Cybereagles

As you know, of course I'm rooting for Croatia in Group F. Drawn with Belgium, Morocco, and Canada. I think it is a favorable draw.

Belgium is good, but not the most imposing European outfit. I don't fear Canada, their 1st appearance in decades, with hardly any marquee players. The team I am cagy about is indeed Morocco.

What can you tell me about them? I recall the Atlas Lions being fit, disciplined, decent skilled, but no superstars. They gave Spain and Portugal a tough time. The USA recently routed them 3-0.

BTW: this Croatian team is loaded. Modric-Brozovic-Kovacic-Perisic, maybe the best midfield in the world. The defense will be our best ever, with rising young players from the best club teams. Blend of youth and experience.

Our weakness is no world class forwards. In fact, not even 1 international class forward. We might have to gamble on players under 20. We control the middle, staunch defense, but will need many shot for goals.

How does Morocco play style wise? Any standout players?

I will be rooting for them, three Sevilla boys in the squad

Yassine Bounou
Munir Haddadi
Youssef En-Nesyri

I am not an expert on their team but as an adopted team i feel i can give an opinion... please anyone who knows better correct anything ive said.

they play a 4-5-1 with En-Nesyri leading the line he is a good player but not a natural goal scorer

stand out players
Noussair Mazraoui (just signed for Bayern)
Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
Romain Saïss (Wolves)

looks like Ziyech (Chelsea) will be returning to the side, he and Mazraoui had fallen out with the manager.

mate wrote: ↑Sat Jun 18, 2022 3:24 pm As you know, of course I'm rooting for Croatia in Group F. Drawn with Belgium, Morocco, and Canada. I think it is a favorable draw.

Belgium is good, but not the most imposing European outfit. I don't fear Canada, their 1st appearance in decades, with hardly any marquee players. The team I am cagy about is indeed Morocco.

What can you tell me about them? I recall the Atlas Lions being fit, disciplined, decent skilled, but no superstars. They gave Spain and Portugal a tough time. The USA recently routed them 3-0.

BTW: this Croatian team is loaded. Modric-Brozovic-Kovacic-Perisic, maybe the best midfield in the world. The defense will be our best ever, with rising young players from the best club teams. Blend of youth and experience.

Our weakness is no world class forwards. In fact, not even 1 international class forward. We might have to gamble on players under 20. We control the middle, staunch defense, but will need many shot for goals.

How does Morocco play style wise? Any standout players?

Your team is very talented, but unfortunately age is not on their side. Belgium also has the same problem, so it will be a toss up in the match between your guys and them. You are right to fear Morocco. They are a fast, slick passing team that creates lots of chances. Reminds me of a team your beautiful country always has problems with at the WC. M...co.

Anyway we will see. I can't wait!

King Futcha wrote: ↑Sat Jun 18, 2022 6:45 pm I will be rooting for them, three Sevilla boys in the squad

Yassine Bounou
Munir Haddadi
Youssef En-Nesyri

I am not an expert on their team but as an adopted team i feel i can give an opinion... please anyone who knows better correct anything ive said.

they play a 4-5-1 with En-Nesyri leading the line he is a good player but not a natural goal scorer

stand out players
Noussair Mazraoui (just signed for Bayern)
Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
Romain Saïss (Wolves)

looks like Ziyech (Chelsea) will be returning to the side, he and Mazraoui had fallen out with the manager.

The formation is interesting. 1 striker and a midfield battle plays to Croatia's advantage. I fear teams with 2 forwards that can score 2 goals. We might find it tough to consistently score 2 goals in a game.

I stated reading about 3 Moroccans at Sevilla. That kind of familiarity and playing together helps.

I have no doubt Morocco will be a handful.

Scipio Africanus wrote: ↑Sat Jun 18, 2022 7:42 pm

mate wrote: ↑Sat Jun 18, 2022 3:24 pm As you know, of course I'm rooting for Croatia in Group F. Drawn with Belgium, Morocco, and Canada. I think it is a favorable draw.

Belgium is good, but not the most imposing European outfit. I don't fear Canada, their 1st appearance in decades, with hardly any marquee players. The team I am cagy about is indeed Morocco.

What can you tell me about them? I recall the Atlas Lions being fit, disciplined, decent skilled, but no superstars. They gave Spain and Portugal a tough time. The USA recently routed them 3-0.

BTW: this Croatian team is loaded. Modric-Brozovic-Kovacic-Perisic, maybe the best midfield in the world. The defense will be our best ever, with rising young players from the best club teams. Blend of youth and experience.

Our weakness is no world class forwards. In fact, not even 1 international class forward. We might have to gamble on players under 20. We control the middle, staunch defense, but will need many shot for goals.

How does Morocco play style wise? Any standout players?

