Baric promises change

'Expected more'
The Croatians had identified the Leiria fixture as a must-win game with matches against the holders and England to come. The fact that they failed to do so has led to much criticism in the Balkan country, although Baric was unmoved over his team selection and tactics. "I expected more from my players, especially as we had an extra player," he said.

Double winner
"I tried to change things but that didn't work. All is not lost, though, as we always felt we had to win at least one more game anyway." Ivan Klasnic is likely to profit from any team tinkering, with many feeling the striker - who scored 13 goals as SV Werder Bremen won the Bundesliga, later adding the German Cup - was unfortunate not to feature at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa.

Vogel off
Baric started with Tomo Šokota and Dado Pršo in attack, and resisted bringing Klasnic on as the Croatians looked to break down a Swiss side playing the final 40 minutes without Johann Vogel, sent off for two yellow cards. However, the 24-year-old can expect a run-out against France, 2-1 victors against England. "I'm going to make changes," said Baric. "I'm thinking about Klasnic; he's close to the first eleven."

'Keep it tight'
Tomislav Butina, promoted to No1 after Stipe Pletikosa was ruled out of UEFA EURO 2004™ with a thigh injury, refused to be downbeat. He said: "Although we may not have played at the quality level desired, we're not out of hope for the game against France. England are on the same level as we are and they kept it tight against the French so we can do so too."