Baric searching for victory

By Elvir Islamovic

Croatia are hoping for a case of third time lucky when they meet F.Y.R. Macedonia on Wednesday night.

Tough test
Otto Baric's team have yet to win in 2004 after a 2-1 defeat by Germany in February and a 2-2 draw with Turkey last month. Both of those matches were played at home, unlike this week's trip to Skopje which could prove an even tougher test of Croatian resolve.

Ciric retiring
The Macedonians will be saying an international farewell to veteran striker Saša Ciric and will be eager to claim a first victory against Croatia after losing one and drawing two of their previous encounters. A maiden win would be a major success as they prepare for their first 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers later in the year.
 
Key men missing
Croatia's preparations have been affected by the absence of some key performers. Chief among them are the injured FC Bayern München defender Robert Kovac, Portsmouth FC forward Ivica Mornar and AS Monaco FC striker Dado Pršo. There is also the problem of players not getting regular games at their clubs including AC Milan's Dario Šimic and Hertha BSC Berlin's Niko Kovac, while another midfield man Milan Rapaic may be a late withdrawal with a muscle problem. "Milan is thinking that he can play, but I don't think it's the best option," said Baric.

Didulica chance
Nenad Bjelica, the 32-year-old 1. FC Kaiserslautern midfield player, has been given a chance to impress despite not appearing for his country since 2001.The one new cap likely on Wednesday evening is SK Austria Wien goalkeeper Joey Didulica. He had been selected in the squad to face Turkey but had to pull out through injury.

Tudor poser
There are plenty of other things for Baric to think about including Igor Tudor's suspension which will keep him out of the opening match in Portugal against Switzerland, a game many view as pivotal to Croatia's chances of progressing beyond a group that also includes France and England. Baric has decided to play Tudor in Skopje, although the Juventus FC man will then sit out the final two warm-ups, against Slovakia on 29 May and Denmark on 5 June.

Captain confident
Despite such headaches, Baric is refusing to be negative and neither are his players. Croatia captain Boris Zivkovic said: "It's true that we have some problems. But we still have enough quality players who are playing at clubs with big reputations. I'm sure we will give our best. From the beginning I am optimistic and believe we can reach the second phase in Portugal."