Your team is very talented, but unfortunately age is not on their side. Belgium also has the same problem, so it will be a toss up in the match between your guys and them. You are right to fear Morocco. They are a fast, slick passing team that creates lots of chances. Reminds me of a team your beautiful country always has problems with at the WC. M...co.

Anyway we will see. I can't wait!

It's funny because Croatia is not old.

We have a formidable midfield.
Modric - 37: yes, but an exceptional athlete.
Brozovic - 29:
Kovacic - 28:
Perisic - 33: another exceptional athlete, relies on a lot on fitness and speed.
Pasalic - 27:
Majer - 24:
Vlasic - 24:

The defense is stacked with young guys.
Sosa - 24:
Gvardiol - 20:
Stanisic - 22: plays for Bayern and stopped Mbappe in the last NL game.
Sutalo - 22:
Erlic - 24:
Juranovic - 26: speedy Celtic player/
Augmented by these guys, who are reserves now:
Vrsaljko - 30:
Vida - 33:
Barisic - 29:

Try to watch Croatia vs France. The starting defense was solid. This might be the best Croatian defense ever. I believe we have a top 3 midfield.

The problem is forwards. We're almost desperate. Rebic plays in Germany but was kicked off the team for discipline.

In my earlier post, I think Morocco playing 3-5-1 plays into the strengths of this Croatian team. I just don't know how good the Moroccan defense is to know if they can play more forwards.

I saw Morocco plays fast and ball control.

Dang.

Not many are talking to me about Morocco.

It must be a conspiracy!

Belgium and Croatia will advance in this group

mate wrote: ↑Thu Jun 23, 2022 4:52 pm Dang.

Not many are talking to me about Morocco.

It must be a conspiracy!

Morocco will probably create a lot of chances but they are terrible finishers. I say Croatia takes the game 3-1 or 4-1. A shock result would be a 2-1 Morocco win which is certainly possible.

Scipio Africanus wrote: ↑Wed Jul 06, 2022 3:36 pm

mate wrote: ↑Thu Jun 23, 2022 4:52 pm Dang.

Not many are talking to me about Morocco.

It must be a conspiracy!

Morocco will probably create a lot of chances but they are terrible finishers. I say Croatia takes the game 3-1 or 4-1. A shock result would be a 2-1 Morocco win which is certainly possible.

The more I learn, the more I see Morocco being the key game. Our opener. And Morocco seems measured, at least coaches and pundits.

Canada in contrast is talking up a storm. Pretty arrogant pundits, who seem to smell blood about Croatia and Morocco. Both Canada and Morocco seem to think Belgium is a bridge too far.

Ziyech. Will he play? Can’t believe he’s in a feud with the coach, who is Bosnian and knows Croatia well.

mate wrote: ↑Thu Jul 07, 2022 1:15 am

Scipio Africanus wrote: ↑Wed Jul 06, 2022 3:36 pm

mate wrote: ↑Thu Jun 23, 2022 4:52 pm Dang.

Not many are talking to me about Morocco.

It must be a conspiracy!

Morocco will probably create a lot of chances but they are terrible finishers. I say Croatia takes the game 3-1 or 4-1. A shock result would be a 2-1 Morocco win which is certainly possible.

The more I learn, the more I see Morocco being the key game. Our opener. And Morocco seems measured, at least coaches and pundits.

Canada in contrast is talking up a storm. Pretty arrogant pundits, who seem to smell blood about Croatia and Morocco. Both Canada and Morocco seem to think Belgium is a bridge too far.

Ziyech. Will he play? Can’t believe he’s in a feud with the coach, who is Bosnian and knows Croatia well.

Canada will probably be a difficult game for your guys as well. Strong and physically fit, with decent strikers and even more importantly a tactically savvy coach. This group is more difficult than it seems.

Scipio Africanus wrote: ↑Thu Jul 07, 2022 2:51 pm

mate wrote: ↑Thu Jul 07, 2022 1:15 am

Scipio Africanus wrote: ↑Wed Jul 06, 2022 3:36 pm

mate wrote: ↑Thu Jun 23, 2022 4:52 pm Dang.

Not many are talking to me about Morocco.

It must be a conspiracy!

Morocco will probably create a lot of chances but they are terrible finishers. I say Croatia takes the game 3-1 or 4-1. A shock result would be a 2-1 Morocco win which is certainly possible.

The more I learn, the more I see Morocco being the key game. Our opener. And Morocco seems measured, at least coaches and pundits.

Canada in contrast is talking up a storm. Pretty arrogant pundits, who seem to smell blood about Croatia and Morocco. Both Canada and Morocco seem to think Belgium is a bridge too far.

Ziyech. Will he play? Can’t believe he’s in a feud with the coach, who is Bosnian and knows Croatia well.

