"The fantastic counterattack by Croatia, that goal has given us the advantage and more control over the ga!"
"Guys, play proactively, don't give the Israelis any chances!"
Krausevich shouted loudly, his tone full of pride.
Since the retirent of Davor Suker and others, he hadn't comntated with such pride for a long ti.
For a long period, watching Croatia's gas was a tornt—powerless attack, unable to break through.
The defense was solid, but no matter how good, it couldn't withstand the opponent's relentless bombardnt.
After countless struggles and failures, they finally welcod the Suker 2.0 era!
That's right!
This is the legacy of Suker!
From Davor Suker to Suker, as long as Croatia's number 9 legacy remains, Croatia will always be the Eastern European iron cavalry.
Mandžukić's goal opened the ga for Croatia and boosted their morale.
The Israeli players knew they were behind and grew increasingly anxious.
They made frequent mistakes while pushing forward, which Croatia exploited for counterattacks.
However, Croatia's counterattacks weren't as aggressive now.
When in the lead, unless there's a very good chance, they wouldn't shoot recklessly and risk losing possession.
Maintaining possession and control of the ga's initiative was key.
"Suker and Rakitić keep exchanging passes patiently in midfield, controlling the ball and pulling Israel's defense and midfield apart!"
The montum was clearly tilting towards Croatia.
Seeing this, Bilić couldn't help but relax and smiled: "The situation is stable now!"
Van Stoyak nodded: "Definitely. Suker knows better than anyone how to secure victory."
"What do you think is Suker's greatest talent?"
Bilić was slightly surprised and thought for a mont before replying: "Quick feet? Ball sense? Goal efficiency? Finishing?"
He listed many qualities, but Van Stoyak shook his head: "It's role positioning."
"Role positioning?"
Bilić looked puzzled.
Van Stoyak explained: "A ga isn't won by one player alone but by the entire team. Knowing how to get everyone to perform their roles effectively is key to victory."
"A team's 11 players each have different tasks, working together seamlessly to win."
"I used to think Suker was like the lubricant making the team run smoothly, but later I realized I was wrong. Suker isn't just the lubricant; he takes on many roles and knows exactly how to win."
"That's why he can play multiple roles as needed, making the team more harmonious."
"He's like a variable-sized gear: ask him to dribble and break through, he can do it; ask him to shoot goals, he excels; even organizing play, he does well."
Van Stoyak gestured towards the pitch.
"Look at him now, constantly passing and linking attacks, organizing the ga. Today, he stays near midfield, hardly pushing forward, more about creating space."
Truly, Suker is a super utility player.
Every coach would love a player like this.
But—
"Does he have any flaws?"
Bilić asked curiously.
Van Stoyak nodded: "He does. You'll see soon enough."
The second half began.
At the 56th minute, Suker assisted Rakitić to score again, doubling Croatia's lead.
With a two-goal advantage, Suker began acting sowhat reckless.
He frequently took long shots from outside the box—wasteful shots.
Several tis, the ball flew straight into the stands, yet he didn't stop.
At the sa ti, his mouth grew foul-mouthed and impatient.
"What? Still can't score?"
"How many chances is this?"
"Hesitating? Shoot it! You doubting my pass quality?"
"Shoot the damn ball!"
Suker's frustration was visible.
Mandžukić dared not say a word.
Vukojević shook his head with a smile.
This was Suker's old flaw.
You can let him do supporting work, but you have to endure his temper.
He used to restrain it a bit, but now it was out of control.
After several failed shots, Suker even clashed with opponents several tis.
At the 71st minute, Bilić quickly substituted Suker.
Walking off the pitch, Suker wore a scowl, giving a "don't co near " look.
Though he had two assists this ga, no goals.
His resentful gaze often shot at Bilić, who dared not et his eyes.
He clearly understood Suker's silent ssage:
"Don't make do this crap next ti!"
Bilić didn't dare offend Suker—after all, he was the team's star and a bit of a hothead was normal.
Van Stoyak watched this scene with amusent.
In his mory, Suker had always been a good kid—obedient, doing whatever was asked.
But with his rise in status, the young man was changing.
Or maybe he was always like this.
Van Stoyak had every reason to believe Suker was capable of this—after all, this was the guy who had boldly recomnded himself to him at a bar.
After Suker's substitution, the match situation didn't change much.
Israel was still being dominated by Croatia.
Suker played well but the best performance belonged to Vukojević.
His crucial tackles and interceptions helped stabilize Croatia's defense and enabled counterattacks.
Vukojević also tried launching counterattacks, and although not as sharp as Modrić, it was enough.
At the final whistle, Israel lost 0-2 at ho to Croatia.
Croatia earned their third win in the European Championship qualifiers.
Currently, Croatia ranks first in the group with a 3-1-0 record.
This victory marked the end of Croatia's 2006 Euro qualifiers schedule.
The remaining matches will resu in March 2007.
At this stage, Suker can focus on the league and Champions League.
"In exchange for wasting so many chances, how are you going to compensate ?"
In the locker room, Suker grabbed Mandžukić's neck, loudly demanding.
Mandžukić sighed: "I'll return your assists, alright?"
"Assists?" Suker sneered, "You barely manage one in six months, try sothing else!"
Dujmović quietly suggested: "How about lunch? Lunch is good!"
Suker turned to Dujmović and blinked: "Almost forgot, you still owe six lunches!"
"Five!" Dujmović argued fiercely. "You ate one after the England ga, so it's five!"
"Fine, five it is."
Suker then looked at Mandžukić: "You owe two."
Mandžukić protested: "Why?"
Suker arrogantly replied: "Because without my passes, you wouldn't score!"
Mandžukić instantly wilted.
"Damn, the scorers are all suckers!"
But to score goals, he could only accept defeat quietly.
Šimić ca over.
"Tickets are bought, we're heading back to Milan tonight!"
Suker nodded.
Šimunić ca up and asked: "About my transfer…"
Suk replied: "Milan has made so moves, probably during the winter break, but I can't guarantee anything. I can only help so much."
Šimunić nodded quickly: "No problem, I can handle the rest myself."
Šimunić had done his howork for the Milan transfer.
Though currently at odds with Hertha Berlin, he still wanted to join Milan.
At his career peak, he wanted to realize his dream of playing for a big club.
This was his closest chance, so he wouldn't give up.
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