Pletikosa ruled out of finals
Saturday, June 12, 2004
Article summary
Vladimir Vasilj is poised to replaced Stipe Pletikosa, the injured Croatia No1 who is out of the finals.
Article body
Vasilj hope
Pletikosa underwent tests yesterday which revealed he had ruptured a muscle in his right leg and initially he was ruled out of Croatia's first two matches against Switzerland and France. Team officials have now taken the decision to replace him in the squad with NK Varteks goalkeeper Vladimir Vasilj, subject to an examination by a UEFA doctor today.
No decision yet
The other two goalkeepers in Croatia's squad are Tomislav Butina and Joey Didulica. Pletikosa's likely deputy in the starting lineup against the Swiss in Leiria tomorrow night is Club Brugge KV keeper Butina, although coach Otto Baric said today that he had yet to decide who would play.
Staying positive
Regarding Pletikosa's withdrawal, Baric said: "These things happen in football. I am not upset because we have two other excellent goalkeepers and I am sure that whoever plays will do a great job." Should the squad change be approved, Vasilj will arrive in Portugal tomorrow and will sit in the stands for the match against Switzerland.