The 2-2 match between Croatia and Albania really made me feel mixed feelings.
The match was held on June 20, 2024, and when the results were announced, it was as if it were a hammer blow to the Croatian fans.
Croatia, the former European powerhouse, now seems so powerless that people can't help but ask: Croatia, what's wrong with you?
At the beginning of this game, both sides were quite stable and did not collide too fiercely.
After all, no one wants to dig a hole for themselves at the beginning, do they? But then the smell of gunpowder became stronger, and naively, I thought it would be a game that I could watch while I was asleep.
Croatia's Brozovic has been a bit slow in midfield.
The former midfield commander is now like a classic car that walks a little stiffly.
Many fans even jokingly called him playing "slow-motion football", which made people feel like they had gone back in time.
Instead of blaming Brozovic, we should understand his exhaustion, after all, time is not forgiving.
Modric, who partnered Brozovic, was not much better.
Although his footwork and ball control can still be seen, the frequent running and scrambling make him seem inadequate.
I saw the look on his face on the pitch, as if he was playing with a mountain on his back.
In fact, Modric has always been the soul of Croatia's midfield, but this time he was really tired, like an orange that has been squeezed out of the last bit of strength, struggling to support the whole team.
In the twentieth minute of the game, there was finally a bit of "good play" on the field, and the Albanian striker suddenly made a force and scored a goal.
Croatia's backline is like dust blown away by a strong wind, jumping so quickly that even Croatian fans are starting to worry about whether they feel "this is not quite right".
However, I have to say that this Albanian offensive really has a kind of "blitzkrieg" flavor, as fast as a wind!
The Croatian team did not back down at this time, but actively sought to counterattack.
Sure enough, in the 35th minute, Perisic launched an earth-shattering long-range shot from outside the penalty area, and the ball went into the goal like a bullet.
The Croatian fans in the stands erupted in feverish cheers, as if they saw hope, but Perisic's expression was not as confident as before, a bit like saying: "Oops, this is really desperate!" ”
The atmosphere in the arena was getting tense, and even I couldn't sit still in front of the screen.
Every possession, every pass, and every shot on goal was full of suspense, and the two sides went back and forth, and the two sides fought each other.
In the second half, Croatia seemed to be trying to show some real skills, and several stormy attacks made the Albanian defence a little overwhelmed.
Modric also did his best, and several precise long passes made people can't help but applaud.
Finally, in the 65th minute, Croatian striker Rebic received a pass from Modric, flexibly shook off the defender, and forced a breakthrough to score, and the score came to 2-1.
The cheers at the scene simply exploded, as if they heard the sound of fireworks everywhere.
Happiness is always short-lived, and it comes as soon as it is said.
Croatia's defence was unable to withstand Albania's attack, and in the 85th minute, an Albanian substitute striker found a good chance in the box and equalised with a powerful shot.
Although the Croatian goalkeeper made a heroic save, he couldn't block the lightning goal.
At that time, I felt that the whole atmosphere was very heavy and the Croatian players were very depressed.
As the referee blew the whistle, the game ended and the two sides shook hands.
The 2-2 scoreline is the best summary of this tight game.
Behind this draw lies too much Croatia's "sad history".
Many fans commented on the performance of the Croatian midfielder after the game, and Brozovic's decline in form was obvious, which made many shout "Bro, haven't you had enough to eat?" Luka Modric, on the other hand, is widely regarded as a veteran who has given his all and has done his best for the rest of his career, despite entering the twilight of his career.
However, some people still ridiculed: "Uncle Maude, you really should have a good rest, if you continue like this, your waist will be wasted."
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Of course, the problems in midfield are by no means limited to the two veterans.
The young players don't have a lot of bright performances in the game, which is also a big headache.
If the young people don't come up, and the veterans are so tired that they lie down, how can such Croatia expect to compete for any big name in the European Championship?
Let's talk about the front, it's really a bit helpless.
Although Gvardiol's performance in this European Championship is not bad, it is still far from everyone's expectations.
The speed is not fast enough, the reaction is a bit slow, and many fans even ridicule him as a "slow little sports car", which makes me cry and laugh.
This game showed us a lot of problems in Croatia, but it also gave us a sense that the team is still working hard despite the difficulties.
