Bosnian Croats vote for Croatia's Parliament

Polling stations opened early Saturday across Bosnia-Herzegovina for the parliamentary elections in neighbouring Croatia. Nearly 300,000 Bosnian Croats, Bosnia-Herzegovina's citizens who also have Croatian citizenship, are eligible to cast their ballot at the Croatian parliamentary elections on Saturday and Sunday.

Bosnian Croats are to vote for 11 political parties and two independent lists running for Croatia's parliament.

With its number of voters and polling stations Bosnia-Herzegovina makes up half of Croatia's entire electorate abroad.

On Croatian territory elections officially start on Sunday, with polling stations due to open across the country at 7 am (0600 GMT).

Re-trial for Ovcara Murders Gets Under Way

A second re-trial of 17 Serbs accused of war crimes in Croatia started this week in Belgrade, their previous trials having collapsed over procedural irregularities.

The 17 individuals, who are ex-paramilitary troops and former members of the Territorial Defence, TO, force, are accused of killing around 200 Croat prisoners at Ovcara farm in eastern Croatia.

The massacre came after the Yugoslav army captured the town of Vukovar in November 1991, and is one of the most notorious crimes of the wars that followed the break-up of Yugoslavia.

Serbia’s supreme court controversially overturned the Belgrade District War Crimes Chamber’s verdict last year, saying it had failed to prove the case indisputably and had violated its own procedures. A first re-trial was halted when a new judge had to be appointed.

The new case may hinge on the willingness of two ex-Yugoslav army officers to testify. One of them, Miroslav Radic, who was earlier this year acquitted of responsibility for the Ovcara massacre, may have to be forced to speak at this new trial.

“The commander of the Vukovar Territorial Defense, Miroljub Vujovic, and his deputy commander Stanko Vujanovic, ordered the killings of some of the prisoners of war. They ordered that groups of 30-40 captives be loaded onto a trailer and transported in 5 or 6 batches to the execution site at Grabovo, located approximately 1 km away from Ovcara,” said the indictment.

“The remaining captives were taken out in groups of 7 to 8 and lined up in front of a previously dug pit, where the accused Vukovar TO members approached the shot persons who were still showing signs of life and killed them by gunshots to the head. Subsequently, the corpses were buried in the pit and the earth flattened over by a bulldozer.”

All 17 men, of whom 15 were convicted and sentenced to between five and 20 years at the previous trial and two acquitted, plead not guilty.

Judge Vesko Krstajic, the president of the court, said he may call ex-officers Miroslav Radic and Veselin Sljivancanin, who were also tried for involvement in the massacre, to testify. Radic was acquitted by the ICTY, while Sljivancanin received five years in prison. Alongside Mile Mrksic, who was sentenced to 20 years, they made up the notorious “Vukovar Three”.

But Borivoje Borovic, who defended Radic at the ICTY, told IWPR his client would not give evidence.

“He doesn’t owe anything to anyone and he doesn’t know anything about the Ovcara massacre,” he said.

“It is impossible for Radic to go to the court and give testimony. In Croatia, an indictment against Radic is still in force. I don’t think this indictment has any legal strength, but it still exists. His statement can’t help anyone in this case. No civil, military or paramilitary structure helped Radic defend himself in the Hague tribunal. So, he doesn’t owe anything to anyone.”

But lawyers for the defendants were prepared to insist on his appearance, according to Rajko Jelusic, the lawyer for Miroslav Djankovic, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison the first time round.

“We expect and we are certain that Miroslav Radic will testify at this trial,” said Jelusic.

Meanwhile, pressure is growing in Serbia for officers to be put on trial for war crimes, since the Vukovar Three case largely acquitted the Yugoslav army of responsibility, and passed it onto paramilitary and local volunteer forces.

”The Hague tribunal’s verdict in the Vukovar Three case has contributed to minimising the army’s part in Ovcara and the domestic war crime prosecutor’s office has been discouraged in their attempts to shed some light on the army’s role in the massacre,” said the Belgrade Humanitarian Law Fund, FHP, in a statement issued recently.

Lawyer Dragoljub Todorović, who represents the families of the victims of Ovcara, told IWPR that army officers must bear responsibility for what happened, since they had created the conditions that allowed local forces to commit war crimes. He hoped the retrial would help bring that about.

“I disagree with the tribunal’s verdict in the Vukovar Three case and I think that Sljivancanin was responsible for the Ovcara massacre. Now that the Ovcara case has started again, I think the indictment is stronger then ever,” he said.

A spokesman for the war crimes prosecutors, meanwhile, said any trial of officers would have to wait until after this new trial had been completed.

Most senior officials have denied any knowledge of the killings and blamed them on their subordinates - a position repeated this week by ex-defence minister Veljko Kadijevic. Croatian police have issued an arrest warrant for the former minister, but he is currently safely under the protection of the Russian authorities.

He said in an interview with Serbian state television that the army’s security commander, General Aleksandar Vasiljevic, did not tell him about the massacre.

“Maybe you won't believe me, but the first time I heard about Ovcara was when I had retired,“ he said.

Vasiljevic, who testified as a prosecution witness at the Slobodan Milosevic trial in The Hague, said he too found about the massacre only two years after it happened, in 1993. He said Kadijevic had been informed of the crime by the chain of command leading from Mrksic, who was the commander of the troops in Vukovar.

Tudjman Transcripts Sought as Evidence

International war crimes prosecutors may need Zagreb’s permission to admit as evidence transcripts that they say prove Croatia’s ex-president was intimately involved in an attempt to create a “Geater Croatia”.

The prosecutors are seeking to demonstrate official Croatian involvement in war crimes committed by the leaders of Herceg Bosna, a Croat statelet carved out of neighbouring Bosnia in the early 1990s.

Jadranko Prlic, Bruno Stojic, Slobodan Praljak, Milivoj Petkovic, Valentin Coric and Berislav Pusic were senior political and military leaders of the self-proclaimed state and face 26 charges relating to the expulsion and murder of Muslims.

The requested documents detail the conversations of then Croatian president Franjo Tudjman and seem to show Croatian officials believed the West supported them in their undercover bid to prevent a Muslim state being created in Europe.

“If they want to include those documents as evidence they must seek government approval,” said Goran Granic, ex-deputy prime minister of Croatia.

In 2002, he agreed with the war crimes prosecutors at the Hague tribunal that they could use the transcripts but only to help their investigation, not as evidence.

It was not clear if the Croatian government had received a request for the documents to be used, and the judges are yet to rule on the matter, but defence lawyers in the case said they would oppose their submission.

“The main question is whether the prosecutors at the Hague tribunal have the right to propose these transcripts as evidence in this case,” said Vesna Alaburic, lawyer for Petkovic, a defendant who was a general in Herceg Bosna.

She added the protocol for the submission of transcripts, signed in 2002 by chief prosecutor Carla Del Ponte and Granic, clearly states that these transcripts are submitted to help only in the investigation of facts.

“We think that all the procedures, necessary for the transcripts to be included as evidence, have not been satisfied,” she said.

The six defendants are also accused of being part of a joint criminal enterprise to politically and militarily subjugate and ethnically cleanse Bosnian Muslims and other non-Croats from parts of Bosnia and to join this territory to a Greater Croatia.

Experts on the crimes say that, although the transcripts do not prove individuals’ involvement in the atrocities, they do show a government-created atmosphere that encouraged such acts.

“These transcripts reveal one complete political strategy that at least silently approved on different levels some operations which were later classified as war crimes,” said Jasna Babic, a journalist of Slobodna Dalmacija who has written a book about war crimes.

“I really don’t know what their legal standing is, but as a journalist I think these transcripts are of the utmost importance, because they show full awareness of government leadership, their plans, their intentions and their agreements. Therefore I think this is something without which the events of the war in Croatia and Bosnia cannot be understood.”

Most of these transcripts have already been admitted in part or in full as evidence in other trials held at the Hague tribunal.

Several of the transcripts allegedly record how Tudjman ordered regular Croatian troops to be secretly sent to Bosnia to set up checkpoints and to support the Croats living there.

“The Hague prosecution wants to prove there was an international armed conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina, meaning that the Republic of Croatia was involved… In that respect it is clear that the transcripts of President Tudjman's conversations about the war with key people in Croatia and Bosnia are of utmost importance,” said Anto Nobilo, who acted as a defence attorney in The Hague for a number of years.

“According to what I read, and I have read lots of those transcripts, specific atrocities were probably not discussed. In respect of proving specific atrocities those transcripts cannot be used. However, they can be used in establishing the political context in which the atrocities took place.”

He was confident that the transcripts would be accepted as evidence, since, he said, their authenticity is beyond doubt.

“There was something which is colloquially called parallel systems, including parallel chains of command and parallel politics. One kind of politics was used for the international arena and the other kind for us inside. Therefore to establish the complete truth the transcripts are very important,” he said.

“However, how much weight these transcripts will have and to what extent the court will rely on them are completely different questions.”

Croatia: Four million voters vote in national poll

About four million Croatian voters were expected to vote in a national election on Sunday to elect a new parliament.

Analysts on Friday predicted the race between the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) would be close.

According to the latest surveys, the SDP had a slight lead and was expected to win 35.5 per cent of the vote - or 58 seats in the 140-seat parliament.

The HDZ was trailing with 32.5 per cent which would give it 56 seats, while the rest was likely to be distributed among small parties and minorities.

But analysts said that the HDZ could have an edge among a large number of undecided voters, leaving the final outcome in doubt.

According to election laws, Croats living abroad also have the right to vote and might decide the fate of up to eight deputies, depending on the turnout.

Eight seats in the parliament are reserved for minorities so the total number of deputies, which is not fixed, may top 150.

The HDZ, was founded by former president Franjo Tudjman, who led Croatia to independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991. It has traditionally won the strongest backing among voters abroad, particularly in neighboring Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The SDP, which is largely composed of reformed communists, is attracting left-leaning voters and was expected to capitalise on general discontent about the economic situation in the country.

Former SDP leader Ivica Racan died of cancer in April this year, and his successor Zoran Milanovic has ran a campaign similar to that of HDZ leader and current prime minister Ivo Sanader.

The campaign was dominated by economic and social issues and on Croatia’s drive towards joining the European Union and NATO. Croatia has signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU and is hoping to join NATO at Bucharest summit next year.

Many analysts believe that no party will be able to form a government on its own, and analysts have speculated that a grand coalition between HDZ and SDP might ultimately be a solution for forming new government.

Croatia Polls: Apathy in Serbia

Political analysts in Serbia predicted on Friday a low turnout of local residents who are entitled to vote in neighbouring Croatia’s elections on Sunday.

According to estimates, only a few thousand voters will cast their ballots at seven polling stations in Belgrade and in Serbia’s northern province of Vojvodina.

More than 100,000 people eligible to vote in Croatia’s elections live in Serbia.

About 80,000 of them are Serbs who fled Croatia, following the end of the war there in 1995.

Another 25,000 are ethnic Croats, most of whom live in Serbia’s north.
Ratko Bubalo of the Novi Sad-based Centre for Integration said that “the three Serb deputies in the Croatian parliament did little to resolve the problems of Serb returnees to Croatia.”
“Reclaiming property, employment, pensions, all these are outstanding issues for Croatian Serbs that have not been settled properly for most of the returnees,” Bubalo said.

Some 250,000 Serbs fled Croatia after the 1995 offensive on a self-proclaimed Serb mini-state there.Most are still in Serbia although a number has returned.

Ethnic Croats will also be reluctant to vote as they “receive no benefits from Croatia, nor do they expect any,” said Tomislav Zigmanov, editor in-chief of the Croatian minority’s Hrvatska rijec weekly.

“While Croatia invested some 200 million kuna (€27 million) in the development of a university campus” in Croatian part of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s divided city of Mostar, “its total aid for Croats in Serbia in 2006 was only 2 million kuna (€273,000),” Zigmanov said.

Both Bubalo and Zigmanov said that a majority of votes is likely go to Croatia’s main opposition force, the Social Democratic Party.

'I would have allowed Terry to play against Croatia' says Grant

John Terry might have played for England in their hour and a half of need on Wednesday – according to his club manager Avram Grant.

The former Israel coach made it clear yesterday that Chelsea would not have objected if Steve McClaren had chosen to add to his list of gambles on the night by playing the England captain despite the fact that he has been out of action for five weeks since injuring his knee on the eve of last month's Euro 2008 qualifier in Russia.

"Would we have let him play? Yes, of course. If he's picked we don't have any problem," said Grant, who added that Terry was fit to play in today's match against bottom-of-the-table Derby County. "You saw it the last time when England played in Russia. Even if he was not 100 per cent I let him play. Of course he got injured again, but I let him play. I was in charge of the [Israeli] national team and I know what it is to serve your country. I'm proud that my players serve their countries.

"It was on the border, I think, with JT. England needed him badly. But when you play an international and you have not played for five weeks ... it was the right decision by McClaren."

Asked if he would have played Terry on Wednesday for Chelsea if they had been involved in a cup final, Grant responded: "I don't think so. After five or six weeks without playing when he is not 100 per cent – it's a risk.'

Grant insisted that the Football Association did not necessarily need to seek another Englishman to fill the position McClaren has just vacated – "it doesn't matter these days" – but maintained that of the possible English candidates, he favoured Harry Redknapp, with whom he worked at Portsmouth before moving to Stamford Bridge last season.

"I think Harry for me is the best English manager," Grant said. "He's a very open guy, he understands the modern football game, he has a very, very good relationship with the players. He knows in a special way to get the best of the players as you see in Portsmouth.

"I was a national coach. When you come to a national team you take it that the motivation of the players to serve their country is in a high, high place. The key issue is tactical. Because you only have the players for four days or five days, you can't work on the physical side, you can't work on the technical side. You have to work on the organisation of the team."

He continued: "I don't think that [Steven] Gerrard, [Frank] Lampard, [Shaun] Wright-Phillips, [Joe] Cole and [Gareth] Barry and the others are less technical than the Croatian team. But it was a poor game from England for sure."

Grant added that he did not expect an adverse reaction in today's game from those players who had returned from England duty. "What happened for them on Wednesday is some kind of tragedy for them," he said. "They are sensitive about this, they didn't like the result – but they know there is a game on Saturday and that life goes on."

Croatia turn down Russia car presents

Croatian football chiefs yesterday rejected a Russian oil tycoon's offer of four Mercedes cars to players in the squad for allowing Russia a place in the Euro 2008 finals by defeating England.

"He can give them to his father," head of the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) Vlatko Markovic told the Vecernji List daily.

"Even before the match we said we do not play for Russians or anyone else. We played only for ourselves regardless the outcome in our group." The tycoon, Leonid Fedun, said he was sticking to his decision, made before the Wednesday's match at Wembley, to give four Mercedes cars to Croatian players.

"I will fulfill my promise although I heard that Uefa (European football's ruling body) does not like such gifts," Fedun was quoted as saying by the daily.

He has offered the cars to three Croatian players whom he would deem the best after the match and the fourth to goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa who plays for Spartak Moscow, owned by Fedun.

X-rated anthem makes Englishman toast of Croatia

The team may have crashed and burned, the distraught supporters will not be buying plane tickets to Austria or Switzerland, but one Englishman may be on his way to Euro 2008.

Tony Henry, the opera singer tasked with singing the national anthems before England’s game with Croatia earlier this week, has become an unlikely hero of the Croatian game after appearing to make a somewhat risque slip of the tongue while belting out the nation’s tune.

The singer, from St Albans, Hertfordshire, should have sung “Mila kuda si planina”, which translates roughly as “You know my dear how we love your mountains”. Instead, he appears to have sung “Mila kura si planina”, which, although moderately nonsensical, can be interpreted as “My dear, my penis is a mountain”.

Footage of the build-up to the game, which Croatia won 3-2 to end England’s hope of qualification, shows Croatian players and mascots giggling as Mr Henry performs. Yesterday Croatian websites were buzzing with suggestions that his gaffe calmed the players, and that he should be drafted in to perform before every match the team plays in next year’s championships.

Both the Croatian Embassy, their football federation, and Mr Henry sought to play down the error today, claiming that the footage was inconclusive.

Mr Henry told The Times: “It was almost a mistake, I smudged it. That particular line is an ancient dialect. Any idea that I was advertising the size of my appendage in any way is wrong. I didn’t know the meaning of any of it.”

The singer said that he had been practising the anthem for nearly a month and had received numerous congratulatory e-mails from Croatians. He said: “Musically it’s not that complicated so I assumed that it wouldn’t be hard to learn. I had other performances that were occupying me. I started off having to sing 12 lines but they slimmed it down to just two verses, eight lies. I’ve spoken to Croatians who say it was a stirring rendition and that I did well. But I obviously didn’t practice enough.”

The Croatian authorities were full of praise for Mr Henry, and insisted they had not heard any untoward words. Maja Ercig, of the Croatian embassy, said: “I was at Wembley and I didn’t hear it. I thought he sang beautifully. The language is not easy and I thought he did a good job. It’s completely silly.”

Davor Gagran, a spokesman for the Croatian Football Federation, said: “The diction of the singer was brilliant. Our language isn’t known very well outside our country and it’s very hard to speak. It was very unusual to see somebody who is not Croatian singing our anthem.

“If he said it I didn’t hear it. I’m sure the man who sang the song doesn’t know what the words mean. I don’t think that he did something wrong.”

Experts in Serbo-Croat contacted by The Times were reluctant to be quoted discussing the intricacies of the language’s anatomical swearwords. But Dr Vladislava Ribnikar, of Nottingham University’s School of Slavonic Studies, said: “The correct use of the word has a harsh “c” at the end, but “kura” would still get the message across.

“It would be used as a retort for when someone says something that you don’t think is true. It’s not something you would necessarily call someone - we would use the female anatomy for that.” After listening to Mr Henry’s rendition, she said: “Did he say it? It’s difficult to say.”

The best selling Croatian national newspaper, Vecernji List, reported yesterday that the Scotland-based singer was to be invited to perform at a Roman amphitheatre at Pula in western Croatia, in recognition of his performance.

Mr Henry said that he had not been approached to perform for the team again, but said: “If they do approach me and ask for me to got to the championships with them, I’ll have to go.”

Times readers can decide for themselves whether Mr Henry sang “kuda” or “kura”, by watching a video of the rendition.

The cream of Croatia

This Adriatic idyll easily matches anything the rest of Europe has to offer, finds Emma Pomfret – who urges a visit there before everyone else realises what they’re missing

IT was our first night in Croatia, and in the perfect setting of a waterfront restaurant, I was lucky enough to discover the delights of Dentex. Although it sounds like a mouthwash, Dentex is actually a famously tasty fish caught in shoals in the deep-blue waters off Dubrovnik. Croatians call it the Zubatec, or “King of the Adriatic”, and now it stared at me from a colourful plate in all its razor-fanged glory.

Although the locals had been singing its praises since we arrived, nothing quite prepared me for the distinctive meaty yet delicate lemony taste. At barely £7 for a huge portion, we ate it almost every night!

To be perfectly honest, before I set foot on Croatian soil, I had no idea what the local cuisine would be like but, luckily, the sheer variety of eclectic European dishes, ranging from fresh fish to Buzara – boiled scampi in a rich wine sauce – turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

Like most sunny European countries, late lunch washed down with the excellent local red wine is the most important meal of the day for Croatians.

But the multitude of ocean-front restaurants and traditional old tavernas are completely accustomed to tourists who tend to eat lightly at lunchtime and more heartily during the long, balmy evenings.

Being so close to the eastern coast of Italy, wood-fired pizzerias are very common in most Croatian towns and they serve cheap but delicious thin-crust pizzas and crispy green salads, although it’s worth looking out for the most popular dish throughout the Dalmatia region called Peka, a delicious meat or fish stew cooked with potatoes in a large, sealed circular pan in a clay oven and then heated by the smouldering embers.

Of course, it’s not only the fantastic food and typically Mediterranean summer lifestyle that make Croatia the tourist destination of the moment.

With Spain’s coastline often over-crowded, Italy’s verging on extortionate, and the French Med more than a little cliquey, it’s little wonder this tiny crescent-shaped country is fast becoming Europe’s most coveted holiday hotspot.

With miles of pristine beaches framed by dramatic mountains and impossibly clear Adriatic waters, more than 1,000 picturesque islands ripe for hopping, and town upon ancient town bursting with faded Habsburg grandeur and dazzling Byzantine churches, Croatia provides a fascinating experience for any visitor.

It’s often said the sparkling coastline is so unspoilt that the stunning ocean scenery from any beachside bar is almost exactly the same view that the Franciscan monks, Roman emperors, Venetian navy and Napoleon himself would have seen when they scanned the horizon for enemies in days long ago.

Croatia’s current success marks a dramatic revival from the grim days of the early 1990s and the former Yugoslavia’s civil war. For the more observant traveller, scattered remnants of the war in the shape of derelict, burnt-out villages can still be spotted in remote inland parts of northern Dalmatia but, for the most part, there is no tangible reminder of the conflict, and Croatia is back on the holiday map.

We had landed in Croatia’s second city, Split, on the southern coast, and made a quick pit-stop to visit the stunning third-century Diocletian Palace in the old town, before heading off for a two-hour drive through the picturesque Makarska Riviera and then on towards the pretty resort of Tucepi.

In the heart of historic Dalmatia, the Tucepi coastline is an unbroken series of beautiful clean beaches, bordered on one side by the transparent turquoise sea and on the other by a green necklace of pine forests, olive groves, blossoming vineyards and cool glades.

Our base was the friendly four-star Afrodita Village hotel, set on the leafy slopes of Mount Biokovo. It boasts comfortable, airy apartments, a huge swimming pool and an amazing breakfast buffet – and the bonus of being only a few seconds away from a long stretch of pristine pebble beach.

Walking for a few hundred yards along the busy pedestrianised seafront path, we stumbled on a dilapidated old five-star hotel which, according to local legend, is owned by the Russian Mafia, who apparently are happy to leave it in its current derelict state.

We explored it one afternoon and discovered a spectacular crumbling marble spiral staircase, grand regal balconies overlooking the hotel’s once-private beach and a faded, gilded reception room complete with peeling walls and original cocktail bar, once the glamorous haunt of long-departed rich guests.

If you fancy getting out and about on foot one day, it’s a relatively easy hour-long walk along Tucepi’s rugged coast to the lovely old town of Makarska and a well-deserved cold beer or home-made ice cream on the palm-fringed promenade, where trendy cafés, bars and boutiques overlook the sunny harbour.

Away from the hustle and bustle, there is also a quaint old town in the centre with narrow stone-paved streets, a charming main church square with a tiny fruit and flower market, and an ancient Franciscan monastery that’s open to the public.

A few hours away from Tucepi by boat, past the islands of Hvar and along the Peljesac peninsula, the little island of Korcula became famous as the first place in the world to outlaw slavery. Some historians think it is the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo.

Here you can wander the steep, twisting streets and alleys of the island’s impressive fortified town, gawp at the Romanesque-Gothic cathedral of St Mark, stroll along the Street Of Thoughts, buy fresh peaches at the local market or just take your time over a long lunch in any one of the island’s seafood restaurants.

Of course, any visit to Croatia is not complete without a trip to the historic city of Dubrovnik, affectionately dubbed the City Of 1,000 Monuments and possibly where Richard the Lionheart was cast ashore after a shipwreck in 1192.

You could spend literally days on end visiting ancient ramparts, fortresses, palaces, squares, churches and museums, but if you get the chance, try to catch the spectacular annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival in July, when the keys of the city are given to artists who entertain the locals and guests for an entire month with live plays, concerts, and games.

You might also take advantage of Thomas Cook’s excursion to the stunning Krka National Park, with its seven waterfalls where you can swim in the crystal-clear pools, and walk the imposing Biokovo Mountains to see a dramatic sunrise.

Wherever you go in Croatia, you’re guaranteed a wonderful experience that’s hard to match anywhere else in Europe. Just try to get there before everyone else realises what they are missing.

Croatia’s Prime Minister Looks for Votes From Croats Living in Bosnia

There is no avoiding Ivo Sanader’s glare on Mese Selimovica Boulevard.

With Croatian elections scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 25, the posters of Mr. Sanader, Croatia’s prime minister, line the highway leading into and out of this city. The race, which appears to be close, is likely to determine whose government will take Croatia into the European Union.

And the Croats living in Bosnia could play a big role in that race.

Mr. Sanader’s party in particular is encouraging the large ethnic Croat population here to vote his way in the parliamentary elections. Not long ago, his party seemed sure of re-election, but it is now facing a challenge from the Social Democratic Party.

Bosnia is a natural place for Mr. Sanader’s Croatian Democratic Union to look for support. An estimated 300,000 ethnic Croats live here, and anyone claiming Croatian ethnicity is allowed to vote. Furthermore, Croats here are known for their conservative outlook.

“It’s a public secret that most of the diaspora vote for” the Croatian Democratic Union, said Vanja Skoric, a member of GONG, an election monitoring group in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.

But the campaign has been criticized by election monitors worried about vote rigging at the more than 100 Croatian polling places planned for Bosnia.

There is also hostility from the Bosnian Muslims, who make up the country’s largest ethnic group and fought against Croats for much of the war that ended in 1995 and who worry about Croatia’s ambitions in the country.

“Sanader’s posters are everywhere,” said one Muslim, Emir Lakaca, 52, who lives just north of Sarajevo. “I’d like to see how the Croats felt if we had posters of Haris Silajdzic all over Zagreb,” he added, referring to Bosnia’s outspoken Muslim leader.

The Croatian government is so eager to solicit votes in Bosnia that it has increased the number of polling places here to 124, from 33 during the last election four years ago. Election monitors say that voting by the Croats here in Croatian elections has been subject to fraud in the past.

In 2003, GONG, the election-monitoring group, said it had found evidence indicating that a number of votes had been falsified. For example, Ms. Skoric said investigators checked out 10 people who were reported to have voted at one polling place and found that 5 had voted, 2 had not and 3 were dead.

“Obviously, Croatia does not yet have the same standards and procedures abroad as within Croatia,” said Suzana Jasic, one of GONG’s election monitoring supervisors.

The governing party has strived to jettison its nationalist image in recent years and to adopt pro-European credentials. But opposition parties accuse it of reverting to the populist methods used during the 1990s under the first Croatian president, Franjo Tudjman.

The conservative party often relies on sports stars to campaign for it. “Sports stars in the 1990s knew that it paid to do what they were told by” the governing party, wrote Tomislav Klauski, a political analyst who works for Vijesti.net, an online news service. “We thought that these things had past.”

SDP Holds Electoral Rally in Zagreb

Ban Jelacic Square was coloured red and numerous flags with the ‘SDP Team’ logo were hoisted in the air.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) ended its electoral campaign with a rally in the filled Ban Jelacic Square in downtown Zagreb with numerous rock stars.

‘We’re going on with the programme’

The SDP presented all members who are first on lists of candidates in constituencies at Zagreb’s central square where a great number of people arrived for the rally. SDP president Zoran MIlanovic concluded his electoral campaign with a message ‘We’re going on with the programme’.

Ban Jelacic Square was coloured red and numerous flags with the ‘SDP Team’ logo were hoisted in the air.

Milanovic addressed the assembled citizens who greeted him, shouting “Zoki, Zoki”.

‘We want politicians with clear faces, not those from posters’

- And then some say it was not worth hitchhiking, look at how many people are here – Milanovic said and received a loud applause.

The SDP did not even dream that so many citizens would gather, Milanovic said, adding that ‘it is time for a change in direction, for SDP’.

- They say the heart is located to the left, today it is on Zagreb’s asphalt. We want politicians with clear faces, not faces from posters, but faces with answers – said the president of the SDP, adding that the time has come for responsible politicians “who will account for every kuna they earned”.

He concluded that among those assembled were many who arrived from various party of Croatia and came to Zagreb in search of happiness.

Milanovic left breathless

- Those people will be embraced – Milanovic stressed, inviting all voters to vote in elections and decide the fate of Croatia.

After leaving the stage, Milanovic said in one breath that he lost his voice.

The citizens of Zagreb later enjoyed the performances of rock bands such as Let 3, Eni, Dino Dvornik and Pips, Chips & Video Clips.

Apart from flags, people were carrying banners that read: “Dr. Ivo, give back your villa”, “Go as far as you can” and “from dusk till Zoran”.

Arsenal, Chelsea target Modric "best midfielder in world"

Chelsea or Arsenal will be landing a genuine world star in Luka Modric, says Italian agent Sabatino Durante.

Both Premiership giants are chasing the Dinamo Zagreb midfielder, who admits he wants a move to England in January's winter market.

Durante, who has former Croatia international Milan Rapaic on his books, said: "He is an extraordinary player, the best midfield player in the world that exists.

"People talk forever about Frank Lampard, but you must realize that this is a boy from 85 and already has more than 35 appearances with the Croatian national team. This player can do everything.

"I'm surprised a team like AC Milan, which has opened doors in Croatia, has not thought of this player. Certainly today you'd have to pay £15 million for him."

Keep the cars, says Croatia

CROATIAN football chiefs today rejected a Russian oil tycoon's offer of four Mercedes cars to players in the squad for allowing Russia a place in the Euro 2008 finals by defeating England.

"He can give them to his father," head of the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) Vlatko Markovic told a local newspaper.

"Even before the match we said we do not play for Russians or anyone else. We played only for ourselves regardless the outcome in our group."

The tycoon, Leonid Fedun, said he was sticking to his decision, made before the Wednesday's match at Wembley, to give four Mercedes cars to Croatian players.

"I will fulfill my promise although I heard that UEFA (European football's ruling body) does not like such gifts," Fedun was quoted as saying by the daily.

He has offered the cars to three Croatian players whom he would deem the best after the match and the fourth to goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa who plays for Spartak Moscow, owned by Fedun.

But on Friday Fedun said he would ship the four Mercedes cars to the HNS "since it is difficult to decide who was the best".

"They can decide what to do with the cars," he said.

While England needed a draw to qualify for the 16-team finals of Euro 2008, to be staged in Austria and Switzerland in 2008, its 3-2 defeat by Croatia allowed Russia to qualify as a second team in Group E.

England’s Loss Costs Businesses Millions, Except Those Who Backed Croatia

As most UK businesses are counting the millions of lost revenue following England’s exit, one company is breathing a sigh of relief as they cash in on their insurance policy.

"While the money is obviously fantastic, this is one bet I didn’t want to win" said Antony Portno, CEO of online sports tipster community.

As a UK based sports betting site, England's absence from Euro 2008 would be a big blow to the business financially. After England lost to Russia and it looked like we were out of the competition, he regretted having not taken out an insurance bet on England not qualifying.

When Israel then gave England a second chance, the gambling tycoon seized the opportunity to bet £3,000 on Croatia to beat England at odds of 7/1.

"I’m not it the habit of placing such large bets, but I figured an England exit would probably cost my business at least £50,000 in earnings so I saw the bet as an insurance policy just in case the unthinkable happened"

"Like everyone else on OLBG I assumed England would be successful in at least managing a draw at home to a team with nothing but pride to play for, but I still had to make the bet. I had originally planned to bet £5,000 but lost my nerve a bit"

Croatia set to continue pro-Western course whoever wins parliamentary vote

New sports halls, clinics, and sewage systems have been set up across the country. Famous athletes and even Germany's Angela Merkel have offered their support.

Prime Minister Ivo Sanader has attracted celebrity endorsements and invested huge amounts of money in the campaign for Sunday's parliamentary elections.

Yet all that may not be enough for his conservative party to stay in power.

All recent surveys show that Sanader's Croatian Democratic Union is tied with — or even trailing — the opposition center-left Social Democrats, who have benefited from Sanader's failure to substantially improve living standards and root out corruption.

Neither is expected to win a majority and the outcome will likely depend on post-election dealmaking.

The one apparent certainty: Croatia's pro-Western stance — which set it on a course to join the European Union as early as 2010 — will not change.

Crucially, the nationalists, Croatia's main force in the 1990s, are marginalized — meaning moderates are all but certain to come into power no matter what the result.

"It is almost the same which of the two will win," political analyst Jelena Lovric said. "Both would fairly decently lead Croatia."

The vote can, finally, go on "without a spasm, almost relaxed," she said.

Sanader's party, known by its acronym HDZ, has ruled Croatia for most of the years since 1991 independence from Yugoslavia, which triggered a war with minority Serbs that ended in 1995. Croatia was then a bastion of nationalism, shunned by the West.

