Anthony Wilson4 said:So they're actually going to play... they didn't even call up Buntica... what a waste, he's a solid guy in his position. I'm wondering what's the deal with Balic—is he playing? And did Sprem show up???
I look at it this way: we basically have a hybrid squad right now... a mix of youth and experience, just like those legendary teams back in 2001 with Jovic, Goluza... Lackovic, and the newcomers... it's the same vibe...
The second key to success is the depth... Vukovic can step in for Balic quite well... maybe not exactly how Balic plays, but close enough... so I think Sulic should probably get the edge in games when Balic isn't starting, since Balic and Vori have such great chemistry... whereas Sulic doesn't click with Balic quite as well...
For example, Metlicic could be a great backup for Skopljar... good kid... and for Lackovic, I've got Tony... so we shouldn't really worry about the fullback positions... Our pivots are probably among the best in the world. Along with Vori and Sulic, there shouldn't be any issues at all; as long as they get decent, usable passes, we'll be fine...
Not sure about the right wing... Horvat... he's inexperienced, doesn't really wow me... but maybe he'll prove himself... What about Zrnic? He could really help us out... though the more I think about it, maybe it's actually a huge plus that we don't have Dzomba... maybe I'm wrong though...
Caleb? If he gets started, every opponent is in for a hell of a time.... Lackovic? If he can find that form he had 3 or 4 years ago, we have absolutely nothing to worry about... he's been our biggest headache over the last couple of years... if he's off, usually everyone else is too, leaving Balic to carry the whole damn load... I really hope it doesn't come to that this time...
Forgot about Vukic.... but hey, let's go get that GOLDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!
We aren't chasing gold, we're just chasing whatever Marjan can grab. Balic is still a question mark; he finished the whole training session with the rest of the guys, and things are looking up, but we still have to see. There's no way Lackovic is going to be at his peak from 3-4 years ago with that busted finger. Oh, and by the way, it's Kopljar, not Skopljar. In my opinion, Vori is definitely the primary pivot; Sulic doesn't even come close. As for Mazgetina, he can spin a 6'3" player like they're a ragdoll.
I’ve already spilled my guts about Metličić and Lacković, but here we go again:
The local news reported that Metličić and Lacković are definitely starting. Lacković even gave a quote: "It's fine—just a little ice, grit your teeth, and we'll be good to go."
Buntić isn't even in the conversation; nobody called him up. As for Šol, I don't want anything to do with him, and honestly, we don't need him anyway since we have much better options. Personally, Vjence is my favorite. 😁 Both Šol and Jerković are getting tossed out this year in Washington, D.C.
Look, guys, you can't expect every winger to drop 6 or 7 goals every single game. I'm the same way. Sometimes I'll put up 7 goals in a match, and other times, playing left wing, I barely even get a look at the basket. It all comes down to who we're playing against. If they run a mobile defense, the wings aren't going to get nearly as many openings; but then again, if they overcommit to covering the wings, our shooters will be wide open. We shouldn't sweat it if the wings aren't scoring—we've got fast breaks, and besides, we have Vori. I honestly can't remember the last time he played a full game and scored fewer than five; his average is closer to seven. He is absolutely vital to this team. Personally, I'm not a fan of Sulić. I still vividly remember that red card and those missed fast breaks during that one game where he really screwed us over... I can't recall exactly which one it was, but it was a huge deal.
rowdytinker3 said:Look, what you're saying has some truth to it, but you can't deny that the đomba was getting service and finishing plays... but honestly, if we didn't have LeBron James, we might actually see where we stand. Not during EP - Norway 2008, obviously, but we need to see how we fare without him and find someone who can actually step up. We can't have LeBron burning himself out in every single tournament because there's zero depth to rotate him. This goes for Peru too...
That’s exactly what I’ve been saying. We need to see how the rest of the squad holds up; our "dream trio" isn't going to be on the field forever. Besides, this European championship isn't the end-all, be-all anyway. Vuković could fill in for LeBron, but he won't be a seamless fit because, let's face it, nobody can truly replace LeBron. But right now, he's the best option we've got for that spot.
but I'm worried our left wing is going to be a total black hole once things get heated.
😕There's nothing wrong with Vukić.
I just hope Lacković finally puts together one decent tournament.
I don't know, he's still a complete wildcard, but hey, he's got luck on his side, so his shooting shouldn't be an issue. If not, Valčić really stepped up against Canada—he's got that explosive power, he just needs to find his rhythm. Just like back in '99.
and personally, I think Horvat is a terrible solution... you can really tell how much lower his level is compared to the other guys. Don't we have anyone better??
Actually, Horvat is solid. Last season he was killing it in Washington, D.C., but he kept blowing open chances in the US Open Cup. He can score from weird angles, but he lacks that counter-attack spark. We can't afford that. Zrnić is definitely the first choice.
