Ozobić cunning is key for Croatia

With his ability to create and eye for goal, Croatia midfielder Filip Ozobić hopes to provide the spark his side need as they seek the three points against Portugal that could propel them into the UEFA European Under-19 Championship semi-finals.

Ozobić scored twice in the elite round as Ivica Grnja's team reached their first U19 finals with a 100% qualifying record. Things have been tougher in France, however, and after a 2-1 defeat by Spain and a stalemate with Italy, Croatia find themselves two points behind Saturday's opponents, who require only a draw to join Spain in the last four. "We hope we're going to win and qualify, and this being football you never know what can happen," Ozobić told UEFA.com.

"We knew the Spanish had a great team so we let them play their football while trying to stay organised. We played a bit more defensively and tried to take advantage of their mistakes," the FC Spartak Moskva player explained. "In our second match against Italy we created lots of chances and were unfortunate not to score. Now we play Portugal, a good team who we have great respect for, but if I have the opportunity to score I hope to take it."

Acknowledging that Croatia have "very good individuals," Ozobić felt that a "big collective effort" helped his side into the finals and is necessary again to gain maximum points in Bayeux."In qualifying we stayed focused and organised during games and that was key for us. I hope it's going to be the same against Portugal," the 19-year-old said. "My role will probably be to stay further forward on the right and to look to create things. There is some pressure [with this role] but in general I don't feel it. I enjoy the responsibility."

Ozobić took little time adapting to life in Russia following his 2009 move from NK Zadar, and after his duties in Basse-Normandie are finished he has set his sights on breaking into Spartak's first team. "I didn't have any problems moving to Moscow. In fact, when Spartak made the offer I couldn't refuse. It's obviously a big city but a great one and the people are very friendly," he said. "The language wasn't a problem either as it's a bit similar to Croatian so I learned quite quickly. I'm now hoping to get my chance in the first team." Before that, a player already capped at U21 level is keen to sign off from the U19s with success in Caen.