The Social Democrats won elections in 2000, launching Western-style political and economic reforms and moving Croatia closer to mainstream Europe.

HDZ returned to power in 2003, and Sanader has since completed the nation's pro-Western makeover.

Croatia opened EU membership talks in 2005 after helping to capture top Croatian war crimes suspects. It will become a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council on Jan. 1.

Now, the top goal of both HDZ and the Social Democrats, or SDP, is EU membership. Both also advocate membership in NATO, although the SDP would put that to a referendum. Friendly relations with Washington are not in question.

Both pledge to focus on the key domestic issues preoccupying most Croats: reviving the economy, stamping out unemployment, raising salaries.

Unemployment is still at about 14 percent; the average monthly wage is 4,900 kuna (€670; US$980). Inflation is at about 4 percent and prices of basic needs — energy and food — have steadily risen. Both the people and the state are living on borrowed money — raising internal and foreign debt.

Corruption remains widespread: the EU recently warned Croatia that it needs to seriously tackle graft if it wants its membership bid to go forward. The Social Democrats accuse Sanader's party of failing to fight graft "because corruption is its way of ruling."

Sanader has won endorsements from the 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic and the entire Dinamo soccer team. German chancellor Angela Merkel — a fellow conservative — tells Croats in an ad that there are "many good reasons" to vote for Sanader.

The Social Democrats can count on the support of two or three leftist parties. Sanader may need the votes of Croats living abroad to stay in power.

Corluka crows over England exit

Croatia defender Vedran Corluka has revealed it was a 'pleasure' to prevent England from qualifying for Euro 2008.

Corluka played a key role in Croatia's 3-2 victory at Wembley on Wednesday, a result that allowed Russia to move above England and clinch second spot in Group E.

The right-back feels England paid the price for overconfidence and not giving enough respect to their opponents.

And he was thrilled that Croatia kept their focus and proved they deserved to go through ahead of England.

"England got exactly what they deserved because they were unbelievably arrogant to us," the Manchester City man told The Sun.

"Their behaviour was a disgrace. We arrived at Wembley as the group leaders but England never recognised our ability or our quality.

"But on the night we showed that we are a better team than them.

"It has been a special pleasure to kick England out of the European Championship."

Beyond Travel expands Croatia brochure

WIDER acknowledgement of the Balkan region as a tourist destination for Australians has prompted newly re-branded Beyond Travel to include programs for Bulgaria and Romania in the Croatia and Beyond brochure the wholesaler has released for 2008.

Marketing manager Bryce Crampton said the ready acceptance of Croatia by growing numbers of Australians created interest in neighbouring countries.

Formerly Russia & Beyond, Beyond Travel has also made some key changes to several key itineraries. For instance, the Grand Tour of Croatia now takes in Dubrovnik, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Zadar and Split and there’s a new fully escorted Balkan Tour from Dubrovnik including Montenegro, Albania and Macedonia.

In all Beyond Travel is offering ten separate itineraries for land touring in Croatia.

Mr Crampton said that the very popular Old Timers cruises among the islands of the Adriatic Sea also had enhanced itineraries but remained very competitively priced with the seven-night voyages costing from just $659.

More traditional cruise products along the Adriatic coast aboard the motor vessel Arion also follow new itineraries to give a broader view of the region. There’s also a brand new voyage aboard the Dalmacija from Venice along the Croatian coast.

Among the group’s most popular land touring programs are a choice of tours from Dubrovnik to Zagreb and roundtrip Dubrovnik itineraries.

Croats gloat over England misery

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic and his fellow countrymen have been making the most of their side's 3-2 win over England.

The Balkan country's national press has been gleefully absorbing news of the victory after topping group E with 29 points.

And Bilic dismissed claims that no Croatian player would make the English starting line-up with a brief "wake up".

"We are simply a better team. I admire your team and your players but my team is a much better team," he said.

Croat newspaper headlines poured scorn on the English football setup. The DPA news agency quoted editorials claiming "Croatia humiliated the obnoxious Englishmen" and "We punished the English arrogance".

Agreement from an unlikely quarter comes from Roy Keane. The Sunderland manager and Ireland international has suggested the England players, rather than head coach Steve McClaren, are partly to blame for the failure to reach the European championship finals.

"From the outside looking in, I tend to think there are too many egos in there, too many big heads. If you get carried way with a little bit of success then you are in trouble," Keane told Sky Sports News.

"Watching the highlights and some of the players being interviewed last night and their body language, I don't think international football is that important to a lot of these players these days and club football has taken over, especially for a lot of top players involved in the Champions League."

Not all have completely abandoned hope for the England side, however, as ex-Real Madrid coach Fabian Capello has expressed interest in the role.

"Me to coach England? It would be a challenge, a beautiful test to overcome and I would have the right age," he said

Russian businessman keeps Euro 2008 Mercedes pledge to Croatia

A LUKoil vice-president announced on Thursday that he would keep his promise to give Mercedes cars to Croatian players after the Balkan side beat England 3-2 at Wembley.

Leonid Fedun, who is also the owner of Spartak Moscow, pledged to give a Mercedes to the four best Croatian players in the event of the side winning their Euro 2008 tie in London on Wednesday night.

The move came after Russia had lost 2-1 to Israel on Saturday, leaving the national side needing a win in Andorra coupled with an England defeat to progress to the final stage of the tournament, to be held in Austria and Switzerland next summer.

"I will fulfill my promise 100%," said Fedun, adding that it was up to the Croatians to decide which players received the cars.

"It would be logical to suppose that Pletikosa [who is also Spartak's goalkeeper] and the three players who scored will get them," the businessman added.

Russia beat Andorra 1-0 to book their place at Euro 2008.

However, Ivica Olic, formerly of CSKA, and the scorer of Croatia's second goal, rejected suggestions that this or any other undisclosed financial incentives offered by Russian businessmen contributed to the team's performance.

"The money wasn't important," he said. "We played for our homeland, for Croatia. I have many friends in Russia from my days at CSKA, and my heart beats for the Russians. I'm glad I could give them this present".

Pensioners: Croatia Needs Our Experience an

Croatian Pensioners` Party has presented its candidates for the 1st constituency. Visnja Fortuna is first on the list.

Croatian Pensioners` Party (HSU) has presented its candidates for the 1st constituency yesterday at the crowded “K pivovari” restaurant in Zagreb.

Party president Vladimir Jordan in the list holder, while Visnja Fortuna is the first one on the list.

Candidates were rewarded with great applause, while Fortuna had everyone`s attention talking about the programme and HSU efforts.

- We have succeeded to do many things with three MP`s, but not enough – Fortuna pointed out, confidently claiming they will have more than 9 representatives at parliamentary seats.

Fortuna stressed that HSU is responsible for returning the debt for to pensioners and they will advocate the return of the second half of the debt. She continued saying the party will work on equalising old and new pensioners.

Visnja Fortuna announced HSU will propose introduction of an Ombudsman for the elderly and that if the voters give them their trust, they will allow paying health participations.

She touched on the problem of nursing homes, as there is an obvious shortage, stating information that 10,000 pensioners are waiting for their place in homes. She was determined the situation will change, ending her address by saying: “Follow your Fortuna”.

Jordan: It depends on you if there will be pensions or not

HSU president also addressed the crowd, pointing out the country`s economy is in a poor state, that Croatia exceptionally needs a plan of economic development, announcing he will, on behalf of HSU, call all parties to draft such a plan in consensus because Croatian identity is threatened with this situation.

- Croatia needs our knowledge, our experience and our love, and it depends on you alone if pensions will be larger – Jordan said.

Anthem gaffe 'helped Croatia'

The British singer who sang the Croatian anthem before last night's match accidentally sang 'My penis is a mountain'.

Tony Henry was trying to sing the national anthem in Croatian, but reportedly got the words wrong.

Fans say the mispronounciation helped the players relax before the game at Wembley where Croatia beat England 3-2.

The national anthem is written in old style Croatian, and there can be slightly different interpretations in English because it is a very lyrical language.

The line in which Henry slipped up should have been "mila kuda si planina" (You know my dear how we love your mountains).

But what he actually sang was "mila kura si planina" which means "Dear Penis, you are a Mountain" or "My Dear, my penis is a mountain".

Croat players like Manchester City's Vedran Corluka and Arsenal target Luka Modric started looking at each other and grinning when they realised what he was singing.

Croat fan websites have been calling for Henry to be given a medal of honour for helping the players relax, they also want him made an official team mascot for the tournament.

Mate Prlic, publisher of the top Croatian footballing Torcida Magazine said: "It would be great if Tony Henry could join the Croatian team and fans at the European Championship in Austria and Switzerland.

"He obviously relaxed the Croatian players before the match at Wembley and if that's a winning combination why not invite him to join the team at Euro 2008 to keep the winning streak going."

‘Arrogant’ England got what they deserved, says Vedran Corluka

Vedran Corluka has added several strongly worded insults to England’s wounded pride by accusing Steve McClaren’s side of unbelievable arrogance towards their conquerors at Wembley. The Manchester City defender made no attempt to disguise his pleasure in knocking England out of the tournament in a series of inflammatory comments that will not be well received by Micah Richards, his teammate.

Corluka feels that Croatia have not received the credit they deserve for winning group E, despite beating England home and away. The 21-year-old was particularly unhappy at the arrest of Zorislav Srebric, the secretary general of the Croatian FA, at Gatwick on Tuesday on suspicion of shoplifting after allegedly leaving WH Smith without paying for stationery and newspapers.

“England got just what they deserved because they were unbelievably arrogant,” Corluka said. “I don’t know what Croatia have done to deserve being treated like this by the England players. I cannot believe they didn’t recognise our ability. We came to Wembley as the first team in the group and were not treated correctly. They even arrested our president at the airport and I didn’t expect that in England. We’ve shown again that we’re a better team than England and it’s a real pleasure to kick them out of the European Championship.”

Mladen Petric, who scored the third Croatia goal, echoed Corluka’s complaints by saying that he refused to swap his shirt with any of his opponents as none of them were worthy. “It’s the most valuable goal of my career and the best one I’ve ever scored,” the Borussia Dortmund striker said. “I wouldn’t swap my kit with any English player because I want to save it for myself. No English kit is worth as much as this.”

Croatia set to vote in tight general elections

Croatians are to cast ballots in general elections on Sunday pitting the ruling conservatives against opposition leftists in a neck-and-neck race to lead the Balkan country into the European Union.

Opinion polls show the fifth elections in the former Yugoslav republic since independence in 1991 will be a closely fought affair between the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Voters have endured a dull campaign where the policies of the two rivals differed only marginally -- on the running of the economy -- with EU and NATO membership topping both their agendas.

Croatia opened membership talks with the EU in 2005 and is hoping to join the 27-nation bloc by the end of the decade. Zagreb expects an invitation to join NATO at its summit in Bucharest in April 2008.

A key point of contention on the campaign trail was the right to vote of the Croatian diaspora, especially those residing in neighbouring Bosnia.

Around 400,000 of Croatia's 4.4 mln electorate live abroad, most of them HDZ loyalists in Bosnia, and their votes could prove decisive if the result in Croatia is a close call.

Campaigning against the rule, the SDP's billboards declared 'Let's decide in Croatia,' while the party's leader Zoran Milanovic insisted only those who live under Croatian laws should be entitled to vote.

'Always let your voice be heard' was the counter from the HDZ of Prime Minister Ivo Sanader, on billboards that sprung up throughout Croat-populated parts of Bosnia.

Most opinion polls have given the edge to the Social Democrats, a party that emerged from the country's former Communist Party.

But, according to the latest one published in the weekly Globus on Wednesday, the HDZ is backed by 34.4 pct of the electorate compared with the SDP's 30.1 pct.

Such an outcome would give 58 parliamentary seats to the HDZ, five more than the SDP, which is said to have an 'Achilles' heel' over its lack of clear leadership.

The assembly currently has 152 seats but it can be expanded to up to 160. Eight places are reserved for minorities and up to 12 for Croatians living abroad, depending on the number of ballots they cast.

Following the death of the SDP's long-time leader Ivica Racan in April, Milanovic, who is considered young and ambitious, took over at the helm of the party.

However, the Social Democrats put forward Ljubo Jurcic, an economics professor, as its candidate for the post of prime minister.

Jurcic is perceived as lacking the experience and charisma of the energetic Sanader.

The HDZ, founded by Croatia's late nationalist leader Franjo Tudjman, returned to power in November 2003 polls after four years in opposition.

Sanader has since managed to shake off the party's hardline and nationalist legacy and transform it into a pro-European one.

The 54-year-old is also credited with improving cooperation with the UN war crimes tribunal.

The 2005 arrest in Spain of top fugitive Ante Gotovina, a former general seen as national hero by many in Croatia, removed a major obstacle on the path towards the EU.

The return and rights of ethnic Serbs, who fled Croatia during and after the 1991-95 independence war, judicial reforms and the fight against corruption, are key issues for the country's EU membership.

Some 280,000 Serbs took flight during and after Croatia's 1991-95 war in which Zagreb fought rebel Serbs who opposed independence. So far around 130,000 have returned.

Polling stations are to open at 7:00 am (0600 GMT) on Sunday and close at 7:00 pm (1800 GMT). Local television stations are planning to broadcast exit poll results soon afterwards.

Croatia deserve some credit

It was the weather; no, it was the pitch; no, no, it was all due to Wayne Rooney, John Terry and Michael Owen being injured. So ran Steve McClaren's litany of excuses.

Even more risible were the television newsreaders' repeated insistence that defeat to Croatia represented ''one of the most humiliating nights in the history of English football".

Croatia arrived at Wembley ranked 10th in the world (one place above England), finished third in the 1998 World Cup and qualified for the last two finals with an aggregate record of P18 W12 D6 L0. England may well have been abject/abysmal/pathetic but no one should belittle Croatia by calling their deserved victory ''humiliating".

Croatia, 3; English Retailers, -$1.2B

Its not just English soccer fans who will be gloomily slumped over their pint glass after a loss against Croatia in a qualifying match took the English team out of the Euro 2008, the quadrennial European championship. The humiliating defeat, which led to the firing of Steve McClaren as England's coach, will cost British retailers an estimated £600 million ($1.2 billion).

The figure, estimated by the British Retail Consortium, may be a fraction of the £250 billion ($516.0 billion) brought in by the entire retail sector, but the loss of sales could put a pinch on many businesses that were hoping that sales related to England games could give their 2008 earnings a lift.

The first in the line of fire are sports retailers, for whom sales of replica England shirts, soccer balls, and other sporting equipment will be far lower than they would have been had the country qualified for the European championship, Richard Dodd a spokesman for the British Retail Consortium told Forbes.com.

Sports Direct, controlled by British billionaire Mike Ashley 's Sports International issued a profit warning, and its shares slumped 16.0%, to 94.50 pence ($1.95), in morning trading in London. "As England have not qualified for the 2008 European Football Championships, the company can no longer be confident of achieving that level of financial performance and believes at this stage that pre-exceptional earnings before tax for the current financial year is likely to be below that achieved in the last year," said the company on Thursday.

Shares in Umbro (other-otc: UMBOF - news - people ), which also acknowledged that its sales of replica England shirts would be severely hit, slumped by 3.7%, to 168 pence ($3.47), in midday trading in London. Citibank analyst James Targett cut his earnings per share forecasts for 2007 and 2008 by 10% and 19%, respectively. However Umbro was saved from a complete battering, as analysts remain confident that the takeover by Nike (nyse: NKE - news - people ) will go ahead regardless. "England qualification looked unlikely when Nike entered negotiations, so we believe this outcome is unlikely to derail the offer," wrote Targett in a note to investors. However he added that now it was highly unlikely that Nike would raise its offer to deter a possible counterbid by Ashley. (See: " Is Mike Ashley Preparing To Bargain With Nike? ")

Another sports retailer JJB Sports (other-otc: JJBSF - news - people ) hasn't yet issued a profits warning but its shares fell by 3.3%, to 141 pence ($2.91).

The British Retail Consortium's Dodd said that England's disqualification would also have an impact - albeit a much less significant one - on the sales of supermarkets, as well as television and electronic goods retailers, and pubs and clubs. The news had little impact on shares in the sector. Leading pub chain J D Weatherspoon rose by 3.9%, to 405 pence ($8.36) in London, while supermarket J. Sainsbury (other-otc: JSAIY - news - people ) ticked up 0.5%, to 410 pence ($8.46) and Tesco (other-otc: TSCDY - news - people ) gained 0.8%, to 467 pence ($9.64).

Croatia defeat could bring England new rankings blow

England's miserable week could suffer a further low on Friday when FIFA unveil their latest international rankings for use in Sunday's World Cup qualification draw.

England were ranked 11th in the world last month and ninth in Europe, a position that would just be enough to earn them a place in the group of nine top seeds for the European section of the draw.

Their place in the top nine could come under threat however following the 3-2 loss at home to Croatia that ended England's bid to qualify for Euro 2008.

England, who sacked manager Steve McClaren on Thursday, will gain some ranking points from last Friday's win over Austria but the friendly status of that match means it receives less weight than the competitive matches played during the past month.

Greece, ranked 12th in the European standings and trailing England by 103 points, look well placed to go in front after winning their final two Euro 2008 qualifiers this month.

Romania, ranked 10th last month, could also climb above England although they managed to win just one of their two qualifiers.

Scotland's chances of sneaking past their southern neighbours appear to have vanished following the 2-1 defeat at home to Italy that ended the Scots' own European Championship hopes.

FIFA's complicated ranking system includes all official matches played in the last four years and is therefore hard to accurately predict.

As well as gaining points from the previous month, teams will lose points gained four years ago while other points from intervening years decrease in value.

How to build a decent team? Follow Croatia's lead

The Wembley announcer ought to have explained that only Englishmen were eligible for the man of the match award. When he explained that the honour was going to Frank Lampard on Wednesday the Chelsea player would have been sheepish had he not been so distressed that England were on the verge of elimination from Euro 2008. The prize belonged by natural justice to a Croat, probably Luka Modric.

A nation of 4.7 million people had produced a side that made England, with a population of 10 times that size, look ponderous. The 3-2 result was a sort of cruelty since it tantalises Steve McClaren and his side with its permanent reminder that they were close to the point they craved. In the larger sense, however, England were banished by the visitors to Wembley.

Croatia would have deserved a victory by several more goals. The pitch was lamentable, but any attempt to co-opt it as a cause of the defeat is laughable. Slaven Bilic's side, perhaps under-motivated after learning they had qualified at half-time in Skopje on Saturday, had collapsed to a 2-0 loss against Macedonia, but they had every incentive to adapt to conditions in London.

Enough passes found their mark to terrify England. The angles were subtle and England's efforts to fight back from the 2-0 deficit simply put them at risk before the interval. They were up against the counter-attacking finesse of Croatia. This may have been the greatest display from a visiting nation to Wembley in modern times. Indeed, it was the first time a country had scored three against England in a competitive game at the venue since West Germany won 3-1 at the old stadium in the Nations Cup quarter-final of April 1972.

Bilic's group truly were excited to be appearing at the new ground. Furthermore, Croatia were given a grudge to feed on when a significant part of the crowd chose to boo their national anthem. Patriotism is no superficial gestures for the natives of a country whose history has been so bloodied. Appearing for Croatia actually is the focal point for their existence.

That does not militate against slick management, however. Bilic got into the trade because he had to step into the breach when, as a director of Hajduk Split, action was required following the departure of the coach Nenad Gracan. He learned that he had a facility for it and eventually took charge of the Croatia Under-21 side. His greatest opportunity came after the indignity of the full side's failure to get out of their group at the 2006 World Cup. Bilic, of course, had been part of the great teams that reached the last four in 1998.

He had the good luck to be able to promote Eduardo da Silva, Vedran Corluka and Modric from the Under-21 ranks. The latter made his full debut in a win over Italy, two months after they won the World Cup. Croatian talent pounds exhilaratingly down on the European scene, but Bilic understood how to govern it. His predecessor Zlatko Kranjcar preferred a 3-4-1-2. The newcomer, possibly reflecting his time in England, believes in a back four.

It is a critical issue. With that base, Croatia can afford twin playmakers in Modric and Kranjcar. Niko Kovac covers in front of the centre-backs and Darijo Srna, a good crosser, supplies industry on the right. The attack is constituted of the cunning Eduardo and a more straightforward contributor such as Ivica Olic or Mladen Petric.

Bilic over-rates the defensive capacity in a line-up that conceded three goals before losing in Israel, but his work has still been excellent. A balance is maintained. That sort of team is the kind of structure that Steve McClaren could not engineer. Croatia will face difficulties at Euro 2008, but they deserve a place far more than England.

Croatian team returns to celebrations after knocking out England

The Croatia soccer team enjoyed an early morning welcome celebration and pushed upcoming elections off the front pages after eliminating England from the European Championship.

Croatia beat England 3-2 at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday, and the squad was welcomed back by around 2,000 people at the Zagreb airport at 3 a.m. local time on Thursday.

"Our victory was not accidental — we were better all the time," Croatia coach Slaven Bilic said. "We can now play any team in the world."

Croatia Prime Minister Ivo Sanader said the team "made us proud and once again celebrated Croatia in the world."

The speaker of parliament, Vladimir Seks, also sent congratulations.

The victory dominated evening TV news and Thursday's newspapers, otherwise filled with political themes ahead of Sunday's elections.

Daily newspaper Jutarnji list wrote on its front page that the "temple of soccer got to know new Gods." Robert Matteoni, a sports commentator, wrote in the Sportske Novosti daily that "it looked surreal at times how our guys dominated the game ... showing to the team that invented modern soccer how soccer is actually played."

A welcome party wasn't planned though, as the main Zagreb's square — usually the venue for such celebrations — is booked for pre-election rallies.

Croatia had already qualified for Euro 2008 before Wednesday's match and England only needed a draw to join it in the final tournament in Austria and Switzerland next year.

Croatia took a 2-0 lead by the 14th minute with goals from Niko Kranjcar and Ivica Olic. England evened the score with a penalty from Frank Lampard and a goal from Peter Crouch. But Mladen Petric scored Croatia's winner in the 77th.

Russia advanced to Euro 2008 instead and England will miss its first major tournament England since the 1994 World Cup.

Croats in San Pedro cheer soccer team to win

Unwittingly walk into virtually any darkened room of huddled soccer fans and you’ll be the subject of the time-honored rebuke: “Shut that door!”

And so it was Wednesday in San Pedro, where about 200 soccer fans gathered at the Croatian American Club to watch the crucial European Championship qualifier between Croatia and England.

England needed only to avoid losing to qualify for next summer’s tournament.

Croatia had already qualified, but wanted the victory to ensure they not only won the group, but also humbled a much more populous nation with an acknowledged soccer pedigree.

“It’s a big honor to beat England because they’ve always looked down upon us,” said Nicole Hazdovac, 25, of San Pedro, noting that Croatia is a small nation of just 4 million people.

The California State University, Dominguez Hills, student and friend Adriana Juravich, 25, of San Pedro were two of a handful of women who braved the crowd of beer-swilling men sitting in near-darkness to watch he game, with the odor of frying fish wafting through the room.

“It makes it even more fun because they’re hilarious,” Juravich said. “I took the day off work (for this).”

The comedy started early for England, which saw its inexperienced keeper lose his grip on a soggy ball that sloshed through his grasping hands and into the net after just eight minutes.

Five minutes later and Croatia was up 2-0.

At halftime, members of the 35,000-strong Croatian community in San Pedro — the West Coast’s largest — were positively crowing.

“Knocking out England is sweet,” exulted Branko Prebanda, 51, of Long Beach. “It is an extremely proud moment for such a small country like Croatia to beat a grand country like England.”

And for some Croats, it is a semblance of payback.

England 2-3 Croatia: 10 conclusions

We still can’t believe it but it’s all over and all we’ve got left is to wallow in the aftermath – here are our ten conclusions drawn (not a pun) from last night’s defeat against Croatia:

1. Scott Carson? More like Frank Carson!
Is it now tradition for England to gift Croatia a goal courtesy of a comical goalkeeping error in every game?

2. International football – a Bridge too far for Wayne?
We hate to admit it but everyone’s second choice left back looked out of his depth all night

3. Same old Sven
We finished the game with the same midfield that Sven used when we were knocked out of the World Cup and Lampard and Gerrard still can’t play together – just let it go

4. Fool’s Golden Generation
These players have been hailed as the brightest crop of English talent for years but in truth they’re just not good enough

5. 99 and out for Beckham?
Goldenballs made a difference when he replaced SWP but this could still be the end of his international career – leaving him one short of a century

6. All’s fair in love and draw
Who forgot to tell the talented Croats that a game where both sides only need a draw should be played out as an exercise in back scratching?

7. Life’s a pitch
The idea of allowing an army of NFL meatheads to tear up the Wembley turf so close to our most important international game probably wasn’t inspired

8. Crouching Peter
The only thing more predictable than launching a long ball in the direction of Peter Crouch is that he wont jump to receive it

9. Never accept second best
The FA is equally to blame for employing McClaren in the first...or second place – if the whole country knew it wouldn't work, why did they?

10. Lose the earring Slaven
If Slaven Bilic is going to be taken seriously as an international manager of repute he needs to loose the gold hooped earing…or buy a caravan!

I wish Russia were like Croatia - Ivanov

First Deputy Prime Minster Sergei Ivanov said he would like to see Russia playing like Croatia did crushing England out of Euro 2008.

“I would like the Russian soccer team to play like Croatia against England,” Ivanov told reporters Thursday.

He expressed disappointment with Russia’s performance in the latest games including an unimpressive 1-0 win in Andorra.

“Every fan has the right to have his own opinion. In my personal opinion with such a game we will be inappropriate for Euro finals,” Ivanov said.

Hiddink: Brave Croatia Upheld Fair Play

Guus Hiddink hailed Croatia's effort at Wembley last night, and credited them for giving their all despite having qualified.

England needed just a draw against Croatia to qualify, but a shock 3-2 defeat saw Steve McClaren's boys crash out, and Guus Hiddink's boys ushered into next summer's tournamen.

"Croatia performed with truly manly character and did honour to the principles of fair play," said a delighted Hiddink.

"I can also say the same about Israel, who played very fairly against us Saturday."

"I did not believe in miracles, I believed we had a small chance," he added.

"I'm happy that we won it [the game and the race for qualification]. I told my players that I'm proud of them."

Vitaly Mutko, head of the Russian Football Union was just as happy.

"I believe we deserved this success," he beamed. "We were not bad at all in this qualifying group though our performance was definitely not the best possible.

"It is not yet a result of our football system's work. We are just making our first steps in the right direction. But we should use this success for the good of Russian football."

Croatia elections analysis

On the occasion of the 6th parliamentary elections in the Republic of Croatia since the country proclaimed its independence, which are to be held on 25 November 2007.

MPs are elected directly by secret ballot according to the proportional system whereby each party or candidate is entitled to the number of parliamentary mandates proportional to the number of votes obtained. There is a 5% threshold. A total of 140 MPs are elected to the Parliament from 10 constituencies making up the territory of the Republic of Croatia, each constituency providing 14 MPs. The number of voters by constituencies may not differ by more than + - 5%. The number of MPs to be voted by the voters not residing in the Republic of Croatia is determined by dividing the total number of valid votes in the 10 constituencies in the Republic of Croatia with 140, i.e. the total number of MPs voted in those constituencies. The result (quotient) is used to divide the number of valid votes in the special constituency. If the result is not an integer it is rounded off to the nearest integer (to the higher number if the result is above 0,5 and to the lower number if it is below 0,5 ).

There will be a total of 3.586 candidates competing at the elections, of which 2.515 (70,13%) men and 1.071 (29,87%) women. The Republic of Croatia has somewhat more than 4,4 million inhabitants of which about 3,5 million are entitled to vote, not taking into account the Diaspora with about 400 thousand voters most of who live in Bosnia and Herzegovina where they have the status of the constitutional nation but not of the national minority. The Diaspora will vote in 52 countries.

Elected in 2003 the current government is composed of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), which is the political successor to the late first President of the Republic of Croatia Franjo Tuđman. The present HDZ's leader and Prime Minister Ivo Sanader has not managed to transform HDZ into a modern conservative political party. In many aspects HDZ's activities are founded on anticommunist principles which are still burdened with the past. The anticommunist attitude is often based on sympathy for the Independent State of Croatia (NDH) – the quisling and fascistic formation established under the auspices of Germany and Italy during the Second World War.

The polarised political scene in Croatia, dominated by the leading right wing HDZ and the left oriented Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the opposition, is the main feature of the current pre-election campaign. The polarisation has actually turned into personal rivalry between Ivo Sanader (HDZ) and Zoran Milanović (SDP).

In this polarised country a special position has been assumed by the incumbent President Stjepan Mesić, who has been performing this function for the second term of office. With his activities he has significantly contributed to the "healing" of the Croatian political scene after the death of the controversial first President Franjo Tuđman who expressed his Croatian patriotism by stating on one occasion that he was proud that his wife was neither Jewish nor Serbian. Mesić truly is the President of all citizens of the Republic of Croatia and a deeply respected and distinguished politician in the region who has made an immensely positive contribution to the stabilisation of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.

THE VOTERS WANT CHANGES

Research has shown that the voters of most parties are strongly motivated for a change in the power. This is apparently a favourable trend for SDP which is reflected in slight advantage of SDP over HDZ. Croatian People's Party (HNS), whose former member was President Mesić, has been gaining popularity and is currently at the third place according to public opinion polls. The governing structure will depend on the coalition, therefore the pre-election campaign is also marked with attempts to mobilise voters and attract future coalition partners. The neutral voters are mostly in favour of SDP.

The opposition parties succeeded in motivating the neutral voters to attend the elections and in creating the atmosphere favourable to a change. HDZ has not benefited from the support of the Roman Catholic Church and the football players. Religious education in schools, crucifixes in offices, blessings of public investments etc. legitimately raise doubts as to the separation of the state and the church. The secularism of modern Croatia has been jeopardised by the dominant position of the Roman Catholic Church over other religious communities. A lot of property was confiscated from the Jews in Zagreb and other private owners until 1945. However, unlike the Jews and other groups, the Roman Catholic Church has had almost all of its property returned. In his sermon Cardinal Josip Bozanić advised the citizens on how to vote at the forthcoming elections, calling them not to vote for the left oriented parties.

Sanader's electoral lists are dominated by the old names from HDZ such as Šeks, Jarnjak, Hebrang, Kosor, Kalmeta, Marina Matulović-Dropulić etc., who have obviously wearied the general public.

The Diaspora as the 11th constituency will vote in favour of HDZ, since Sanader and other HDZ leaders believe they won the elections at the moment when Milanović gave up the Diaspora and the SDP list which would be headed by the Mayor of Zagreb Milan Bandić and candidate for Prime Minister Ljubo Jurčić, both born in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Milanović decided to quit the list in order to win the sympathy of the citizens, bombing the voters with slogans telling them that the people in Croatia should decide on Croatia.

Sanader is using sophisticated Tuđman's methods. He has intimidated his closest collaborators and high members of his parties. He has fortified his own position and eliminated potential competitors from his party, frightening or bribing them, while some of them even ended in prison.

It is very difficult to base Milanović's accusations regarding Sanader's corruption on some written or electronic documents. If Sanader loses the elections Milanović will very probably start digging deep in the commercial, material and financial past of HDZ's leader.

Croatia's public debt currently amounts to EUR 35 billion and is expected to reach 86% to 87% of GDP by the end of the year, while the permitted ceiling is 80% of GDP. Nevertheless, Croatia will not be facing a financial crisis at least for the next few years, as long as it pays back its loans regularly and relies on the three main sources for covering the deficit: tourism, transfers from Croats living abroad and sale of immovable property. However, economists recall that tourism is a very vulnerable sector which can be negatively affected by the climatic or political circumstances, including the presence of terrorism in the region.

SANADER IS TARGETING THE RETIRED VOTERS

During the last week before the elections, about 463.000 pensioners entitled to compensation started to receive their next instalment of debt. Almost every second pensioner in the state will receive compensation, since it has been planned to pay out all instalments by the end of the week, i.e. until the elections. The government has provided 2,037 billion Croatian kunas from the recent sale of T-Hrvatski Telekom shares.
Thus, on the eve of the elections debt instalments will be paid out to the largest number of retired persons so far – 320,000 pensioners who opted for the fast model, i.e. the payment of one half of the compensation, will receive their payment in the last quarter of his year.

