Croatia vs England WC Qualifying 2008: Croatia Squad
Following their 3-0 thrash over Kazakhstan in the world cup qualifying opener, Croatia now looks confident ahead of a high-profile showdown with England, whom Croatia defeated twice during last year’s Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. Neither side is in a position from where it can be termed as a must-win match, considering the fact that this is the only second match for both sides in their 2010 world cup qualifying campaign. However, in the backdrop of currently-increasing hostility between the two sides, Wednesday’s encounter is expected to be a bigger and tougher one. England lost on both occasions during Euro 2008 qualifying campaign last year and eventually narrowly missed out on a place in Euro 2008 finals. This time, it seems be a match to take revenge for England, while Croatia will be trying to prove that their victories over England were not flukes.
Croatia looks very balanced and settled, because most of the members of the squad have been playing together for a number of years now. The squad featured for Kazakhstan match will remain same for the upcoming meeting with England on 10 September 2008 at the Maksimir Stadium, Zagreb. Though Croatia is missing two important players: Arsenal striker Eduardo and Portsmouth midfielders Niko Kranjcar, who played a big part in last year’s victories over England, Croatia squad looks really very strong in the presence of some quality footballers.
Midfielder Luka Modric is the biggest star of the Croatia side. The Tottenham Hotspur player has already become a star in English premier league and he could be dangerous against England. In the midfield, Croatia has some more key players like Captain Niko Kovac and Ivan Rakitic. Kovac has lots of experience with him and has been a regular member for Croatian side for a number of years. Rakitic, on the other hand, is a young prospect and has already shown the kind of impact he is capable of bringing in Croatian midfield. The Schalke 04 midfielder scored twice in Croatia’s friendly match against Slovenia last month. He is currently in good form and I think, he is the player English defender should watch out.
However, Croatian attacking line up looks strong too as it features a blend of experience and youth. FC Nantes striker Ivan Klasnic and Ivica Olic of Hamburger SV are the regular members of staring line up, and both of them have been playing together for a number of years and thus have formed a good partnership in the up front. Croatian coach Slaven Bilic still has talented striker like Mladen Petric left in the substitute bench. Croatia has an experienced defense line up and is spearheaded by Robert Kovac, who has 79 caps for Croatia. With 100 caps under his belt, defender Dario Simic is the most capped players in the current Croatia squad. He is a versatile defender with the ability of playing as a full back as well as a centre defender. Josip Simunic is one of the regular choices of Bilic in the centre defense. In the goal, Croatia has an excellent keeper Stipe Pletikosa who already achieved 74 matches for Croatia.
Actually, I think, Croatia has a balanced squad which could provide enough trouble for visiting England and it is for sure that England will find Croatia too hard a side to crack easily.
Here, I am giving the names of the players of Croatian squad:
Croatia Squad from Wikipedia:
Goal Keeper: Stipe Pletikosa, Vedran Runje
Defenders: Vedran Ćorluka, Dario Knežević, Robert KovaÄ, Ivica Križanac, Dario Å imić, Josip Å imunić, Hrvoje Vejić
Midfielders: Jerko Leko, Niko KovaÄ, Luka Modrić, Nikola PokrivaÄ, Danijel Pranjić, Ivan Rakitić, Darijo Srna, Ognjen Vukojević
Strikers: Nikola Kalinić, Ivan Klasnić, Mario Mandžukić, Ivica Olić, Mladen Petrić
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