Coaches ready for Split decisions

By Elvir Islamovic & Mark Bennett

Croatia and Germany meet in Split on Wednesday in a friendly between two countries who will be hoping for glory at UEFA EURO 2004™ this summer.

Extra spice
The fact this is a match-up between two tournament qualifiers will add a touch of spice to proceedings, while home fans will doubtless want a repeat of the memorable 1998 FIFA World Cup quarter-final between the sides, which the Croatians won 3-0 - their only victory in six attempts against the Germans.

Baric struggle
Home coach Otto Baric is struggling with injuries ahead of the game. The 19-year-old playmaker Niko Kranjcar, who had been set for a debut, has been ruled out with a groin injury while defender Igor Tudor is sidelined by a thigh problem.

Mornar missing
Furthermore, winger Milan Rapaic is short of match fitness, and forwards Tomislav Šokota and Ivica Mornar are missing with ankle and thigh injuries respectively. "We are faced with lots of injury problems," Baric admitted. "I wanted to play the team that won the play-off against Slovenia in Ljubljana, but now that's not possible."

Replacements called in
Defender Mario Tokic, midfield player Srdan Andric and forward Nino Bule have all been drafted into the squad as replacements, and uncapped SV Werder Bremen striker Ivan Klasnic looks certain to play. "I'll have a good first eleven," Baric said. "Although we must change the formation a bit - I'll look for the defence to link up with midfield more. I also want midfield to move the ball forward quickly. We need to improve ten to 20 per cent before EURO 2004™."

Weakened by withdrawals
Germany have been also been weakened by withdrawals, with defender Marko Rehmer succumbing to a cold and talismanic Michael Ballack absent with a throat infection. "This is bad news because Michael is such an important player," said coach Rudi Völler. Torsten Frings is expected to assume Ballack's role behind a front two of Fredi Bobic and Kevin Kuranyi. Meanwhile, Dietmar Hamann hopes to win his 50th cap.

Bright future
At the back 20-year-old VfB Stuttgart defender Philipp Lahm is tipped to make his debut at the expense of Andreas Hinkel, who played in the 3-0 reverse against France in December. "Philipp has been in excellent form. He deserves to be involved and has a bright future if he continues down the same path," said Völler. "There is a lot more competition for places than a few months ago and some players could find themselves being left out in the future if they don't perform."