FRANCE 98 – Match preview n°59
Hyped up Croatia are ready to exact revenge on Germany for their Euro 96 quarter-final loss, in their World Cup last eight match here on Saturday evening. Croatia have never beaten Germany in four attempts and their most famous defeat was the Euro 96 quarter-final when Matthias Sammer was imperious as sweeper.
Davor Suker’s controversial freekick in time added on in the first half against Romania in the second round mean Croatia have never failed to reach the last eight in a major competition. The Euro 96 match at Old Trafford against Germany was marked by several contentious refereeing decisions and defender Igor Stimac sensed an opportunity for revenge.
“They beat us at Euro 96 with the help of the referee and we’ve been waiting for this chance for two years,” Stimac said. Croatia’s feelings of revenge have been fuelled by the German press which said Croatia were weak and would be easily beaten. “We are irritated by these comments,” said Croatia coach Miroslav Blazevic. Germany, three-times World Champions, the current European champions and one of the favourites to go all the way to the title, may have veteran defender Jurgen Kohler available for selection. The 32-year-old Kohler, who has 105 caps, was back in training on Thursday after being doubtful with a calf strain and pulled out of the second round win over Mexico just before kick-off. Emerging midfield star Jens Jeremies could be a second change from the side which beat Mexico as he may replace centre half Thomas Helmer. Jeremies started well and was one of Germany’s best players in the opening win over the United States. But the 24-year-old, who has just joined Bayern Munich, lost his place after a less confident performance in the 2-2 draw against Yugoslavia. Coach Berti Vogts said he had not come up to scratch in that game and was also carrying an injury. An alternative to Jeremies would be veteran Olaf Thon, who has lost his place to Lothar Matthaus. Germany will have to show caution with Lothar Matthaus, Michael Tarnat, Markus Babbel and Dietmar Hamann picking up yellow cards in the second round.
Slaven Bilic and Zvonimir Boban are the Croatian players carrying a caution. Croatia are set to arrive in Lyon late Friday afternoon and go straight to the Stade Gerland for open training. Defender Igor Stimac issued a further warning to the Germans. “We are a small nation and no-one expected us to be in the quarter-finals, but we aren’t finished yet,” he said.