SANADER IS AVOIDING TV CONFRONTATION WITH MILANOVIĆ

Prime Minister Sanader has responded to Milanović's personal attacks against him in the best and most cunning way – by ignoring him. Despite Milanović's persistence there will be no television confrontation, which will be a new precedent in the history of democracy. Eventually, this will do most harm to Sanader himself since the general public logically wonders why Prime Minister wants to avoid the duel if he has nothing to hide.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker openly supported Sanader on the television. However, at the recent presidential election in Slovenia Angela Merkel supported Alojz Peterle whose campaign turned out to be a debacle after the victory of his opponent Danilo Türk. Elections are primarily Croatia's internal political issue.

By pushing out Ljubo Jurčić, Milanović took over the initiative during the pre-election campaign and became the most popular politician in Croatia according to public opinion polls.

Ljubo Jurčić, SDP's candidate for prime minister position, believes that higher wages, pensions and profits can only be achieved by increasing domestic production and not by selling national property and raising debts, which was the practice of HDZ 's government: "We can live better if we work more, and we are going to provide better jobs and higher wages to people. We should introduce tax on profit since taxes are now paid by those who earn minimum wages and not by those who earn millions".

The IFIMES International Institute is of the opinion that each vote will be critical at the upcoming parliamentary elections in Croatia due to the equal position of SDP and HDZ. The support of few minority parties as well as of the eight representatives of national minorities (of which three Serbian) may be crucial. In order to form the government over twenty mandates from other parties will be required. Why should not HDZ represent an attractive ally in the future? All the parties point to Sanader's overbearing behaviour, claiming that he disregards their demands and acts as an absolute ruler of Tuđman's style, which distances other parties from HDZ.


SANADER DECEIVED BOSNIAKS AND SLOVENES

When he gained power Sanader promised to re-incorporate Bosniaks and Slovenes in the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia, who were eliminated from the preamble to the Constitution in 1997, asking in return for the support from the representative of the Albanian, Bosnian, Montenegrin, Macedonian and Slovenian national minority Šemso Tanković. However, Sanader failed to fulfil his promise and thus deceived the Bosniak and Slovenian minority living in Croatia.


SANADER - KOŠTUNICA SECRET AGREEMENT?

Current events in the regions have proven that Croatia's Prime Minister and HDZ leader Ivo Sanader is a master of backstairs influence. Under his influence Croatia's government has assumed a very reserved position on the future independent status of Kosovo and only manifests its opinion when it can not avoid answering that question. It is not a coincidence that the relations between Croatia's government and Kosovo's provisional institutions have cooled down after Sanader gained authority. Are we talking about a secret agreement with the Serbian Prime Minister Koštunica who has promised to Sanader that in return for such "principled" position on Kosovo he would support the Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina in creating the third entity? On behalf of Koštunica that promise is being carried out by Milorad Dodik, the present Prime Minister of Republika Srpska.

Croatia Victory Shortens Championship Odds

Croatia's stunning 3-2 reverse against England at Wembley has dramatically shortened their odds of winning Euro 2008 .

Slaven Bilic's side produced a classy performance to send the home side crashing out of the tournament and made a host of bookmakers sit up and take note.

The side are now 16/1 to win the tournament with both Ladbrokes and Stan James, while Germany have been installed as 9/2 favourites with Bet365.

And following the win, Bilic revealed that he thought his men fully deserved their victory. He said: "It was a great night and we fully deserved to win. Maybe a lack of concentration stopped us scoring more goals.

Bilic also accused England of being overconfident and writing off the Croats too soon: "I read in the papers that no Croatian player would start in your team. That's ridiculous. Wake up," he added.

Meanwhile, Russia, who eased past Andorra 1-0 to claim a place in the finals, are among the outsiders to claim the European crown, priced at 33/1 with Blue Square.

It was so easy to beat England, mocks Croatia skipper Kovac

Croatia captain Niko Kovac today delivered a damning indictment on England's Euro 2008 flops claiming it was "easy" to beat them.

Describing England as predictable and one-dimensional, the 36-year-old said: "England played just one way, the long ball to Crouch with him laying the ball to Lampard or Gerrard. For us, it was very easy to stop this.

"When Beckham came on it was a bit dangerous for us but we showed a lot of character to come back after they scored two goals and for me, ourselves and Russia were the two best teams in the group.

"Croatia are a team while England are not. We have players who love to take the opponent in a one-to-one situation but England don't seem to have players like this.

"Sometimes it is good to fall down, though, and I am sure England will get back up for the World Cup."

Kovac also believes it is the right decision for Steve McClaren to go.

"If he succeeds he stays, if he fails, he goes, that is the rule in football.

"I also believe the expectation is too high here. I think when the England fans looked at the group they were sure their team would qualify.

"You should hope but not expect."

Croatia Topples England

It was over before it even began. The groans of England fans could be heard as far afield as Austria and Switzerland.

The team selection was debatable—a midfield of Barry, Lampard, Gerrard, Shaun Wright Philips, and Joe Cole seemed like overkill.

Indeed, Gerrard and Lampard found time to trip over each other. Although Lampard was heard and seen only when called for a lucky penalty, Steven Gerrard can at least reflect on what may be the best interception of his career.

At least he had the experience to contend with the determined Croatians. The English defense—Bridge, Richards, Lescott, and Carson—have barely twenty caps between them. It should not surprise anyone that Carson, under extreme pressure, was found wanting when the ball hit the net for 0-1.

Anyone who blames Carson for this defeat is a fool—who would pick a goalkeeper with limited international experience for a match as important as this? Criminally, a decent goalkeeper may find his England career over before it began, and McClaren can be thanked for that.

In fact, the majority of McClaren's decisions were poor. A formation of 4-3-3 became 4-5-1, when 4-4-2 (leaving out either Lampard or Gerrard) would have suited the team better. To play with just Peter Crouch up front left England continuously waiting for someone to simply boot it in.

At half time, the substitutes were correct, save for the people they replaced. To take out Gareth Barry and Shaun Wright-Philips after such passionate displays was a disgraceful decision. Worse still was to keep Lampard on the pitch.

Beckham and Defoe injected the urgency England needed. After a lucky penalty with Beckham's signature free-kick to Crouch, the game was on and England were twenty minutes from qualifying.

Scott Carson made a terrific save against Olic, but it was not enough to save England after an expertly taken 25-yarder from Petric went in, fourteen minutes from time. Croatia were going through, up 2-3.

Or were they?

Darren Bent turned and shot, but alas, luck was not with him. The ball flew just above the crossbar, and it was over.

Despite all of the action on the field McClaren stayed in his seat, silent and moody the entire game, unlike Croatia manager Bilic, who showed England what real international football is all about.

While McClaren stood silently under an umbrella for forty-five minutes, Bilic was on his feet shouting instructions and cheering passionately when his team scored. Croatia's determination and passion is a reflection of his ability as a manager. McClaren's team only reflected the soullessness of his reign.

Real managers shout and encourage their players all the time. Take note, Steve McClaren—your old boss Sir Alex Ferguson can still teach you a thing or two about passion.

In the end, all we can do is wish the Croatians the best of luck in Austria and Switzerland. They produced a fine display of football and reminded us a little of ourselves years ago when managers and players for England alike were passionate for their country and their football.

It is the end for England, and perhaps the end for Steve McClaren too. No tears will be shed at his passing, for his lack of soul and common sense, on or off the pitch, ensured his demise, and England's as well.

Croatia get heroes' welcome after eliminating England

Thousands of fans sporting team shirts and flags welcomed Croatia at Zagreb airport on Thursday following their victory over England at Wembley, which prevented the home side from qualifying for the Euro 2008 finals.
The supporters formed a colonnade of honour for coach Slaven Bilic and the players after Wednesday's stunning 3-2 win kept England out of a major tournament for the first time since the 1994 World Cup finals.
"We are a small nation with a big heart and a lot of pride," Bilic told Croatian media.
Croatia won Group E with 29 points from 12 matches to reach next year's tournament in Austria and Switzerland.
Second-placed Russia joined them with 24 points after a 1-0 win at Andorra put them a point ahead of England who needed a draw against Croatia to qualify.
"It was a splendid show by Croatia whereas England should bow to our lads and feel blessed to have seen a team of such quality play at Wembley," said daily Vecernji List.
"We are on our way to Austria and Switzerland with our heads up and fire in our hearts, needing no gratitude or presents from the fortuitous Russians," the paper said.
Jutarnji List called the outcome "a spectacular win" and said Mladen Petric's winner was "the killer punch" that meant "lights out for England" and "steered Russia across the Alps into the finals."
"It was the greatest ever win for Croatia," it said, and quoted Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva as saying the country were capable of becoming European champions.
"I will remember this win for the rest of my life. We have a great atmosphere and fantastic staff, I believe we can go all the way in Austria and Switzerland to win it," Eduardo said.
Ivica Olic, who scored Croatia's second goal to give them a 2-0 lead after 14 minutes, praised the 6,000 fans who made the trip to London and offered a joking reminder that England would take no part in the finals.
"The fans were like an extra man on the pitch and made us feel at home," he said. "As for England, they got what they deserved for underestimating us but they are welcome to enjoy the splendours of Croatia's Adriatic coast next summer."

Croatia leave England down and out

A late long-range goal from substitute Mladen Petrić sent Croatia to UEFA EURO 2008™ as Group E winners and ended the hopes of England, who had battled back from two goals down in a gripping encounter.

Rousing contest
Needing only a draw to progress, England made the worst possible start as Niko Kranjčar and Ivica Olić found the net in the first quarter-hour to put Croatia in command. The home side rallied in the second period, however, Frank Lampard halving the deficit from the penalty spot in the 56th minute before Peter Crouch volleyed the equaliser nine minutes later. Just as it looked as if England would earn the point they needed, though, Petrić drilled in with 13 minutes left to finally kill off their challenge.

Croatia in control
Scott Carson replaced Paul Robinson in goal for England but that decision backfired within eight minutes as Kranjčar cut inside from the left and unleashed a dipping shot that squirmed through the goalkeeper and into the net. Although Shaun Wright-Phillips drew a save from Stipe Pletikosa almost immediately, the visitors doubled their advantage with a clinical counterattack in the 14th minute, Eduardo da Silva slipping Olić through to round Carson and roll in.

England rally
England manager Steve McClaren brought on a second forward in Jermain Defoe and David Beckham – for his 99th cap – at half-time and though Eduardo was denied by Carson's legs, the changes revived England. Lampard sent Pletikosa the wrong way from the spot eleven minutes after the restart following Josip Šimunić's tug on Defoe and while Carson had to make two fine saves from Olić, the home side then equalised five minutes past the hour. Crouch collected Beckham's right-wing cross on his chest and volleyed into the corner of the net.

Petrić stunner
Croatia, however, refused to settle for a point and continued to press forward looking for a third goal. They got their reward in the 77th minute as two substitutes combined to devastating effect. Danijel Pranjić slipped a pass inside for Petrić to drill a 25-metre shot across Carson and restore their lead and, despite pressing forward in the final ten minutes, England's efforts were all in vain.

Croatia stuns England in soccer

Even the second-half heroics of David Beckham could not save England on Wednesday.

The English spotted Croatia a two-goal lead and battled back to equalize only to see their Euro 2008 hopes extinguished on Mladen Petric's 77th-minute goal en route to an agonizing 3-2 loss at Wembley Stadium.

Coupled with Russia's 1-0 victory at Andorra - Dmitry Sychev scored on a 39th-minute header - England, which needed only a tie to qualify, wound up in third place in Group E behind the Croatians and the Russians.

It was the first time in 14 years - or since the English failed to reach the 1994 World Cup - that they did not qualify for a major tournament. It also meant that no United Kingdom team made Euro 2008.

A blunder by goalkeeper Scott Carson, who replaced No. 1 Paul Robinson, gave Croatia a seventh-minute goal. Niko Kranjcar scored on a 25-yard attempt that bounced off the ground and then went into the net off Carson's arm. Ivica Olic made it 2-0 in the 14th minute.

Frank Lampard cut the lead in half with a 56th-minute penalty kick. Beckham, who made his 99th international appearance and perhaps final cap as a second-half sub, set up Peter Crouch's tying goal in the 65th minute with a right-wing pass that the 6-7 striker trapped with his chest and volleyed home.

The English Football Association will meet this morning to discuss the fate of coach Steve McClaren, who said he won't resign.

"I'm not stepping down," he told BBC News 24. "Ultimately I take responsibility and I accept that. It was my job to get us qualified and I failed to do that."

Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Beckham said he is not considering retiring from international play.

Elsewhere, Turkey clinched a berth with a 1-0 triumph over Bosnia in Istanbul on Nihat Kahveci's goal to finish second in Group C. Kim Kallstrom's 57th-minute goal lifted host Sweden into the tournament with a 2-1 Group F win over Latvia. And Portugal booked a spot with a Group A scoreless tie with visiting Finland.

GO WEST: Midfielder Joe Vide was the only Red Bull selected by the San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS expansion draft.

Croatia dashes England's hopes

England will miss next year's European Championship in a huge embarrassment to the nation that invented modern soccer.

Needing only a tie at home in its final qualifier, England allowed two quick goals, rallied with an equalizer off David Beckham's cross and then lost to Croatia 3-2 Wednesday night in Wembley, England.

"We just didn't perform tonight, and that's the end of it," said Beckham, who made his 99th international appearance.

It's the first major tournament England will miss since the 1994 World Cup, and is likely to lead to the departure of Coach Steve McClaren, who benched Beckham for the first half and started relatively untested goalkeeper Scott Carson, whose blunder on his first touch led to the game's first goal.

McClaren, much criticized since replacing Sven-Goran Eriksson in August 2006, is unlikely to stay on. Graham Taylor quit six days after England failed to qualify for the '94 World Cup.

Beckham, too, hopes to be around for the 2010 World Cup. McClaren dropped him last year, then brought back the 32-year-old midfielder.

"I'm not retiring," Beckham said. "I have always said that from the moment I was taken out of the team and the moment I came back into the team. I'm not stepping down."

Russia (7-2-3), in a game played simultaneously, won 1-0 at Andorra on Dmitry Sychev's goal in the 39th minute to climb one point ahead of the English (7-3-2) and finish second to Croatia (9-1-2) in Group E.

The English, whose qualification chances dwindled when they wasted a second-half lead and lost at Russia last month, had been given new hope when Russia was beaten at Israel last weekend. But playing against a team that already clinched a berth in the 16-nation field, England failed to take advantage.

"We've felt we'd been given that second chance, and you have to take them when they're given to you," Beckham said.

Russia make Euro 2008 as Croatia stun Wembley

Russia qualified for Euro 2008 on Wednesday night as Group E saw another rollercoaster ride of upsets and comebacks as Croatia beat England and Russia earned the slenderest of victories in Andorra.

Before the last round of games, Russia trailed England by two points with the first two teams going through to the final stages of the tournament. Croatia, in first place, had already qualified.

An English victory or draw against Croatia would have seen Russia miss out on their second major tournament in a row after failing to qualify for the 2006 World Cup. The failure would have hit even harder this time following massive investment in the national game by a range of oligarchs and energy giants.

However, an amazing display of attacking football by Croatia against England at Wembley saw the Balkan side earn a historic 3-2 victory, enabling Russia to leapfrog Steve McClaren's men in the hunt for a Euro 2008 spot.

Russia ground out a 1-0 victory in Andorra, a Dmitry Sychev goal in the 39th minute proving enough for all three points.

The real drama took place at Wembley though, where a catastrophic error by Scott Carson, playing in his first real competitive match for England, gave Croatia a shock 8th minute lead, as the Aston Villa keeper let a Nico Kranjcar shot skim past him on the wet Wembley turf.

Worse was to come though for England, with former CSKA Moscow forward Ivica Olic rounding a stranded Carson to make it 2-0 in the 14th minute. Wembley was in shock. England manager Steve McClaren took shelter beneath his big FA umbrella, but there was no escaping the boos that accompanied the side off the pitch for the half-time break.

The second-half saw the appearance of England icon David Beckham and Tottenham Hotspur's Darren Bent, and the move looked to have paid off when England were awarded a 56th minute penalty, Frank Lampard sending Croatia's other Russian representative, Pletikosa of Spartak Moscow, the wrong way to make the score 2-1.

The fairytale comeback looked to be complete when Peter Crouch hammered home a David Beckham cross in the 65th minute, but Croatia were unwilling to let victory slip away, and a 77th minute shot from substitute Petric restored their 3-2 lead.

Meanwhile, in Andorra, Russia's Dutch trainer Guus Hiddink was watching his side make hard work of minnows Andorra. Leading 1-0 at the break, Kolodin having missed an opportunity to double their advantage with almost the last kick of the half, the side lost captain Andrey Arshavin in the 84th minute, the Zenit star shown a red card for violent conduct.

However, Russia never looked likely of losing their lead, and when cheers from the Russian fans in the stadium signaled Croatia's victory at Wembley, the side calmly played out the last few minutes to complete a remarkable night for Russian football.

Russia seemed to have lost all hope of qualification following Saturday's unexpected 2-1 defeat in Israel, yet Croatia came to their rescue, leading Guus Hiddink to comment that "I feel like we've been playing Russian roulette," at the post-match press conference.

"A miracle has occurred!" said Dmitry Sychev. "That's Russia. We don't do it any other way - it's either everything or nothing!"

In England, Steve McClaren's reign as England boss looked to be at an end as the English FA met at Soho House to discuss his future. An announcement was expected on Thursday morning. McClaren becomes the first England coach to fail to take England to a major championship since 1994.

Slaven Bilic, Croatia's trainer, dismissed talk that England had erred tactically, however, saying to English journalists, "Wake up. You didn't lose the game because of the tactics. I admire your side but we're simply a better team."

Before the game, Leonid Fedun, a LUKoil vice-president and owner of Spartak Moscow, had promised to buy Mercedes for the best Croatian players in the event of the Balkan side's victory in London. However, Ivica Olic rejected suggestions that this, and any other undisclosed financial incentives offered by Russian businessmen, may have contributed to the team's performance.

"The money wasn't important," he said. "We played for our homeland, for Croatia. I have many friends in Russia from my days at CSKA, and my heart beats for the Russians. I'm glad I could give them this present."

"Croatia take Russia with them!" said one Russian sports website, as the largest country on Earth celebrated its most unlikely comeback.

The draw for Euro 2008, to be held in Austria and Switzerland next summer, takes place on December 2.

England vs Croatia: Is Lampard a better bet if delivery for Crouch is missing?

From the screaming back pages of the tabloids it is clear that there is a football match on tonight, and that David Beckham and Paul Robinson will make way for Shaun Wright-Phillips and Scott Carson. Whilst not ruling out a late cameo for the Hollywood star this news does appear to reduce the effectiveness of Peter Crouch.

Crouch is not the quickest forward and relies on delivery and a quick shot or header after a minimum number of touches for most of his goals. David Beckham may be increasingly a one-trick-pony - but his deliver is still a fantastic trick. I would expect Beckham to be introduced as an impact player with half an hour to go, as this would not test his suspect fitness.

But if the best hope for Crouch is missing what about Frank Lampard. He will enjoy playing in a 4-3-3 with a holding player behind him, in what is fundamentally the same style that Chelsea play. Lampard is bagging a lot of goals at the moment and it would be a surprise if he gets less than three long range blasts and the chances are that one will go in.

Lampard is about half the price of Crouch for a goal, feels that he has something to prove, is in form and in a formation he is happy with. Sounds like his stage.

It's goodbye England as Croatia put passion before Porsches

The Croatian players don't need Ferraris and advertising contracts. Pulling on the national shirt was enough incentive for them to show the overpaid English flops how to play football.

It would have made no difference whatsoever had England scraped a draw tonight. They would have been ousted in Euro 2008 well before the quarter-finals. And you know what, they didn’t lose the chance to qualify in Moscow or Zagreb. They lost it a long time ago, when English football sold its soul for the money.

The truth is, and yes, it hurts, the only thing that matters in this country is club football, where the Porsches rule over the passion needed to put the national shirt on. Players of the calibre of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard should not be running around like headless chickens chasing shadows, they are too good. But they were under orders from a buffoon called Steve McClaren, and he was appointed by a bigger buffoon called Brian Barwick.

The national side has been a national joke for some time, the home draw against Macedonia and the away draw in Tel Aviv were the crucial markers in this dreadful qualifying campaign.

That said, it was a pleasure to watch a Croatian team well prepared with far more technical ability than the English. The third goal by Mladen Petric was sublime, the real man of the match Luka Modric was a class apart, the official one Frank Lampard was at best average.The truth is, as pundit Ian Wright said after the game, every time Croatia attacked, they looked like they were going to score.

Steve McClaren has the stiffest of upper lips and has said he is not stepping down. It makes absolutely no difference if he carries on because whoever comes in is left with an almost insurmountable problem – how to find 11 world-class players from the Premier League who are qualified to play for England.

In my view, McClaren should go, because he is simply not a good enough coach to lead the England team. The only ace up his sleeve this evening was pumping aimless balls in the hope of a lay-off by Peter Crouch (whose goal, by the way, was a very good effort).

There was a very poignant moment on the TV screen in the first half, McClaren sitting on a soggy plastic seat trying to make notes on a soggy piece of paper with a soggy pen. It’s an enduring image of a man way, way out of his depth. Compare his stuttering campaign with that of Croatia coach Slaven Bilic, who has more football knowledge in his ungainly earrings than the duffer who has led England (and Bilic's command of English is better).

On Saturday, the Premier League will be back in action, the best of world talent will be filling the coffers of the clubs promoting shirts, TV rights and a raft of other money-making schemes dreamed up by the PR gurus who know nothing about football but plenty about the passion of fans. The best of English talent will be out there on the pitch, but there will be plenty of other talented youngsters who will be playing on loan in Leagues One and Two instead of getting a chance to develop their skills in the Premier League.

Yes, a sorry night for English football. But until the Ferraris stop ruling football in this country, we can expect nothing more.

Madison Co.’s Astalos Jones travels to Croatia for role in ‘White Lightnin’

The mishmash of working on a British film, set in West Virginia and filmed in Croatia, certainly made for a cross-cultural experience for Madison County actress Stephanie Astalos-Jones.
In her latest cinematic endeavor, Astalos-Jones spent a week in the scenic mountains of Croatia filming White Lightnin,’ a picture based very loosely on the 1991 cult hit, “Dancing Outlaw,” a documentary which tells the story of eccentric Appalachian clog dancer Jesco White.
“It was an interesting set,” said Astalos-Jones, who lives in Carlton. “I was hearing Croatian accents and British accents and West Virginia accents all at the same time.”
Astalos-Jones plays White’s mother in her first film since 2004’s “Say Yes Quickly.” The picture is set in the mountains of West Virginia, but the expense of shooting in United States drove the film company to shoot in hills in Croatia.
While in Croatia, Astalos-Jones worked with British actor Edward Hogg, who plays the lead role of White; and veteran actor Muse Watson (“Prison Break” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer”), who portrays White’s father.
Perhaps the most recognizable face is Carrie Fisher, of Princess Leia fame, who plays White’s wife.
But, alas, Astalos-Jones had no scenes with Luke Skywalker’s sister, “so I didn’t really get to meet her,” she said.
Instead, much of Astalos-Jones’ camera time as White’s mother “Brity May” came during Jesco’s child scenes in the first third of the movie.
Playing a West Virginian was familiar territory, Astalos-Jones said.
“It was easy for me, because, accent-wise, it’s not that big of a stretch from rural Georgia,” said Astalos-Jones, who’s played the mother of the main character in her last three films.
The “Dancing Outlaw” documentary has gained notoriety in the 16 years following its release, however, Astalos-Jones said White Lightnin’ is quite embellished from the original story.
The old documentary exudes almost a “sweet, kitschy quality,” but said the movie touches on much darker material and is not intended as family entertainment by any means.
Astalos-Jones cautions that White Lightin’ isn’t for the weak-stomached.
“It’s sort of like Tarantino-level violence,” she said.
Before going overseas, Astalos-Jones felt it was only right to brush up on a little Croatian, so she called upon Barb Chantry, of Comer’s Jubilee Partner’s, for an impromptu crash course. Under Chantry’s tutelage, Astalos-Jones was able to offer a little bit of the native tongue on-set.
“It made my trip 10 times more enjoyable … A little bit went a long way,” she said.
Astalos-Jones noted the Croatian film crew’s “faces were just staggered” when she started throwing out Croatian phrases.
“They were just cracking up,” she said. “The wardrobe girl said ‘nobody has ever come in here knowing Croatian.’ That’s all thanks to Jubilee Partners and Barb.”
The week in Croatia certainly left an impression on the actress. She said she was taken by the countryside and architecture and recommends it as a vacation destination for someone wanting a reasonably priced trip to Europe.
“It’s just an amazingly wonderful warm place,” she said. “The people are great. The crew ... I fell in love in with the crew, I can’t say enough good things,” she said.
Since wrapping-up White Lightnin,’ Astalos-Jones been hard at work with other projects. She and writing partner Lisa Mende (of Seinfeld fame) will unveil a holiday show at Comer’s Saving Grace Café Dec. 22 and Dec. 31.
The new show, “The Schmeckles Hanukah Christmas Holiday Extravaganza,” is actually a spin-off of Astalos-Jones’ and Mende’s “Open Mic Night,” which they debuted at Saving Grace in May. Demand for more “Schmekels” — a pair of Yiddish sisters that were among the characters in Open Mic Night— inspired Astalos-Jones and Mende to write the separate show.
“It’s going to be hysterical,” said Astalos-Jones, who makes jewelry when she’s not writing and rehearsing.
And the good news for “Open Mic” fans is that the pair will continue to tour that show as well.
As for White Lightin,’ postproduction will take a year, though Astalos-Jones doesn’t really know where the movie will surface. However, it’s already listed with a distributor and she hopes it will make its way to some festivals.
The hope is that since White Lightin’ deals with an American and the
“Dancing Outlaw” documentary was popular here, it will be released in the United States.

Croatia's dream start is England's nightmare

Portugal, Turkey, Sweden and Russia secured places at Euro 2008, but England will not be in Austria and Switzerland next summer.

Steve McClaren's side required only a point from their home clash with Croatia, but were unable to get it, losing 3-2 on a wet night in London.

That result, coupled with Russia's 1-0 win in Andorra, saw Guus Hiddink's men advance from Group E.

England got off to a nightmarish start as 'keeper Scott Carson allowed a long-range strike from Niko Kranjcar to slip through his grasp after eight minutes. It was 2-0 six minutes later as Ivica Olic skipped through to put already-qualified Croatia in firm control.

England launched a stirring comeback after the break and drew level thanks to a Frank Lampard penalty and a close-range volley from Peter Crouch.

But Croatia restored its advantage with what turned out to be the winner with 13 minutes to go as substitute Mladen Petric fired home from 20 yards.

England's slip-up allowed Russia to squeeze through, with Dmitri Sychev netting the winner six minutes before halftime.

Israel finished its campaign with a 1-0 win over FYR Macedonia in Tel Aviv.

Portugal secured the point it needed with a goalless draw against Finland to advance to the finals.

Failure to win in Porto eliminated the Finns and also Serbia, which drew 2-2 at home to Group A winner Poland.

The visitors took a two-goal lead thanks to strikes from midfielder Rafal Murawski and forward Radoslaw Matusiak. But Serbia strikers Nikola Zigic and Danko Lazovic scored within two minutes of each other to complete a fine comeback.

Also in Group A, Belgium won 1-0 in Azerbaijan and Armenia lost 1-0 at home to Kazakhstan.

Sweden went into the final round of Group F needing only a point at home to Latvia and ended up with three thanks to a 2-1 win.

Marcus Allback opened the scoring within a minute of kickoff, but Swedish hearts were in mouths when Juris Laizans equalized after 26 minutes. Kim Kallstrom re-established the lead just short of the hour mark.

That result meant Northern Ireland could not qualify and it finished with a 1-0 defeat in Spain, with Xavi grabbing the winner.

In the same pool, Denmark beat Iceland 3-0.

Turkey secured its place in Euro 2008 after Nihat Kahveci's first-half goal gave it a 1-0 win over stubborn Bosnia-Herzegovina and second place in Group C at Norway's expense.

Norway won 4-1 against Malta, while Greece, which had secured top spot in Group C, finished with a 2-1 win in Hungary.

Remember Laurent Blanc in 1998? Then England should beware of Croatia

England fans might do well to remember Laurent Blanc before they get too carried away ahead of tonight’s match.

Before he joined United Blanc was France captain when his country won the World Cup in 1998.

But cast your mind back to the tournament and you will recall he missed the final after being red-carded in the semi against Croatia for elbowing Slaven Bilic.

But TV replays showed that Bilic went down like a of (feel free to insert any footballing cliché you find most appropriate at this point) and made the most of the incident to get Blanc sent off.

Bilic was severely criticised for his conduct afterwards but Blanc’s red card still stood.

OK, France might have gone on to win the match and the final but the lesson here is simple.

Bilic is now Croatia’s coach and, while he spent many years in English football don’t expect him to do us any favours.

He will want his side to win the group.

And spontaneously falling over might still be one of his favoured tactics.

You have been warned.

Sorry England lose at home to Croatia and crash out of Euro 2008

England's Euro 2008 dreams - and quite possibly Steve McClaren's job - were washed away in the Wembley rain despite a thrilling David Beckham-inspired comeback.

Two goals down to Croatia at the break, needing a point to reach next summer's finals and his big goalkeeping gamble having backfired in catastrophic fashion, McClaren turned to Beckham for salvation.

On his 99th England appearance, the veteran midfielder almost provided it too, setting up Peter Crouch for a superb equaliser after Frank Lampard had converted a 56th-minute penalty.

But remaining on level terms against a team with nothing to play for proved a task too far for sorry England, who didn't deserve to be level in the first place.

And when substitute Mladen Petric beat hapless Scott Carson from 20 yards 13 minutes from time, there was no way back and surely no way McClaren can hold onto his job either, having failed to deliver qualification despite the unexpected reprieve given to his stuttering, faltering side by Israel at the weekend.

It will hurt McClaren all the more that the first seeds of England's downfall were sown by Carson's monumental early blunder.

The youngster, plunged into the biggest game of his life in place of Paul Robinson, just five days after his international debut in Austria, could not have endured a more miserable evening, letting Niko Kranjcar's hopeful 25-yard effort slip through his fingers and into his own goal with just eight minutes on the clock.

It was the kind of error that would have had a park keeper wishing the ground would open up and swallow him. On this stage, at this level, there is simply no excuse. Not the rain. Not a swerving ball. Nothing.

And, stood on the sidelines, red and blue brolly protecting him from the elements, McClaren must have felt just like Chancellor Alistair Darling in the wake of the Child Benefit data crisis, blameless for the blunder but culpable all the same.

England might well have gained instant redemption had Shaun Wright-Phillips, the man who got the nod over Beckham, been able to finish when Joe Cole, one of the few home players exempt from criticism, and Peter Crouch combined to set him up.

The angle was tight but Wright-Phillips could have finished. Instead, he blasted straight at Stipe Pletikosa and not long afterwards, England found themselves two adrift.

This time the architect was Eduardo Da Silva, a bit-part player for Arsenal so far but clearly blessed with impeccable dribbling skills as he drove at the heart of England's desperately back-pedalling defence.

For some inexplicable reason, Wright-Phillips, finding himself in an unaccustomed right-back slot, tried to play Ivica Olic offside. The ill-advised move merely allowed the striker to stroll through, round Carson and tap into an empty net.

A capacity Wembley crowd was shell-shocked, barely able to grasp the nightmare unfolding in front of them.

At no point did Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard get hold of the game, at no point did Crouch look a threat and at no point did England's defence look capable of resisting Croatia for the remainder of the game.

As he delivered potentially his last half-time team-talk, the boos of his own fans once again ringing in his ears, McClaren's belief could have been reinforced only by the knowledge that twice in his Middlesbrough days, his teams somehow engineered comebacks from three goals behind against Steaua Bucharest and AS Roma.

It must have been in his mind as he sent on Beckham and Jermain Defoe. And it must have been coursing through his veins when Beckham lined up a 50th-minute free-kick from roughly the same position he netted that famous injury-time goal against Greece that saw England reach the 2002 World Cup.

This time, Beckham could only strike the wall. But his introduction had invigorated England and, for the first time, unsettled Croatia.

