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Croatia
Croatia’s Squad (officially) Announced
Comments(18)
So the Croatian NT is ‘officially’ announced by Zlatko Kranjčar. As expected, there were no surprises in the line up:
Goalkeepers: Tomislav Butina (Club Bruges), Stipe Pletikosa (Hajduk Split), Joey Didulica (Austria Vienna)
Defenders: Robert Kovač (Juventus), Stjepan Tomas (Galatasaray), Dario Simić (AC Milan), Mario Tokić (Austria Vienna), Josip Šimunić (Hertha Berlin), Igor Tudor (Siena), Marijan Buljat (Dinamo Zagreb)
Midfielders: Jerko Leko (Dynamo Kiev), Niko Kranjcar (Hajduk Split), Niko Kovač(Hertha Berlin), Marko Babic (Bayer Leverkusen), Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Ivan Leko (Club Bruges), Luka Modric (Dinamo Zagreb), Jurica Vranješ (Werder Bremen), Anthony Serić (Panathinaikos)
Forwards: Dado Pršo (Rangers), Ivan Klasnić (Werder Bremen), Bosko Balaban (Club Bruges), Ivica Olić (CSKA Moscow), Ivan Bošnjak (Dinamo Zagreb)
The absence of Rapaic and Vugrinec has been known about for some time. The only player I thought would have been on the starting 24 would have been Dudú, but instead, his place is on the provisional squad (substitution players in case someone is injured up to 24 hours before the first match) alongside Mladen Petrić (Grasshoppers) and Dario Knežević (Rijeka).
“Pršo, Olić, Klasnić, Balaban and Bošnjak suit the team better and give me more options during the tournament. Eduardo is young and he will be an important part of the team during EC2008 qualifications” said Kranjčar.
I think this side is not a good as the 1998 team. But in saying that it’s a very well rounded side with very good depth. This may be a cruical factor in Croatia’s progression to the 2nd round. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!
Posted from 
Australia
Great Team, there is just something special about this squad you can feel it. I can already see before my eyes…A bueatifull pass from Simic to Babic on the outside of the field…Kranjcar checks in, babic gives him a hard pass on the ground!! A beatufull first touch by Niko .. Kranjcar Still with the ball, roberto carlos attacks.. kranjcar makes a sweet soft chip over him, and klasnic now with the ball. A brazilian defender runs up to Klasnic!! Klasnic just outside the box fakes a shot, making the brazilian defender slip and fall. It is one on one with the goaly, Klasnic VS Dida!!! Dida comes out of the box!! Klasnic sees dida slide on the ground, and gives the ball a little flick.. GOAL!!!!! 1-0!!! Croatia is leading in the 14th minute what play by the croatian!!!
oh sorry guysI just got a bit carried away.. all im saying that croatia has a good chance of succeding this summer..Dont you guys agree!!
Posted from 
United States
There’s a good balance of experience and younger players. We can second guess Zlatko’s picks, but if it works everyone will applaud the choices. The first round will tell us how he did and I agree the feel of the team is very positive. Brazil vs Croatia will be one of the WC’s best battles.
Posted from United States
I agree Kapcro, you always seem to write what i am thinking. I would of liked to seen Rapaic in the squad becuase he has so much expirience that even though he wouldnt have had much game time, he would have helped the young players deal with the mental pressure.
Posted from Australia
That is a factor in the Brazil game given the excitement of the first match, hoopla and then mental preparation. I also think Zlatko is a coach that is good at the brain game. Foxsports has an article about the picks with some of Zlatko’s comments on Vugrinec, team’s chances, etc. I’m impressed with Zlatko’s assessments and the handling of the press. Thanks, Milan.
Posted from United States
This is a very solid side put together by Cico. It has depth, as well a strong defense and attacking potential.
Looking over his selection, its unfortunate that Dudu didn’t make it. His pace and imagination would have unraveled the staunchest defenses. But I guess Cico was looking for more balanced side.
Miki is a classy player but now it is time to move on and give other players a chance. Besides there are plenty of players in the side with WC and CL seasoning who can guide the younger players.
Vugrinec’s time is past, and there are plenty of players who can play his position in the side: Krancjar, Modric, and Bosnjak. Not ot mention Prso can be moved back to play in the hole if needs be(a role that he has been lately playing for Rangers).
Posted from United States
Wers Prosincecki??
Posted from Australia
I would have liked to have seen Dudu against Brazil. Maybe next WC if he’s in Croatia and hasn’t moved on.
Posted from United States
Anyways, Klasnic scored again last nite against Barbarez’ Hamburg. He will be the star man this World Cup for the might Croats
Posted from Australia
Klasnic has been on fire lately, hes got to carry over that form to the WC.
Dudu has already played against Brazil. In an effort to give Brasil a taste of their own medicine, Cico threw on the Hrvatski-Carioca in the 1-1 epic which took place last summer in Split. But he failed to impress.
Nevertheless, he will be an integral part of the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.
Posted from United States
I like how Cico said he will stick with the boys that were responsible for Cro qualifying. The “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” strategy is fine by me. And the only real addition from qualifying to now has been the addition of Luka Modric. The kid HAS to start all the games. He is going to make a name for himself at the WC.
Posted from 
Canada
yeah, it’s all good, i just hope dat stipe will b the no1 goalkeeper
i hope that seric ’s gonna sit on the bench
and i hope dat my eyes will never see again that freak EULER writing here some bullshit .
yo i got nothin but love 4 brazil but the guy dont know shit bout SOCCER (i wrote soccer cuz he likes that word)
obrigado brasil
i know i’m gonna have the last laugh on june 13th…:)
ps.crno gorac – u da man!!!
one
r.
Posted from 
Poland
[...] Today is the day. Today we find out who will be on that pitch, defending their title. The Croatian, Japanese and Australian teams have already been announced and now we anticipate the big one, the one everyone will be talking about. Will it be as stated in Eulers scoop that there will be no surprises on the Brazilian WC squad, or will a younger team come out to play. [...]
Posted from United States
[...] CROATIA [...]
Posted from United States
[...] CROATIA Dudu doesn’t make it, but the team is a blend of experience and youth. [...]
Posted from United States
[...] So we have a team, what we need now is a good anthem. Several have popped up over the past few weeks, and more are sure to come. Here are a few that are receiving airplay on Croatian radio. [...]
Posted from United States
Cico has picked a well balanced squad of youth and experience. We have a solid defence lead by R.Kovac and Tudor. Midfield is tried and tested with Niko linking well with Prso and Klasnic. Dario Srna will be the star, getting those crosses in will be the key.
Good luck hrvati!
Prediction: Croatia 1 Brazil 0.
Posted from Australia
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Posted from
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