WORLD CUP 2006
Croatia
Introduction
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The entire Croatian nation is preparing to enjoy Germany 2006. That means not only the 4.5 million Croats living at home, but also the numerous emigrants all over the world, mostly in Chile, Australia and Germany, where they are known as gastarbeiters (guest workers).
Euro 96 was Croatia’s first major finals, and they’ve missed only one since – Euro 2000. But none of the previous big-time appearances has stirred as much interest as this year’s tournament. That is because of the Germany factor.
Of the 23 players likely to make up the squad, three – Ivan Klasnic and brothers Niko and Robert Kovac – were born in Germany to gastarbeiter parents. Klasnic and Niko Kovac are also with Bundesliga clubs, as are three other squad members – Josip Simunic, Marko Babic and Jurica Vranjes. Until last year, Robert Kovac also played in Germany, while Ivica Olic is another to have appeared in the Bundesliga and has a German wife.
Because of all this, and the large Croat community in Germany, the team are bound to enjoy impressive support at their finals matches.
So, what can the fans expect from the team? On past form, it would be logical to assume Croatia would take second place in their group behind Brazil. However, the reality is not so simple.
Coach Zlatko Kranjcar has fewer quality players at his disposal than his predecessors. Only forward Dado Prso is a truly world-class performer, while right-winger Darijo Srna has a solid career in front of him if he can free himself from his contract at Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine and move to a club in western Europe. Most of the others are not even first-choices at their clubs.
Despite the lack of talent, the national side have been boosted by a series of optimistic pronouncements, not least from former national coach Miroslav Blazevic. The man who led Croatia to third place at France 98 said: “Our team can go far. I predict a repeat of ’98, when Croatia were the surprise of the tournament. I especially believe in the abilities of my colleague Kranjcar, who has demonstrated that he’s my kind of coach. Croatia can reach the semi-finals again.”
However, it would be unwise to expect fireworks from this team. Most of their goals come from set-pieces and the individual efforts of Srna and Prso. Opponents studying Croatia’s game will soon realise the need to close down the former and mark the latter out of the game. Presuming they can do that, Croatia will be left needing a lucky break.
The Croats’ strength will be their experience, especially compared with Australia and Japan. As for weaknesses, former captain Zvonimir Boban has claimed that the 3-4-1-2 formation places too much pressure on Srna and his left-wing counterpart, Babic. Also, Prso is injury-prone.
Nevertheless, Croatia travel to Germany full of ambition – and accompanied by an army of their home-based supporters. Some 10,000 have tickets and even more will travel without, just to soak up the World Cup ambiance.
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