Josip Simunic, the man booked three times by Graham Poll at the last World Cup, was panicked into a penalty box tug on Defoe. The foul was spotted by an eagle-eyed assistant and up stepped Lampard to send Pletikosa the wrong way.

Now, the crowd were right behind England, forgetting just how badly they had been let down before.

And who should respond most positively of all but Beckham. His fitness may be lacking but his right boot remains lethal.

With one deft chip, he picked out Crouch, who controlled on his chest before rattling home his 14th international goal.

None have been better received and none have been as important.

As Crouch raced away, pursued by ecstatic team-mates, McClaren darted off the bench, punching the air in utter jubilation.

It seemed McClaren's version of the Great Escape would reach a memorable and totally satisfactory conclusion.

Instead, just as Steve McQueen was recaptured and jailed, so England were snared again as substitute Petric belted home from 20 yards to knock them out.

Four decades after Bogota, the case of the Croatia official and the stolen paper

The W H Smith in the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport is the same as any other W H Smith. There are long queues, piles of books written by Jeremy Clarkson and wall-to-wall celebrity magazines. On Tuesday afternoon, however, something very strange happened there. While customers were flicking through the latest issue of Heat and finding out whether Chanelle from Big Brother 8 was still getting jiggy with Ziggy, shop assistants led a 67-year-old man into a back room and accused him of shoplifting.

So far, so UK in 2007. After all, a report published on Tuesday claimed that Great Britain was the shoplifting capital of Europe, with £26 million of goods going missing every day. But what the shoppers in W H Smith did not know was that the man being led away was Zorislav Srebric, the general secretary of the Croatian FA, who had just landed at Gatwick with Slaven Bilic’s squad for last night’s crucial Euro 2008 qualifying game at Wembley.

Srebric was accused of stealing stationery and newspapers and was arrested in front of stunned players before being released without charge on Tuesday night by Sussex Police. In a statement, the Croatian Football Federation (CFF) said that Srebric had forgotten to pay and rushed off to help his players through customs, but shop assistants thought that he had been trying to avoid paying for the goods.

“Unfortunately, he was taken to a police station, where they determined that it was a misunderstanding,” the statement read. “Instead of five minutes, he stayed for a while because of procedure.”

Croatia’s little local difficulty at Gatwick ended with smiles and backs being patted – “I cannot imagine him stealing anything,” Vlatka Jandel, a spokeswoman for the CFF, said – but for anyone familiar with dodgy arrests involving football players, it will have brought back memories of Bobby Moore and a £600 missing bracelet in Bogotá.

On May 18, 1970, Moore, who was captain of England at the time, went into the Green Fire shop in the Tequendama Hotel in Colombia’s capital city, with Bobby Charlton, to find a present for Charlton’s wife before a friendly. The store owner, Danilo Rojas, and a shop assistant, Carla Padilla, called the police after the players left the shop and accused Moore of stealing a bracelet.

The players denied the accusations but on May 25, Moore was charged and placed under house arrest at the home of a local football official before being released three days later, so that he could play in the World Cup finals in Mexico.

Moore, who died in 1993, had to wait until December 1975 for his name to be cleared when the case was finally closed. Secret documents released in 2001 revealed that British diplomats in Colombia had been instructed by Harold Wilson, the Prime Minister, to make sure that Moore was not sent to prison. More documents released in 2003 showed that the head of the Colombian police was convinced that Moore was innocent and that the prime suspect was an unidentified woman with links to Colombian gangsters.

In 1970, a missing bracelet caused the scandal that cast a shadow over England’s preparations for the World Cup finals. Fast-forward to 2007 and a missing toilet seat almost led to the career of a Premier League star going down the pan. Despite earning £30,000 a week, Glen Johnson, the Portsmouth defender, stunned onlookers at a B&Q in Dartford, Kent, in January when he was caught trying to steal bathroom fittings.

Helped by his friend, Ben May, the Millwall striker, Johnson was spotted by a security guard putting a toilet seat into a box with a cheaper price tag. He also hid a set of taps underneath a sink at the checkout to avoid paying for them. Both were given £80 on-the-spot fines by police. “We all recognised Johnson,” a worker at the store said. “They seemed to find the whole thing funny and couldn’t stop smirking, even after they had been arrested.”

Identity parade

Rob Lee and Warren BartonThe former Newcastle United players were arrested in East London in July after they were accused of stealing a limousine, crashing it into a van and fleeing the scene. The owner of the car decided last month that he did not want to press charges against the pair.

Bobby Moore The England captain was accused of stealing a £600 bracelet in Bogotá, Colombia, before the World Cup finals in Mexico in 1970.

Glen Johnson and Ben May Johnson and May were each fined £80 for stealing bathroom fittings.

Ohio State University Forget soccer, American football is in a league of it own for bad behaviour. In nine months in 2005 and 2006, 17 members of the Ohio State University team were arrested for offences ranging from drug abuse to assault.

Croatia have good players too, says victorious Bilic

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic said his team fully deserved their 3-2 victory over England on Wednesday and issued a curt reminder, as if it was needed, that the country that invented the game no longer ruled it.
"I read in your papers that no Croatian would start in the England team - that's ridiculous, wake up," Bilic told a news conference an hour after the Wembley result that ended the hosts' Euro 2008 hopes.
"There is no non-Englishman who loves your guys more than I do but there are good players in small countries as well.
"Nothing is wrong with English football but you have to realise that this was by far the most difficult group, no other group had such quality in the fourth and fifth teams as Israel and Macedonia."
Despite not needing to win, Bilic's already-qualified team showed admirable commitment to attack and were rewarded by goals for Niko Kranjcar and Ivica Olic in the first 14 minutes.
Then, when England had fought back to 2-2 midway through the second half, a scoreline that would have sent both teams through, the visitors still threw men forward in a series of assaults that led to substitute Mladen Petric driving in the winner in the 77th minute.
"It was a great match which we fully deserved to win," Bilic said. "It came too easy to be two goals up but we were still the better team in the first half.
"We showed great individual quality, great team play and great character. It's hard to win here anyway but especially after they equalised.
"We would have been happy with a draw but your can't play for it. We tried to be as offensive as we could and to finish our attacks with five or six players. We can do that because we have players with great skill but also good lungs who can run all day."
Bilic, who spent several years in the Premiership and is well aware of how the English media operate, said it would be wrong to vilify goalkeeper Scott Carson, whose blunder eight minutes into his first competitive international put England on the back foot.
"There is no scapegoat, we were the better team tonight and that's it," he said.
"It happened with (Paul) Robinson in Zagreb. OK you can blame him for the second goal but he was by far the best Englishman on the pitch - so Carson was tonight."

Wembley Stadium field waterlogged and damaged before England-Croatia game

The field at Wembley Stadium was waterlogged in patches at each end before the European championship qualifier between England and Croatia.

The penalty and corner areas were covered by surface water, while both teams warmed up before the 3 p.m. ET kickoff. Field staff also worked to remove divots.

The rain had starting falling about an hour before the game was to start.

The field did not appear to have fully recovered from the NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants on Oct. 28, which badly cut up the grass.

Croatia had difficulty training on the field Tuesday, and only used half the grass, with the remainder under heat lamps.

England needs at least a draw to reach Euro 2008, while Croatia has already qualified.

The rebuilt Wembley Stadium was opened in March. It took more than six years to replace the old stadium at a cost of US$1.65 billion, which easily makes it the most expensive stadium ever built.

Even so, Wembley Stadium does not have a retractable roof that completely covers the field, unlike the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

The new Wembley Stadium should have opened in mid-2005, but got bogged down in delays and cost overruns.

Croatia soccer chief arrested in UK, then freed

British police briefly arrested Croatia's soccer chief Zorislav Srebric on suspicion of shoplifting at a London airport, but the Croatian Football Association said the incident was a misunderstanding.
"We released without charge a 67-year-old man who was arrested at Gatwick yesterday on suspicion of shoplifting. No further action will be taken," a Sussex Police spokesman said on Wednesday.
Srebric had gone to buy a newspaper while waiting for the team on the eve of Wednesday's European championship qualifier. When he saw the team arrive he went to assist them before paying, the Croatian Football Federation said in a statement.
"A London policeman thought he was trying to avoid paying for the newspaper, which is nonsense," said the statement, reported by Croatia's state news agency Hina.
"The situation got even more absurd as he was taken to a police station where the situation was clarified, but due to a lengthy procedure Srebric had to spend some time there, instead of just several minutes.
"According to Srebric, policemen behaved in a correct manner," the statement added.

England's Euro 2008 hopes shattered by Croatia

England have failed to qualify for the European football championship, co-hosted by Switzerland and Austria next June.

The English lost 3-2 to Croatia at home in their last match of the qualifying round. Russia, Sweden, Portugal and Turkey clinched the remaining places at the Euro 2008 finals.

Kranjčar and Olić scored for Croatia in the first half of the match at London's rebuilt Wembley stadium on Wednesday.

But England came back with goals by Lampard (on penalty) and Crouch, before Mladen Petrić – a former player for Swiss club sides Grasshoppers and Basel - drilled a left-foot shot past the English keeper Carson from 25 metres to score the winning 3-2.

It is the first time the English team have missed a major tournament since the 1994 World Cup.

The result allowed Russia to seal the second place in the qualifying group E after defeating minnows Andorra 1-0 away with a goal by Sychev.

England manager Steve McClaren looks set to lose his job after a series of controversial decisions during the qualifying phase which ended with Wednesday's disastrous defeat.

Observers described England's performance as one of their most inept displays in living memory.

Narrow victories

In other crucial matches, Sweden and Turkey also qualified for the Euro 2008 finals with narrow victories at home. Sweden won 2-1 against Latvia, while favourites Turkey defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 in Istanbul.

Portugal and Finland ended their match in Porto on a goalless 0-0 draw which allowed the southern Europeans to qualify.

Besides the two host countries Austria and Switzerland, 14 additional squads clinched a place at the tournament.

They include defending champions Greece, Germany, France, World Cup winners Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Croatia, Romania and Poland.

The draw for the four groups of the Euro 2008 tournament is scheduled for December 2 in the Swiss city of Lucerne.

On Tuesday Switzerland lost 1-0 against Nigeria in their latest friendly match. It was the second consecutive defeat in a series of games which are part of the build-up to the Euro 2008.

England out of Euro 2008 after 3-2 loss to Croatia

England failed to qualify for next year's European Championships after losing a sensational game 3-2 to Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday.

The defeat allowed Russia to clinch qualification behind Croatia in Group E with a narrow 1-0 win at Andorra while England was eliminated only one point behind.

Trailing 2-0 into the second half, a Frank Lampard penalty and a superb Peter Crouch finish of David Beckham's cross in nine minutes seemingly sent the hosts through into the finals.

But Mladen Petric fired in from 25 yards to break England's hearts 13 minutes from the end.

It will be the first time for England to miss a major tournament since 1994 and the result will probably cost Steve McClaren his job as England manager.

"It's a huge disappointment for the majority of, for everyone of the nation," said McClaren.

"It's not time for recrimination. It's not time to say what should have been done, what shouldn't.

"I'm not stepping down. I'm not thinking about my future. I'm thinking about the game. It's a huge disappointment," he said.

Scott Carson, in for regular Paul Robinson, proved a deadly choice by McClaren as the 22-year-old international rookie helped Niko Kranjcar's speculative 35-yard shot into the net only eight minutes into the game.

Ivica Olic made it 2-0 for Croatia six minutes later when he beat an offside trap before tapping into the empty net.

Croatia 3, England Out: McClaren on the brink

English football will begin a prolonged period of recrimination today, starting with the search for a new coach, after Steve McClaren's side was defeated 3-2 by Croatia at Wembley and eliminated from Euro 2008.

Needing only a draw to ensure their qualification for the finals in Austria-Switzerland next summer, England had staged a stirring second-half comeback to recover a two-goal deficit - only for a late goal from the Croatian substitute Mladen Petric to condemn them to defeat.

It is the first time since 1994 England have failed to qualify for a major tournament, and coach Steve McClaren is expected to pay with his job today. He insisted last night he would not resign, but the boos of 90,000 England supporters as he made his way from the Wembley pitch suggested the FA have no choice but to sack him after just 15 months in charge.

Two-down after 14 minutes - the first Croatian goal coming courtesy of an excruciating goalkeeping error from Scott Carson, playing his first competitive match - not even the introduction of David Beckham as a second-half substitute was sufficient to save McClaren's side.

A sense of nervous foreboding hung over the stadium even before kick-off, with heavy rain and even heavier traffic on the North Circular contributing to a pervading sense that a grim night could be in prospect. At home a BBC television audience likely to have exceeded 10 million edged forward in their seats for a familiar night of nail biting.

The Wembley pitch lived down to expectation too, a downpour before the game reducing areas of the surface to mud after the pre-match warm-ups. The national stadium cost the Football Association £757m, insufficient, it seems, to ensure an adequate playing surface.

For all the omens not even the most fatalistic of supporters would have anticipated the catastrophic way England began the match. Against technically superior opponents they fell two goals behind in the first 14 minutes.

The first will haunt Carson and the England coach for months to come. Called into the side by McClaren to replace Paul Robinson, England's first-choice goalkeeper for three years until his confidence collapsed under the weight of high-profile errors, Carson failed his first test.

Niko Kranjcar's speculative 30-yard shot should not have troubled an international goalkeeper, but Carson misread the bounce of the dipping effort and was helpless as it cannoned off his palm into the net.

England Loses to Croatia; Misses Euros

England's so-called golden generation sat dejected on the muddy field of Wembley Stadium, trying to drown out the celebratory cheers of Croatian fans. The unthinkable had happened: The nation that invented modern soccer, which plays at a stadium that styles itself as "the venue of legends," had failed to qualify for next year's European Championship.

Needing only a tie at home in its final qualifier, England allowed two quick goals, then rallied in the second half, getting an equalizer off David Beckham's cross to Peter Crouch. But Mladen Petric scored in the 77th minute, giving Croatia a 3-2 victory on Wednesday night that prompted a new round of soul-searching for soccer's Mother Country.

"It will be a summer without seeing the flags out in the streets and seeing the atmosphere around England, and that's going to be devastating for the country," Beckham said. "We all know there are more important things than football in the world, but for us not to qualify for a competition it's a huge, huge thing."

Beckham was benched for the first half, one of the debatable decisions by coach Steve McClaren, then came for the second in Beckham's 99th game for England. McClaren also started goalkeeper Scott Carson — in just his second international appearance — in place of regular No. 1 Paul Robinson, who didn't even dress. Carson's blunder on his first touch led to Croatia's first goal.

"It's going to hurt for a long time," England midfielder Steven Gerrard said. "It will take a long time to recover from this. It's wrong to make excuses. That's the easy way out. As players we've got to take responsibility."

It's the first major tournament England will miss since the 1994 World Cup — England last missed the Euros in 1984 — and is likely to lead to the departure of McClaren, much criticized since he replaced Sven-Goran Eriksson. Graham Taylor quit six days after England failed to qualify for the '94 World Cup.

"No, I'm not stepping down," said McClaren, who made a quick exit after the final whistle. "Ultimately I take responsibility and I accept that. It is my job to get us qualified and I failed to do that. I don't want to discuss my future."

Beckham, too, hopes to be around for the 2010 World Cup. McClaren dropped him last year, then brought back the 32-year-old midfielder. Wednesday's game was the first time since the 1998 World Cup that Beckham was dressed and available for an England game but did not start.

"I'm not retiring," said Beckham, willing to keep commuting to the national team from the Los Angeles Galaxy. "I have always said that from the moment I was taken out of the team and the moment I came back into the team. I'm not stepping down."

Beckham, Gerrard, Michael Owen, John Terry, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard are all described as the best players of their generation. But they fell short over a 15-month qualifying campaign.

"I read in your papers that no Croatian player would start on your team," Croatia coach Slaven Bilic said to the English reporters. "I mean, seriously, wake up."

In a game played simultaneously, Russia beat Andorra 1-0 to climb one point ahead of England and finish second to Croatia in Group E.

Niko Kranjcar scored in the eighth minute on a 25-yard shot that dipped, bounced off the field and went into the net off Carson's arm. Ivica Olic made it 2-0, beating an offside trap in the 14th.

But Frank Lampard Lampard converted a penalty kick in the 56th after Jermaine Defoe was fouled by Josip Simunic in the penalty area and Beckham's cross in the 65th set up the equalizer from Crouch, who chested the ball and volleyed it past goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa.

Petric broke the tie in the 77th, eight minutes after he entered the match, beating Carson with a 30-meter shot to the far corner.

England, eliminated in the quarterfinals of last year's World Cup, was missing Rooney, Owen and Terry because of injuries, and they watched from the team dugout. They came on the field after the final whistle to support their teammates in front of 88,091 fans.

Beckham, Lampard and Gerrard, all visibly upset, stayed for a while on the field, acknowledging the crowd as Croatia's players celebrated in front of their cheering fans.

"It's not just Steve, it's the players," Terry said. "We are the ones going out there and not getting the right results. It's not just up to Steve to take it all on his shoulders; as an England team we all take the big responsibility."

England, whose qualification chances dwindled when it wasted a second-half lead and lost at Russia last month, had been given new hope when Russia was beaten at Israel on Saturday. But playing against a team that already clinched a berth in the 16-nation field, England failed to take advantage.

"We've felt we'd been given that second chance," Beckham said, "and you have to take them when they're given to you and it was handed to us on a plate like that."

Croat pensioners want more clout after election

Andja Mikulic cannot remember the last time she bought something new to wear. With her monthly pension of 850 kuna ($169.4), she had to focus on surviving, like many of Croatia's one million pensioners.

"The pension allows me to buy only the cheapest fruit and vegetables, but I can't remember when I last had some new clothes," the black-clad 64-year old former shoe factory worker said as she strolled through Zagreb's green market in search of bargains.

Mikulic's pension roughly equals her household bills and she could hardly survive without help from her sister and children.

"We, pensioners, have our own party fighting for our rights now and that is good. But I hope that if younger people take over (after the election), things could get better. Only the younger can move things forward," she said.

Croatia holds a general election on November 25, likely to be tightly contested by the ruling conservative HDZ and the opposition Social Democrats (SDP).

The Pensioners' Party (HSU) Mikulic referred to may emerge as the third strongest force in parliament and its future allegiance could determine the winner in the country where pensioners account for almost one quarter of the population.

Croatia's high number of pensioners -- who almost equal those employed -- stems from its 1991-95 independence war and economic mismanagement, which resulted in closures of many companies and early retirement of workers.

In mid-1990s, the state stopped adjusting pensions to salaries and inflation, accumulating debt of some 11 billion kuna to pensioners. HSU leader Vladimir Jordan said the government had so far paid back half of it.

His deputy, Silvano Hrelja, told Reuters the party hoped to have up to ten deputies in the 150-seat parliament.

"We expect to have a bigger role in forming the parliamentary majority. We will hold coalition talks with the party that wins the most votes," Hrelja said.

Marija Serifovic to perform in Zagreb today

The winner of the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest, Marija Serifovic, will be performing for the Independent Democratic Serbian Party (SDSS) in Zagreb today, right before the elections in Croatia on Sunday.

Marija Serifovic will perform at the pre-election gathering on Wednesday at the Globus in Zagreb. The concert will begin at 19.00h and it will last at least one hour. Vice president of SDSS Milorad Pupovac stated that some of the friends of SDSS helped with the negotiations with the singer, and Marija herself wasn't too hard to persuade.

A few more options considered for performers during the campaign were Momcilo Bajagic Bajaga (Awarded Best Rocker of the year award during Beovizija 2007) and Vlado Georgiev who was supposed to perform with Marija on stage. SDSS expects that, considering Marija Serifovic's popularity in Croatia, this concert will be attended by a great number of her fans.

Talanx looking to expand into Croatia through local banking player

Hannover-based insurance group Talanx is planning to expand into the Croatian market and is in talks with a local bank to buy its insurance activities, German daily Boersen-Zeitung reported, citing board member Norbert Cox.

The newspaper said there is a possibility the deal will go through by the end of this year.

Strange Bedfellows

Croatia’s two leading parties have moved toward the political center. Bosnia could again drive a wedge between them.

Croatia’s two largest parties are running the country’s closest ever election race. Polls put both the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and the main opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) at 30 percent each ahead of parliamentary elections on 25 November, with a host of smaller parties running far behind. This makes commentators quite unwilling to predict the outcome.

More significantly, many professional observers seems to think the outcome doesn’t matter terribly much this time as both parties advocate very similar policies.

THE CENTER GROUND

This, of course, is a piece of good news – in so far as the premise behind this sentiment is true. And to a quite significant extent, it is. In many, if by no means all, policy areas these two once sharply divided parties fight for the same middle ground with quite similar proposals, which indeed reflects the electorate’s own migration in this direction. This is a remarkable development, the credit for which must go to Prime Minister Ivo Sanader, who almost single-handedly turned the HDZ of the authoritarian Franjo Tudjman into a moderate center-right force.

Both parties are quite cautious about economic reforms, even though their economic proposals differ in nuances. Yes, they both say Croatia’s economy must be made more competitive, yet neither is fully in favor of radical market reforms advocated by some liberal economists. This reflects a cross-party recognition that Croatia’s delicate, yet quite stable social peace is too important to the electorate. The two parties evidently agree that the country’s economy, which is often rightly seen as lacking in dynamism, has performed well enough even without much liberal intervention. The unemployment rate, while on a decreasing trend, is still very high at 17 percent and the ratio of external debt to GDP remains unfavorable. But the most important economic fact is that, because standards of living for many people have steadily improved and were never as bad as in some other Balkan countries to start with, no party advocates radical change.

The two strongest forces in Croatian politics agree on Euro-Atlantic integration as well, with future Croatian membership of both the European Union and NATO undisputed and the only difference being the SDP’s promise to hold a referendum on NATO membership as opposed to HDZ’s stance that a referendum would be unnecessary.

SDP and HDZ also broadly agree on a number of hot social issues. Neither would restrict abortion rights, nor does either advocate an outright ban on Sunday work, two frequent demands from the Catholic Church in Croatia.

And it is increasingly true that the two parties see eye to eye when it comes to attitudes toward the country’s recent past. Neither relishes too much questioning of what is still officially and rather pompously called the Homeland War, yet neither opposes war-crimes prosecutions, even if both diligently scream foul every time an international or local court passes a verdict not to the liking of the Croatian electorate. Both have adopted moderate policies toward Croatia’s minorities, yet neither challenges manifestations of the still very strong, if now largely inoffensive, nationalism.

All of this can, of course, indicate a certain maturing of the Croatian electorate toward a moderate middle ground consensus seen over the past decade in a number of more established European democracies. Yet, it would be far too premature to declare Croatia a stable, developed and rather boring democracy.

Who Is Jeffrey Kuhner, Why Does He Dislike Cro PM?

American media slam the editor of Insight on the News news site and Washington Times’ columnist for not citing his sources.

Jeffrey T. Kuhner is editor of the Insight on the News web portal and permanent columnist for the Washington Times, a conservative daily published in 100,000 copies, which is one seventh of the circulation of its main opponent, the Washington Post. Kuhner’s texts about Croatia are often relayed in Croatian media, as was the case with his latest column in The Washington Times, in which he called Croatia’s Prime Minister Ivo Sanader the most brazen liar in the entire Eastern Europe who lives in a fantasy land and thinks he can fool the Croatian public anytime he wants.

In his earlier columns, in the past decade, Jeffrey T. Kuhner wrote about Croatian politicians. He mostly criticised Croatian prime ministers Sanader and Racan for their lack of courage in facing their communist past. He also slammed President Stjepan Mesic in the same context.

-He said that, rather than combat the bloody remains of Tito’s regime, the Croatian politicians chose the tactic of sweeping the communist crimes under the carpet. The Croatian president Stjepan Mesic and premier Ivica Racan are communists, and never apologized for their past. (Jeffrey T. Kuhner, The Washington Times – December 26, 2001)

In the same column, he compared Sanader with his predecessor at the head of HDZ (Croatian Democratic Union), Franjo Tudjman.-

-He said that Mr. Sanader is not the Balkan type of nationalist like president Tudjman was, but is a conservative that understands that Croatia has the potential to become one of the most prosperous countries in Europe, and a real democratic power. However Ivo Sanader will not achieve his political aims until he does what no other Croatian politician has ever done since independence. This is to confront the communist past!-

“Croatian Cabinet responsible for the triumph of Belgrade”

Jeffrey T. Kuhner mentioned Sanader in 2005, when in his column called “Black Day For Croatia” commented on the arrest of general Ante Gotovina, calling the act a fiasco, and said that the Croatian cabinet were responsible for the “diplomatic triumph of Belgrade”.

-Kuhner wrote that Zagreb could use their diplomacy to put pressure on western centres to release the general. Mr. Sanader publicly promised this during his last election campaign.-

He accused Sanader’s Cabinet of selling the vital interests of Croatia, in the blind rush in get into the EU.

- He said that Croatia has been turned into a political and economic slave to Brussels. Sanader has gambled away his mandate to run the country. Voters should remove his regime from power at the next elections.- (Insight on the News, Black day for Croatia, 8/12/2005)

He openly wrote against the Hague Tribunal in the case of the indictments of the Croatian journalists Ivica Marijacic, Markica Rebic, Domagoj Margetic and Stjepan Seselj – accused by the court for the crime of “not respecting the court”, or releasing the identity and statements of protected witnesses in the “Blaskic case”. He called this indictment a knife in the heart of Croatian democracy.

Kuhner denied that he is “Pasalic’s protector”

Because of his texts about Croatia, some Croatian media released a story about him in 2003, in which he was tied to the Croatian right wing, Gojko Susak and Ivica Pasalic.

In a conversation for the newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija in 2003, Kuhner strongly denied this, announcing a law suit against those that called him “Pasalic’s protector”.

In the same interview he said that he contacted a large number of Croatian politicians, with many SDP (Croatian Democratic Party) members and the ruling coalition, but also with representatives of the opposition. He interviewed, or met with, the minister of foreign affairs at the time Tonino Picula, Drazen Budisa, Ivo Sanader, county mayor Branimir Luksic, Ivic Pasalic, Miroslav Tudjman and others, and is not too happy with most people in the Croatian political life. He concluded that the remains of communism were clearly visible in the Croatian political elite, because personal interests and power dominate over the need for general good.

Kuhner on the way to a big story

Criticism of Kuhner’s journalism is not only coming from Croatia. He is being mentioned in the American media, but not because of his column, in which as an author he can write his views, but because of the articles that he releases on his internet portal, Insight on the News.

Kuhner’s news portal Insight on the News first revealed the “dirty laundry” of the current presidential campaign in the USA.

In an unsigned article, Kuhner released that Hillary Hilton’s election camp will come out with allegations against their rival, senator Barack Obama. The allegations state that Obama spent some time as a six year old boy in an Islamist religious school in Indonesia.

It was this case that was the theme of the article called “Feeding Frenzy for a Big Story, Even if It’s False”, released at the start the year in the New York Times, criticises Kuhner for not releasing the source of his information, as well as not ervealig the name of the reporter that wrote that text.

Unofficial information from the Whitehouse

The New York Times states a few more examples in which Jeffrey T. Kuhner released information without listing the source, like the alleged US preparations for an attack on Iran in February 2006, a report that vice-president Dick Cheney will step down from his position, and information that George Bush does not want to fire his advisor Karl Rove because he “knows too much”.

-Kuhner said that journalists in Washington know a lot about things that happen here, but that they can not report about it. He added that his portal is like a blow out value, in which that information can be released.

Insight was founded twenty years ago as a controversial printed medium, and from the beginning it has released information that it unofficially obtained from the Whitehouse. The issue was terminated one and a half years ago, and the media now exists only as an internet portal.

Historian or columnist that speaks his mind?

All of the articles that The New York Times is disputing are on Kuhner’s internet portal. , Wesley Pruden, the chief editor of The Washington Times, a paper whose historian Kuhner is a regular columnist, said that the portal should not be linked to The Washington Times, and that Insight is not their issue of the magazine.

The Insigght portal and The Washington Times are owned by the same organization, the Unification Church. Despite this fact, the Clinton-Obama story was not allowed to be mentioned by the journalists and editors of the Times, by order of the chief editor. On the other hand, the story was published by journalists of Fox News, but their editor later said that they should not have done so.

Demand at Croat c.bank repo auction stays high

Croatia's central bank accepted offers worth 3.26 billion kuna ($656.3 million) from local banks at its weekly reverse repo auction of finance ministry treasury bills on Wednesday.
This was the second reverse repo auction in as many weeks, after a month's pause. The central bank has said it will from now on hold repo auctions only when it considers it necessary to manage liquidity.
The bid rates varied from 3.50 to 4.25 percent and the weighted rate was 3.86 percent, the central bank said. Last week the weighted rate was 3.60 percent.
Total bids amounted to high 6.51 billion kuna, in line with market forecasts, as banks needed to collect funds at the start of a new mandatory reserve maintenance period.
The central bank's reverse repo auctions consist of kuna-denominated T-bills with 91-, 182-, and 364-day maturities, which the finance ministry usually auctions on Tuesdays .

Things You Didn't Know About Croatia

Croatia has a population of just under 4.5million.

The capital city is Zagreb with a population of 1.1 million.

The national currency is the Kuna which is made up of 100 Luna. There are about 10 Kuna to the pound.

The country became a member of the EU in 2004, meaning Croatians do not need a visa to come to the UK.

More than 2.5million tourists flock to the stunning beaches and historic cities of Croatia every year.

The national dish is a creamy cheese called "sir", left, which is usually eaten at breakfast.

It is believed Marco Polo, the famous traveller and trader, was born on the Croatian Island of Korcula in around 1254.

Ex-Wimbledon tennis Champion Goran Ivanisevic was born in the Croatian town of Split on September 13 1971 and is a huge fan of the national football team.

The Dalmatian dog, right, takes its name from the Croatian province of Dalmatia, from where it is thought to have originated.

Acommon Croatian greeting is "bog". The literal translation is god.

Peter Crouch set to be give lone striker's role against Croatia

LIVERPOOL striker Peter Crouch is expected to retain his place up front for England tonight as he leads the line on his own against Croatia.

Although he has only been used sparingly so far this season by club manager Rafael Benitez, Crouch is expected to retain his place at Wembley after netting the winning goal in Friday’s friendly victory in Austria.

Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson, currently on a season-long loan at Aston Villa, is set to start a competitive England game for the first time having kept a clean sheet on his international debut in Vienna.

Everton centre-back Joleon Lescott is also poised to retain his place in the centre of defence alongside Sol Campbell with Wayne Bridge and Micah Richards continuing in the left and right full-back berths respectively.

If David Beckham is to win his 99th England cap tonight then it will probably be off the bench as McClaren is believed to favour Shaun Wright-Phillips on the right wing.

The remainder of England’s midfield quintet is set to consist of captain Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole, Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry.

Beckham benched for Euro 2008 qualifier hosting Croatia

Steve McClaren seemed to gamble his future as the England manager ahead of their final group E match against Croatia, dropping former captain David Beckham for the decisive Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley on Wednesday.

Beckham has been lacking incisive fitness in recent months following his long recovery from injury, and it was generally felt in the England camp that the LA Galaxy midfielder would struggle to last 90 minutes.

Shaun Wright-Phillips and Gareth Barry meanwhile are set to be handed starts at the expense of Beckham and Owen Hargreaves.

Furtherly, McClaren gave goalkeeper Scott Carson, who only made his first appearance for England last Friday in a friendly with Austria, his full international debut in place of Paul Robinson.

"My mind was made up about the goalkeeping situation long before the squad came back together again on Sunday," said McClaren, adding that he's full of confidence on the 22-year-old keeper.

Carson kept a clean sheet on his Premier League debut for Leedsat Manchester United as a raw teenager, emerged victorious in a Champions League quarter-final against Juventus on one of his rarestarts for Liverpool and spent last season unsuccessfully battling against the drop with Charlton.
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Davor Suker stunned by Frank Lampard booing

Davor Suker was something of a mentor to Frank Lampard, so it is perhaps of little surprise that his face becomes glazed by a look of complete incredulity at the thought of his former team-mate being booed by England fans.

"Why?" he says, shaking his head, "he scores goals, he plays well, he is dedicated. He is a powerful guy. Look at the statistics. I always looked at the statistics. Some people said I didn't run but I would say 'watch the number of goals at the end of the season'."

