Croatia turn to Tudor

Juventus FC defender Igor Tudor has been recalled by Croatia in the 20-man squad to face Bulgaria after recovering from ankle surgery.

Crucial players
Croatia coach Otto Baric earmarked Tudor's return along with the presence of Mario Stanic and Alen Boksic, based with English clubs Chelsea FC and Middlesbrough FC, as crucial to his side's chances in EURO 2004™ qualifying Group 8.

Mikic included
The one new face in the squad is Mihael Mikic. The 22-year-old winger has been particularly impressive in UEFA Cup action this season for NK Dinamo Zagreb. Croatia, who drew 0-0 at home against Estonia last month, travel to Bulgaria for their second qualifier on 12 October

'Aiming for victory'
"Croatia can and must produce better results," said Baric. "I hope we will prove that in Sofia. We are aiming for victory, although a draw would not be a failure. But, even if we lose, the group will not be lost, because our team is able to defeat anybody. Unfortunately we can also lose to anybody.

Optimistic approach
"I do have to admit that Bulgaria are favourites for this match, they have had the same team for years now and they look good," added Baric. "But, nevertheless, I am an optimist because we are missing only one player [defender Josip Simunic], and I have everyone else I need."

Croatia squad
Pletikosa, Butina, Simic, Kovac, Tudor, Zivkovic, Tokic, Tomas, Rapaic, Babic, Leko, Vugrinec, Stanic, Tapalovic, S Maric, Mikic, Djolonga, Boksic, M Maric, Olic.