This has all the makings of a classic considering the recent dramatic battles between these two World Cup hopefuls.
Ahead of Wednesday 10 September’s qualifier Fabio Capello warned Slaven Bilic that England will be playing to win, and captain John Terry is eager to reverse last years scoreline that saw the Vatreni triumph by two goals to nil courtesy of an Eduardo Da Silva header and a freak own goal by Gary Neville.
##3## Croatia on the other hand will be eager to maintain their psychological advantage over the Three Lions by recording another convincing victory.
Student Becomes The Master
The history between Croatia and England goes far deeper than two European Championship qualfiers, though. English labourers took to Rijeka in 1873, together with English sailors docking at Zadar’s port, and brought the recently professionalised football game with them. Both the labourers and the sailors played matches with the locals, and the game spread throughout the country.
Fast forward 124-5 years and it was very much a case of the pupil becoming the guru as it was the Croatians that were to play in the summer’s tournament that showcased Europe’s finest, due to two deserved wins over the British press-hyped England.
Capello Vs Bilic
Fabio Capello, an experienced 62-year old veteran, is pitted against Slaven Bilic - an exciting 39-year old rookie.
Capello has guided a number of Europe’s most recognisable names to league titles and cup finals, but this will be his biggest test as a national manager as he attempts to win back the English fans who have lost all hope for the country’s cause.
The work Bilic has done with Croatia has not gone unnoticed as West Ham United seemed keen to bring back their former defender to Upton Park. In the advent of Luis Felipe Scolari’s appointment as Chelsea’s head coach, this journalist even mentioned how Bilic would be a worthy manager for any top European side.
He is an efficient, tactically-astute coach and the manner in which he has handled himself during the past seven days prove he is loyal, too: all the necessary attributes of a manager that could build, or maintain, a dynasty at club level.
Loss Of key Players
Not only will the home side have to compete without prolific natural-finisher Eduardo, but have also lost Niko Kranjcar to injury in a friendly against Slovenia. With Kranjcar, Bilic deployed a 4-5-1 formation at the European Championships, ditching the 4-4-2 that got them there. Croatia are blessed with strength in depth though and Luka Modric may be asked to play the Kranjcar role.
For England, Frank Lampard will have to put in a good performance in the absence of Steven Gerrard. Lampard has long been berated by the English support for his constant presence in the first eleven. A goal in Zagreb could go a long way in appeasing the fans and turning the jeers into cheers.
Quotes (courtesy of Reuters)
“We owe them one… we are not seeking revenge though, but three points.” England captain John Terry.
“I expect a better England team… they did not excel against Andorra but they have great individuals who can turn any match in their favour. Details will decide it again. Both sides know everything about each other.” Croatia manager Slaven Bilic.
FORM GUIDE
Croatia
06/09 (WCQ): Croatia-Kazakhstan 3-0
20/08 (EC): Slovenia-Croatia 2-3
20/06 (EC): Croatia-Turkey 1-1
16/06 (EC): Poland-Croatia 0-1
12/06 (EC): Croatia-Germany 2-1
08/06 (FR): Austria-Croatia 0-1
England
06/09 (WCQ): Andorra-England 0-2
20/08 (FR): Czech Republic-England 2-2
01/06 (FR): Trinidad & Tobago -England 0-3
28/05 (FR): England-USA 2-0
26/03 (FR): France-England 1-0
TEAM NEWS
Croatia
Portsmouth winger Niko Kranjcar has undergone surgery following the rupturing of his ankle ligaments while on international duty against Slovenia.
Eduardo Da Silva is still recovering from his horrific leg-break.
Mladen Petric, recently signed by Hamburg, managed a goal coming off the bench against Kazakhstan, and could be set to start.
Two names who wont be though are Igor Budan and Mario Galinovic.
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