Lampard has scored 30 times for club and country during the past 15 months and his development, as well as that of Joe Cole and Michael Carrick, is of little surprise to Suker who spent a year at West Ham during the twilight of his own distinguished career.

"I saw huge potential and qualities. They were my play-mates. I tried to give good advice - whoever wanted to catch the information could catch it. I tried to pass on what I watched when I played with Diego Maradona at Sevilla."

Given his record, Suker's fondness for statistics is hardly surprising. He won the Golden Boot at the 1998 World Cup with six goals in seven matches for Croatia and, until his record was broken on Saturday by David Healy, was the top scorer in any European Championship qualifying campaign. Suker's strike-rate of 46 goals in 71 internationals also places him in elite company and not too far behind the likes of Pele, Romario, Muller and Batistuta. For all that, he is probably best remembered in England for a moment of exquisite artistry during Euro 96 at Hillsborough when he chipped Peter Schmeichel from the edge of the penalty area to complete a 3-0 win against Denmark.

Croatia eventually exited at the quarter-final stage, losing 2-1 to Germany in their first tournament as an independent nation. At the World Cup of 1998, they went one step further, finishing third after being knocked out by France in the semi-final.

War in the Balkan region, however, had deprived Suker of the chance to play regular international football from 1991 until 1995. Suker taps his chest when trying to put into words what it then meant to represent his country. "We played with the heart, we knew what meaning it had," he says, "imagine Lampard, Gerrard or Beckham could not play for four years? We had people die in my country for independence, and we knew that we could help our country be recognised by playing football.

"People thought Croatia was in Russia. After 1998, all the world knew where Croatia was."

The context might be different, but Suker believes that England's own recent difficulties can have a galvanising effect. "Suffering is sometimes beneficial, maybe it is good for England," he says. "Some people think it is easy to get to the World Cup and European Championships, maybe it will make people think that England don't have to be first. I have played in Spain, England and Germany. Only Germans don't think about being first."

Suker also blames the crowded fixture list for England's relative under-achievement. "Why not have 18 teams [in the league] and not 20?" he says. "You would have one month less and more power in the national team."

Having played alongside Slaven Bilic, he admits to a pleasant surprise at just how well Croatia, who lead Group E, have developed over the past 18 months. "Bilic is a winner," says Suker, "no one expected this huge start. He is my friend and I'm glad to see a new generation in the national team. Eduardo, for example, has all the ingredients to be one of the best players in the next five or 10 years.

Secret coalition talks ahead of Croatia’s elections

Zagreb- The leaders of the Croatian Peasant Party, Croatian Social Liberal Party and Croatian Party of Rights have started secret consultations in the middle of the last week to discuss a possible post-election coalition, writes the online edition of the Croatian Nacional magazine.

The reason for the talks is the social opinion polls that say the performance of each of the three parties in the upcoming elections will be weaker than expected. According to the researches the three parties will win about 15 seats altogether.

Kranjcar, reborn playmaker, awaits dramatic last act

You wonder whether Niko Kranjcar ever regrets his comment that "I've never seen football as a profession, more as a love." When he first said it, he probably meant it. He was a teenager of prodigious talent coming through at Dynamo Zagreb, their youngest-ever captain, and football must have seemed great fun.

It was the kind of remark that instinctively gets the public onside – naïve and charming and devoid of the cynical undercurrent that runs just below the surface of Croatian football. It nodded to the great tradition of the Croatian playmaker, to the joyous trickery of a Robert Prosinecki or a Zvonimir Boban, or even, heading further into the past, of a Marko Mlinaric, and if it echoed the famous opening to Ferenc Puskas's autobiography – "I shall write my life in football as a love story, for who is to say it is not" – so much the better.

Maybe Kranjcar still thinks that now, but if he does it represents a remarkable triumph of idealism over experience. The backlash against the golden boy was ferocious. When he said after Croatia's defeat to Macedonia on Saturday that they had to show the same honesty against England on Wednesday as Israel had shown against Russia, he was ending a year-long refusal to speak to the Croatian media. Slaven Bilic has achieved many things since taking over as coach of Croatia after the World Cup, but among the most remarkable has been resurrecting Kranjcar's reputation.

Croatia had an awful World Cup. It was not just that they went out in the group stage having failed to win a game; it was the manner in which they underperformed. They were brutish and physical, impossibly far from the imaginative creativity of legend. Croatian football was supposed to be about such moments as Davor Suker's chip over Peter Schmeichel in Euro 96 or Stjepan Bobek's impishness for Yugoslavia against the Soviet Union in the 1952 Olympics, and it had become about packing seven men behind the ball, thumping it long and hoping for the best.

The resentment had to find a focus, and it homed in on Kranjcar. It did not help that his father, Zlatko, was the national coach. "Niko gets no special treatment," Kranjcar Snr always said. "He is just another player." But he wasn't: how could he have been? No matter how even-handed Zlatko tried to be, his motives regarding his son would always be called into question. It did not help that Niko was the playmaker. There was very little play being made, so he got the blame. That he barely got the ball, and when he did it had usually been telegraphed; that Dado Prso and Ivica Olic were forwards of little imagination; and that Ivan Klasnic, who played ahead of Olic in the opening two games, was woefully out of form, was never taken into account. The team was built around Kranjcar, and he was expected to perform.

It did not matter that it is absurd in the modern game for the whole creative burden to fall on one man, that, in order to accommodate such a figure Zlatko Kranjcar had had to resort to two holding midfielders in front of his three centre-backs, because Niko had already been singled out as a potential scapegoat. Even before the tournament certain elements of the press had dubbed him "Debeli" – "Fatty" – because of his supposed lack of fitness: some fall from grace for a player who, because of his height and grace had once been compared to Zinedine Zidane.

Things began to go sour for Kranjcar midway through the 2004-05 season when he made the shocking decision to leave Dynamo Zagreb, the club for whom his father had played 556 times and scored 98 goals, to join their arch-rivals Hajduk Split. He had fallen out with the club hierarchy, and most observers expected his agent, Dino Pokrovac, a business partner of Suker, to negotiate a move abroad. Instead, Pokrovac got in touch with the former Derby defender Igor Stimac, who was then the sporting director of Hajduk. They agreed a ¿1.5m (£1.1m) fee, at the time a Croatian record. That immediately ostracised half of Croatia's fans and, just as importantly, a significant section of their media.

The other problem was Pokrovac was not just an agent. He was not even just the owner of a cafe and a carwash, the two businesses he used as fronts. He had also been working with a gang that stole cars in western Europe and smuggled them into Croatia to be resold. He increased his profits by loaning money at high rates of interest. Many of his clients were connected to football; one of them was the Hajduk club itself. Pokrovac was a fan, but it is probably the financial motive that explains why he encouraged Kranjcar to move to Split rather than making what would almost certainly have been a more lucrative move to western Europe.

If Hajduk were champions, as they were in Kranjcar's first season, and playing in Europe, Pokrovac had more chance of getting his money back.

In May 2005, he even negotiated a deal for Miroslav Blazevic, the coach who led Croatia to third in the 1998 World Cup, to take over at Hajduk. Three weeks later, Pokrovac was shot dead in the hallway of his home in the Sigecica district of Zagreb in what was clearly a mafia hit. His killers have never been caught.

Quite aside from that, questions were asked of Kranjcar. Had Hajduk won the league because or in spite of him? Their 10 games in the end-of-season play-offs, it was noted, yielded just three wins, and they would not have won the title but for the lead they had built up in the regular season – the vast majority of it before Kranjcar's arrival.

As Hajduk crashed out of the Champions League – losing by a humiliating 8-0 aggregate to Debrecen, of Hungary, in the second qualifying round – Blazevic was sacked and Stimac was forced to resign. Kranjcar managed 10 goals in 32 games, but Hajduk finished just fifth, and when he was sold to Portsmouth five matches into the following season, he was not much mourned. Nor was he forgotten in Zagreb. When Dynamo retained their title last season, fans and players – including the Manchester City full-back Vedran Corluka – celebrated by filling Trg Jelacica, Zagreb's main square, and singing a song mocking Kranjcar, entitled "Fat Pig".

Portsmouth fans were not that disgruntled last season, but equally they saw no great reason to take him to their hearts. He may have made 24 appearances, but only on five occasions did he manage a full 90 minutes. There was the usual talk about a foreign player struggling to adapt to the pace of the English game, but if that was the issue, he has adapted now.

"He's top quality," Pompey's manager, Harry Redknapp, enthuses about a player who has been key to his side's impressive start to the season. Significantly, his role at Portsmouth, cutting in from the left flank, matches the job he is being asked to do with Croatia, as Bilic has found a way of using two playmakers – Kranjcar and Luka Modric – by balancing the midfield with Niko Kovac as an anchor behind them and the former wing-back Darijo Srna on the right.

"He's proved his quality in the national side's toughest games," Bilic said. "He has great technique, a good shot and reads the play brilliantly."

Kranjcar's potential at last is being fulfilled and he seems to be enjoying football again. Whether he still loves it is another matter, but either way, this pig is flying.

Robinson to be dropped for Croatia game?

It seems likely that Paul Robinson will not in fact start as goalkeeper for England against Croatia tomorrow. The rumors in the papers suggest that he had a poor training session and is likely to be replaced by Scott Carson.

If this happens I will be really shocked - after all Stevie Mac has stood by Robbo at a number of points when it would have been easier to have dropped him.

To do so now, on the eve of a BIG, BIG game when the replacement has little top level knowledge is very risky. It will also be tough for Robbo who has been getting some good form back under the eye of Mr. Ramos.

All will be revealed soon I suppose.

England's footballers are shaking, boasts buoyant Croatia boss Bilic

Twenty minutes with Slaven Bilic and the world seems a simpler place. Honest opinions expressed freely and without an agenda.

Tonight at Wembley the manager of Croatia can embarrass England in front of their own supporters and nudge Steve McClaren into unemployment. So does he believe that the English will be feeling the pressure today? Of course he does.

Bilic said. 'Although I think my team are great, it is unbelievable — and I have to be proud — that these couple of nations, England and Russia, are behind us in this group. One is shaking and the other — the Russians — are hoping.

'But we are already in the finals and are relaxed. And we deserve it. Now we can exploit England's shakiness. They are under pressure.'

Sitting in the Croatia team hotel in west London yesterday, Bilic could not have been more relaxed.

Cigarettes were dispensed freely to friends while his son, Leo, hovered close by. This is the type of confidence that comes when you have guided your nation to the finals of Euro 2008 with a game to spare.

Tonight he wants his players to enjoy themselves at the world's most famous stadium. As for the England players, he is intrigued to see how they handle the pressure.

'They are playing such big games for their clubs, so they should cope with it and I think they're going to cope with it,' Bilic said.

'This is what big players want, to play these kind of games. They can frighten players but that is the difference between the [real] players and the players.'

A visit to London represents a chance to see old friends for Bilic, who played for West Ham and then Everton in the 1990s.

He is a former West Ham clubmate of England's Frank Lampard and, as an avid reader of English papers, he is well aware that the Chelsea midfielder is likely to be booed again by his country's mindless minority tonight.

'I don't understand why England fans boo Frank,' he said with genuine irritation. 'It is unbelievable.

'He may play better for Chelsea than England but to say that is because he doesn't want it with England is stupid.

'He is crazy about playing for England. I know this because I have spoken to him about it, so it's not his fault. I would love to have Frank in my team.

'Yes, I suppose it would work for my team if he got booed again but I wouldn't like that. I don't want that. Come on. No way.'

Croatia need to avoid a 2-0 defeat — or one by three clear goals — tonight to ensure their run through Group E ends with Bilic's team looking down on the rest.

Defeat in Macedonia on Saturday came only because of a rain-soaked pitch, he claimed. 'It was like a school pitch,' he said with a smile. 'It was the worst I have seen in 20 years. The result means nothing.'

He suggested yesterday that to head to Austria and Switzerland next summer as group winners is not that important. Nevertheless, he has done his homework.

He said he knew of David Beckham's absence from the starting line-up on Monday and does not appear to be terribly worried if Hollywood's most famous footballer makes an appearance or not.

'I heard this yesterday in our camp in Slovenia,' he said. 'It surprises me a bit but it's kind of a logical option in other ways.

'I am a Beckham fan. He is dangerous, he is a threat but so is Shaun Wright-Phillips in other ways, with his quickness.

'I suppose if you play with one up front, with Crouch, then it's kind of logical for me to play Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole on the flanks, and I don't know about Beckham now.

'Since he left to go to the States, you can't say that he's playing at the top level, lower than average, so I can't judge his fitness and form. But he still has that cross.'

Bilic believes next summer's finals will be a tougher tournament than the World Cup in terms of progressing beyond the first group stage.

'Is there a weak team in it?' he asked rhetorically. 'I don't think so. Maybe Austria. I haven't seen them.'

He admits that he would like to work in the Premier League and that a club job would suit him better.

But his attention remains on the events of this evening. What does he think about England's possible choice of goalkeeper tonight? Stupid question.

'I don't care,' he said with a smile, pointing across the lobby at Niko Kranjcar. 'He is going to score, anyway. Isn't that right, Niko?'

Default Schoolboy to lead England out against Croatia

A schoolboy from Northampton is hoping he will prove to be a lucky charm for the England football team tonight as he leads the players out onto the pitch at Wembley.
Josh Smith, from West Hunsbury, was selected to be a mascot at the vital Euro 2008 qualifier in London after entering a national competition on the FA England fan club website, beating thousands of other entrants.

The 11-year-old, a pupil at Northampton School for Boys, said: "They sent me an email a couple of weeks ago to say that I had been chosen to go to Wembley. My dad ran upstairs to tell me
and I just ran around the house doing roly-polys. I was so excited to get picked.

"I told all my friends and they were really chuffed for me, and I expect they are probably a bit jealous as well.

"All I had to do was fill in a questionnaire and know that Greece won Euro 2004, and that was it. I enter all their competitions so it just proves that it's worthwhile, and I want to thank my dad for letting me know about them."

Josh, an Arsenal fan who is a keen player for the Welland Valley Rangers, has not yet been told who he will lead out onto the pitch but said he hopes he will be partnered with hero David Beckham. He will travel to London tonight with his family and some friends before meeting the team at the ground before the match.

He added: "I've been to all of England's home games so I know what Wembley's like, and it's massive but there is always a brilliant atmosphere."

Croatia coach Bilic hoping to attract Premiership interest

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic admits tonight's clash with England could put him in the shop window for Premiership chairmen.

"Why not have a Croatian manager in the Premier League?" Bilic said. "Honestly, I don't think that way. I want to be a club manager, whether that is in Croatia, Germany, Spain, England, Italy or Israel, I don't know.

"I'd like to work in England because I see myself more as a club manager. I like to work every day and as a club manager you have more time, more chances to make your players play the way you do. You can do it with the national team and we have proved that, but it's easier with a club. You also have options to buy players."

Chelsea, Arsenal after £30million Croatia star

Arsenal have joined the hunt for Croatia's Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Luca Modric.

The £30million-rated Modric revealed ahead of his country's Wembley clash with England that he wants a premiership move.

While Chelsea have been negotiating for the young Croat star and are tipped to seal the deal within the week, but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has also been monitoring the playmaker.

Wenger has identified the Croat as a potential replacement for Tomas Rosicky, who is linked with a move to Italy. Arsenal, however, are not believed to be prepared to bid £30 million, rating the youngster at closer to £15 million.

Modric does not appear to have a preference. "I'd love to play in the premiership. I'd like things to happen soon and it's possible maybe even this winter," he said.

"It would be a great challenge for me. It's for sure one of the best leagues in the world.

"I don't have a preference for a club. There are a few big clubs in England where I would love to play."

Serbian War Criminal Ratko Maldic Invited To England V Croatia

IN readiness for tonight’s England v Croatia football match, the Daily Sport invites readers to cut out and wear a picture of Ratko Maldic, Serbian war criminal, “fugitive and man accused of genocide”.

The Serbian government had announced a bounty of €1m (£700,000) for Mladic, and jingoistic England fans are encouraged to wear the paper face with caution.

It should also not go unmentioned that in the Star’s 10 Facts on Croatia, number 7 says that the country’s fans were “once offered tickets for a big international match in exchange for making blood donations”.

The recipe for upset is evident. We advise England fans to resist all urge for say “For the good of Greater Serbia!” and instead blend in with the “enemy” by joining the Coats in cries of “We Want Beckham!”, “No World Wars And One Semi-Final” and “Steve McClaren Is Doing A Wonderful Job”…

Steven Gerrard: Let's Kop it to Croatia!

STEVEN GERRARD has called on England fans to take a lesson from the Kop at Wembley tonight as he leads the country’s bid to clinch a place in the Euro 2008 finals .

The Anfield superstar, who proudfly captains England tonight in the crucial clash with Croatia, wants the Wembley crowd to be England’s 12th man.

Gerrard knows the importance of having supporters behind the team when the going gets tough from his experiences with Liverpool and the lift given by The Kop.

England fans have at times been criticised by some for being too ready to turn on the team when the players need their backing rather than fickle abuse.

Gerrard is calling on the England followers in the capacity 90,000 crowd to make it an intimidating atmosphere for Croatia who are already through to Austria and Switzerland next summer.

Gerrard said: “There have been so many times at Anfield where we have been in difficult situations and the crowd have baled us out.

“They are famous for being known as the 12th man, and as a player it gives you a massive boost out there when things aren’tt going well.

“The crowd really do help you to deliver a performance - we will certainly need our fans to play a massive part.

“Hopefully at the end we can all celebrate together by being through to the finals.”

Gerrard knows England will have no excuses if they fail now t after being handed a lifeline by Israel’s shock win over Russia.

But he is not expecting an easy ride and knows the importance of players remaining united if the going gets tough tonight.

He said: “The players have got to give everything. You can’t afford any excuses. This team needs to deliver.

“These are big games, when it really matters, and the rewards are massive. As a player you realise what is at stake..

“There are going to be times when it is not going to be perfect, when it does not all go to plan. That is when you’ve got to stick together.

“When times are hard, that’s when the big players have got to stand up. If mistakes happen and we do go a goal behind, the game is not over till the end and we have to keep fighting to get the right result.”

Gerrard admitted: “Watching the Israel-Russia game on Saturday was difficult when our destiny was out of our control and it wasn’t in our hands.

“Now it is back in our hands, we’ve got to make the most of it – and make sure after the game we are not feeling how we did after the Russia game a month ago.”

Peter Crouch is likely to operate as the lone central striker with Gerrard and Frank Lampard in midfield.

Gerrard said: “If Peter is picked to start on his own, it is important he is not isolated, that he gets support, and we get crosses into the box early.”

Tycoon dangles Mercs to spur Croatia to victory over England

The owner of Spartak Moscow football club, Leonid Fedun, is offering Croatia's footballers Mercedes cars if they beat England in a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday. Russia needs a Croatian victory to stand any chance of qualifying for the tournament.

A 2-1 defeat at the hands of Israel at the weekend left Russia needing a big favour from Croatia on Wednesday in London.

But whereas some Russian fans have given up hope, others are trying to produce a miracle.

A wealthy Russian businessman eager to help his home team qualify has offered an attractive incentive to the Croatian players. Fedun has promised to give the four best Croats a luxury Merc each if they come away with a win over England at Wembley.

Croatia have already qualified for the Championship, and Fedun, who also owns Moscow Spartak Soccer Club, said he wanted to boost Croatia's morale.

Yury Sevidov, a columnist from the Sovetsky Sport newspaper, says Fedun is not the first to resort to such tactics.

“As far as I know, things like this have taken place in South America, in Brazil and Argentina. Teams are often stimulated by third parties so that they would fight against the leader and take his points. It’s also widespread in Russian football,” Sevidov said.

Fedun's offer has surpassed the one made by English fan Fred Don last week. He said he would donate a Mercedes to the Israeli player who scored a winning goal against Russia last week.

The Israeli football association banned the player from claiming the car, whereas officials from the European equivalent say their rules do not expressly forbid such incentives.

UEFA spokesman William Gaillard thinks nothing can stop people from encouraging players to win games.

“This is not something we would investigate. It would only be if anyone tried to influence players or match officials to lose a game or to influence a game in this direction. This would be highly illegal," he said.

Fedun insists he came up with the offer strictly as a fan of the Russian national team, but some believe there may well be some other reasons behind his initiative.

Sevidov believes PR also plays great role here.

“He wants to be a fan-patriot in the eyes of the viewers. He wants to show he is eager for the team to win the match and he took part in it. It is not bad I believe for the PR or the name of Spartak if its owner cares about the prestige of the team,” Sevidov said.

Anything less than a Croatian victory over England will leave Russia with no hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008.

Hiddink remains optimistic

Russia’s coach Guss Hiddink believes pride will spur Croatia to get a crucial win over England to help his side secure a place at the tournament. The Dutchman’s side are in Andorra.

But despite being without injured striker Roman Pavluchenko, Russia should beat an Andorran side who've yet to win in qualifying and have conceded 41 goals.

The Croats have already qualified but lost their last game, and Hiddink they could be fired up for the England game.

“The Croatian side have also suffered a defeat in Macedonia. I know the Croatians because I played them several times and I know some players. And they have, I think, the same pride not to let happen twice what has happened to other teams. So I guess they will go for a very good performance”.

Croatia’s coach Slaven Bilic has promised they'll be motivated to try and win despite having already qualified. He says that the Croatians are proud to be top of a group containing England and Russia and want to stay there. Bilic also believes playing at Wembley will be an extra incentive for his side to produce their best.

England’s second chance

For England, Wednesday's game is a second chance many never thought they'd have. Manager Steve McLaren admits that he and the players are under huge pressure.

There are fresh reports in the English press on Wednesday that both David Beckham and goalkeeper Paul Robinson will be dropped. That would mean McLaren gambling on 22-year-old keeper Scott Carson who's never played a competitive international game.

English defeat to Croatia would add up to £1bn loss

England's players can be in no doubt by now about the consequences of failure against Croatia at Wembley tonight.

But for the British economy the impact could be even more disastrous - costing £1 billion, to be precise.

While most of England manager Steve McClaren's squad are well cushioned from the credit crunch, with reports suggesting that the average Premier League player's salary is now more than £1 million a year, defeat would add to the pervading sense of economic gloom.

Figures from past tournaments demonstrate the economic boost that accompanies England's presence in World Cups and European Championships.

According to one study, by the Centre for Economic and Business Research, based on an examination of the impact of the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2004, the effect of non-qualification could be as much as £1 billion.

The report predicted England's failure to reach Euro 2008 would lead to a dramatic drop in advertising revenue for television companies, along with a sharp fall in income for betting companies and supermarkets.

Around £300 million was spent on advertising during last summer's World Cup in Germany.

Beer sales would also go flat - the last thing the brewing industry needs after it emerged yesterday that their profits had tumbled by 78 per cent between 2004 and 2006.

The CEBR suggested that a successful tournament for England would contribute to a boost of more than £285 million for pubs, clubs and off-licences.

However, the Football Association insist that the immediate financial impact of failure tonight is manageable.

Having announced that they had secured a £425 million deal for their domestic television rights with ITV and Setanta between 2008 and 2012, they recently added another £150 million for their overseas television rights.

They also have a £100 million sponsorship programme with partners such as Nationwide, Umbro, Carlsberg, E.on and McDonald's which is not affected by non-qualification for major tournaments.

The FA estimate that they will miss out on around £10 million in income from selling licensing and merchandising rights for the duration of next summer's tournament.

But the longer-term impact on the image and marketability of the English game may suffer.

Having negotiated a £2.7 billion TV rights deal, the Premier League are enjoying an unprecedented boom at present. With almost half of the competition's teams under foreign ownership, there can be no doubting the league's international appeal.

Yesterday, Keith Harris, chairman of the investment bank Seymour Pierce, who advised Randy Lerner and Thaksin Shinawatra on their recent takeovers at Aston Villa and Manchester City, respectively, warned that the influx of overseas owners was not about to stop. He added that it was a trend which should not be feared by English football fans.

"Are the foreigners coming to rape, pillage and take a quick turn before returning with their booty to their overseas base?" Harris asked. "The reality is a long way from this fantasy view".

Will foreign businessmen stop investing in the game because England miss out on Euro 2008? Unlikely. However, according to one football marketing expert, the feel-good factor for English football associated with a winning national team is good for the whole of the sport in this country.

Croatia dangermen

With England's Euro 2008 hopes resting on Wednesday's final showdown with Croatia, skysports.com picks out the players to watch

VEDRAN CORLUKA

Intelligent right-back with composure beyond his years. Signed by Sven Goran Eriksson in the summer, he has made a smooth transition to life at Manchester City. England must hope Corluka endures a repeat of his nightmare against Chelsea earlier this season.

NIKO KOVAC

Ageing captain who remains an integral factor in the national team set-up. Coach Slaven Bilic's on-field lieutenant, the Red Bull Salzburg midfielder has a creative eye to compliment his industrious nature.

DARIJO SRNA

Hardened right-sided midfielder who has impressed at Shakhtar Donetsk since moving to Ukraine from Hadjuk Split. Capable of playing at full-back, the 25-year-old is already a 51-cap veteran with 15 goals.

NIKO KRANJCAR

Midfield playmaker and son of former Croatia coach Zlatko. Kranjcar took time to adjust to life in the Premier League but has performed well for Portsmouth this season and is at ease within Bilic's well-drilled, experienced team.

EDUARDO DA SILVA

Brazilian-born striker with a great goalscoring record of 13 goals in 20 games. The Arsenal striker trails only David Healy in the Euro 2008 qualifying scoring charts.

Retailers bite their nails as England take on Croatia

Many of Britain's business leaders will be on tenterhooks tonight waiting to see if Peter Crouch's right boot can bring in millions of pounds of extra sales.

The result of the England versus Croatia Euro 2008 qualifier will have a big impact on business: ranging from those companies that ship in flags of St George from China through to retailers, pub groups and particularly Umbro, the company that produces the England team kit.

If England manager Steve McClaren fails to produce a result, sales of replica kit are likely to take a dramatic, Drogba-style dive. On the other hand, if the team wins, it will get a much needed boost.

Yesterday, Umbro refused to comment on how much rests on tonight's result, but it is such a big deal to the group, which has recently agreed to be taken over by Nike in a £285m deal, that whatever the outcome a trading statement will be released tomorrow. Last year, so-called "licensed apparel", or replica kit, accounted for £32m out of Umbro's £56m turnover. Umbro produces replica kit for a number of other teams including Everton, Rangers, Northern Ireland and Norway, but the England strip is understood to account for about 80% of the company's kit business.

Sports retailers such as Sports World and JJB will also be more than keen to see England playing in Switzerland and Austria. JJB, which operates 380 outlets, recently reported a near 40% plunge in half-year profits to £11m. The profits downturn was blamed on poor sales of replica England shirts after the patchy performance of the team.

Sports World, owned by Sports Direct, has also hit problems caused by the replica kit downturn. It has failed to provide sales details for investors and City analysts but has a deal with Umbro to take 65% of the England shirts the kit company sells into the UK market next year. Mike Ashley, Sports Direct's deputy chairman and 66% shareholder, has hinted that he may be willing to break that agreement if the England team fails to perform.

But it is not just sports retailers who will win or lose with the England team. Everything from garden goalposts to barbecues, branded soft toys and inflatable referee costumes will be heading for shop shelves if the team wins tonight and England fever is likely to create a mini high street boom next summer.

According to the British Retail Consortium, next year's European tournament will be a double-edged sword for retailers. If England qualify, grocers will see a big rush for beer and party food such as pizzas. At the time of the 2006 World Cup, says the BRC, supermarkets were raking in an extra £124m for every week England stayed in the tournament.

Electrical retailers would also get a boost from armchair fans wanting to upgrade their TV screens. Again, ahead of the last World Cup, sales of flatscreens more than doubled and some retailers were knocking them out at one every minute. At the same time, however, other retailers suffer as the streets and shopping centres empty during the matches.

Enterprise Inns, one of Britain's biggest pub landlords, said major football tournaments were followed in about half its pubs. A World Cup is worth between £1m and £2m in profit to the group. Ted Tuppen, chief executive, said: "These things are always a bonus. I don't think anyone can build them into their budgets, certainly based on how consistently England play."

The impact on bookmakers is more pronounced. One industry source said England's qualification was likely to add about £10m to the amount staked by patriotic punters in UK betting shops. Including online betting exchange companies, qualification will add anything between £50m and £250m, experts say. Richard Glynn, Sporting Index's chief executive, said: "I've seen experts forecasting that £750m could be gambled on this tournament and I reckon you can shave at least a third off if England fail to make it. There simply won't be the interest levels."

A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "England, at a major tournament, means more hype and more betting - if they fail to qualify it could cost us a few million as there won't be the patriotic betting that we normally see when England string a few results together."

Korea, Croatia Improving Ties

For the Republic of Croatia, this year is marked with two important jubilees ― the 15th anniversary of Croatia's recognition by all member states of the European Union and Croatian admission to the United Nations, when the Croatian national flag was hoisted in front of the headquarters of the world organization, emphasizing that the Republic of Croatia became a sovereign part of the international community.

Moreover, there is another jubilee this year marking Croatia's diplomatic activity ― the 15th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea.

It is my pleasure to point out that Croatia, a politically stable and peaceful and secure country with market-oriented economy, has made significant progress on the way to achieving full-fledged memberships in the EU and NATO, which are the top priorities of Croatia's foreign policy.

Croatia is making big steps toward membership of NATO, it is hoped, in 2008 and in the EU in 2009 or 2010.

Membership in the EU is a welcome opportunity for the Croatian economy. An increase in trade is expected, along with the increased interest of foreign investors.

My government has been making big efforts in building a favorable climate for foreign investments, and investors can benefit from highly competitive and attractive tax incentives, public utilities, business infrastructure and job creation incentives.

Incentives are granted for business activities in production and processing, technology centers and strategic business support activities.

In attracting foreign investments, Croatia is focusing on the sectors of high added value, such as research and development (R&D), information and telecommunication technology (ICT), biotechnology and business services, where it has mostly marked a competitive edge.

Moreover, Croatia has traditionally been strong in shipbuilding, which has been the driving force of its economy, and we see it as the sector in which Korean companies could have a special interest to invest in.

Actually, when a delegation of Korean business people visited Croatia in July this year, they expressed a great interest in the Croatian shipbuilding industry, and it is hoped that the Korean shipbuilders will participate in the privatization of state-owned Croatian shipyards.

The strategic position of Croatia is one of the most prominent comparative advantages the country holds in regard the transport and logistics sectors.

In fact, the port of Rijeka makes Croatia the nearest country to the sites of Korean investment in Central and South-Eastern Europe.

When sailing towards them from Korea through the Suez Canal, up to nine days could be saved in comparison to a Northern Europe seaports route.

The port of Rijeka, which is now under reconstruction and is scheduled to be completed in 2009, being the deepest port in the Adriatic and with state-of-the-art facilities, offers the quickest way to transport goods from Asia to subsidiaries of Korean companies in Central and Southeastern European region.

Croatia's strategic position is additionally strengthened by a modern transport infrastructure, reflected in high quality highways, airports and railway network, as well as the seaport connection.

Moreover, the quality of life in Croatia, measured by economy, safety, freedom, environment, climate, health, living expenses, culture, free time, infrastructure and risk, was ranked 18th among 193 countries by International Living Magazine.

With six UNESCO world heritage sites, eight national parks, 11 nature parks and more than 1000 islands, Croatia has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of Europe and among the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Of Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, George Bernard Shaw once said, "Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik."

Also, renowned oceanographer Jacques Cousteau called the Croatian Adriatic the most beautiful and clearest sea on Earth.

Its exquisite sapphire deep blue color in counter position to the dramatic high costal mountains makes Croatian Adriatic landscape among the most moving and memorable in the world.

I am deeply convinced that in spite of the geographical distance, there is a lot of room for improvement of bilateral relations, both economical and cultural, between Croatia and Korea.

Lastly, I invite you all to visit Croatia and experience the marvels of the workings of nature and the rich cultural tradition that is manifested through the deeds of our ancestors.

To enable direct communication between the two countries, Croatia has made a decision to open an embassy in Seoul, but because of budgetary restrictions, has been unable to do so as yet.

For the time being, the ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Japan is also a non-resident ambassador to the Republic of Korea. Croatia has an honorary consul in Seoul with jurisdiction over all territory of the Republic of Korea, Yang In-mo.

