All-around center

"It feels pretty good!"

Van Steyak watched the court, taking notes in his notes.

Starting from the third day, the main team has been training together.

Vida, Lovren and Joel Luka have officially entered the main training lineup.

After only two days, they quickly integrated in with their positive attitude and communication methods.

Of course, there is still some distance between complete integration and running-in.

But being able to achieve this level in a short period of time, following the midfielder to perform joint defense, and quickly filling in when teammates attack, and having clear ideas and obvious communication when facing high-altitude ball challenges. They are all telling Van Steyak that these 'newcomers' are integrating into the team at an accelerated pace.

At the moment, they can't help, but at least they won't hold them back.

And in Besic's concept, defense offense is secondary, defense is the key!

Therefore, their active movement, coverage and communication are a plus.

What's more, there are obvious signs of running-in between the three of them.

As a deep-lying central defender, Vida has not been idle since the start of the match. He has been conveying key information to teammates who are in the blind spot of the perspective, just like a radar, constantly reporting points.

Lovren is very decisive in grabbing the ball, and will also retract his position when the situation changes.

Especially when the opponent plays mainly on the wing, he will use his speed and agile body to share the pressure for Joel Luka.

As for Joel Luca, he has accurate judgment of placement and strong physical confrontation ability. In the defensive linkage, he can also rely on the help of his teammates to make up for his shortcomings, and he also makes several very reasonable ball choices from time to time. , the most important thing is not to make mistakes!

The defense is a small whole, and the team is a big whole.

Every player is bound to have some strengths and weaknesses.

Few people are as versatile as Su Ke!

This requires the team to use running-in and cooperation to make up for their weaknesses, let their own characteristics come into play, and cover up their shortcomings.

This is what a team should be like.

Not only Van Stryak, but also Besic kept nodding.

Even he thinks that Cioluca and others have done a good job in a short period of time.

"Okay, that's it for today's training! Let's do simple recovery training tomorrow and prepare for the game the day after tomorrow!"

After that, Besic turned and left.

At the end of the confrontation, Joel Luca and the other three people immediately lay on the ground.

"worn out!"

"My mouth is so dry!"

Vader lay on the ground, gasping for air.

Not long after, a bottle of water was delivered to Vader.

Vida immediately stood up and took it, taking a sip.

"Captain, thank you!" Vader felt relieved and alive again.

Sirna looked at Vader and the other three, nodded with a smile and said, "You have done a good job, sir, you should be very satisfied with it. Just keep it up and keep working hard. Go back and have a good rest today. It's best to take a hot shower." Take a bath, use a hot towel to relieve muscle fatigue, and Vinda, you don’t have to shout so loudly during training, be careful to protect your throat!”

Srna methodically reminded the three of them of things to pay attention to.

Suk and Duimovich happened to be passing by.

Suk covered his ears and curled his lips; "I feel like my mother is nagging me!"

Duimovich turned his head: "You have a mother? Aren't you an orphan?"

Suk made a standard wrestling move and knocked Duimovich to the ground.

Two days before the competition, everyone also took a good rest.

This game is a key game for whether Croatia can get first place in the group one round ahead of schedule, so the entire Croatian country is also paying great attention.

They are the defending champions of the European Cup, and after all they have to play their own style.

Of course, Greece is also a strong enemy and cannot be relaxed at all.

September 7, Maximir Stadium.

Having won another home game, the enthusiasm of Croatian fans is still high.

Amid fierce cheers, players from both sides entered the stadium.

The starting lineups of both sides are as follows:

Croatia (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Subasic.

Defenders: Srna, Vida, Lovren, Joel Luka.

Midfielder: Rakitic, Vukojevic, Modric.

Forwards: Perisic, Mandzukic, Suker.

Greece (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Tsorvas.

Defenders: Zaradoukas, Papastathopoulos, Torosidis, Papadopoulos.

Midfielder: Tsioulis, Kachulanis, Karagounis.

