Croatia seek divine inspiration

'Players ready' 
"The players are all ready," said coach Otto Baric. "They've all been training and there have been no problems in the camp. We're going to Fátima before tonight's session in Leiria to pray." Croatia may need help from the Virgin Mary, who is said to have appeared to three shepherd children at Fátima in 1917, if they are to stop Zinedine Zidane at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa.

Clean sheet
The France playmaker scored twice in added time to wrest victory from England in Lisbon on Sunday and leave the holders at the section summit ahead of Croatia and Switzerland, who drew 0-0 in Leiria earlier that evening. Despite keeping a clean sheet against the Swiss, Baric could be tempted to recall Igor Tudor for his side's second outing.

Possible suspensions
The Juventus FC stopper was suspended for the opening game following his dismissal in the second leg of the UEFA EURO 2004™ play-off against Slovenia, but is now pressing for a return. With five players a booking away from being banned for what has been identified as a must-win encounter with England on Monday, at least a couple of berths are likely to become available in the Croatia starting XI.

Fresh forwards
One of those seems certain to be Dado Pršo's, the striker whose aerial prowess could prove decisive against England. Baric has a ready-made replacement for the Rangers FC man in Ivan Klasnic, a star of SV Werder Bremen's scintillating season in Germany. Indeed, Croatia could have a completely new front line with Tomo Šokota making way for Ivica Olic, who started on the left against Switzerland.

'Positive result'
Baric, who refused to give any indication as to who would play, said of France: "Obviously they are the favourites but the motivation will be equal, 50-50." Midfield player Giovani Rosso added: "We are hoping to play well and will do our utmost to achieve a positive result." England play Switzerland in Coimbra in the other fixture.