We are confident that the further development of comprehensive cooperation will strengthen the already existing good and friendly relations between two countries that will mostly be beneficial to the people of the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Korea.

England v Croatia: Key clashes

Niko Kovac

Like most international teams, Croatia like to use a disciplined anchorman, someone prepared to sit deep and protect his defence. Tonight it will be Kovac, the team's highly experienced captain, who was asked to drop back after the World Cup, having spent most of his career playing slightly further up the pitch.

He will know exactly what to expect when he discovers Lampard and Steven Gerrard have been selected: forward runs — plenty of them — in order to give Peter Crouch immediate support.

In this respect, Lampard takes some beating, having mastered the art of timing those bursts to arrive on the scene at the perfect moment.

For any defensive midfielder, keeping an eye on a marathon man like Lampard is an arduous task. For someone like Kovac, just turned 36, it might prove too much.

Luca Modric

Croatia just love their classic No10s, the sort of playmakers capable of making things tick. The latest off the production line is 22- year-old Modric, a bundle of shaggy-haired talent now interesting some Premier League heavyweights, none more so than Chelsea.

He might be part of the reason, in fact, that Steve McClaren has opted for a five-man midfield, so he can use someone like Barry to try to nullify the threat that Modric poses.

When it comes to dogged defending, though, Barry, in truth, is no Owen Hargreaves. Aston Villa's captain is more of an elegant passer. Even so, if he holds his position at the base of midfield, blocking avenues for Modric when Croatia have the ball, he can perform an invaluable job for England at Wembley.

Josip Simunic

In getting the nod ahead of David Beckham, perhaps the clincher for Wright-Phillips is the vulnerable nature of Croatia's left-back, the man Graham Poll booked three times in the World Cup. But having escaped immediate censure back then, Simunic now seems the weak link in an otherwise solid defence. A centre-half for his club, Hertha Berlin, he was all over the place in Macedonia on Saturday, looking clumsy and awkward when put under pressure.

Head of Croatia's soccer federation released without charge after Gatwick arrest

The head of Croatia's soccer federation was released without charge Wednesday after being held on suspicion of shoplifting at Gatwick Airport.

Zorislav Srebric, the 67-year-old general secretary of Croatia's Football Association, was arrested after his arrival on Tuesday for his country's European Championship qualifier against England.

He was questioned for allegedly stealing stationery from a WHSmith store at the airport's South Terminal, Sussex police said. But he was later released without charge and "no further action will be taken," a police spokesman said.

The Croatia Football Federation said in a statement that the incident was the result of a "misunderstanding."

Srebric was buying newspapers when he saw his team entering the building and hurried to get them through the airport, the CFF said.

"Police thought he was trying to avoid paying for the papers," the statement said. "Unfortunately, he was taken to a police station where they determined that it was a misunderstanding but instead of five minutes he should stay for a while because of procedure."

Croatia was to play England on Wednesday night at Wembley Stadium in the final Euro 2008 qualifier for both teams. While Croatia has already qualified, England needed only a draw to advance.

England must deliver against Croatia

Steve McClaren has jettisoned two of his most experienced players, David Beckham and Paul Robinson, for England's vital Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley tonight. Picking on fitness and form, McClaren has preferred Shaun Wright-Phillips in right midfield and Scott Carson in goal.

In face-to-face meetings yesterday afternoon, McClaren told Beckham and Robinson that he was not starting them. Carson keeps goal behind a back-four of Micah Richards, Sol Campbell, Joleon Lescott and Wayne Bridge. Wright-Phillips is included in a five-man midfield, also containing Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, an anchoring Gareth Barry and a left-sided Joe Cole. Peter Crouch provides the forward tip of a 4-5-1 formation.

Beckham's absence will stir most debate. This is the first time since France 98 that Beckham has been in an England squad and not started, though he may come on for his 99th cap if McClaren has to gamble late on. "Everyone is honest enough, open enough, seeing the game against Austria [in Vienna on Friday when Beckham struggled]," McClaren said. "He lasted just over an hour. Shaun Wright-Phillips' last three games at Wembley were very good; he scored a couple of goals and created."

Wright-Phillips will be ordered to attack Croatia's left-back, Josip Simunic, a centre-half fielded out of position. "We did talk about pace," McClaren continued. "You need experience but also the innocence of youth. We need big-game players, but it doesn't matter whether you're 18 or 33."

Robinson's demotion was anticipated but it is still a big call by McClaren. The Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper has played every second of England's 11-game qualifying programme to date. Carson makes his competitive debut and becomes the 36th player used by McClaren in Group E.

Assuming Russia defeat Andorra tonight, the qualifying maths are simple. Defeat means elimination. A draw or victory sends England to Euro 2008; a 2-0 win or any win by three goals puts England top of the final Group E table, though finishing first or second has no bearing on tournament seedings.

But victory over Croatia does have a huge significance in terms of the Uefa co-efficients used for the Euro 2008 finals draw in Lucerne on Dec 2. An England triumph would improve their co-efficient to 2.318, taking them ahead of Croatia's 2.273 and, most significantly, replacing Slaven Bilic's team among the four second seeds for next summer.

As No 2 seeds, England could be drawn in a group with first seeds Austria, Switzerland, holders Greece and either Holland or Germany (depending on results tonight). England would then avoid the talents of Italy, the Czech Republic and either Holland or Germany.

A draw tonight would leave England with a worse co-efficient than Croatia and would condemn McClaren's side to a place among the No 3 seeds, seriously complicating their hopes of a safe passage to the knock-out stage.

England v Croatia preview

England face Croatia at Wembley as prophet Steve McClaren looks to avoid the defeat which would surely signal the end of his rollercoaster reign.

McClaren always predicted this match would be the decisive one for his team, but few could have quite expected the manner in which it has come about.

Saturday evening saw McClaren's side go from Euro 2008 also-rans to potential qualifying group winners following a brace of surprise results.

Russia's 2-1 defeat in Israel ensured England only need a draw on Wednesday night, while Croatia's 2-0 loss in Macedonia means a two-goal win would take McClaren's men through to the finals as section winners.

But such have been the fine margins in this group, do not expect a comfortable evening's viewing, particularly given the topsy-turvy nature of England's campaign to date.

There has been a mix of comedy and drama over the past 14 months - not always in equal measure - and, with concerns over the state of the Wembley pitch, do not back against another freak goal.

Carson start

Paul Robinson, whose error helped Croatia to a 2-0 win in Zagreb last year, is likely to be left out with Scott Carson due to start, despite only making his England debut in the 1-0 friendly success over Austria on Friday.

David Beckham moved on to 98 appearances for his country against the Euro 2008 co-hosts, but is expected to be dropped in favour of Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.

With Michael Owen picking up a thigh injury against Austria, McClaren has been given an easy way out of his midfield dilemma as he is set to deploy Peter Crouch as a lone front man, with Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry in midfield.

Much of the goalscoring onus will fall on the shoulders of Crouch and, despite 13 goals in 23 international appearances, he has yet to score a competitive goal against a team placed higher than 75th in Fifa's current rankings.

Chelsea duo Wayne Bridge and Joe Cole will form the left side of the pitch and Micah Richards should continue at right-back, with Gary Neville still injured.

Rio Ferdinand is suspended, and with John Terry not fit to play, the central defensive pairing will be Sol Campbell and Joleon Lescott.

Relaxed

Croatia's qualification for the finals had already been assured by the time the two goals against Macedonia had been conceded and that could have been a factor in the defeat.

Slaven Bilic's side will certainly head to Wembley in relaxed mood and Croatia's coach has also assured Russia that his players will be performing to their best.

A Croatia win over England would allow Russia to qualify for the finals, providing Guus Hiddink's side do not slip up at home to Andorra.

England ready for Croatia clash

England need only one more point to qualify for Euro 2008, but the players aren't taking anything for granted.

They face Croatia in the last match of the qualifying campaign, and as long as England don't lose, they go through.

Steven Gerrard, who will be captain for the game at Wembley, said: "To come off the pitch on Wednesday night knowing we'd qualified would be great."

The team for the match hasn't been announced yet, and coach Steve McClaren still has some big decisions to make.

He has to choose whether to stick with Paul Robinson in goal and whether to keep David Beckham in the side.

Robinson hasn't been on top form recently, and some footie experts think it might be time someone else was given a chance.

He also set up Peter Crouch's goal in the 1-0 friendly win against Austria.

Is Gordon Brown unlucky?

One person who definitely won't be at Wembley is Prime Minister Gordon Brown, as some people think he is unlucky!

He was at Hampden Park for Scotland's 2-1 loss to Italy on Saturday, England's rugby World Cup final defeat to South Africa and England's 2-1 footie loss to Germany in August.

A spokesman for Mr Brown told a British newspaper that he wouldn't be at the match on Wednesday.

Terry Ruled Out of Croatia Clash

John Terry took part in training with England this morning, but hopes that he will make a surprise return to the starting line-up for tomorrow's Euro 2008 showdown with Croatia at Wembley were dashed when it was revealed that he is still not sufficiently fit for match action.

Terry has been sidelined since damaging his knee in training on the day before England's defeat in Russia; he underwent surgery shortly after that match. With Rio Ferdinand also out injured, Sol Campbell and Joleon Lescott are likely to continue as a makeshift partnership in the center of defense.

England need at least a draw to secure qualification for Euro 2008.

Football betting: England vs Croatia

After turning around a handsome profit from last week's recommendations it's all too easy to bask in the afterglow of success, but as England coach Steve McClaren will tell you, you're only as good as your last performance, which certainly doesn't bode too well for England fans this week.

If any viewers actually lasted the full 90 minutes of last Friday's bore-fest in Vienna without falling asleep, changing channels or losing the will to live then they are either insomniacs, have lost the use of their hands or backed the 1-0 win.

A similar scoreline at Wembley on Wednesday will be more than enough to see the Three Lions roar - well miaow - their way to the Euro 2008 championships next summer but just because Israel played out of their skins against Russia does not mean that England will.

Sure, Croatia have already qualified, have nothing to play for and lost to Macedonia on Saturday, but then Israel had lost both of their previous two matches and had nothing but the prospect of a fourth-place finish in Euro 2008 qualifying to stir them to victory against Russia in Tel Aviv.

All of which amounts to a nail-biting finish on Wednesday. It should be added that it isn't all McClaren's fault – he hasn't been particularly lucky with injuries this Euro 2008 campaign and will be without Gary Neville, John Terry, Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Emile Heskey for the visit of the group leaders. Hopefully, Paul Robinson will also be dropped but I wouldn't hold your breath.

England's best hope surely lies in a five-man midfield supporting Peter Crouch on his own up front. Seemingly a defensive strategy, this is the only system that will enable Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard to steam forward in search of glory, while Gareth Barry or Owen Hargreaves (or both) do the dirty work.

The problem is, though, that Croatia are a better side than injury-ravaged England. Luka Modrić and Niko Kranjčar are playmakers of growing maturity and will revel in the perfect playing conditions of Wembley, which will contrast starkly to Saturday's mudbath in Skopje.

Arsenal's Eduardo da Silva, meanwhile, has scored ten goals in eleven Euro 2008 qualifying matches and will fancy his chances of extending his tally against England's makeshift defence. But with Lampard and Gerrard just as likely to benefit from their license to thrill in what could well be a wide open game England can get the draw they need.

With Paddy Power refunding all losing single, first/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast bets in the event of a Croatia victory you could do worse than back Eduardo to score first at a generous 9/1.

Croatia unafraid of England except for boot of Beckham

As Steve McClaren prepares to announce his line-up to face Croatia to his players today, the England manager has been warned by tomorrow's opposition that his side risk becoming a one-trick team. Slaven Bilic's chief scout said that England's only real threat comes from David Beckham's crossing ability – and the veteran midfielder is not yet a definite starter in the team.

The verdict from Croatia's chief scout, Goran Vucevic, was that if his side can stop Beckham tomorrow night than they can cut off the one reliable supply line to striker Peter Crouch, McClaren's last fit proven international goalscorer. "I watched England in Vienna and they didn't show much development from when we beat them in Zagreb [in October last year]," Vucevic said. "The one thing we must do is stop Beckham. He can put the ball on Crouch's eyebrows and that can be dangerous."

Bilic himself added that he believed England would play "4-1-4-1" with Crouch as a lone striker, although the players have not yet worked on the all-important team formation in their closed training sessions. McClaren said on Sunday that the team to face Croatia was already settled in his own mind, but he will leave it until today before he tells the players what he wants from them. And there are many who will wake this morning uncertain of whether they will be playing.

Paul Robinson is top of the list of those established England players unsure about their places for tomorrow's game. The Tottenham goalkeeper is the most vulnerable of the senior players after Scott Carson made his debut on Friday against Austria. Beckham should start in McClaren's midfield, but there is also doubt over whether there will be a place for Gareth Barry and Owen Hargreaves in a 4-5-1 formation. Impressive in training yesterday, Jermain Defoe cannot be discounted either should McClaren stay with 4-4-2.

There are more immediate problems for Bilic too. He could be without his best striker Mladen Petric, the Borussia Dortmund player, who did not train yesterday and is believed to have an illness that makes him a serious doubt. In his place, Bilic would probably call upon Ivica Olic of Hamburg to play alongside Arsenal's Eduardo. Nevertheless, the bravado of the Croatia coach will not go unnoticed by McClaren and yesterday Bilic assured Russia that Croatia would do everything to win.

"Hiddink is one of the great coaches, and I have seen what he has been saying, but we play for ourselves, not for Russia," Bilic said. "We want a quality result and I expect a great spectacle. We know England very well. This is Wembley, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Pele once said his biggest regret was not playing at Wembley – well, we will get that chance."

Top of Group E, Bilic's side only need a point to be sure of winning the group, as England do to clinch qualification regardless of the three points that Russia are virtually assured of away to Andorra. Bilic said: "I'm sure England will try to push forward, but they will do it cautiously. The players that played in Vienna are the ones who will play against Croatia [apart from Michael Owen]. I have heard that John Terry and Ashley Cole are willing to play, but they would be the only changes.

"I think a point at Wembley is a good result. But no one can adjust themselves to play for a single point. So if we manage to get a draw we would be happy. But if that happens, I guarantee everything will be clean."

Terry trained with Chelsea yesterday and is still only an outside bet to be included in McClaren's plans for tomorrow's game – he would have to train today with the England squad in order for that to be possible. With Rio Ferdinand suspended, McClaren should have the easiest of his selection decisions to make in defence where the back four who played against Austria – Micah Richards, Sol Campbell, Joleon Lescott and Wayne Bridge – look an obvious option.

Joe Cole could yet find himself out of the side if McClaren wants to find room for Hargreaves and Barry in a five-man midfield. The Chelsea midfielder said yesterday England would have to try to beat Croatia. "Whether we play 4-4-2, 4-3-3 or 4-5-1, it'll be to go out with good intentions to win this game," he said. "It's a dangerous, dangerous game because Croatia have got nothing to play for. Their players are very good technically and will want to come and express themselves at Wembley. So we've got the game of our lives here, so we do have to play well.

"We have to concentrate on ourselves. We have to play well on Wednesday night and win the game. This isn't a game where we can go in and think we can sneak it and not play well. Each and every one of us has to be seven or eight out of 10 at least and really perform."

Cole had promised his Chelsea team-mate Tal Ben Haim that he would treat him to a holiday if the Israeli international was able to deliver a result against Russia on Saturday night. As he obliged – and was the man of the match on the night into the bargain – Cole said that he would be true to his word. "I've got him a few brochures for Clacton-on-Sea, he'll have a great time," he said. "Seriously, I'm a man of my word. It started off as a joke, and he'll probably say I don't have to do that, but I'll send him and his wife somewhere nice. I'm sure we can cut a few corners."

Terry Will Not Be Ready For Croatia - Gerrard

Steven Gerrard has revealed that John Terry will not be ready to play for England in their crunch Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia on Wednesday evening.

It was hoped that the Chelsea defender could be declared fit after returning to training on Tuesday, but he has not been given the green light to return to action.

Despite not being on the pitch, Gerrard believes that the inspirational Terry will still help give the team a lift before the game.

"I've spoken to John and he tells us he's not ready," the Liverpool star said.

"He is obviously disappointed not to be in the game, but he will still be there and will be a big help to all the players in the dressing room."

England now have their destiny in their own hands after having to rely on Israel at the weekend and Gerrard is delighted after a tough few days.

"It was a difficult weekend when it wasn't in our hands," he said. "But as soon as we knew we had a lifeline we were 100 per cent focussed on the Croatia game," he continued. "Now it's time to deliver on the pitch."

Despite the pressure, Gerrard is relishing the prospect of leading out England for such a crucial game and he also thinks that having David Beckham close by will help.

"I'm very proud to lead this side," said Gerrard. "For England it probably is my biggest game as captain. But I've captained Liverpool in enough big games to know what it's all about."

"To come off the pitch on Wednesday night knowing we'd qualified would be great.

"David's a big player too, and he was the captain of this side for a long time.

"He's got experience and he's very important, especially for the younger boys who he is a great help to.

"But whoever the manager chooses will have to be ready. It's not just about 11 players - every single player has to be ready."

"I suppose we can feel slightly fortunate; we had a bit of luck and we did need other people to help us. But tables don't lie - everybody in football knows that. If we qualify on Wednesday we will deserve it."
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President: Equal Conditions For Women As Men

In support of women’s entrepreneurship, a forum of business women was held in Pula, for people from countries along the Danube River.

The Croatian president Stjepan Mesic opened the second regional forum of business women from countries along the Danube River, in the hotel “Histria” which is in Pula. Around 150 people attended the event.

Numerous business women, owners and managers in Croatia and the Danube countries, as a part of a two day event, will present their examples of institutional support for the development of women’s business.

“Women should be provided with equal conditions that men have”

The sponsor of the forum, Stjepan Mesic, said during the opening, that in order for women to compete with men, they have to have the same conditions.

- Women however, have two jobs – one they do at their workplace, and another at home – said Mesic, and added that he considers that women should be enabled all conditions so that they would not be burdened by only household jobs. This would, Mesic says “opens room for them to prove themselves in their professional work, and in business”.

Development of women’s business in Pula

The mayor of Istria Ivan Jakovcic, who also participated in the opening of the forum, said that Istria has made large steps in business recently.

- Istria has invested more than 100 million kuna in twenty or so business zones, whilst it has invested more than 500 million kuna in crediting business – said Jakovcic.

The mayor of Pula Boris Miletic said that the city of Pula has in recent years contributed to the development of women’s entrepreneurship with a number of credit lines that were aimed at crediting and prompting the development of subjects in small businesses.

- Of the total number of approved loans, 30 percent of them, or 3.5 million kuna, was for the support of female entrepreneurship – concluded Miletic.

Former Diplomats Stress Hague Tribunal Failure

About 20 former US diplomats and representatives in former Yugoslavia have sent a letter of dissatisfaction to UN Under-Secretary-General.

About 20 former US diplomats and representatives in former Yugoslavia, scientists and legal experts, have sent a letter to UN Under-Secretary-General for legal affairs Nicolas Michel, in which they point out being “depressed” with The Hague verdict to the “Vukovar Three” and express hope the ICTY Appeals Committee will “most fully re-examine it”.

Letter of concern and dissatisfaction with The Hague Tribunal

The letter, signer by 23 persons, points out the “verdict in the `Vukovar Three` case is a disturbing example of The International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia failing to entirely serve the interests of justice”.

- As people who have serviced in former Yugoslavia for a long time, academic and legal experts, we signed below are strong supporters and friends of the ICTY. In spirit of this support, we are obliged to express being depressed by the verdict in the recent `Vukovar Three` case – the letter to UN Under-Secretary-General states, signed by former USA Ambassador in Croatia Peter Galbraith, former USA special emissary for southeast Europe Robert Gelbard, head of the UNTAES mission in eastern Slavonia Jacques Paul Klein and former OSCE head in Bosnia-Herzegovina Robert Beecroft, among others.

Stating that they do not wish to interfere with the court proceedings, signers have “collectively expressed hope” the case will be most fully re-examined in the appeal before the Tribunal, in relation to the sentence, as well as broader assessment of legal responsibility.

“First mass murders after World War II were committed in Vukovar”

Explaining their concern with the verdict, they point out that crimes in Vukovar were exceptionally public and that “they have not only traumatised the Croatian public, but have shocked the world`s conscious as well”.

- What is more, these crimes were first mass murders in former Yugoslavia, creating a precedent which will, four years later, culminate with the worst bestialities in Europe after World War II – the letter states, with a copy forwarded to the ICTY.

Crimes were so striking and unforgettable that there is recognition, with Serbs and other non-Croats, about the terrible injustice imposed to Vukovar victims – the letter stresses.

It is also warned that the ICTY, failing to accurately and respondingly determine responsibility of those who have handed over prisoners to others who tortured and killed them, could have inadvertently lessened the significance of protection from the Geneva convention.

Disappointment with the “Vukovar Three” verdicts

Signers express disappointment with sentences to the “Vukovar Three”, pointing out that first-charged general Mile Mrksic, who was found guilty for torturing and killing 194 prisoners, was sentenced to only 20 years, following general Veselin Sljivancanin, who had the central role in crimes, according to evidence, was sentenced to only five years in prison.

They also point out that ICTY`s reputation depends on it ensuring justice for all crime victims in former Yugoslavia, including Serbian victims as well and they state the example of Serbian victims in Mrkonjic grad, B-H.

Signers include president of Serbian Helsinki Committee Sonja Biserko, Belgrade Humanitarian Legal Centre president Natasa Kadic, Tufts University professor Bruce Hitchner and others.

“The letter is out personal reaction”

Letter initiators are Edward Joseph, professor at John Hopkins University of Washington, former UNPROFPR, UNMIK, IFOR, OSCE, International Crisis Group official and Jacques Klein.

- The letter was our personal reaction. We believed this decision was very problematic – Joseph told Hina news agency.

When asked if he expects the appeal verdict to the “Vukovar Three” would be significantly changed in relation to the first degree verdict, Joseph said he could not tell, but that they have expressed hope of changes in the letter.

- Vukovar is a precedent, first mass murder. This was the first step on the path leading to Srebrenica. Vukovar is a tragedy for Croats, like Srebrenica is a tragedy for Bosniaks – Joseph pointed out, adding that obviously, The Hague failed to see this.

Ed Joseph was UNPROFOR`s officer for civilian affairs in Croatia from September 1992 until the end of Croatian Homeland War, engaged in Knin, Zadar, Zagreb and elsewhere. He was in B-H: Sarajevo, Mostar, Bihac and Zepa in July 1995 when Serbs committed genocide in nearby Srebrenica.

Eduardo out to Gun down England

Arsenal striker Eduardo has promised to shatter England's Euro 2008 qualification hopes by firing Croatia to victory at Wembley tomorrow night.

Steve McClaren needs just a point for his side to qualify and keep his job, but they could still go out if they lose to Croatia and Russia beat Group E no-hopers Andorra.

And Eduardo, Croatia's Brazilian-born hit-man, insists his side are going all out to win and prove they are a better team than England, having already beaten them in Zagreb last October.

Croatia have already booked their place at Euro 2008 and Eduardo scored against England in the Group E qualifier when he caught the eye of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Eduardo said: "For me this game is very important because to play in London at Wembley is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I want to create a good image.

"We know we have qualified for Euro 2008, but we won't be going to Wembley just for a holiday.

"The coach Slaven Bilic has demanded the maximum level from us because we want to finish the group like champions and as champions."

The striker, signed by the Gunners for £7.5million last summer, wants England to be in Austria and Switzerland next summer.

But he insists there will be "no favours". Eduardo added: "We know England only need a point, but you can never do favours to your opponents on the field.

"England must know that and take that as a warning. I was very surprised by Russia's last two games. I didn't think they would beat England and neither did I think they would lose to Israel.

"The Russians failed in Tel Aviv and that gave England their big chance.

"But I don't have any doubts - the best and most consistent team in this group has been Croatia and for that reason we deserve to finish top and go through as champions.

"England suffered a big blow when we beat them in Zagreb but they still have a squad strong enough to beat any opponent.

"But we will go to attack and England will be the same even though they only need a draw.

"I am an Arsenal player and of course I would prefer England to go through, but this match will not just be an exhibition for them.

"We want to do ourselves proud at Wembley because it is a world famous stadium."

Eduardo, 24, will lead Croatia's attack but their star striker Mladen Petric is highly doubtful with a temperature and Hamburg striker Ivica Olic is on standby to replace him.

But Croatia scout Goran Vucevic has taunted England by insisting they have not improved since their defeat in Zagreb.

But Vucevic claims they are determined to stop David Beckham after watching him in Austria on Friday night.

Vucevic said: "I watched England in Vienna and they didn't show much development from when we beat them in Zagreb.

"The one thing we must do it stop Beckham. He can put the ball on Crouch's eyebrows and that can be dangerous."

Should Scott Carson start against Croatia?

With all the speculation about the choice of goalkeeper for Wednesday's 'crunch' match with Croatia, we thought that we'd give you the chance to tell Big Steve just who should be between the sticks, if England are going to qualify for Euro 2008.

Given that Carson did nothing wrong against Austria, and given that he's actually a goalkeeper who can, you know, save the ball, we think he's earned his place in the XI. Admittedly he might not be a Liverpool player for much longer, but whilst he is, we're claiming him as our own...

roat stock market down, recovery seen after polls

Croatia's stock market has tumbled in recent weeks as some investors felt it was overheating and because of political uncertainty, but analysts said it could stabilise after an election on Sunday.
The Zagreb Stock Exchange Index, Crobex, had fallen over 19 percent to 4,356 points by 1200 GMT from an all-time high of 5,392 points in mid-October. Even with the drop, the index has risen around 40 percent this year after 60 last year.
Although markets globally have suffered because of the credit crunch, analysts said local factors were much more important in Croatia.
"The main reasons behind the correction are high local prices and the pre-election political atmosphere," said Zoran Ilic of Ilirika brokerage.
Before the drop, the market had been buoyed by the government's initial public offerings of state oil concern INA and the national telecom operator T-HT.
"A large number of small investors, eager for quick profits, flooded the market. Institutional investors, unwilling to buy at exaggerated prices, then cooled the market," Ilic said.
Hrvoje Stojic of Hypo Alpe-Adria-Bank said some local institutional investors had turned to foreign markets after seeing the space for local growth diminishing.
"In addition, small investors with no real experience in equities have started to panic and sell the moment the prices start to fall, thus boosting the trend," he said.
ELECTION CONCERN
Political worries have also played a part.
During the election campaign, there has been talk of both further privatisation and a possible capital gains tax. The outcome of the Nov. 25 election is also uncertain, with the opposition and the ruling conservatives close in opinion polls.
President Stjepan Mesic, meanwhile, has said Croatia's high foreign debt and lending-based growth could have a strong negative impact -- although government officials have pronounced Croatia's economic health as better than ever.
"When a senior politician, like President Mesic did last week, talks of a potential financial crisis in the country, it is a warning signal for foreign investors," said Stojic.
He said many investors found the current correction necessary, after such a strong and steady rise, to avoid a bigger drop next year.
But analysts and market participants believe the market could stabilise relatively soon after Sunday's election.
"I expect the market will stabilise at around current levels by the end of the year," said Ilirika's Ilic.
The ruling conservatives have promised to continue the sale of state assets, primarily through listings on the local bourse, while the opposition Social Democrats have said they would sell some state-owned companies but it was not their top priority.
They both have support of around 30 percent and share the goals of faster reforms, EU and NATO membership.
Raiffeisenbank analysts said the election impact on the local financial market would be negligible in the medium term although the appetite of foreign investors might be somewhat dented if there was a long delay in forming a government.

Suker backs England to go through

Former Croatia striker Davor Suker is convinced England will gain the point they need to qualify for Euro 2008.

Steve McClaren's men must avoid defeat against already-qualified Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday to book their place at next summer's finals.

Suker, Croatia's all-time record goalscorer, insists his compatriots will play to win but that England will join them in Austria and Switzerland.

"Croatia and England will make it to the Championship," he told BBC Sport.

"It's not easy to beat England at Wembley. They've been a little bit up and down this year but that's normal when you have a lot of changes in the dressing room and on the pitch.

"I think England will qualify and be very strong at the finals in Austria and Switzerland."

Croatia sit top of group E on 26 points and with qualification guaranteed following Russia's defeat in Israel.

Slavan Billic's side can be ousted from top spot if England beat them by two clear goals but otherwise there is nothing riding on the match for them.

Suker, nonetheless, refutes the idea that Croatia will play for a draw.

"No one in the world would play for a draw, no one," he said. "Everyone will go out to win the game, it's in their nature.

"Of course a draw is easy for England and easy for Croatia but I think we will have a beautiful game and if it happens to be a draw that's good for both sides."

Suker, 39, was a member of the Croatia team on their only previous visit to Wembley - a 0-0 draw at the old stadium in 1996 - and the ex-Arsenal forward predicts that the current crop of players will be galvanised by the occasion.

"It's a very important game for us. It's not about the points - it's about the history," he said. "All sportsmen like to play at Wembley, it's a historic stadium.

"I remember my first time playing at Wembley, It's always a huge game.

"This is what may make it difficult for England, everyone will give 20-30% more. As players you know it's at Wembley. When you know it's at Wembley you give 130%.

"I would pay my money just to go and see the pitch, the beautiful stadium. For many it's not possible.

"Many big, big players never touch Wembley Stadium old or new. In football you have to work hard but this is the game to enjoy."

Arsenal's Eduardo da Silva is set to lead Croatia's attack and Suker pinpoints the 24-year-old as the key weapon in their armoury.

Eduardo netted Croatia's second against England at the Maximir Stadion in October 2006 and is the second top scorer in qualifying with 10 goals, three behind David Healy.

Croatia will look to counter-attack whenever possible and bombard England from set-pieces, according to Suker.

He also believes the game will be won and lost in "the midfield war", with Portsmouth's Niko Kranjcar providing the attacking impetus.

IGY and NCP announce partnership to develop Croatia's first megayacht marina

Island Global Yachting (IGY), one of the world’s premier owners, developers and managers of luxury marinas and yachting lifestyle destinations and Nautical Center Prgin (NCP), one of Croatia’s leading marine industry companies, announced today a joint venture to develop Croatia’s first dedicated megayacht marina. The IGY-branded project will be located in the coastal town of Sibenik, adjacent to NCP’s existing Mandalina Marina. The site is conveniently located near the Kornati Islands National Park, Krka National Park, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Split International Airport.

Under the agreement, IGY will manage both the new megayacht facility and Mandalina Marina, through a newly-established company created via the partnership. IGY will also acquire an equity interest in the existing Mandalina Marina Additionally, IGY is negotiating the option to purchase an equity stake in the upland area adjacent to the new marina to compromise world-class shopping, food and beverage outlets and a hotel. Upon approval, this equity stake will be granted to IGY under a development agreement.

“This is clearly an important step for IGY and we are delighted to be working with NCP as we enter the flourishing Eastern Mediterranean market,” said Andrew Farkas, founder and chairman of Island Global Yachting. “Today’s announcement now adds the Mediterranean region to our growing worldwide presence, which spans from the Americas through the Caribbean and into the Middle East. Croatia’s international status as a world-class tourism destination is definitely on the rise and the yachting industry is central to that. This partnership will link both NCP and Croatia into IGY’s network of marinas which include some of the world’s finest facilities.”

Frank Garrison, CEO of IGY added, “As we join forces with NCP, we look forward to joining the entire Croatian community, and working together with the people and the businesses of this great country to deliver one of the premier marinas in the Mediterranean, if not the world.”

“We are equally excited about this partnership and the economic benefits that it will bring to our community,” said Ivana Prgin, president of marketing for NCP. “The waters around Sibenik are acclaimed as one of the world’s greatest cruising areas and this new marina will enhance the experience even further. The megayacht market represents the world’s top demographic and IGY is at the forefront in serving these consumers.”

IGY developments are not only enhancing and revitalizing their local areas, but the network of properties is setting new standards for service and quality in nautical tourism. The company offers an unprecedented Pan-Caribbean collection of marinas including locations such as: St. Maarten, St. Lucia, the British Virgin Islands, and St. Thomas, as well as properties in the Americas. In addition, IGY is at the forefront of the emerging marina market in the Middle East. The company is currently contracted to design, develop and manage up to 40,000 berths for Nakheel & Istithmar Leisure in Dubai, UAE. The first project, Anchor Marina will be completed in early 2008 on the much-publicized Palm Jumeirah. IGY’s Mediterranean network is being founded with this Sibenik facility and will quickly grow with projects under negotiations in other countries in the region. All of IGY’s destinations are known for the highest levels of facilities and service.

