Slaven Bilić has announced his starting lineup against Poland for Monday’s match. Remember that Croatia has already won Group B making this game a friendly; if anyhting for them. However, Poland will be playing for their tournament. Should they win big and have a German slip-up, they could move onto the knockout round.
Bilić has been quoted in numerous Croatian papers saying, “We are not stupid and are not going to risk anything.” With that, here is the lineup vs. Poland.
Goalkeeper: Stipe Pletikosa
Defenders: Dario Šimić, Hrvoje Vejić, Dario Knežević, Danijel Pranjić
Midfielders: Niko Kovač, Ognjen Vukojević, Ivan Rakitić, Jerko Leko
Strikers: Ivan Klasnić and Mladen Petrić
So the only ‘usual’ starters will be Pletikosa,Pranjić,Niko Kovač, Ivan Rakitić and Mladen Petrić.
We will finally get a good look at Klasnić and see exactly what he has to offer as I’m sure he will be playing for a spot in the lineup for the rest of the tournament.
So there you go. What do you think?
Ante and Denis know how I called Klasnic to be the player to step up for Cro, now I hope he doesn’t let me down!
i got this starting lineup off of net.hr and index.hr….they both confirm the same thing so well see what happens…and klasnic wont play in any other games unless he scores a nice goal in this game…
Just as I suspected, Vukojevic and Niko Kovac wont be on the pitch at the same time. Latest from Zagreb, has Bilic calling in Pokrivac instead of Kovac…..
Klasnic needs to start 100 percent. If he doesnt perform, he is done for the tournament. I mean with Petric and Olic, and others ready to come in, Klasnic is finished.
Modric has worked like a horse and Srna is struggling with an injury.
Despite what everyone thinks, Bilic is doing an excellent job. No one in Croatia thinks otherwise.
Every game is a different story. The European championship is a marathon not a sprint.
Our defense is going to get raped. Hopefully, this wont discourage Pletikosa. Also, Niko Kovac and Vukojevic shouldnt be on the pitch at the same time. I dont think this will happen.
I have tickets to the Poland and Czech game. Once again, I will give you a report as soon as possible…
I didn’t expect this many changes. I’m really glad Klasnic is playing and I think he will score for sure as he has a lot to prove. The defence looks a bit shaky though, Vejic and Knezevic aren’t amazing. But neither is the Polish defence.