Forwards: Sarpingidis, Jekas, Samaras.

"This is the ninth round of the 2012 European Cup qualifiers. Croatia plays Greece at home!"

"Currently, there is a 4-point gap between the two teams. Greece defeated Croatia. They still have a chance to compete for first place in the group. But once they lose this game, Croatia will qualify first in the group!"

"Croatia made bold changes at the back."

"Because Simunic and Kovac are too old and their condition has declined, Vida and Lovren started, and Srna and Joel Luka became partners on the left and right sides at full-back, especially for For Joel Luca, this game is a test. He is facing Greek right forward Sarpingidis. This is a player known for his speed and flexibility. Can he do a good job in defensive tasks? "

"But I believe that Croatia does not need to worry too much on the offensive end, after all, we have"

As soon as Klausevich said this, the Croatian fans in the stadium began to shout wildly.

Suker! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ——

The whistling sound spread throughout the stadium.

It was like a hurricane sweeping through, and the ground was shaking.

The roar of tens of thousands of fans.

Combined with Suker's fame and influence, the deterrent effect is simply too great.

The Greek players looked at the opposing lineup one by one, staring at Suker, full of fear in their hearts.

In the first round of the game, they were too seriously involved by Suker, and the defense almost collapsed.

Now some adjustments have been made, but they dare not guarantee that they can limit Suker.

Greece is very concerned about this game.

Although they are under great pressure facing Croatia, the defending champion and also the favorite to win the championship.

But they still need to give their all.

In the Croatian lineup, Vida kept taking deep breaths to adjust his restless heart.

He felt very lucky.

From a player who was ignored and declined in the Bundesliga, with Besic looking for him, in just one season, he transformed himself into Croatia's starting central defender.

Of course, this position is still not stable enough.

But this growth is enough.

Even with his outstanding performance in the Croatian national team, he can return to play for a team in the top five leagues.

All this is moving in a positive direction.

Of course, the premise is that he must have a stable performance and first secure his position as a main player in the national team.

Greece is not an easy opponent to deal with.

In the 2004 European Cup, Greece staged a mythical performance, and this European Cup was also hailed as the "Greek Myth".

And four years later, Croatia staged a "rhapsody" in the European Cup.

It can be said that these two teams are teams that have staged legendary performances.

Bang!

Srna patted Vida on the shoulder and smiled; "Don't be nervous!" Vida coughed dryly; "I'm not!" Seeing this guy's stubborn look, Srna continued to smile; "Don't worry, we will win the game." "I think so too!" "I'm not comforting you!" Srna said seriously; "Greece is not our opponent!" Vida was a little dazed. It was a kind of confidence from the heart. Greece is a mid-to-upper-level team in Europe, which can be called a "strong team", but in Srna's eyes, there is no fear, but a kind of certainty about victory. Beep! ! ! The whistle sounded. In the first half, Croatia took the lead. After Suk kicked off, Mandzukic immediately passed the ball back. Modric received the ball and turned around to pass it back. Vida saw behind Modric, the Greek center forward Yekas was rushing towards Modric. Vida hurriedly yelled; "Watch out behind you!" After that, Vida made a gesture to receive the ball and signaled Modric to pass the ball. Modric made a pass without any hurry.

At this time, the Greek center forward Yekas made a judgment in advance, bypassed Modric, and immediately stretched out his foot to intercept.

"Oh no!"

Vida was shocked and shouted hurriedly:

"Pass quickly! Pass back quickly! Be careful!!"

He was about to be intercepted, and he was ready to steal the ball.

Suddenly, he saw Modric step on his feet, pull back, and turn around.

The whole person easily got rid of Yekas's pressing.

Bang!

Modric kicked the ball out.

Vida looked at this scene in a daze.

"So elegant!"

Modric passed the ball, turned his head and yelled: "What are you yelling about? Stand in your own position!"

What kind of person dares to command himself to play football?