Perhaps this is the charm of football, not only the game itself, but also the spirit of continuous improvement behind it.
In my opinion, Croatia really need to make further adjustments to their midfield and forward line if they want to make a difference in the European Championships.
Brozovic and Luka Modric, although experienced, are older and significantly less in form than they used to be.
Young players need to develop faster and take on more responsibility.
In terms of the forward line, it may be necessary to find a more mobile and flexible attacking core, after all, attack power is the key to winning or losing a game.
The 2-2 game is a thing of the past, but I am confident that Croatia will still come up with a fresh outlook.
For fans, it's a belief to support their team, whether they're at their peak or at their lows.
It is hoped that Croatia will be able to break through the predicament in the future and show strong fighting power again.
Either way, this game has given us a lot to think about and talk about, and I believe that both the players and the fans will grow from it.
Croatia, come on!
You see, the current situation in Croatia is a bit embarrassing, but as a loyal fan, we still have to be a little patient, right? I think it's a wake-up call and an opportunity for everyone to realise what needs to be improved.
In fact, the two veterans, Brozovic and Modric, are really emotional.
Brozovic's ball-handling skills and self-confidence were once Croatia's midfielders! And Modric, that's really a bit of a "ten years of sharpening a sword" flavor, every time I see him running desperately on the field, I want to applaud him, it's the kind of "old scalper" energy! It's just a person, how can you always be so peak, who can hide from this thing over the years? So, what they need is not only the encouragement of the fans, but also the top of the young players.
When it comes to young players, it has to be Tevadiol.
Although this young man's performance in this European Cup is mediocre, you can see his hard work, which is still very gratifying.
Although the speed and reflexes still need to be improved, this is a rookie after all! As long as you run in and run in, the talent is there.
I think Croatia needs to give these youngsters more opportunities and let them grow in real battles, only then will the team have a future.
You can't expect the veterans to stay on the team forever, right? That's too impractical.
At the same time, Croatia should also adjust their tactical play.
If you want to talk about Croatia in the past, it is really "elegant" and intimidating, and the passing and control style of play is smooth, and it is simply an artist in the football world.
But now, the situation is really not rosy.
Why not change your strategy? For example, try more quick counter-attacks and high-pressure pressing, use the physical advantage of young players, play a little aggression, and create more pressure on the opponent.
After all, it is the attacking front line that is the key to scoring rather than passing in the midfield.
Let's talk about the details of the game, although the result was a draw, the performance of both sides was really hard.
Croatia's Rebic in particular is a real eye-catcher.
His several breakthroughs and shots in the game were simply lightning fast, like a tiger rushing out of the mountains and forests, unstoppable.
If Rebic can maintain this form, it will definitely be a big plus for Croatia's forward line.
Of course, he also needs to strengthen the cooperation with other strikers, after all, football is a team game, and no matter how strong the individual ability is, he also needs the support of the team.
In the next game, Croatia's coaching team needs to think carefully about the tactical layout.
There has to be a clearer strategy at both ends of the pitch, otherwise it is not realistic for players to go it alone and make a difference in the Euros.
A rising star like Gvardiol needs to make the most of his potential and let him grow as quickly as possible, rather than relying solely on veterans to support the situation.
It's not just for the team, it's also for the players as individuals.
In addition, the success of a team depends not only on the 11 people on the field, but also on the efforts of the logistics team.
Croatia's rehabilitation team and strength and conditioning coaches also have to keep up with the pace and keep the players in top shape.
After all, every game is a war of attrition, and if you want to stay competitive in the second half of the season, a healthy body and plenty of fitness are the foundation.
As spectators, we also need to be more tolerant and understanding of the team.
Even if they don't win, we still have to give them a credit for their fighting spirit.
After all, football is round, and sometimes accidents are part of the game.
Croatia have faced some difficulties, but as long as they work together and play every game as if it were a final, there is hope for the future.
I believe that the Croatian team will find the crux of the problem and formulate a new strategy to deal with the next challenges after the baptism of this game.
Fans, there is no reason for us to back down, but to be more determined to support our team.
Life is unsatisfactory nine times out of ten, but where there is a dream, there is hope, Croatia, come on!