Canada will probably be a difficult game for your guys as well. Strong and physically fit, with decent strikers and even more importantly a tactically savvy coach. This group is more difficult than it seems.

The CONCACAF teams always seem fit: USA, Mexico, and Costa Rica, Canada too. I still don't think Canada has enough overall class. They're certainly improved, to all your points.

But as I posted earlier, I don't believe a country making its 1st appearance in decades can make that big an impact. Nobody is taking them lightly. Football is a sport where the margins are too thin for that regardless...but I like to think the teams with the most players playing key roles at big clubs has the advantage.

I think Morocco on the basis of the latter and recent experience has an edge over Canada. We will of course find out.

Scipio Africanus wrote: ↑Wed Jul 06, 2022 3:36 pm

mate wrote: ↑Thu Jun 23, 2022 4:52 pm Dang.

Not many are talking to me about Morocco.

It must be a conspiracy!

Morocco will probably create a lot of chances but they are terrible finishers. I say Croatia takes the game 3-1 or 4-1. A shock result would be a 2-1 Morocco win which is certainly possible.

defense is by far and away their strength both players and their coach, no way no how they concede 3 or 4 goals.

King Futcha wrote: ↑Thu Jul 07, 2022 8:27 pm

Scipio Africanus wrote: ↑Wed Jul 06, 2022 3:36 pm

mate wrote: ↑Thu Jun 23, 2022 4:52 pm Dang.

Not many are talking to me about Morocco.

It must be a conspiracy!

Morocco will probably create a lot of chances but they are terrible finishers. I say Croatia takes the game 3-1 or 4-1. A shock result would be a 2-1 Morocco win which is certainly possible.

defense is by far and away their strength both players and their coach, no way no how they concede 3 or 4 goals.

Didn't a stacked Morocco just concede 3 against the USA? Granted it was a friendly but their defense ain't all that, same with their 'keeper. Anyway, we will see.

If Morocco is defensive and prefers to stack the midfield with 1 forward, that plays to Croatian strength.

Our defense is pretty strong. We have maybe the best midfield in the world. Again, we don't have 1 international class forward but will probably play 1 forward...meaning teams can take a little more risk against us offensively.

We will possess and try to create good chances, maybe even counter. Methodical as opposed to a high press...but laying back invites a high press with less risk for us.

mate wrote: ↑Fri Jul 08, 2022 8:20 pm If Morocco is defensive and prefers to stack the midfield with 1 forward, that plays to Croatian strength.

Our defense is pretty strong. We have maybe the best midfield in the world. Again, we don't have 1 international class forward but will probably play 1 forward...meaning teams can take a little more risk against us offensively.

We will possess and try to create good chances, maybe even counter. Methodical as opposed to a high press...but laying back invites a high press with less risk for us.

Waoh, the best midfield in the World, that is some confidence.
Just like most people think their mom is the best cook.
Well in a few months time we will know.

chopachop wrote: ↑Tue Jul 12, 2022 4:26 am

mate wrote: ↑Fri Jul 08, 2022 8:20 pm If Morocco is defensive and prefers to stack the midfield with 1 forward, that plays to Croatian strength.

Our defense is pretty strong. We have maybe the best midfield in the world. Again, we don't have 1 international class forward but will probably play 1 forward...meaning teams can take a little more risk against us offensively.

We will possess and try to create good chances, maybe even counter. Methodical as opposed to a high press...but laying back invites a high press with less risk for us.

Waoh, the best midfield in the World, that is some confidence.
Just like most people think their mom is the best cook.
Well in a few months time we will know.

I did say maybe. Right?



We have:

Luka Modric, Real Madrid.
Marcelo Brozovic, Inter Milan.
Mateo Kovacic, Chelsea.
Ivan Perisic, Tottenham.
Lovro Majer, Rennes.
Mario Pasalic, Atalanta.

These are major players at their clubs, some of the best teams in their leagues. We have even more I didn't list that are up and coming. Good blend of speed, experience, skill, and leadership.

I'd put us up against anybody. Not saying we'd always come out on top, but this is a good unit around which to build a good NT. By the way, the defense is really young but talented.

All I'm saying is we have to play to our strength. Which is the midfield, anchored by a good back line. We will struggle to score however...which is why I expect at best a QF.

And, no doubt, we could get beaten by Morocco in the 1st round. The game, like the opener against Nigeria in 2018, is crucial to set the tone. We have Canada and then Belgium in our last group game, which of course will be tough if we need a win.

chopachop wrote: ↑Tue Jul 12, 2022 4:26 am

mate wrote: ↑Fri Jul 08, 2022 8:20 pm If Morocco is defensive and prefers to stack the midfield with 1 forward, that plays to Croatian strength.

