplaying us. I remember thinking that if anyone deserved to win that game, it was us. The thing is that any team traveling to Russia is going to have a rough time. This idea that we’re going to play away against some of these teams and pull out 3-0 results isn’t realistic. Look at the results of some of the other big teams across Europe. We have a lot to fix, sure, but I think we can beat anyone on our day. I don’t want to be overly optimistic because I know our flaws but I’m also not going to be doom and gloom either considering that the talent and desire is definitely there.

 

[Rupa]

^Outplaying is too strong of a word. I have watched the game since and Russia was the more threatening team. They created 3 chances that forced a saved by Livakovic. They actually have some ideas of how to play on the counter. and i would say there is a hint of knowing how to play off the ball by Russians. As the match wore on i felt they were growing into the game and more threatening. We had 1 legitimate shot on goal by Ivanusec(81st minute) that forced a save. The rest of the chances were well wide(Pasalic's header(which may have been a foul), Kramaric's 10 meter wide shank and Perisic's squib that was headed on by Vlasic). You could say they are half chances if your being generous. having lots possession means nothing. we know that from the game against France. What you do with the ball, that has value. But how you construct your team to play, that has even more credit.

 

[Dalmatino]

That Russia game is basically how we've played most of our away games under Dalić, and any game against big opposition. IMO he shows teams too much respect, is happy to try to break even and just hope something happens.

Against SVK but especially against SLO that wasn't an option. When you undeniably have the better talent and look to attack because there is nothing or little to be gained from being cagey, you're going to look better.

I'm pretty sure over the past 3 years the record has been about 500. Win one/lose one. I've said this in the past, that type of % would not be tolerated at any other top country in the world for this long.

Seems we're setting the bar much lower than where it should be placed considering the types of clubs our players play for still.

 

[Sulla]

I watched the Slovakia game last night. Now that i have watched all 3 games, i would take away that nothing has changed. yes we were more aggressive and pushed higher up the field against Slovenia and thus created more chances. But that is to be expected when playing at home as you have the home crowd support(mind you i felt like Slovenia had low energy, but that is probably due to us being over hyped).

To my mind there was evident change over the three games. In the first there was minimal movement between the lines and a lack of courage in our passing. In the second game, there was more intent in the passing but still not enough movement.

In the third, both came together. Brozovic, Kovacic, Lovren and Vida all played a greater variety of passes and with more forward intent. More so, there was a lot more exchanging of positions, primarily involving Kramaric and Pasalic, but Kovacic also ventured between the lines a lot more.

I think there was a tangible change in the way we played. Whether it was by design or otherwise, we'll see in the next game.