Croatia prefers to play Germany in quarterfinals
By Vic Mills
LONDON (JP): Miro Blazevic, the Croatian coach, announced before the tournament that he would prefer to play Germany in the quarterfinals. With two victories already in Group D, he could, so to speak, choose his opponents.
The styles of the two countries, he suggested, were compatible. His selection of six reserves and the team's abject display ensured his wish was granted.
Of all the rhetoric to come out of the training camps, this has to be the strangest. Not least because Germany has, from the outset, been the tournament favorite.
The Portugal match bore no resemblance to the earlier group game in which Croatia had put paid to Denmark's hopes of retaining its European title.
It was just a week ago, with Hillsborough bathed in warm late afternoon sunshine, that Croatia had charmed both opposition and spectators with a display of deliciously creative soccer.
The game was a personal success for the Savilla-based center forward, Davor Suker. His two second half goals, together with the audacious attempted lob of Schmeichel from fully 50 meters, marked him out as one of the players of the tournament.
The feeling with this Croatian side, however, is that it has still to give of its best. Boban, Boksic and Prosinecki have all shown glimpses of form, but without the consistency that such a tournament demands.
Asanovic, soon to move to Derby County, defenders Jarni, Stimac and Bilic have been the pick of a side for whom judgment hour is fast approaching.
Although new to international soccer, Croatia's pedigree, a win and a draw against Italy in its qualifying group, suggests victory against Germany is possible. But it will take an immense team effort; one in which the senior professionals must contribute in full.
Germany enters the knockout phase of Euro 96 as firm favorite. It was at its most disciplined in the group games; none more so than against Italy at Old Trafford.
Under pressure from the outset it defended in depth, rarely looking in trouble, not even when reduced to 10 men in the last quarter by the dismissal of Strunz.
The statistics of its Group C games - two wins and a draw, five goals and none against - tell the story.
Such is the efficiency of its defensive system that the loss of its most experienced defender, Kohler, after just 14 minutes of the first game has had little effect. Babbel has made for a solid replacement; Helmer has won everything in the air; and in front of the back four, the tackle-on-sight mentality of Dieter Eilts has been outstanding.
Add to these defensive qualities the attacking instincts of sweeper Matts Sammer and wing-backs Ziege and Reuter, the need for Croatia to be at its best is paramount.
Forced to play defensive roles against Italy, midfield players Hassler and Moller will be seeking the time and space to weave their magic for front runners Klinsmann and Bobic.
Having missed the first game against the Czech Republic, Klinsmann celebrated his return with two striker's goals against Russia.
Rationality
The quarter-final stage of any competition is a time for rationality and realism.
Yet tournaments of this nature rarely conform to such ideals. No better illustration of which was the Danish participation and victory four years ago at the expense of war torn Yugoslavia.
The recent history of that region explains the current tidal wave of emotional support for Croatia. It is perhaps fitting that its quarterfinal should be staged at Old Trafford, Theater of Dreams. For if any nation deserves to dream it is Croatia.
The Czech Republic and Portugal contest the last quarterfinal at Villa Park. This tie between two of the unfancied sides could provide the best soccer of all.
The Czechs qualified at the expense of much feted Italy in the 'Group of Death'. Make no mistake, it is made of stern stuff. Nerves of steel too in that it took an 89th minute Smicer equalizer in the final group game against Russia to guarantee its progress.
It was no more than it deserved having taken the fight to Germany in the opening game only to be beaten by two breakaway goals. The same tactics against Italy brought two goals and, after some heroic defense, a crucial victory.
Lacking the stars of other nations its success has been built upon hard work.
Amid such industry, the likes of Bejbl, Podorski and Kuka have been inspirational. More of the same will be needed to keep the Iberian challenge at bay.
Portugal comes to Villa Park with a reputation for a slick passing game; arguably the best midfield in the tournament; and with three goals against Croatia, a forward line running into form.
From its opening group game against Denmark it has pushed the ball around with bewildering speed and accuracy. A tactic not altogether unsurprising given a midfield that boasts the silky skills of Rui Costa, Paulo Sousa and Luis Figo.
Their goals, given such creativity, come from a variety of sources. In the qualifying rounds, 12 different players found their way on to the scoresheet. This variety was repeated in Group D with goals shared between defense, midfield and attack.
The problem facing coach, Antonio Oliveira, is balancing such attacking verve with a slightly cavalier defense. If Portugal succeeds in closing down the lively Czech forwards, then a semifinal place beckons.