Šimić not slacking for Poland game

'Real match'
Šimić stayed on the bench for Croatia's first two matches, a 1-0 win against tournament co-hosts Austria and a 2-1 victory over Germany. Those results fast-tracked the Vatreni into the quarter-finals as Group B winners, regardless of the outcome against Poland at the Wörthersee Stadion, but Šimić insisted: "This will be a real match."

Opportunity knocks
The AC Milan defender assures anyone doubting Croatia's commitment that they will not take the Poland encounter lightly – this game at least gives other squad members a chance to shine. "We, the players who have played less in the tournament, will get an opportunity and we want to show our quality to the coach [Slaven Bilić] and make our contribution to the team's success," he said.

'Highly motivated'
Šimić, who owns a still water business as a sideline to his playing career, continued: "We have nothing to lose in terms of the outcome. All of the squad are top-notch players and we are highly motivated and I am sure we will have a good match. The players who might be called reserves will get the chance to play now, but this is additional evidence that everything is going well in the first team."

Milestone target
Croatia's most-capped player, Šimić made his international debut at EURO 96™, against Portugal, and his 50th appearance came during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The 32-year-old now hopes to complete his century at some point in these finals. "It [against Poland] will be number 99 and I hope the 100th match will be during this tournament. We have qualified for the quarter-finals and I hope we will go even further than that," said Šimić.