Skip to main content

CROATIA FEAR ENGLAND'S STERLING IN WORLD CUP SEMI FINAL.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic has identified Raheem Sterling as England's danger man in the World Cup semifinal on Wednesday. Sterling was a key part of the Manchester City side that won the Premier League last season but he has been less effective in England's charge to the last four for the first time since 1990. Despite some disappointing early performances, England coach Gareth Southgate has kept faith with the 23-year-old and his speed was a constant threat to Sweden's defence in England's 2-0 quarter-final win on Saturday. "I think Raheem Sterling is an important player because he is fast and dangerous alongside Harry Kane," Dalic said in a press conference Sunday. "I wouldn't say there are any glaring weaknesses (in England's team) since they are in the semifinals, that says it all. "They play very direct football, dangerous, fast, and they are really good at setpieces, and dangerous at corner kicks." England survived a penalty shootout against Colombia in the last 16 whereas Croatia emerged through extra-time and spot-kicks against Denmark before going through the same ordeal again against Russia in Saturday's quarterfinal. After such tight matches, it is easy to forget that Croatia produced a feast of attacking play to destroy Lionel Messi's Argentina 3-0 in the group phase. Dalic blamed Croatia's opponents for smothering the creative talents of Luka Modric and said he expected a more open match in Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium. "Our last three games were different because we played teams with a defensive approach," he said. "But we are looking forward to a different style of game against England because they like to play attacking football." The semifinal also represents a financial mismatch between the riches of England's Premier League and Croatian football. "If we had England's money, who knows where we'd be in our country?" Dalic said.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

MATCHWEEK 8; AGUERO AIMING TO END ANFIELD DUCK

Ahead of Matchweek 8's Premier League fixtures, here are the standout facts on each match. Friday, 5 October Brighton v West Ham In-form Brighton & Hove Albion striker Glenn Murray has scored five goals in his last four league matches against West Ham United, including three last season for the Seagulls. Saturday, 6 October Burnley v Huddersfield Burnley have been ruthless in front of goal during their recent resurgence, scoring with six of their last seven shots on target in the Premier League. Crystal Palace v Wolves Wolverhampton Wanderers are more dangerous after the break, scoring a league-high 88 per cent of their Premier League goals in the second half of matches this season. Seven out of their eight goals have come after the interval. Leicester v Everton The first goal in this match has traditionally been crucial. The team opening the scoring in this PL fixture have never gone on to lose the match. Everton have done so 15 times, winning seven and drawing eig...
Post a Comment
Read more

GW8 DIFFERENTIALS; ANTHONY KNOCKAERT

Anthony Knockaert (£5.5m) The midfielder is owned by only 1.1 per cent of FPL managers ahead of his home encounter against West Ham United. Knockaert has one goal and three assists for Brighton & Hove Albion, totalling 27 points in the first seven Gameweeks. At home, in particular, he has been consistent. The Frenchman has produced a goal or an assist in all three of his appearances at the Amex Stadium, which includes visits from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Indeed, he has averaged six points per home match in 2018/19. Home impact His underlying statistics also back up Knockaert's growing influence on Chris Hughton's side. The 26-year-old's totals of 14 shots on goal and 11 chances created are more than any team-mate. The Hammers arrive without a clean sheet in their three away matches. They have conceded eight goals on the road, the third-worst record in the Premier League. Knockaert looks well placed to take advantage of those frailtie...
Post a Comment
Read more

WHEN IS THE FPL GAMEWEEK 1 DEADLINE?

It's almost a ritual for Fantasy Premier League managers to spend their Saturday morning agonising over their team. Be it a late transfer or a last-minute captain swap, these vital moments before a Gameweek deadline can decide where mini-leagues are won or lost. But be warned. If you leave it until Saturday this time it will be too late. Because the 2018/19 season starts on Friday 10 August, all Gameweek 1 teams must be finalised an hour before the opening match of the season kicks off. That means managers must submit their final selections by 19:00 BST on Friday 10 August... a week from today! Don't get caught out Similarly, those waiting for the transfer window to close before starting on their FPL team are at risk. While big-name signings could yet be added to the game before 17:00 BST 9 August, managers putting off registration could pay a big price. Remember, the speed with which managers register their FPL teams can affect their chances of winning mini-leag...
Post a Comment
Read more