Our defense is pretty strong. We have maybe the best midfield in the world. Again, we don't have 1 international class forward but will probably play 1 forward...meaning teams can take a little more risk against us offensively.

We will possess and try to create good chances, maybe even counter. Methodical as opposed to a high press...but laying back invites a high press with less risk for us.

Waoh, the best midfield in the World, that is some confidence.
Just like most people think their mom is the best cook.
Well in a few months time we will know.

Cloatia and Amelika are best in everytin.

ohsee wrote: ↑Sun Oct 16, 2022 12:40 pm

chopachop wrote: ↑Tue Jul 12, 2022 4:26 am

mate wrote: ↑Fri Jul 08, 2022 8:20 pm If Morocco is defensive and prefers to stack the midfield with 1 forward, that plays to Croatian strength.

Our defense is pretty strong. We have maybe the best midfield in the world. Again, we don't have 1 international class forward but will probably play 1 forward...meaning teams can take a little more risk against us offensively.

We will possess and try to create good chances, maybe even counter. Methodical as opposed to a high press...but laying back invites a high press with less risk for us.

Waoh, the best midfield in the World, that is some confidence.
Just like most people think their mom is the best cook.
Well in a few months time we will know.

Cloatia and Amelika are best in everytin.

Now sit right back and let me show you how it’s done.



Croatia has a decent team again. Of course we’ll see.

Morocco will play power football. They are well prepared physically, so the main focus will be on endurance. I think so.

ShawnK wrote: ↑Thu Nov 17, 2022 4:24 pm Morocco will play power football. They are well prepared physically, so the main focus will be on endurance. I think so.

I respect Morocco and agree that they're compact, enduring, technical, and prepared. Croatia will have its hands full.

I'm hoping Croatia has enough of a quality edge and plays its A game. I also wonder how hot it will actually be in the stadium if they're air conditioned.

I'm expecting Croatia will maintain more possession. Morocco looking to counter. It will be interesting if Morocco tries the hi-press.

mate wrote: ↑Thu Nov 17, 2022 7:35 pm

ShawnK wrote: ↑Thu Nov 17, 2022 4:24 pm Morocco will play power football. They are well prepared physically, so the main focus will be on endurance. I think so.

I respect Morocco and agree that they're compact, enduring, technical, and prepared. Croatia will have its hands full.

I'm hoping Croatia has enough of a quality edge and plays its A game. I also wonder how hot it will actually be in the stadium if they're air conditioned.

I'm expecting Croatia will maintain more possession. Morocco looking to counter. It will be interesting if Morocco tries the hi-press.

Morocco is likely to press hard, but it is unlikely that they will have much possession. Still, Morocco and Croatia are different classes of teams. In this match I expect 3-0 in favor of Croatia, but maybe Morocco will score one goal.

mate wrote: ↑Thu Nov 17, 2022 7:35 pm

ShawnK wrote: ↑Thu Nov 17, 2022 4:24 pm Morocco will play power football. They are well prepared physically, so the main focus will be on endurance. I think so.

I respect Morocco and agree that they're compact, enduring, technical, and prepared. Croatia will have its hands full.

I'm hoping Croatia has enough of a quality edge and plays its A game. I also wonder how hot it will actually be in the stadium if they're air conditioned.

I'm expecting Croatia will maintain more possession. Morocco looking to counter. It will be interesting if Morocco tries the hi-press.

Morocco is likely to press hard, but it is unlikely that they will have much possession. Still, Morocco and Croatia are different classes of teams. In this match I expect 3-0 in favor of Croatia, but maybe Morocco will score one goal.

ShawnK wrote: ↑Mon Nov 21, 2022 8:43 am

mate wrote: ↑Thu Nov 17, 2022 7:35 pm

ShawnK wrote: ↑Thu Nov 17, 2022 4:24 pm Morocco will play power football. They are well prepared physically, so the main focus will be on endurance. I think so.

I respect Morocco and agree that they're compact, enduring, technical, and prepared. Croatia will have its hands full.

I'm hoping Croatia has enough of a quality edge and plays its A game. I also wonder how hot it will actually be in the stadium if they're air conditioned.

I'm expecting Croatia will maintain more possession. Morocco looking to counter. It will be interesting if Morocco tries the hi-press.

Morocco is likely to press hard, but it is unlikely that they will have much possession. Still, Morocco and Croatia are different classes of teams. In this match I expect 3-0 in favor of Croatia, but maybe Morocco will score one goal.

I'd love this kind of result. On paper we are stronger...but Morocco is a good team. I'm expecting them to give the same fight as Senegal is to Holland. They are capable of an upset, decent enough odds I'm guessing.

For me, this game will set the tone for Croatia's WC. We need a win.