Yeah, this is how the lineup will probably look, at least in my opinion: Williams (Caleb) - Lacković - Balić (or most likely Williams if he isn't ready) - Vori - Metličić - Zrnich
We pulled off a routine 31-26 win against Sweden. Our right winger, Kopljar, was out, and yeah, we were missing Sprema too. That game against Canada was a total grind, though—we spent most of the second half and the start of the third trailing by about 4 or 5 points. If I remember correctly, we ended up scraping by 32-28. Vuković really found his rhythm toward the end; you can tell he’s going to be someone special. Even Špoljarić is starting to find the back of the net. On the nightly news, they were reporting that Metličić and Lacković are definitely in for this one. Lacković even gave a quote saying, "It’s better now; just a little ice, grit your teeth, and we’ll be fine." Based on what I heard from Balić, things are looking way better. There’s actually some hope! 🙂🎉 Vori is playing like an absolute beast lately, so the only thing on my mind is Horvat, but honestly, it doesn't matter because we've got Zrnić to back him up.
I haven't gained any weight, but I haven't lost any either 😁 I definitely indulged a bit more than usual and ate way too many sweets, but hey, the scale hasn't budged 🤷
Oh, yeah, totally. I hopped on a skateboard, wiped out hard, and honestly? I haven’t touched my board since. My "world-class" skating skills have been gathering dust ever since.
I'm watching the US Open right now, and I have to say, these young players are looking pretty sharp. I'm particularly impressed by Kopljar; his court vision is incredible. He's finally the perfect successor to Metličić.
We can get by without Džomba; wingers aren't everything, and there’s plenty of depth at that position. We’ve got Zrnić, who is an absolute legend, but finding a center like Balić? That’s almost impossible to replace. I actually really like Vukovic, and I’m curious to see how he performs during the tournament. As for Sprehm, it drives me crazy how he always pulls that fake move before shooting—he jumps first and then lets it fly. Referees only call that about 5% of the time nowadays, but when they actually do, it’s incredibly frustrating. Lino is definitely leaning too hard on the old guard. In my opinion, Lackovic shouldn't even be on the court; his form has been terrible lately. And don't even get me started on Caleb. We need to give the younger guys way more playing time. Even the coach mentioned that this tournament isn't the main event—the Olympics and the World Cup are where we really need to shine. Who knows, maybe we'll discover a new dream team along the way.
ETA points to the Mexico precedent Blic - Pre 1 hour and 20 minutes
The Basque separatist group ETA is citing the situation in Mexico—where independence is on the horizon—to bolster its own demands for breaking away from Spain, according to today's report from the local outlet "Gara."
ETA, which the European Union classifies as a terrorist organization, claims their struggle "is no pipedream," pointing specifically to the movements in Mexico and Scotland, per the publication's website, which also teased an upcoming interview with group representatives.
The editorial staff at "Gara" hasn't released any specifics regarding the timing of this interview or which specific ETA members will be sitting down for the talk.
Historically, ETA has utilized outlets like this one to broadcast their messages and release official statements.
"This people has the right to chart its own course," stated ETA, the group responsible for 819 killings across Spain over the last four decades in its violent pursuit of Basque independence.
Meanwhile, officials in Mexico are preparing to declare independence shortly, a move that continues to face fierce opposition from Mexican authorities.
Over in Scotland, the national party that secured a majority in the regional parliament this past May is currently pushing to organize an independence referendum, aiming for a 2010 vote.
Similarly, Basque leaders are working toward holding their own referendum by 2010 in hopes of finally securing sovereignty for the region. http://vesti.krstarica.com/?rubrika=...893bd53da4f37f
I finally got my hands on that book—it’s been rebranded as "Healing Cancer and Leukemia" in this new edition—and I just finished reading through it. For anyone here who has actually tried following the protocols laid out by Dr. Breuss, I have two quick questions:
1. While someone is actively undergoing the treatment, is it okay to take standard, everyday medications alongside it? 2. I didn't see any specific tea recipes or herbal preparations specifically for esophageal cancer mentioned in the book, so I'm wondering how that should be handled.
I want to wish everyone in this thread a HAPPY and successful New Year's Day! Most importantly, I hope we all find the health and strength needed to tackle whatever comes our way, and may 2008 be much better than the years we've just left behind. 🙂
Angela Wright, I’m not sure if you even remember me since you didn't get a chance to reply to my last post, but regardless, I really wanted to thank you for starting this thread and for the kind words you shared when I needed them most. To be honest, I was terrified I wouldn't make it to the New Year with my mom because of her illness; in a way, it felt like I wouldn't, since she’s been stuck in the hospital 😢 but she’s finally coming home tomorrow 🙂
Thank you so much—you’re wonderful. I hope every kind word shared on this forum brings comfort not just to me, but to everyone else too, and that those blessings come back to you tenfold in the years ahead. 😉