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Ryder Cup 2025: Can Europe Break the Away Curse at Bethpage?
When Rory McIlroy triumphantly declared after Europe’s 2023 Ryder Cup victory in Rome that “one of the big accomplishments in golf right now is winning an away Ryder Cup — and that’s what we’re going to do at Bethpage”, it felt more than just champagne-fueled optimism.
History is firmly against him. The last five Ryder Cups have been won easily by the home side. Since 1979, when the modern Europe vs. USA format began, only six away wins have been recorded. The U.S. hasn’t won on European soil since 1993. Europe’s last away triumph came in 2012 at Medinah — a miracle comeback etched in golf folklore.
Yet, for the first time in a decade, there’s a genuine belief that Europe might actually pull it off again.
Handling the “Bear Pit”
Bethpage Black is already infamous for rowdy crowds during majors. This time, it’s expected to be the most hostile Ryder Cup stage yet. Captain Luke Donald has even armed his players with virtual reality headsets to prepare for the verbal onslaught.
Sir Nick Faldo, an 11-time Ryder Cup veteran, believes discipline will be key:
“Have a secret word with your caddie. Smile, reset, and get back to the job. You can’t crack.”
Justin Rose echoed the importance of resilience, drawing on Europe’s miraculous Medinah win: “The crowd went quiet when we flipped the script — and that has to be the goal.”
Stability Over Risk
Donald has built his team around continuity. Only one change has been made from Rome: Rasmus Hojgaard replaces his twin Nicolai. For context, Europe has never gone into an away Ryder Cup with fewer changes in history.
Donald has opted for experience over rookies, banking on proven partnerships and veterans like McIlroy, Rose, Jon Rahm, and Tommy Fleetwood. Colin Montgomerie, a Ryder Cup legend, calls it Europe’s strongest and most settled team in years.
U.S. Strengths and Weaknesses
Scottie Scheffler remains the Americans’ trump card. With two more majors in 2025, he is undisputedly the best golfer on the planet. But as Faldo bluntly put it:
“Scheffler aside, there’s nobody to fear.”
Xander Schauffele has cooled off, Justin Thomas is struggling for form, and captain Keegan Bradley is blooding four rookies — a risk that could backfire under Bethpage pressure.
Why Europe Might Finally Do It
Why Europe Might Finally Do ItFrom McIlroy’s inspired leadership to Rahm’s winning edge, Donald’s men have momentum, chemistry, and belief. Europe has won away once in every decade since 1987. By that measure, they’re due again.
Montgomerie summed it up best: “I don’t fear the American team the way I have in the past. Europe are stronger, all 12 of them.”
Bethpage will be brutal. The crowd will be loud. But if any European side is built to survive the bear pit and silence the roars, it’s this one.
Bring on Bethpage.
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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