lildave3 Posted 8 June 2008 Posted 8 June 2008 Austria have yet to name their team, but captain Andreas Ivanschitz says they will start with two forwards. Croatia defender Vedran Corluka has shaken off a knock on his Achilles tendon, which he picked up on Friday. And coach Slaven Bilic sprung no surprises in his team selection, and will send out his side in their traditional 4-4-2 line-up. In the absence of the injured Eduardo da Silva, Croatia's attack will be led by Mladen Petric and Ivica Olic. Croatia's defence is considered a weaker part of their team and Ivanschitz made it clear Austria will try to take advantage of that percieved frailty. He said: "Their central defence is vulnerable. With our fleet-footed strikers, we can hurt them." However, Croatia's midfield is rated as very strong with skilful playmakers Luka Modric and Niko Kranjcar pulling the strings. Dario Srna - the main supplier of crosses - and veteran captain Niko Kovac will provide able support. Up front Petric has scored nine goals in 21 appearances for Croatia, while Olic has hit nine in 51 internationals. 2-0 Croatia for me, Petric and Kranjcar.
lildave3 Posted 8 June 2008 Author Posted 8 June 2008 Chosen Croatia as my team to follow. Then, like me, you're not going to be cheering on the winners.
Samilktray Posted 8 June 2008 Posted 8 June 2008 Then, like me, you're not going to be cheering on the winners. I think there capable of winning it.
lildave3 Posted 8 June 2008 Author Posted 8 June 2008 I think there capable of winning it. I don't. Maybe with Eduardo they stood an outside chance, but not without him.
Uncle Albert Posted 8 June 2008 Posted 8 June 2008 I dont fancy Croatia's chances, they will get through the group and I dont think they are strong enough to get passed Portugal or Czech if they do make it through.
Finnegan Posted 8 June 2008 Posted 8 June 2008 I dont fancy Croatia's chances, they will get through the group and I dont think they are strong enough to get passed Portugal or Czech if they do make it through. Nonsense. Portugal belong with England and Spain in the basket of underachieving flops and the Czech Republic aren't even a shadow of the vibrant, attacking talent that four years ago was becoming The Dark Horse of worn cliché. Rosicky is the last of their wondermen and he's injured, Nedved and Poborsky have retired, Bruckner's resorted to four-five-one in place of his gung-ho attacking nature and the "deadly" Baros has been pure pigswill since his golden boot. I like the Czech Republic as much as any other fan of good, attractive football but as much as it pains me to say it - their performance today was poor and one of the weakest sides in the tournament gifted them a win with one moment's poor defending. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Croatia have magnitudes of talent that exceed the Czechs, but at least they have a number of their notable talents fit (even if Eduardo's missing.) And they're consistent and brave in tournaments, which is something Portugal aren't. You'd still have to fancy that Ronaldo's Year still has another month to run, but if they're the only two teams you can find to block Croatian progress then I doubt Monsieur Bilic is quaking in his oh-so-stylish booties.
Mr Happy Posted 8 June 2008 Posted 8 June 2008 2-0 Croatia for me, Petric and Kranjcar. Ditto That said watch Croatia win but in the last minute Austria pull a goal back giving me only 3 points in the prediction league Meh
lildave3 Posted 8 June 2008 Author Posted 8 June 2008 DittoThat said watch Croatia win but in the last minute Austria pull a goal back giving me only 3 points in the prediction league Meh I've only got 1 so far.
Mr Happy Posted 8 June 2008 Posted 8 June 2008 I've only got 1 so far. Well somebodies got to be the Derby/Colchester/Luton of the prediction league and prop up the table I'm just hoping its not me
dandannieldanok Posted 8 June 2008 Posted 8 June 2008 C'mon Austria I reckon it will be a draw, Croatia believe they're better than they actually are because they beat McClaren's England.
Lovejoy Posted 8 June 2008 Posted 8 June 2008 1-0 Croatia Modric to get the winner. They'll get through the groups but I think Germany and Portugal will be too strong for them in the knockouts.
Jonezy Posted 8 June 2008 Posted 8 June 2008 I'm gonna go with the common 2-0 Croatia. Srna to score one, which will be sexy for my fantasy team.
syston_fox Posted 8 June 2008 Posted 8 June 2008 1-1 Sneaky last minute goal for the Austrians... I hope. Although I expect Croatia to walk it
Finnegan Posted 8 June 2008 Posted 8 June 2008 Croatia believe they're better than they actually are because they beat McClaren's England. Are you really that ignorantly narcissistic?
Bert Posted 8 June 2008 Posted 8 June 2008 I love Austria simply for the fact they have Ivanschitz and Fuchs.
Finnegan Posted 8 June 2008 Posted 8 June 2008 I love Austria simply for the fact they have Ivanschitz and Fuchs. Simple things.
davieG Posted 8 June 2008 Posted 8 June 2008 I've just noticed I've got Croatia to win 10-1 instead of 1-1
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