The game against Poland might not mean anything on paper for the Croatians but make no mistake; we came to play in this tournament. Bilić has already said that he would not risk anything and is not going to play any starter who has already received a yellow card. Receiving a second yellow before the semifinal round calls for a next-game suspension. He will field players who don’t usually play but have given them the green light to play hard and go for the win just like they did against England at Wembley.
The 32-year old Dario Šimić, who played alongside coach Slaven Bilić at Euro 1996 and World Cup 1998, will wear the captain’s armband vs. Poland for his 99th career cap. Šimić has said that this is an honor for him and that he will not treat this as a meaningless game. He would like to earn his 100th CAP (no Croatian has ever reached the century mark yet) during Euro 2008 in case he decides to retire from international ball after the competition.
Here are the players who will not even dress for the game due to yellow card trouble. Josip Šimunić, Robert Kovač, Luka Modrić and Darijo Srna.
Croatian players will also be wearing black bands around their arms in tribute of the 20-year old Croatian fan who passed away in Klagenfurt,Austria right before the start of the Croatia-Germany match. Police reports have said that no foul play was involved and that the young man collapsed from a pre-existing condition; causing a heart attack. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.
I apologize for not getting onto the site quicker and getting the up-to-date lineup before the game. I guess Bilic pulld Pletikosa out the last minute for Runje who played very well.