The most athletic players on the pitch for Croatia are defenders in Sutalo and Gvardiol.
Rest can barely run or carry the ball anymore but they don’t even need it I feel.
That midfield is just so technically gifted, they can pass around people with ease.
If they had genuine top forward(no offence to Kramaric and Budimir) around they’d be an even bigger threat.
Also watched that one, feels like Portugal started with half their first choice players on the bench tho (bar Silva and Penandes maybe). I think it was just about distributing some game time from their pov, but agree Croatia looked like they’re about to punch above their weight yet again. Fascinating NT in that sense.
Absolutely no way am I putting Lukaku down. He is never worth it. Might just go Giroud 
Actually, I’m pretty positive that bar a a player, that’s the team Martinez planned on using in the Euros.
Not sure if that performance made him adjust his plans.
Hope they play as less minutes as possible and come back relatively fresh for next season. Though feel like everyone bar Raya, Saliba and Ramsdale gonna be starters for their nations.
Imagine losing to Iceland…
Great preparations. 4-0.
Time for the real thing now.
Edit: FFS Frenkie to miss Euro 2024.
https://x.com/onsoranje/status/1800269170707255408?s=46&t=AXaXFdGpC85RzXwk6DBMgA
He’s kind of had a very underwhelming career really considering how big a deal he was coming through.
Just very injury prone… Magnificent player on his day but hasn’t been able to stay healthy to sustain any kind of consistency.
Fregile Frenkie.
Man I can’t wait for Friday.
Our first proper international tournament in a normal environment in a foreign country in 26 years. With the best team and manager we have had in my lifetime.
Instead of the pathetic pandemic half hearted one with all the games in the UK we had in 2021.
No booking bloody two hour slots in your local pub either just everyone turning up and it being rammed.
Opening the tournament vs the hosts is the cherry on top.
I mean, he’s had the occasional injury but let’s not act like he’s a crock(at least not yet). Certainly not what has prevented him having the career some expected.
Before this season and his ankle problem, he was playing 40+ games for the previous 5 seasons.
We’ll see if this ankle problem becomes a bigger issue going forward.
Enjoy it mate, this Englishman will definitely be cheering you on on Friday!
Yep, good luck to Ireland in the Euros. 
Never seen the hype with him. Seen him plenty of times for Barcelona over the years and he’s never looked anything special.
Koopmeiners misses EURO 2024 as well.
Big big blow, he’s had a sensational season.
Some big names missing.
Zirkzee too.
You guys are getting grouped. 
At least Maatsen has been called-up now. Hope he gets minutes.
Still think we’ll make the Quarters at least. Frustrating situation though.
I think a lot of higher profile players are probably carrying something and are just powering through it.
Tempo in the friendlies I’ve seen has been awful.
Who knows? We may see another upset like 2004. 
