Confident Bilić hints at Croatia XI

Slaven Bilić said he is confident Croatia will prevail against Austria on Sunday after dropping a massive hint as to what his team will be for Sunday's Group B fixture against the co-hosts in Vienna.

Captain Kovač
Before departing for the Austrian capital this afternoon, Bilić revealed that he will be sticking with the same formation deployed in Croatia's recent friendlies against Moldova and Hungary. When asked what his XI would be, he replied: "You've known the team for two months, but I will tell you all tomorrow." As such, the following players are likely to start at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion: Stipe Pletikosa; Vedran Ćorluka, Robert Kovač, Josip Šimunić, Danijel Pranjić; Darijo Srna, Niko Kovač (c), Luka Modrić, Niko Kranjčar; Mladen Petrić, Ivica Olić.

'Excellent mood'
Bilić added: "The mood is excellent, but the nerves are increasing – a positive nervousness. Be sure we'll give everything we can; we'll be a top team. We'll be better than Austria as we're capable of controlling the match. Like in Formula 1, a good start is so important in the first game. All the best to women, but football is the most beautiful thing in the world."