The initial delight in Croatia over a “kind” Euro 2008 draw has given way to caution and the sense that passage into the last eight may not be so easy after all.
Still, it’s hard to resist the feeling that Slaven Bilic’s side, galvanised by the shock 3-2 win over England at Wembley, could be the tournament dark horses, after being drawn in Group B along with Germany, Poland and co-hosts Austria.
Croatia’s former coach Zlatko Kranjcar, who stepped down after the 2006 World Cup, described Austria as “a floating mine” ready to explode in their opening match against the Croats, having tipped Germany and Poland as much tougher rivals.
“However, this Croatian generation is hungry for success, both the staff and the players. What they need is a bit of luck because they certainly have the quality to go far,” he said.
Having warned his team they must take it one game at a time after appealing on the fans not to count their chickens before they are hatched, Bilic too expressed confidence that Croatia have matured into a side ready to make an impact like the one that finished third in the 1998 World Cup finals in France.
“We fear no one because we know that we are capable of holding our own against anyone,” he told Croatian media after the perfect ending to an impressive qualifying campaign.
Greece, of course, were the ultimate dark horses last time. Unfancied before the tournament, they kicked off with victory over hosts Portugal and came all the way through to repeat the trick in the final and win the tournament.
In other circumstances, Romania would be on many people’s list of the outside team to watch for 2008 but their chances have been hit by the worst possible draw, which will see them line up in Group C — take your pick on whether to call it the group of death, mayhem, destruction, aaarrrggghh or whatever – with Italy, France and the Dutch.
Who do you think could be the dark horses? Could Sweden make a bigger impact this time? Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in such good form at the moment that anything seems possible. Or what about the Swiss? They reached the knockout stage at the last World Cup and with that experience maybe a young, talented team could reach the last four. Give us your best guess in the comments below.
PHOTO: Croatia coach Slaven Bilic heads the ball during a training session at Wembley, November 20, 2007. REUTERS/Toby Melville
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