Vida was scolded, his expression was a little embarrassed, and he was also a little relieved.

Srna on the side couldn't help laughing.

What Modric hates most is someone commanding him to play football.

After all, this guy is used to being the core of the midfield, and he commands and dispatches by himself, so he naturally hates others to influence his thinking.

When Modric organizes and dispatches, Suker also has to listen to Modric's command.

"We should press forward!"

Srna suddenly said.

Vida couldn't help turning his head: "Press forward?"

Srna nodded; "Yes! Our forwards are starting to work hard!"

Vida looked at the opposite side, and he found that the midfield led by Suker was bombarding the Greek penalty area.

The entire midfield pressed forward very far.

This also requires the back line to press to the midfield line.

Vida couldn't help but open his mouth.

He is different from Lovren and Joel Luka.

These two people at least have experience in the Champions League, and have played against Suker and others, so they have seen the world.

But Vida, a guy who can't play in the Bundesliga, basically plays in the Croatian league.

He has only seen the wonderful performances of Suker, Modric and others on TV.

In the training match, they will not show their full strength.

But now, watching these guys attacking the city from a close distance, I suddenly felt a current rushing from the soles of my feet to my forehead.

This is too damn strong!

"Croatia opened with a strong attack! Besic did not intend to delay time, but applied pressure in the opening stage. With the excellent ball-holding abilities of Suker, Rakitic and Modric, Croatia seized the rhythm and controlled the ball. , occupying a favorable position in the midfield and frontcourt, constantly threatening Greece’s goal!”

“Greece feels like it’s going to be overwhelmed!”

Kraussiewicz looked excited.

Since Besic took office, Croatia's tactics have been based on stability.

Mainly based on defensive counterattack tactics to build the back line of defense.

But to be honest, Croatian football during the Bilic period was better, and the feeling of crushing people and beating them was very refreshing.

For this reason, when Croatia once again showed this kind of performance, Krausiewicz and the Croatian fans were naturally extremely excited.

Playing football at your home stadium is just the way it feels!

Besic stood on the sidelines, looking at the crazily attacking Croatian players and nodding slightly.

If it was a stable enough lineup in the past, he would choose a safe and cautious defensive counterattack.

However, the current overhaul of the defense line is not conducive to pouring pressure on these "newcomers", and it is easy for mistakes to cause a decline in status.

Therefore, he decided to launch a fierce attack to arouse morale and fighting spirit.

To be honest, Besic and Mourinho belong to the same type of people, both are representatives of offensive football!

They don't care about defense or offense, but they care about a favorable situation, as long as they can win.

Under Croatia's repeated attacks, they got their first corner kick in the 5th minute of game time.

"Vida, go up and fight for the top!"

Srna patted Vida on the shoulder. During training, Vida had shown good header ability.

Vader was also inspired by his teammates, looked excited, strode forward, and rushed directly to the top of the penalty area.

As soon as he stood still, Su Ke came over calmly.

Suk stopped and stared at Vader.

Vader blinked, not knowing why.

Suk looked at this guy's stupid look and couldn't help but sigh.

Kovacic is like that!

So does Vader!

Why isn't there a smart guy?

Suk pushed forward and said impatiently: "Lean forward and be a wall for me!"

Do you really think of yourself as the main force fighting for the top spot?

Vader felt a little aggrieved, but he immediately fulfilled his obligations.

Before Modric was about to take a free throw, Vidal, Mandzukic and others suddenly rushed forward.

They pressed the back line and rushed forward desperately.

boom!

At this time, Modric made a free throw.

Vida grabbed the opponent's defender and looked up at the ball.

Is it too high?

"Later point!"

Vader immediately made a judgment.

At this moment, fierce footsteps came from my ears.

Uh-huh!

A figure jumped up suddenly.

Under the light, it's a bit dazzling.

The jersey with red spots on the white background and the huge number 9 on the back!

The posture is like a soaring eagle.

