Class of '98

Aging Croatia aiming for repeat success

ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) -- A semifinalist in its debut at the last World Cup, Croatia is out to prove it's no one-hit wonder.

"We're not coming to be seen," said Mirko Jozic, the normally mild-mannered successor of flamboyant coach Miroslav Blazevic. "We're coming to be remembered."

Some big words from a man at the helm of a squad that local critics write off as too old and way behind its peak. Indeed, Croatia will have mountains to climb in Japan, with nine players in its standard 11 aged well over 30.

Davor Suker, the Golden Boot winner in France '98 and the team's most popular export, is 34. Key midfielder Robert Prosinecki, who plays for English first division club Portsmouth, is 33, and mainstay defender Igor Stimac of Hajduk Split in the country's domestic league is 35.

Still, Jozic is not out to fool anyone. He knows where the cracks are in his side and is determined not to let them show at soccer's showcase tournament.

"Let's be honest," the 62-year-old said. "My players are more than aware that this World Cup is a swan song for most of them. But a swan is a proud bird and when it raises its long and slender neck, it catches everyone's eye."

Part of Jozic's plan is to introduce some young lions into the fray, hoping that they would absorb some of the magic from the seasoned players.

Stipe Pletikosa, 23, who has been linked to some of Europe's top clubs, has already cemented the goalkeeping position. Igor Biscan, 24, of Liverpool, Anthony Seric, 23, of Verona and Jurica Vranjes, 22, of Bayer Leverkusen, are vying for positions in the midfield.

Croatia played some vintage soccer to win Group 6 in European World Cup qualifying. The team, known for its trademark red-and-white checkered jerseys, dispatched favorites Belgium and Scotland, conceding only two goals in eight matches -- the fewest of all qualifiers.

With a young and experienced backline trio composed of Igor Tudor, Robert Kovac and Dario Simic -- from powerhouse clubs Juventus, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan -- it's no wonder why Croatia is a wall in defense.

Although Suker is shooting to retain his top-scorer crown -- an unprecedented feat in the history of the World Cup -- Croatia's brightest star could be 24-year-old Tudor, who has emerged as one of Europe's most sought-after players for his vigilant defense and tendency to score crucial goals.

Former skipper Zvonimir Boban, who won glory with AC Milan during the '90s, hailed Tudor as "the new Franz Beckenbauer," while Juventus coach Marcello Lippi has often said that he can't imagine his side without the towering defender.

"If Croatia manages to find a prefect blend with the experience brought about by maturity and the vitality brought about by youth, the sky is the limit," Boban wrote in a sports column.

Croatia kicks off its campaign in Group G in Japan with three-time titlist Italy, Mexico and newcomer Ecuador.

Winning the World Cup is nothing new for coach Jozic and some of his players -- the youth cup, at least. Jozic took Yugoslavia's U-19 squad, which starred teen-agers Prosinecki, Stimac, and Suker, to the coveted title in Mexico in 1987.

If the combination of youth and experience and a winning mentality is not enough, Jozic has another possible advantage over his rivals -- he knows their soccer inside-out.

Italian soccer is an open book, of course, and as many as 10 players in the Croatian side currently play or have plied their trade in Serie A. But Jozic has had long-standing experience as a coach in South America and it will take more than closed training sessions for Mexico and Ecuador to pull off a surprise.

Jozic took Chilean side Colo Colo to three straight domestic titles and the Copa Libertadores title in the early 90s. He also had stints with the Chilean national side, Argentina's Newell Old Boys and Mexico's America.

However, Jozic believes the sticky climate could be a key factor in Japan -- one that is more likely to suit the equatorial South Americans.

"It remains to be seen how our players will adapt after exhausting European leagues to the time-difference and extreme humidity," Jozic cautioned.

He also warned of the pressure to repeat the spectacular feat at France, where Croatia won the bronze medal.

"I don't think Croatia is among the top-10 sides in the world," the Croat said. Still, he expects his camp to break through to the second round where anything is possible in the knock-out system.

"In sport everyone has the same claims to victory and we shouldn't think we can't beat a team from the top 10."

 

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