Milanovic Hides Cowardly Behind Jurcic

Citizens will hardly choose a programme full of empty phrases and, since the SDP is hiding it, we put in on the Internet, PM Sanader said.

Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader spoke to the media for the first time on Tuesday morning since his father died last Wednesday. Although visibly tired, Sanader held a news conference on the presentation of his party’s programme and once again directly and indirectly slammed his biggest opponents, the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

- Next to the programme of a hundred pages that offers citizens a detailed policy of key problems in Croatia, people will hardly choose a programme full of empty slogans and phrases and, since they are hiding it, we published it on the Internet – Sanader said about the SDP’s programme that appeared on the Croatian Democratic Union’s (HDZ) web site on Monday.

Sanader said that these elections would be about choosing between the government and a premiership candidate on one side and another party which shoved aside its premiership candidate on the other.

- How is it possible that SDP’s candidate for prime minister, former economy minister and leading economic expert did not speak about one of the most important issues such as the creation of 129,000 new jobs, but the SDP president did and so prevented Jurcic from speaking out – Sanader wondered.

‘I cannot allow the SDP to marginalise the role of prime minister’

Sanader added that it was evident that confusion ruled in the SDP as an alternative that did not know which side to turn to. Asked whether he would indulge Zoran Milanovic’s request for a one-on-one debate, Sanader reiterated he would dace Milanovic only if Jurcic accompanied him.

- The candidate for prime minister is the highest institution of a parliamentary country and I cannot allow for such an important role to be marginalised – Sanader stressed, adding that Jurcic’s place in the sidelines was proof that the SDP did not enter the campaign seriously.

- They both have to show up for the debate. Otherwise, I believe that the SDP president is hiding behind Jurcic because, if he is certain of victory, then he should assume responsibility for his own country and not act cowardly and hide – the HDZ president said about Milanovic.

‘The Church has the right to state its opinion’

Sanader said that next Sunday Croatia was facing elections, choosing what Croatia would be like in the next four years, but also after those four years. Because of this, it is extremely important that citizens be well informed, he said.

- I once again urge citizens to study in detail the programmes of each party, now allowing ephemeral issues to take up precedence, and so decide on the winner of the elections – Sanader said, stressing that these elections were between those who were offering nothing concrete and those who placed real problems of the Croatian society as a priority.

Sanader also commented on the Church as one of, as he said, less important issues the SDP had focused on.

- The Church is a factor in Croatian society that has the right to express its views on a selection of subjects – Sanader stressed, adding that the SDP had first announced the banning of religious education from schools only to partially withdraw it.

‘I promised nothing to Semso Tankovic’

Sanader also commented on the statement by Zagreb’s Mufti Sevko Omerbasic, who accused the prime minister of not fulfilling the promise he had made to the president of the Party of Democratic Action (SDA), Semso Tankovic, that the nationality of all Muslims in Croatia would be changed to Bosniak nationality with a decree.

-At the beginning of the mandate I told Tankovic that no decree can turn Muslims into Bosniaks because that was the decision of each individual – Sanader said, adding that that was not his promise and that no government could do that.

‘The stock exchange declined due to announcements on profit tax’

Asked to comment on the current decline of the Croatian stock market, Sanader said one of the reasons for the decline were statements by “certain politicians”.

- One should not speak negatively about economy because capital is very sensitive and the financial market reacts to every statement, such as the announcement of the introduction of profit tax – Sanader stressed.

He announced that by the end of 2010 the HDZ would decrease the economic deficit to zero percent, which, he claims, is in contrast to statements from the Opposition that deficit should be higher.

Sanader stressed that he was convinced the HDZ would be victorious at the elections with a four to five percent advantage in front of the SDP, and that only in Croatia, not counting votes from expatriates.
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Ancient Lantern Replica Lit in Zagreb

The central occurrence of the electrification celebration will be the inauguration of the academy in HNK, on November 7.

As announced, during the hundred year anniversary of the electrification of the city of Zagreb on Tuesday, a replica of a 1907 lantern was lit on the corner between Gunduliceva and Ilica St.

The lantern was solemnly lit by Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandic, and the lighting was loudly cheered by the Kings of the Street.

The central occurrence of the electrification celebration will be the inauguration of the academy in the Croatian National Theatre (HNK), on November 7. There are also in programme a professional meeting about the history and development of the Zagreb electro power system, an introduction of pertinent monographies, an exhibition of millennial photographs of Elektra Zagreb and Elektrana-Toplana Zagreb employees and the assigning of pertinent presents to clients who regularly pay their obligations for consuming electric energy, under the slogan ‘100 gifts for 100 years’.

Sun Rays Shine On Zagreb’s Downtowners

Cvjetni Square and Tkalciceva Street once again looked like a catwalk where Zagreb’s beauties displayed their newest clothing.

After a hectic week, and a few drops of rain, the suns rays delighted the young and beautiful “downtowners” who walked along the famous streets of Zagreb, not missing their peak of activity.

Cvjetni Square and Tkalciceva Street once again looked like a catwalk where Zagreb’s beauties displayed their newest clothing, ready for colder days.

Long and short jackets, most often combined with boots of the same colour are a hit this season.

Regardless of if it is summer, autumn or the coming winter, even though many would say that it is already here, the downtowners still often wear the all weather skirts combined with tights, but with the colder weather, few decided to show their long legs.

Some girls did not hesitate to play with colours, whilst others stuck to the classic black, or tones of grey. Also, brown is still current from last season.

According to all of the sunglasses that many girls from Zagreb wore, they are also a useful fashion accessory.

New Croatian Football Squad Kit Presented

New blue kit was presented today at Zagreb`s Mimara museum, which the players will be wearing in England.

After Croatian football squad obtained going to EURO, Nike decided to design a new kit for the team. They first presented the blue kit to the public, in which the players will play against England at Wembley stadium on Wednesday. Novelty is a V-neck line, wicker stating “Croatia” on the back and the t-shirt clings to the body more.

Models included Eduardo da Silva, Luka Modric, Stipe Pletikosa, Darijo Srna and Jerko Leko. It should be pointed out that this is Nike`s fifth generation of sports kits and they will soon present the redesigned chequered version. Apart from technological accomplishments, this kit will give Croatian attackers advantage because it is harder to tug.

Brann Hold Rennes As Basel Test Dinamo Zagreb

French high-flyers Rennes found the going tough against Norwegian shock troops Brann, while Dynamo Zagreb somehow failed to convert their dominance into goals against a brave but nervous Basel outfit...

Rennes 1 - 1 Brann Bergen

It was far from easy for the French outfit at the Route de Lorient as Brann held their own right until the death in this UEFA Cup Group Stage Matchday 2 encounter.

The hosts rotated their side slightly while Brann, on a high after securing their first title win since 2007, took to the pitch with gusto in an attempt to secure a shock win.

However, Rennes started the brighter side, Didot hitting the target mere seconds into the match, only for Brann to shock them with a strike midway through the first period.

Azar Karadas got on the end of Huseklepp's corner from the right to bullet a header homeward and gift his side a priceless lead.

However, as things grew increasingly frantic and even, at times, bad-tempered, Rennes pressed forward, Mensah coming close just before the interval and Jerome Leroy looking lively thereafter.

But for all their pressure, visiting 'keeper Opdal was looking lively - until the very end.

He eventually conceded, but it wasn't his fault; rather, Bakke had hacked down Jires Ekoko for a spot-kick, which Bruno Cheyrou gratefully converted.

A frustrated Brann struggled to run down the clock, El-Fakiri's last-gasp red card seeing the night end on a sour note for the Norwegians.

Dinamo Zagreb 0 - 0 Basel

Dinamo Zagreb hailed shots upon visiting 'keeper Franco Costanzo's net at the Maksimir Stadium, but had to be content with a mere point after failing to take their chances.

The sides actually started fairly evenly, Pokrivac looking good for the hosts and Ergic for the visitors, but the Modri had most of the possession heading into half time and, indeed, most of the chances. However, accuracy was a concern as most of them flew high and wide of goal.

That was to change in the second period as Franco Costanzo weathered an onslaught from a spirited and determined home side.

First Vukojevic and then Schildenfeld tested the goalie, albeit to no avail, before Drpic got in on the act with a 65th minute drive.

Things reached a fever pitch around the 75 minute mark as Dinamo attempted to use their substitutes to inject life into the game, but Basel held on right until the end, even allowing for Vukojevic's last minute effort, to grab a point that they perhaps ill-deserved.

Why Have We Returned To Vukovar?

What does life look like in a city where acquaintances are not coincidental? Two girls born in Vukovar offer the answers.

The city which has created Croatian independence is remembered by most Croats only on November 18, when they light up a candle as tribute to all the killed heroes. “Trips” to other cities are organised even, politicians wander off to Vukovar in order to score points and the citizens have had enough. Compassionate glances cannot promise them a brighter future, give them wings to do something and change.

For years, youth has been growing up in a poisonous and unhealthy environment, acquaintances are not coincidental, as well as friendships. This is why November 18 must not be forgotten, but there must be a way for Vukovar to stop being the first and final stop of the election campaign. It is a true metropolis in all Croatian hearts and has to be developed as such.

Even though 16 years have passed since Vukovar`s sacrifice, the wounds are too deep. We asked two Vukovar-born girls what are the lives of young Vukovar citizens like. Even though they were born in the same city, the Croatian Homeland War has changed their life paths.

Two months without information about their parents

Sanda is 28, she has lived in her home town until the beginning of war. Although this topic is still painful for her and she is trying to repress it from her memory, she agreed to talk about the Vukovar tragedy for Javno web site.

This is a trauma I have been carrying around since childhood, I don`t want to remember it, let alone talk about it – said the dental medicine graduate. After some persuasion, she opened that locked part of subconsciousness and remembered everything.

- My parents got me out of Vukovar at the very beginning and I lived with my cousin in Djurdjevac for a while, where I went to school. I had no idea if my parents were alive or dead for two months. My mother worked at the Vukovar hospital as a nurse and my father was imprisoned, as I found out later on, the 28-year-old says.

City of ghosts

She says she will never forget the day Vukovar`s defence crashes, November 18, 1991.

- I came home from school, it was a quiet autumn day and somebody was at the door, ringing. It was my mum with a litter bag over her shoulder, all in drags – Sanda depicts events that occurred 16 years ago.

After the war, Sanda visited her home town twice. She barely recognised her house the first time.

- Everything was destroyed, as if I arrived at ghost city, nothing was familiar - she remembers, claiming that even today Vukovar is not the city she remembers as a 12-year-old girl.

When asked if she would return to Vukovar, Sanda flatly says she would not, since is done with it, repressing a trauma from her memory. Still, she points out that Vukovar is slowly coming back to life, but it will never be a healthy environment.

- It is divided to Croatian and Serbian cafes, young people have precise places where they go to and older people still weigh who is Croatian and who is Serbian, and socialise with people according to this division - she explains the gap between people living in the Slavonian city.

Fights are unavoidable part of Saturday night

On the other hand, 22-year-old Nevena returned to Vukovar with her parents in 2001. She left her home town at the beginning of war, finished primary and secondary education in Zagreb, where she lived in a shelter at Kennedy Square. She claims it was a great shock for her to return to the war-devastated Vukovar. Still, she found her bearings soon and says she cannot imagine a life without Vukovar.

According to her, the situation is still delicate in the city, fights are unavoidable part of every Saturday night out. The local “Quo Vadis” disco club is a place where everybody goes out and nights usually end with incidents. Protagonists of such conflicts are mostly young people, aged 16 or 17. Serbs and Croats rarely socialise and most often, friendships between two nationalities are made in schools. Even though there are primary and secondary schools that have Croatian and Serbian programmes, there are kids who receive education in a language which is not their mother tongue.

- There were 5 or 6 Serbs in my class who attended classes in Croatian and continued using their expressions . Nevena says, adding that there were cases when the teacher would complain to them, and the pupils would feel threatened. It is this feeling of being threatened, Nevena pointes out, that puts Serbs in a better position than Croats in the city.

Most expensive city in Croatia

A great problem of Vukovar`s is that the average monthly expenses are greater than in all other Croatian cities and income is low. Prices of apartments surpass Zagreb`s prices. This shortcoming is now evident to the young Vukovar citizen.

- We only have one big shopping mall, a Maxi Konzum retail shop, while other cities have a range of shopping malls. The only thing left to do is buy at small “neighbourhood” shops where prices are twice as great that otherwise – she explains.

Youth is leaving Vukovar as they find it impossible to find employment. Nevena is one of those who would like to build their future in their home town, but still:

- It all depends on work – concludes the third year Osijek Law School student and is not afraid to say that it is easiest to find employment if you have “connections”.

Although Vukovar has matured enough not to be called a victim any more, its name is still charged with negative connotations. Commemoration of the city`s defeat should be ended and it should be liberated with dignity. Once again, it should be erected from occupation which tortures the youth and makes it impossible for them to create a healthy life together. It is high time Vukovar is mentioned in brighter topics.
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Zagreb’s 2008 Budget Will Be 1 Billion Euros

The optimum budget for Zageb, according to Slavko Kojic, the chief of finances, would be 10 billion euros.

The city budget for 2008 will be, if we are to believe that chief of finances Slavko Kojic, exactly one billion euros.

His office, at today’s meeting of the city council, proposed a plan that was accepted, according to which the income and expenditure of Zagreb’s budget for 2008 would be 7 billion and 350 million euros.

“Optimal budget for Zagreb would be ten billion euros”

Of the mentioned sum, 200 million kuna will be will be gained from debts for capital expenditures, whilst the rest will come from the usually channels of financing.

- Last year we took a loan of 150 million kuna, whilst this year we will increase that to reach 200 million kuna – said Kojic.

Commenting on the budget, Kojic said that according to him it is possible, with the assistance of the Holding, which was founded for that reason.

- It was not easy to make such a budget, because there were many wishes. The optimal budget for Zagreb would be 10 billion euros, and only with that budget could we function without any pressure – said the chief of finances.

Dusko Ljustina, a member of the city council responsible for the area of education, culture and sport, said that he considers this budget to be a historical step.

- Next year we will be constructing five schools and five kindergartens. We will provide an extra 50 million kuna for expanding other schools with seven extra classrooms each said Ljustina.

Slavko Kojic shortly explained the distribution of the budget, according to which the largest part, according to offices, will go to the economic office, the city development office, then the education office.

Old budget larger than the new one

Furthermore, a new amendment and addition to the city budget for the current year was proposed at the meeting, and then accepted.

The budget that was brought on December 21, 2006 totalling six billion and 500 million kuna, was first changed on June 28, 2007 when it was raised by 380 million kuna, to bring it to a new total of six billion and 880 million kuna.

Now the budget has been raised by another 500 million kuna, or by 7.27 percent, and totals seven billion and 380 million kuna.

- A strong investment project is in question, and because of the law on the local self government, we have been left “short” of one part of the funds needed, so it was necessary to secure extra funds – explained Kojic.

The chief for finance intends on gaining the needed funds from the council fees that will produce a 50 million kuna surplus, from the gas plant that owes the city 120 million kuna, and from city council water services that will set aside 20 million kuna.

- I advise that an extra 300 million kuna be made from selling business buildings – said Kojic, and added that there are a number of buildings in the city that could be sold to achieve this, but they have not decided on any option.

Heather Mills Visits Zagreb

Heather will bring world famous surgeon Jan Ertl to Zagreb in order to operate Martina’s lower leg.

Heather Mills entered a shop in Tkalciceva St. and spent 22,000 kunas on women’s clothes. She also asked for her shopping to be sent to the Regent Esplanade hotel. The shop sellers realised what was going on only when she went out from the shop. British model Heather Mills bought clothes for Martina Abramovic, and because of her she left The Hague for Zagreb last night, 24 sati wrote.

- Heather and Martina met in1994. At that time 8-year-old Martina was without her left lower leg and fingers on both hands. Heather heard about her by chance while helping the victims of land mines in Croatia. She bought her a prosthesis – said her friend Renata Matijasevic from Sisak.

Due to Martina, Heather will bring world famous surgeon surgeon Jan Ertl to Zagreb, in order to operate Martina’s lower leg again, after that Martina will be able to walk more easily with the prosthesis.
This morning Heather left Zagreb, and she checked in at the hotel under a false name.

Retrospective On Gerhard Richter’s Work In Zagreb

The exhibition of one of the most expensive painters of the 20th century, Gerhard Richter, was opened at the Zagreb Art Pavilion.

The ‘From pop to abstraction’ exhibition of the German modern artist, Gerhard Richter, was opened today in Zagreb.

Visitors can see 27 works chosen by the artist himself, and they receive through them a view on all the phases of his creation, from photo-paintings from the 60s to abstract pictures from the 80s and the 90s.

Refusal of a unique style

The exhibition was organized by the Croatian Society of Visual Arts, by the Zagreb “Goethe Institute” and the Institute for International Relations of Stuttgart.

Although Richter’s style’s main characteristic lies in the refusal of a unique style, all his compositions are immediately recognizable.

‘Uncle Rudi’

‘Uncle Rudi’, Richter’s famous work that shows a picture of his uncle dressed in a Nazi uniform, who was killed by the SS during the Czech massacre in the village of Lidice in 1942, can be seen in this retrospective exhibition.

However, Richter is one of the most expensive modern artists of the 20th century. His works, for example, in New York are sold for more than five million dollars, which is amazing considering that they picture common objects (tables, doors, pipes). He is the only 20th century painter, among whose works were found portraits of dead women and men (terrorists from Baader-Meinhof). Through these paintings he expressed a strong cry of accuse for the suicides that happened in the Stammheim prison in 1977. These works indicate a reversal in his career.

Snow in Streets of Downtown Zagreb

Regardless of snow, and perhaps because of it, Downtown Zagreb was packing with beauties in new winter gear.

Even though the first snow has bepowdered the city, this did not stop our brave downtowners to strut their stuff in the streets of Zagreb, especially because last year we did not get a chance to enjoy winter snow flakes and we only needed scarves and gloves for a short period. This is why today was made to get your scarves and caps hats out of the closet or to buy new ones.

Not even a chilling day stopped beauties to walk in their favourite streets or have a warm drink in their favourite café in the city centre.

Perhaps encouraged with snow, they rushed to soak up the first scent of the winter, which is closing in on us. Regardless of premature snow, wrapped in large, warm scarves and wearing colourful hats, Zagreb beauties proved that they are well prepared for the winter.

Unavoidable coats, in all lengths, kept them warm while campaigning Tkalciceva Street and Cvjetni Square, which seemed to take place in a snowy – fashion fairy tale.

Croatian Serbs eye polls with mixed feelings

Croatian Serbs, whose integration is among key conditions Zagreb has to meet to join the European Union, are set to take part in general elections this weekend with mixed feelings.

The main Independent Serb Democratic Party (SDSS), a coalition partner of the outgoing conservatives, has said it would support the side that takes more concrete steps to improve their situation.

In a tightly contested race, the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and opposition Social Democrats (SDP) are both courting the SDSS, who are set to pick up about three seats in parliament.

"We will back the government which will be committed to reforms and making quick steps forward," SDSS official Sasa Milosevic told AFP.

Analysts agree that one of the biggest merits of the conservative HDZ government led by Prime Minister Ivo Sanader was the decision to include Serbs in the coalition government.

"It had a very strong symbolic, even healing effect on society. We extended our hand to efforts of Ivo Sanader to change the HDZ from the nationalist party it was at that time," said Milosevic.

The rights and return of ethnic Serbs who fled Croatia in the early 1990s is one of the key conditions Zagreb has to meet before entering the European Union.

Some 280,000 Serbs took flight during and after Croatia's 1991-1995 war in which Zagreb fought rebel Serbs who opposed independence. So far around 130,000 have returned.

The minority currently accounts for 4.5 percent of the country's 4.4 million population.

But Serb representatives stress the government has moved too slowly in fulfilling its pledges, notably in the development of war-hit areas where most refugees return.

"The situation has considerably improved in the past four years, and that was our contribution to the democratisation of society," said Milosevic. "Now we will put forward some concrete demands on behalf of the Serb community."

Milosevic points to the problem of discrimination against Serbs in the public sector, judiciary and police, despite being entitled to them under proportional representation.

"The discrimination is not as open as in the early 1990s, but the fact is the constitutional guarantees of employment of minorities in these services is not being respected," he said.

Despite the political will, obstacles still exist at the local level.

The UN refugee agency says "great progress" has been made to improve the repatriation of Serb refugees, the return of property and reconstruction, while their security was vastly improved.

"There are still sporadic incidents which remain a concern," said Wilfried Buchhorn, the head of the UNHCR mission in Croatia, adding the police react to them.

"We see strong commitment from the Croatian government to solve this issue, which needs to be further translated into concrete progress at the regional and local level," he stressed.

"The EU perspective plays a major role in the process, especially when it comes to sustainability of return."

But little more than 50 percent of the 130,000 registered returnees have actually stayed on, while others have left their pre-war homes in mostly underdeveloped areas.

The incoming government's main priority should be to improve implementation of the "housing care programme" and ensure "sustainability in those areas, that is to create conditions for people to make a living," Buchhorn said.

The UNHCR has an advisory role in a 60-million-euro (88-million-dollar) project jointly founded by the Croatian government and the World Bank aimed at rebuilding infrastructure.

The average age of returnees is older than 50, so efforts would also have to be made to attract younger refugees, most of whom had integrated into societies in which they live, particularly in Serbia.

Those efforts could greatly be helped by the use of EU accession funds.

It "would be a win-win situation for the local population, the returnees, Croatia and the region because it would create stability and hopefully provide basis for reconciliation," Buchhorn said.

Slaven Bilic determined to finish on a high note

Slaven Bilic, the Croatia coach, flew into England yesterday very much as he first arrived from Germany as a player 11 years ago: piratical in appearance with that silver ring in his left ear, and an opportunity-taker by nature.

Within weeks of settling in at West Ham as Harry Redknapp's £1.3 million club record signing, the multi-lingual graduate of the Law Faculty in Split had won a reputation for being a committed and intelligent central defender. At the training ground, he was keen on nurturing young talent such as Rio Ferdinand and praising a slip of a player called Joe Cole.

Off-pitch, he loved to discourse on footballing matters in a Balkan café-style cloud of Marlboro Light smoke and muse on the meaning of life through writing lyrics for his rock band, Raubau.

As architect of Croatia's 2-0 defeat of England in Zagreb 13 months ago - and subsequently of his exciting young side's Euro 2008 qualification with one game to spare - Bilic arrives in London this week with his psychological and tactical canniness well established.

While refusing to accept claims that Croatia are favourites to win, he will be motivating his team towards an emphatic victory at Wembley. The level of footballing expectation in Croatia is pumped up by the fervour of a young nation which - thanks to the so-called 'Golden Generation' who finished a valiant third in the 1998 World Cup - already has legendary flair and achievement to uphold.

Bilic, protective of his young charges, may dislike unfair comparisons to Zvonimir Boban, Robert Prosinecki, Davor Suker and himself as a player, but he is equally infused with that nationalistic spirit.
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"It is a big, big match," he said. "We want to play our own style as it will be a huge experience for every single Croatian player. It is a dream of every football player to play at Wembley, and we'll do everything to present our country in the best possible way."

Croatia want to end their campaign as they began it: at the top of Group E. England do not want to end theirs with an embarrassing performance similar to the "Robinson Clouseau" game in Zagreb. Russia's defeat in Israel and Croatia's defeat to Macedonia have opened up the possibility of England winning the group. No doubt Bilic has explored the theme of life's swings and roundabouts with his guitar, but he will not want to finish second best to a team his players so masterfully exposed at the Maksimir Stadium.

How will he prepare his side? In contrast to his rebel rock star image, Bilic the coach is patient and conscientious in moulding his team. He believes in hard work, discipline, self-belief and - as Steve McClaren learnt with the foolhardy 3-5-2 formation in Zagreb - in adapting to a particular brief. (As a lyricist, an early exercise was to write a song called Hannibal, used to promote Antony Hopkins' film. As Bilic's bandmate said: "It is hardcore, but we couldn't write a romance to accompany this film.")

Common with central defenders turned coaches, Bilic (pictured right) reads a situation well. Thirteen months ago, he was saying things like: "When I look at England's team sheet, it's like, scary, but their recent games give us scope and me hope." The "scary" factor for his young players in facing the likes of Cole, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard has surely been reduced as they have secured 26 points from 11 games while England's megastars have had their Euro 2008 fate dictated by other nations.

The game tomorrow represents his 16th in charge. Previously he was at the helm of the Under 21 side, and his career as manager is running in parallel with a gifted clutch of youngsters whom he knows well. After the 2-0 defeat by Macedonia at the weekend, his first loss as manager, he was quick to deflect the criticism from his players.

"I can't blame my players in any way," he said paternally. "The game was played in impossible circumstances… Throughout the campaign my players have been heroic and have shown great energy. I am very proud of them.

At 39, and with fellow golden boys Prosinecki and Aljosa Asanovic on his coaching staff, Bilic represents an ideal career role model for his young ambitious countrymen. A self-confessed Anglophile, he has also said in the past that he would love the opportunity to manage a Premier League side. He is respectful of the English game and the English talent. For himself and his players, there are few more impressive shop windows than Wembley stadium.

His approach tomorrow night will be logical and careful. Had he not studied law, or chosen football as a career path, he has mused that he might have gone into mathematics or archaeology. Croatia will be well organised and play with passion - as befits the manager who wears a suit on duty, but is often seen in a Che Guevara T-shirt.

"A point at Wembley is a good result, but no one can adjust themselves to play for a single point," said Bilic. "If we manage to get a draw we would be happy. But if that happens, I guarantee everything will be clean.".

Arsenal & Chelsea Battle For Dinamo Zagreb’s Luca Modric

Chelsea are reportedly facing competition from Arsenal for Croatia attacker Luca Modric.

According to the Telegraph, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is keeping a close watch on the 22-year-old, who has drawn comparisons with Arsenal winger Tomas Rosicky.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich meanwhile was earlier reported to have met with Dinamo Zagreb official to tie down a deal for a possible summer arrival for Modric at Stamford Bridge.

However, with Arsenal also now reportedly being serious on Modric after watching him for a year, it will now spark an interesting competition and scouts will be there to watch him in action at Wembley when England take on Croatia in the final Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday night.

Modric has however expressed his interest to play club football in England.

"I'd love to play in the Premiership," he is quoted as saying in the Telegraph.

"I'd like things to happen soon and it's possible maybe even this winter."

"It would be a great challenge for me. It's for sure one of the best leagues in the world."

"I don't have a preference for a club. There are a few big clubs in England where I would love to play."

Croatia striker struck by virus

England's hopes of holding Croatia to the draw they need at Wembley on Wednesday night have been boosted by news that the visitors' star striker Mladen Petric is likely to miss the game with a virus.

The Borussia Dortmund centre forward did not train with Slaven Bilic's squad on Monday and has been placed on antibiotics in a bid to get him fit for a game that Croatia must not lose if they are to keep hold of top spot in Group E.

Croatia will train at Wembley on Tuesday for the first time and former West Ham and Everton defender Bilic has told his players to make the most of the experience offered them over the next 48 hours.

Bilic said: 'This is Wembley, this is a lifetime opportunity. Pele once said his biggest regret was not playing at Wembley — well, we will get that chance.

'If we beat England, people would talk about it as the best game in 20 years. England are definitely favourites now but we have to be confident and try to give them a good game.'

An added incentive for Bilic's players is the offer from a Russian oligarch to hand out Mercedes cars to Croatia's best players if they win.

If England are defeated, allowing Russia to qualify in their place, oil billionaire Leonid Fedun will reward the goalkeeper and three best players.

'In this case, I operate as a private person and a Russian fan,' said Fedun, vice president of Lukoil and owner of Spartak Moscow, who is worth £2.6bn.

Croatia's Eduardo out to ruin England's party

He's compact, determined and armed with a killer touch, well capable of ruining England's summer plans. Eduardo, in fact, could cause quite a stir on Wednesday evening if given too much room at the wrong time.

That's why Sol Campbell, Joleon Lescott and Steve McClaren's other defenders must keep a very close eye on their opponent, for, given half a chance, Croatia's chief hit-man could turn Wembley into a morgue, puncturing the feel good factor in a devastating flash.

Take a look at his overall goal record at international level. In 20 appearances he has nabbed 13 goals already, the first competitive one of which saw his clever looping header beat Paul Robinson in Zagreb. You don't chalk up figures like that without a cold blooded touch, without a special knack for finding space in the penalty area and applying the finishing touch with a cool head.

Followers of Dinamo Zagreb will readily vouch for his value, having reaped the benefits for several years before Arsene Wenger decided that those goal-scoring attributes would fit very nicely within Arsenal's squad.

By that time, Dinamo had shown enough faith in their striker to name him as captain - a rare honour indeed for a foreigner, a lad who had come across from Brazil when just 15.

That fact in itself was always going to test the hungry young prospect, who was subsequently forced to fend off long bouts of homesickness as he tried to make his name in a strange land. For five years, no less, he didn't see his mother and brother, only able to communicate via the internet. Neither were living conditions particularly good. In the early days he slept in a storeroom at the Maksimir Stadium, dependent for food on the club canteen. Gradually, however, a maturing Eduardo left the homesickness behind to make Croatia his home. Having met a local girl, who has since become his wife, he successfully applied for citizenship.

Since then, it isn't altogether surprising that the 24-year-old has needed time to settle in the Premier League. The difference in quality is huge between here and Croatia, so bridging the gap demands hard work, patience and quite a few games.

Yet the latter requirement has proved quite elusive, what with so much competition at Arsenal for places up front.

Having said that, occasional glimpses of his talent have shone through quite brightly, such as a couple of well-taken goals in the Champions League and a creditable brace in the Carling Cup last month at Sheffield United, the first of which - a stunning left-foot drive from 20 yards - flew past the goalkeeper like an Exocet.

Eduardo is also blessed with a very strong work ethic. Not your archetypal goal poacher content to hang on the last line of defence, he grafts and schemes tirelessly for the team cause, often drifting over from the left where he can also operate usefully.

In this respect, Micah Richards, in particular, will have to be careful. If England's enthusiastic right-back starts surging forward he will leave gaps behind him. Searching for opportunities, Eduardo has a nose for exploiting such gaps. When on form he slips in behind defenders with natural timing.

It is perhaps an indication of how important Eduardo is to Croatia that Slaven Bilic, his coach, withdrew the forward after only 55 minutes of Saturday's defeat in Macedonia. With Eduardo getting bogged down on Skopje's muddy pitch, Bilic decided to save his man's legs.

Yes, Croatia have qualified, they don't need any more points, but the upcoming game still means a great deal, especially to the players who see it as a chance to impress on a fantastic stage.

In September, I interviewed Eduardo for this newspaper. Through an interpreter he conveyed his determination to make it in England. Clearly a tough cookie, having already faced his fair share of obstacles, his single-minded attitude stood out the most.

Towards the end of our chat I mentioned Wednesday's game at the new Wembley, wondering what it would mean to him and his team-mates, who were already well on the way towards qualifying for Austria and Switzerland.

"The game might not matter but none of us wants to lose," he said. "And it will be a huge thrill to play there. Everybody will want to do well."

Enough said. England need no further warnings. With Eduardo in attack, Croatia are dangerous.

27 Golden Drum Finalists Nominated for the Intercontinental Advertising Cup

Last week the jury composed of leading creative directors from the biggest worldwide agencies made their selection of nominees for the Intercontinental Advertising Cup.
The Golden Drum judges pre-selected 287 finalists for the intercontinental selection, and 27 of them were nominated for The Cup 2007.

Surprisingly the Golden Drum results have been turned upside down; Croatia has 4 nominations, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Latvia 3 each, and Serbia, Turkey, Poland and Israel each have 1.

Of the Golden Drum Open finalists the USA has 4 nominations, the Netherlands 3, Switzerland 2, and Germany and France 1 each.

The jury members' names will be engraved on 39 category trophies and The Grand Cup presented at the Gala Award Ceremony of the first Intercontinental Advertising Summit.