Vader raised his head and opened his mouth slightly.

Vader is 188 centimeters tall, but at this time, Suk's butt can almost sit on his face.

How high can he jump?

boom!

The ball hit his forehead.

The next second, the ball hit the net.

Snap!

Su Ke landed, turned around and rushed toward the corner area, spread his arms, and slid to his knees to celebrate.

The entire Maksimir Stadium was boiling in an instant.

"Suk!!!!!! Goal!!!!"

"Wonderful high-altitude bombing! Unstoppable physical fitness!"

"At Maximir Stadium, in Croatian airspace, a 'bomber' named Suker completed the bombing mission!"

"Croatia scored in just 5 minutes and took a one-goal lead over Greece!"

Suk! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ——

Suk! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ——

Suk! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ——

All the fans in the stadium were chanting Su Ke's name.

The stadium is boiling.

Vader turned his head and stared blankly at Suk's back. With his long golden hair and wide eyes, he looked a bit like a golden retriever.

"Good job! Vader!"

Sirna ran over and patted Vader on the shoulder.

Vader turned his head; "I didn't do anything!"

"How could it be possible that you didn't do anything?" Srna smiled and hooked Vader's neck, stroking Vader's long golden hair vigorously: "Aren't you acting as a wall for Suk!"

"You opened up a path for our super shooter to attack!"

Hearing this, Vader's eyes lit up.

That's right!

He did make a contribution.

After the celebration, Suker walked to the half court.

After returning to halftime, Suk went to Vader specifically: "Well done!"

Suk held out his hand.

Vida looked at Su Ke in surprise, and then high-fived excitedly.

"Next time I'll stand up to you again!"

Vader said excitedly.

Suk nodded: "I look forward to your performance."

Turning his head, Suk had a sly smile on his face.

This little golden retriever is so easy to fool!

There is still a gap in hard power between Croatia and Greece.

Therefore, after Croatia's strong attack in the opening was effective, they once again penetrated the goal with a long shot from Rakitic in the 11th minute.

With a two-goal lead, Croatia began to slow down the pace.

Entering the second half, Croatia took the lead. In the 51st minute, Suker ran wildly on the left wing and dribbled. After suddenly changing direction, he dribbled along the penalty area line for a few steps, and then cut inside and shot. The ball hit the ball. Scored another goal near the goal post.

Croatia leads Greece 3:0.

At this time, Greece was in a daze due to Croatia's attack.

In the 55th minute, Greece took the lead in making substitutions to make up for some problems in the defense.

Besic also completed the substitution in the 60th minute.

Suker and Rakitic exit.

Strinic and Brozovic come on.

Croatia has strengthened its defensive capabilities in the midfield and backfield.

At the same time, it can also give newcomers some opportunities to exercise and apply appropriate pressure.

However, with the previous indiscriminate bombing and high morale, Greece had already lost its fighting spirit.

At first, Greece wanted to compete with Croatia for first place in the group.

But now, all they have in mind is stabilizing the situation and not being allowed to overtake the points by the third place in the final round.

They have basically understood in their hearts that this game is hopeless.

Under such circumstances, Croatia's pressure was not too great, and the defense performed steadily.

With Modric and Srna dispatching and directing, Croatia played steadily and successfully consumed the game time.

The 90-minute game is over!

Croatia defeated Greece 3:0.

This also means that Croatia has confirmed that it will enter the 2012 European Cup with first place in the group one round ahead of schedule!

"Huh~~~~"

Besic breathed out slowly: "It's over, let's just treat the last game as training!"

Besic has no pursuit of the so-called complete victory, he prefers actual gains.

Therefore, having already determined that he would advance first in the group, he would not give up such a valuable training opportunity just for the sake of good results.

In the last game, all the main players are on holiday!

He wants these substitutes to feel the pressure and shoulder the offensive and defensive responsibilities of the team.

Of course, the opponent in the last game was Latonia, which was not particularly strong and the substitutes could handle it.