Croatia

FIFA World Ranking (November 2001): 19th

2002 World Cup qualifying: Won UEFA "Group 6" (5-0-3; 15 GF, 2 GA)

2001 Overall Record: 6-1-5

World Cup final appearances: 2 - 1998 (3rd), 2002

Overall Record in WC: 5-2-0

Record vs. U.S.: Never met

Manager: Mirko Jozic (CRO)

Key Players: Alen Boksic (F, Middlesbrough), Davor Suker (F, 1860 Munich)

Fast Facts: Will be making their second straight appearance at the World Cup, after a miraculous run to third place in France in 1998.... Became only the third nation in World Cup history to capture the bronze medal in their first tournament appearance, joining the United States (1930) and Germany (1934).... Davor Suker won the Golden Boot in France '98 with six goals. ... Croatia gave up only two goals during qualifying play, the fewest of any nation in the world.