Best of Products and Services Nominations:

LEO BURNETT, USA: ALTOIDS CHOCOLATE DIPPED MINTS
ISTROPOLITANA D`ARCY, SLOVAK REPUBLIC: TOPVAR: BOTTLE OR TRUMPET
180 AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS: IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING
METRO LEO BURNETT, LATVIA: IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING RUNNING TRACKS
JWT WARSAW, POLAND: COUPLE
MCCANN ERICKSON CROATIA: MAY THE DOG FUCK YOU TESTER
MCCANN ERICKSON ISRAEL: DUTY FREE � VEIL
NEW MOMENT NEW IDEAS COMPANY, SERBIA: HANGER
CONCEPT, TURKEY: BALLOT BOX
BETC EURO RSCG, FRANCE: BIATHLON
P.ART PRODUCTION S.R.O., CZECH REPUBLIC: HELICOPTER
BRUKETA & ZINIC O.M., CROATIA: WELL DONE
SCHOLZ & FRIENDS, GERMANY: WRONG WORKING ENVIRONMENT CAMPAIGN
ARNOLD WORLDWIDE PARTNERS, USA: SINGING COWBOY

Best of Media Innovations Nominations:

P.ART PRODUCTION S.R.O., CZECH REPUBLIC: HELICOPTER
SCHOLZ & FRIENDS, GERMANY: DESKTOP REFUSE COLLECTION FROM MERCEDES-BENZ
LEO BURNETT / KITCHEN LEO BURNETT, USA: TRY DRUGS
MCCANN ERICKSON CROATIA, CROATIA: MAY THE DOG FUCK YOU TESTER
ISTROPOLITANA D`ARCY, SLOVAK REPUBLIC: TOPVAR: BOTTLE OR TRUMPET
BRUKETA & ZINIC O.M., CROATIA: WELL DONE
METRO LEO BURNETT, LATVIA: IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING RUNNING TRACKS

Best of Admaking nominations:

METRO LEO BURNETT, LATVIA: IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING RUNNING TRACKS
ISTROPOLITANA D`ARCY, SLOVAK REPUBLIC:TOPVAR: BOTTLE OR TRUMPET
ARNOLD WORLDWIDE PARTNERS, USA: SINGING COWBOY
WALKER WERBEAGENTUR, SWITZERLAND: ANNUAL REPORT
180 AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS: IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING

Corluka admits England concerns

Manchester City’s Croatian defender Vedran Corluka has expressed concerns over the apparent dearth of young English players coming through the ranks.

England can reach Euro 2008 provided they take a point against Corluka’s Croatia, but the full back fears The Three Lions may struggle in future competitions.

A raft of leading figures in the game have passed comment on the number of foreigners in the English top flight and Corluka feels young English talent is being stifled.

“It’s hard for England as lots of foreign players come to The Premier League,” he told The Sun.

"There are clubs where no one in the team is English. It’s hard as you don’t have more young players like Micah Richards or Michael Johnson, my City team-mates.

“You must raise young players. It may mean people like me cannot play in The Premier League. But England have to make that decision.”

Corluka believes the powerbrokers need to make a decision on the direction they want to take.

He said: “The Premier League and FA must decide what they want — a great league or a successful national team?

“You have good players now but in five or six years they will be 30, 32. Where are the young English players coming through?

”There may be good players but it’s hard for them to play as you have many Brazilians, Croatians, Spaniards and French. It’s hard to raise great players like that.”

Cole expecting no favours from pal Bilic

Joe Cole is expecting no favours from his former club-mate Slaven Bilic as England look to ensure qualification for Euro 2008 against Croatia at Wembley.

Cole was just breaking into the West Ham side when Bilic was a star performer and the Croatian coach has been tipped to eventually return to Upton Park as manager.

Croatia have already qualified for the finals in Austria and Switzerland but Cole knows Bilic will want to finish the campaign with a flourish.

Cole said: 'Slaven was a big player for West Ham when I was very young and he'll get his team going on Wednesday. He's a professional and there'll certainly be no favours from him.

'He'll put a side out there to win the game. Frank (Lampard) knew him more than me and played with him for a few years at West Ham.

'Slaven was well liked and well appreciated at West Ham. He was a really top player and he's proving himself as a manager as well.'

Cole is aware the threat Croatia, who defeated England 2-0 earlier in the campaign, could pose at Wembley and they are defending an unbeaten record in their group.

He said: 'I didn't play in the game in Croatia but Eduardo da Silva up front is a threat and they keep the ball well. They're a very good technical team and very good at home.

'They'll come to Wembley and maybe relax and try to knock the ball around. But it's all about us, really. We have to perform as we know we can.

'Apart from 10 minutes in Russia, we've done very well for the last six months or so since the summer draw with Brazil at Wembley.

'We've found a style of play that has suited us. There's a belief there. We've performed for the last 10 games and we want to keep that going.'

Cole believes the slice of luck England received via Israel's win over Russia was overdue after some of the heartache they have suffered in past tournaments.

He said: 'I know it can be a cruel game at times but you get what you deserve.

'England have been notoriously unlucky at times in the past in major tournaments so maybe we're getting a little bit back now.

'If we qualify, we will have deserved to qualify. It's all about how we play on Wednesday night. Let's not forget that this is a big game and let's not get over-excited because Israel beat Russia.'

Russian tycoon offers cars for Croatia win

A Russian billionaire will buy Croatia's key players luxuries cars if they beat England in Wednesday's crucial European Championship qualifier at Wembley.

A victory for Croatia would mean Russia, rather than England, make it to the Euro 2008 finals, providing they can beat Andorra.

And Spartak Moscow owner Leonid Fedun said he had made the offer of a top Mercedes to Croatia's goalkeeper and three best outfield players in a bid to boost their morale.

Keeper Stipe Pletikosa plays for Fedun at Spartak and the club owner said: 'I'm doing this strictly as a fan.

'If we have even a small chance we must try to use it.'

Israeli media claimed an English businessman had promised a Mercedes to the Israel player who scored the winning goal against Russia on Saturday - a result which revived England's qualification hopes.

However, the Israeli FA said Omer Golan, who struck the injury-time winner, would not be able to accept the gift because it was deemed to be 'beyond the bounds of sportsmanship'.

Draw will be enough for England against Croatia

England will join Croatia at Euro 2008 as long as they avoid defeat against the Group E leaders at Wembley on Wednesday. England's hopes of a place in the finals, which looked slim when they lost to Russia last month, were resurrected when Israel beat Guus Hiddink's team 2-1 in Tel Aviv on Saturday.

With one match to play, already-qualified Croatia have 26 points followed by England on 23 and Russia on 21. If England finish level with Russia, Steve McClaren's side will advance because of a better head-to-head record.

England go into Wednesday's game in the unusual position of possibly winning the group or being eliminated.

McClaren's team will almost certainly fail to qualify if they lose because Russia are likely to defeat Andorra, who have no points from 11 games, on Wednesday.

ENGLAND INJURIES

England are without several injured players including strikers Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and Emile Heskey, captain John Terry and his central defensive partner Rio Ferdinand, who is suspended.

But midfielder Owen Hargreaves returns to the squad after tendonitis caused him to miss Friday's friendly against Austria.

McClaren is likely to opt for a 4-5-1 formation with Peter Crouch, who scored the only goal in the win over Austria, as the lone front man.

He is also expected to recall goalkeeper Paul Robinson after handing Scott Carson his international debut on Friday.

McClaren must also decide whether to give a 99th cap to former skipper David Beckham, who looked off the pace against Austria. England say they will not underestimate a Croatia side described by midfielder Joe Cole as "very good technically and very dangerous going forward".

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic is determined his side will give a good account of themselves at Wembley where England have won their last three matches 3-0.

"There can be no stronger motive than to play at Wembley. That's the game I live for," Bilic told the Vecernji List daily.

Unlike England the visitors have no injury worries and Bilic's assistant Robert Prosinecki believes Croatia will stay top of the group.

"I did forecast that we would be top of the group and I have not changed my opinion. If we give our best I doubt England can beat us," he told the sports daily Sportske Novosti. Portsmouth's attacking midfielder Niko Kranjcar, one of three Croatian squad members who play in the English Premier League along with Vedran Corluka of Manchester City and Eduardo da Silva of Arsenal, agreed with Prosinecki.

"England will be under pressure, they are the ones who need at least a draw. They deserve every respect but we want to show at Wembley why we are top of the group," he said.

Probable teams:

England: Paul Robinson, Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott, Sol Campbell, Wayne Bridge, Owen Hargreaves, David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole, Peter Crouch.

Croatia: Stipe Pletikosa, Dario Simic, Josip Simunic, Robert Kovac, Vedran Corluka, Niko Kovac, Darijo Srna, Luka Modric, Niko Kranjcar, Mladen Petric or Ivica Olic, Eduardo da Silva.

Should Steve McClaren stick with Paul Robinson against Croatia at Wembley?

The papers this morning are full of talk that the England gaffer is going to drop Paul Robinson from Wednesday's crucial Euro 2008 qualifying match against Croatia - replacing him with Scott Carson who played on Friday in the friendly against Austria.

Now sure he kept a clean sheet but it was hardly decent opposition or a game with much at stake. Robbo has had his problems this season, both for club and country, but he is the most experienced goalkeeper in the national side. And in such a crucial game, he has to start!

Our very own No1 is said to have had a bad training session while the Aston Villa keeper looked far sharper. An observer told The Sun: "Carson was flying in training while Paul Robinson made a couple of mistakes."

I do think McClaren will choose Robinson, it would be a foolish move from a manager under threat to take any chances because unless we win or draw, he is out of a job.

Strangely though, the Spurs man has received backing from a very unlikely source - Gooners boss Arsene Wenger.

He has recommended that Robinson plays, as well as having a five-man midfield and Peter Crouch the lone striker up front. He said: That debate is going on in England and nobody has found an obvious solution apart from Paul Robinson. I still think he will go for continuity. And the whole country has to be behind that because Robinson has delivered good games for England too."

England set for Croatia

Qualifying for next year's European championship will head toward its end tomorrow, and all the big teams appear set to make it after all.

England needs only to avoid defeat against visiting Croatia to win one of the four spots still up for grabs, while Portugal will advance if it beats or ties Finland.

With Sweden a firm favourite to win a spot when it welcomes Latvia, and Turkey leading for the remaining Group C place, it looks as though all seven groups will go without surprises.

The only way England would miss out on a seventh consecutive international tournament is if it loses and Russia wins at Andorra to finish as the runner-up to Croatia.

The second part of the equation is not in much doubt because Andorra is in last place, after scoring only two goals and conceding 41 in 11 matches. Russia is left hoping Croatia tries to recover some pride and that England's injuries cause it problems.

The last time England needed a result from a final qualifying match against a team with nothing to play for was against Greece six years ago. It took a last-minute free kick from David Beckham to secure a 2-2 draw and a place at the 2002 World Cup.

"Greece had nothing to play for and that was another of those nerve-racking moments," coach Steve McClaren said. "I hope it doesn't come to that."

McClaren is without starting strikers Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney and first-choice central defenders John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

Portugal, Finland and Serbia are all in contention for the second Group A spot after Poland advanced last weekend.

Finland is three points behind and can take second place with a win in Lisbon, but Serbia could still edge into that position if it beats visiting Poland tomorrow and lowly Kazakhstan in a match postponed until Saturday.

A victory or a draw for Portugal, though, would push the 2004 runner-up through regardless of other results.

Portugal was jeered for a lacklustre performance in a 1-0 win over Armenia, but will get a boost tomorrow when coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is back on the bench after a two-month suspension by the European governing body.

"The booing didn't hurt our confidence," midfielder Manuel Fernandes said. "We all play at big clubs and we're used to the pressure."

France, Italy, Czech Republic, Germany, Romania and Netherlands have already settled Groups B, D and G in their favour to join co-hosts Austria and Switzerland at the tournament.

Spain is certain to advance from Group F and will finish qualifying by playing host to Northern Ireland, the only team that can edge Sweden for second place. Northern Ireland has to win at Spain, something it accomplished in 1982, and hope Latvia wins in Sweden.

Turkey will be at home to Bosnia-Herzegovina in Group C and will need to at least match Norway's result at Malta to finish above the Scandinavians as the runner-up to defending European champion Greece.

England v Croatia analysis

A draw against Croatia will secure England a place in Austria and Switzerland next year we evaluate some of the key areas.

Sol Campbell v Eduardo Da Silva
Campbell has been rock solid since being handed a surprise recall by McClaren and his form for both club and country could soon put pressure on first-choice pairing Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, who are both out of contention for this match.

It is imperative that he accepts the role as a senior player and helps to organise his team-mates and dictate play from the back. Shackling the dangerous Eduardo, who signed for Campbell's former club Arsenal in the summer, would go a great way to achieving that end.

Although he has found his starting chances limited by the good form of those around him, the Brazilian-born striker is a genuine threat in the box with a powerful header and the ability to take advantage of the slimmest of openings.

Steven Gerrard v Niko Kranjcar
Like so many of his England colleagues, Liverpool skipper Gerrard has so far failed to regularly transfer his best club form to the national side.

He has a handful of fine goals to his name but his genuinely influential performances have been frustratingly few and far between.

Now confident of starting in his favoured central position he should look to dominate the central areas with his whole-hearted tackling and his rocket-like right boot.

Portsmouth man Kranjcar will be hoping to prevent Gerrard running the midfield.

He can also weigh in with important goals from the centre of the park and has shown an impressive range of passing in his time at Fratton Park.

On paper he should see less of the ball than Gerrard but England will need to support their skipper to ensure that is the case.

Peter Crouch v Dario Simic
In a team shorn of Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney, Crouch automatically becomes the side's focal point up front.

Another well-taken goal against Austria continued his enviable scoring record at international level but his lack of starts at Liverpool are a worry.

His touch is good enough to bring England's midfield into play if his colleagues can resist the temptation to resort to the long ball, while his obvious physical presence cannot fail to cause consternation in the penalty area.

Simic is a versatile defender, capable of filling in on either flank or running the back four from a central position. Wherever he lines up the vastly-experienced AC Milan player will be critical to his team's chances of victory in the match.

He is a canny performer and has come across players of Crouch's calibre plenty of times in Italy as well as the Champions League. England's hopes in front of goal could rest on which of these men hits form on the day.
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Sony’s Camera Needs No Memory Card

About ten years ago, when the first digital cameras appeared in Croatia, they did not have memory cards.

Soon samples with memory cards were created, and at the beginning their capacity was of shameful 16 MB. The increasing of resolution increased also the capacity, and so today the standard memory card is 1 GB.

To own a memory card is almost as important as to own a digital camera. Without one we can not take photographs, but if we have on we can find someone to take a picture of us on our card but through his/her own camera. Usually young people use this option when traveling.

Sony’s new camera features a revolution as it contains a 4 GB internal memory. Thus you can use a memory card, but it is not necessary because when you return from a trip or from a photo session, you can simply put your pictures in the computer or give them to a photographer or some service to have a DVD with them made.

Sony chose exactly a 4 GB internal memory capacity for this model because it is roughly equal to the size of standard DVD. This way you will be able to put the picture on an optical disk.

The most important thing is that, with its price of 2,399 kunas, it is competitive with other cameras, and even cheaper because you must not count the additional cost of the memory card.

Goran Visnjic Sells Los Angeles Home

The famous actor bought the Spanish-style villa with palms and a pool for 1.5 million dollars seven years ago.

After admitting to being the father of Lana Lourdes, who he had with Mirela Rupic, (who is from Sibenik, Croatia) he decided to sell his house in Los Angeles.

The famous actor bought the Spanish-style villa with palms and a pool for 1.5 million dollars seven years ago. Now he is selling it for 1.8 million dollars to the hockey player Sheldon Souray.

Goran and Ivana Vrdoljak adopted a boy called Tin. Now Goran, the father of little Lana Loudres, has admitted to being the father of Lana without the DNA test, to the delight of Mirela Rupic.

It is still not known where the Hollywood couple and his wife Ivana will live, reports an internet portal.
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England game is Bilic audition

Croatia boss Slaven Bilic will be auditioning for a job in the Premier League tomorrow.

Bilic's former club West Ham have got the 39-year-old on their radar as a potential managerial target for the future.

Bilic has impressed as Croatia boss as he has already secured Euro 2008 qualification.

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley's future is still shaky as the club's owners want at least a European place this season.

If Curbishley cannot deliver European football then he could be on his way out - and Bilic would be among the front runners to replace him.

SDP: HDZ`s Programme Is 100 Pages Of Ours

Criticising the governing party, Zoran Milanovic said HDZ only puts up posters, insinuates and lies.

President of the most powerful Croatian opposition party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Zoran Milanovic, said at last night`s rally in Karlovac that these elections will decide on how Croatia will look, who will and in what way pass laws, and therefore it is extremely important not to allow manipulation with voters.

Milanovic prognosed the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) becoming opposition, because, as he says, they only lie, put up posters and insinuate and he called their programme “100 pages of ours”.

- SDP will publicise information in a day or two on who is financing our campaign and how much it costs. There will be no returning favours from the public money which we will be disposing with. HDZ does not understand this. But HDZ will have to answer to us and the Croatian public after the elections for those dozens and dozens of spent millions. All tricks are up – Milanovic warned, adding that the citizens have a right to know how money comes into politics and how finances all the “Kim II Sung” posters that are all over buildings in Karlovac.

He invited citizens to “realise HDZ sees them as film extras and subjects”.

He also said that Croatian residents who came her from Bosnia-Herzegovina must have the same status as everyone else, but, he added, SDP will not allow Croatian citizens who live abroad to manipulate with them.

- Respect to them. Out real and symbolic ties will never be broken and we are the last ones to break them, but those who live in Croatia and live by its laws should decide on its fate – head of opposition believes.

Milanovic added that there can be no democracy without decentralisation and that his party wants decentralisation for a powerful Croatia. He said he can clearly see some people living in poverty and others in relative prosperity because the state`s aid is given according to political criteria.

Milanka Opacic, party vice president and first on the list for the 7th constituency, said return of debt to pensioners these days was a good thing, but she believes it is not a good thing for HDZ to say this money came from the sale of Croatian Telekom, property that was also created by pensioners for 45 years.

- This means taking from one pocket to give to the other one – Opacic said.

More than a thousand people attended the rally, where all 14 candidates were presented.

Modric Wants Move To England

Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Luka Modric has expressed an interest in moving to the Premier League amid reports linking him with Arsenal and Chelsea.

Modric, who is set to line up for Croatia against England on Wednesday night, has attracted attention for some sparkling performances for club and country in recent months.

He is reportedly valued at £30million but that has not stopped rumours of a move to England, with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich already reported to be in negotiations for his signature.

Arsenal are also thought to be keen and Modric admits he would relish the opportunity to ply his trade for one of the top clubs in the Premier League.

"I'd love to play in the Premiership," he told The Sun. "I'd like things to happen soon and it's possible maybe even this winter.

"It would be a great challenge for me. It's one of the best leagues in the world.

"I don't have a preference for a club. There are a few big clubs in England where I would love to play."

Meanwhile, Modric has warned England not to read too much into Croatia's 2-0 defeat to Macedonia on Saturday, which came after Russia's defeat to Israel had secured their place in Euro 2008.

He insists Croatia will be much more focused for the match at Wembley, which will decide whether England's fate.

"If Russia had won in Israel we would have been a different team in Macedonia," he explained.

"We are going to London to show who we really are and I think we can surprise our hosts with the real Croatia."

'No Excuses' For England V Croatia

Under-fire England boss Steve McClaren has warned his players that "there are no excuses" for missing out on qualification for Euro 2008, after being offered a second chance by Israel.

With the Russians failing to overtake England in the group after losing 2-1 in Tel Aviv last week, England now need to win or draw against Croatia at Wembley to guarantee booking their place in next summer's tournament.

England are odds on favourites to win the encounter with Totesport (4/9), while a draw is being offered at 9/4 and an away win for Croatia, which would effectively end England's chances of qualification, at 7/1.

Peter Crouch is favourite to score the first goal of the game (4/1), while Jermaine DeFoe, who could start in the absence of Michael Owen, and Frank Lampard are both rated at 5/1.

Both Totesport and Ladbrokes are offering 5/1 odds for England to win 1-0 and 11/2 odds for a 0-0 draw. Totesport is offering 12/1 odds on a 1-0 victory to Croatia, while Ladbrokes is offering 11/1.

Croatia beat England 2-0 in Zagreb last year, although the same achievement this time round would be much harder at Wembley. Totesport rates the prospect of a 2-0 England defeat at 33/1, while Ladbrokes is offering the same scoreline at 40/1.

Arsenal boss Wenger: Beckham, England will beat Croatia

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is backing England to defeat Croatia tomorrow night - with a golden oldie midfield.

Wenger said: "I think it will be 2-0 to England. That will put them top of the group and you can't say they have under-achieved then!

"I know England have most often used 4-4-2 but I feel there could be an innovation on Wednesday.

"In these kind of games, you are tempted to play with a little bit of security. Experience has an advantage.

"I believe he will go with Steven Gerrard, with Frank Lampard AND with Gareth Barry and David Beckham."

ENGLAND v CROATIA - McCLAREN: WE MUST TAKE OUR CHANCE

Israel's shock win over Russia, plus Macedonia's equally unexpected triumph over Croatia means England could actually top Group E when they conclude their qualification campaign at Wembley on Wednesday.

Yet, after waking to headlines suggesting his time as coach would come to an end if the Three Lions don't reach next summer's finals, how England reach Austria and Switzerland is of secondary importance to actually getting there.

"There is absolutely no way we can give this chance away," he said.

"This is it. This is the last game. There are no excuses.

"We have got ourselves into this position. We are in control. There are no excuses now. We have to get the job done."

McClaren was with his family in the plush surroundings of England's team hotel in Watford as Israel recorded their amazing triumph.

From a position of comfort at 1-0 to the hosts, McClaren's nerves started to shred once Russia equalised and by the end he was left pacing the bathroom desperately waiting for the final whistle, made aware of the last-gasp drama only through the squeals of his two sons in an adjoining room as Dmitri Sychev struck a post before Dorel Golan stole up to the other end to ensure England only need a draw to go through.

"I was watching it on and off," he said.

"I felt comfortable at 1-0. At 1-1, I dreaded the worst. It was unbelievably tense and in the end, I could not bear it.

"I slipped into the bathroom and did not watch the last 10 minutes at all. It was excruciating.

"I heard the boys cheer twice. The first was for the shot that hit the post, the second was when Israel scored. That is the fine line between success and failure."

The outcome in Tel Aviv vindicated McClaren's often-stated belief the Croatia game would eventually prove to be pivotal.

However, having seen Israel and Macedonia perform so heroically, McClaren is wary of Croatia doing the same.

And, if any England fan needed reminding of the anxiety that awaits on Wednesday, they need only be pointed in the direction of the 2002 World Cup qualifier with Greece, when Sven-Goran Eriksson's team were in exactly the same situation McClaren's are now but eventually needed an injury-time free-kick from David Beckham to get them a draw.

"This game is not a formality," said McClaren.

"I was on the bench for the Greece game. They had nothing to lose and nothing to play for - and looked what happened.

"Croatia are in the same position. They are a good side and they are capable of winning this game, so we have to make sure complacency does not creep in."

With Michael Owen joining Wayne Rooney on the injured list, McClaren has called Tottenham's Darren Bent into his squad.

As a 4-5-1 formation has been mooted, with Peter Crouch occupying the lone striker's berth, Bent's presence will almost certainly be restricted to the bench, to be called on only in an emergency.

The return of Owen Hargreaves is far more telling.

Hargreaves remained in Manchester all last week for treatment on a knee injury which has plagued him ever since his £18million summer move from Bayern Munich.

However, with so much at stake, Hargreaves reported for duty as planned today, much to McClaren's delight.

"Owen has great experience," he said.

"Manchester United felt he could not play two games in four or five days but we have got him for the one that matters."

Understandably, McClaren refused to enter into any debate over his own future, although he must know that if England fall flat on their faces now, there is no chance of him keeping his job.

Instead, he will try to instil in his players a positive attitude, that sees them attempt to record a victory they do not actually require.

"I feel we deserve to qualify," he said.

"But it is not about what I think, it is what we do that counts.

"If we keep a clean sheet, we will go through but we have to be positive and we have to try and win.

"That is what has got us results during the second half of the campaign and we must continue that way.

"It is not in England's nature to play for a draw."

Zagreb Stock Exchange

Not even the most experienced brokers remember such ‘bungee jumping’ of stocks as registered at the Zagreb Stock Exchange yesterday.

Although it started off as promising for the stock exchange and shareholders, especially because of the entry of the Atlantic Group onto the Zagreb Stock Exchange, Monday did not end on the same note. Not even the most experienced brokers who have been dealing with shares on the Croatian market for years can remember such a ‘bungee jumping’ of share prices.

The T-HT share dropped by almost four percent and at one moment the price was 325 kuna, while the share of the Atlantic Group fell from the starting 948 kuna to 831 kuna. Fortunately for Croatian citizens who bought T-HT shares as if they were on special Christmas offer a month ago, the price of the telecommunication company’s shares rose to 330.02 kuna before the end of the trading day. Shares of the Atlantic Group marked significantly greater oscillations that could have caused hear attacks. Fro the starting 948 kuna, the company’s share price plummeted to 831 kuna, due to which the company management lost more than 600,000 in only one hour. Luckily, the share recovered by the end of the day and reached 935 kuna. But what is behind such a stressful day at the Zagreb Stock Exchange – political statements or market trends?

- A combination of several factors affected the fall of stock prices. Global market trends, the electoral campaign in Croatia and the role of large funds – Ivica Pervan, professor at the Faculty of Economy in Split, told Javno.

President Mesic’s and SDP’s Ljubo Jurcic’s statements the cause

Regarding the influence of the electoral campaign in Croatia on the stock market, Pervan said that both sides, the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and the largest Opposition party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), have opposing interests. It is in interest of the HDZ for the price of shares to rise and in the interest of the SDP for them to fall, he said.

- As owner of T-HT shares, I am not even thinking of selling the shares now because I believe they will reach a much higher price, at least 365 kuna – Pervan concluded.

Our source in the government claims that politics has a great influence on the price of shares at the present time. He ‘accused’ President Stjepan Mesic and SDP’s economical strategist Ljubo Jurcic for the fall of share prices because of their statements about Croatia’s economic collapse.

- Jurcic is announcing new taxes if the SDP wins (in the upcoming elections), while Mesic speaks about Croatia being threatened by an economic collapse – the government source says.

But, he added, along with such careless statements by Mesic and Jurcic, the trends on foreign capital markets also contributed to yesterday’s fluctuation of prices.

- To be honest, I did not expect such a low price of T-HT shares – he admitted.

On the other hand, the owner of the Certus Regimen financial consulting company, Jurica Pevec, stressed that politicians started to strew about various statements, not thinking of their repercussions and how they would reflect on the share trends on the stock market. For example, Mesic started off with statements regarding the Croatian Construction Institute to continue with statements that Croatia is facing an economic crisis, Pevec said. But, he added, this is not the only reason for the fall of prices.

- The foreign market and the global situation are important here, too. If it is a bear market and if the general trend is declining then it is normal that the prices fall – Pevec explained.

Expert: discord between offer and demand affected the prices

The thesis that politics affected the price of shares was disputed by economy expert Mladen Vedris, who accentuated the discord of offer and demand as the primary cause of the oscillations on the Zagreb Stock Exchange. According to him, a large number of people entered the dramatic world of the stock exchange in a short period of time with one aim, to earn money, while, on the other hand, those who buy shares are significantly fewer.

- There is a discord between offer and demand, many have taken out bank loans only to purchase shares and now want to sell the shares. In the meantime, there are no buyers – Vedris said.

Still, the economy expert says that Monday’s plummeting and rocketing of share prices does not mean a loss for citizens, since they bought the T-HT shares at a price of 265 kuna, so their gain is not in question.

- One of the factors of stock price trends is instability after dislocation on the global market due to which, apart T-HT shares, the price of all stocks fell – Vedris concluded.

Europe - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband in Balkans and South East Europe 2006-2007

This report covers Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Macedonia (FYROM), Romania, Serbia and Montenegro. Trends and developments in telecommunications, mobile, Internet, broadband, digital TV and converging media including VoIP, VoD and IPTV developments. Subjects include: Market and industry analyses, trends and developments Facts, figures and statistics Industry and regulatory issues Research, Marketing, Benchmarking Major Players, Revenues, Subscribers, Prepaid VoIP, IPTV, VoD, digital TV and DTTV

Executive Summary

Telecommunications in the ten countries that comprise the Balkans is following the path taken by neighbouring Central Eastern Europe, with numerous markets liberalised. Incumbents still dominate but are under attack, with alternative operators steadily gaining fixed-line subscribers. Recognising that they can only delay the eventual onset of competition, broadband and convergence services have been chosen by the incumbents as new revenue growth areas. Hence ADSL take up is growing very rapidly, a trend that we expect will continue in 2007, with incumbents expected to eventually launch convergence offerings such as IPTV, once they have established a sizeable broadband base.

Mobile penetration levels are growingly strongly, although markets are maturing in some cases. Fierce competition is forcing the operators to focus on increasing postpaid user penetration and mobile content in order to stabilise ARPU levels, a strategy that will become increasingly common in the region during 2007 and beyond as mobile voice subscriber growth declines. With this mind, third generation networks will be increasingly relied upon to generate mobile data revenue, although we believe non-SMS/MMS mobile data usage will depend on what content/pricing propositions the operators are able to offer.

Key Highlights

Both Bulgaria and Romania have liberalised their markets as part of EU requirements, with alternative operators making significant progress in the fixed-line market in Romania. However alternative operators in the two countries have complained of the tactics used by the incumbent to delay offering access, a tactic seen all too well in each EU country which liberalised its fixed-line market. As seen in Western Europe, the incumbents will eventually accept the regulator’s authority rather than raise objections to every decision they make, but this will take time. Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Serbia and Montenegro have also liberalised their markets with important developments such as the issuing of reference interconnect offers concluded.

Greece has finally transposed the EU’s regulatory framework for communications into national law, a move that will benefit competition and help drive broadband growth, which is among the lowest of all 25 EU nations.

Telekom Srpske, one of the three incumbent operators in Bosnia-Herzegovina, was in the process of being privatised in late 2006, which follows the successful privatisation of the country’s publicly-owned mobile operator. Privatisation plans were also underway in Greece, Macedonia and Romania for each country’s respective fixed-line incumbent. Transferring public ownership of incumbent operators to the private sector will allow the country’s regulators to focus on their jobs, ultimately benefiting competition in the long term.

Increased large-scale international merger and acquisition activity is being witnessed leading to the emergence of regional players in the non-mobile markets such as Hungary’s Magyar Telekom, Greece’s OTE, Romania’s RCS/RDS and Liberty Global’s UPC, a trend which is expected to continue due to recently liberalised markets.

As seen in the Central European markets after they underwent liberalisation in 2004, the incumbents in the more liberalised markets are driving ADSL take up. The untapped financial potential of underdeveloped broadband markets offers a new revenue source for incumbents suffering from competition in low-growth potential fixed-line voice markets. We believe broadband uptake is most likely to expand in two phases; in the first phase due to the incumbents who wish to catch the benefits of first-mover advantage, with serious competition only expected from the cable operators, and the second phase, when alternative operators are able to gain better access to LLU-based services once suitable interconnection and access regimes are in place and enforced. The big question hangs over the impact wireless will have on markets and in particular, technologies such as WiMAX.

WiMAX networks have been deployed in Serbia and in Croatia by the incumbent and an alternative operator, which has deployed a WiBRO network. A mesh WiFi network that will provide nationwide broadband connectivity is under construction in Macedonia, with all of the country’s schools already connected. NGN/VoIP deployments are underway in Croatia by both the incumbent and alternative operators, in Greece by an alternative operator, in Macedonia by the incumbent operator, in Romania by the incumbent operator and in Bulgaria by the incumbent operator. The desire to offer broadband and convergence services are driving NGN/VoIP deployments, with more deployments likely as the strategy of focusing on broadband and convergence becomes more common.

Triple play services are offered by the cable operators, with Croatia’s fixed-line incumbent announcing plans to offer services. An alternative operator has launched a competing triple play offer to that of the incumbent in Cyprus, based on its ADSL2+ network. ADSL2+ networks have also provided the base for triple p