Soccer: Croatia need two goal win against Ecuador tomorrow

YOKOHAMA, Japan - Very much back in the hunt after a surprise 2-1 win over Italy, Croatia need to beat Ecuador by at least two goals tomorrow to be sure of moving on to the next round of soccer's World Cup.

The Europeans, placed third in France four years ago on their World Cup debut, lost their opening group G match to Mexico this time but are in better spirits after coming from a goal down to beat the Italians in a result which left their group wide open.

"We have to be (confident) after beating one of the best teams in the World Cup," Croatia striker Alen Boksic said.

Ecuador, yet to find their feet at their first World Cup finals, have all but lost hope. They must win by at least three goals and even then, Italy would have to lose to Mexico.

Croatia coach Mirko Jozic seems likely to stick with the side who started against Italy. While Boris Zivkovic, sent off against Mexico, is available again, Daniel Saric should keep his place at right-back.

Milan Rapaic, who scored in the Italy game, will support lone striker Boksic, with Jozic prepared to leave veterans Davor Suker and midfielder Robert Prosinecki on the bench.

Midfielder Zvonimir Soldo appears to have recovered from a foot injury and Davor Vugrinec should keep his spot despite pressure to include the impressive striker Ivica Olic, who came on for Vugrinec and scored against Italy.

Ecuador are already thinking about the trip home. Coach Hernan Dario Gomez has slammed his side for lacking character and knows only a miracle can keep them in the tournament.

But Alex Aguinaga, the team's captain and inspiration, wants the side to demonstrate unity and present a good image in their final match -- whatever the outcome.

"In this last game, we must play for our pride and hope for some luck. We don't need a miracle. No, we need to concentrate on having the right mental preparation and on being in the right condition when we play Croatia," he said.

Aguinaga, who played for some of the second half against Mexico but is still suffering from a thigh injury, will probably be brought back to try to instil some discipline into the side.

Gomez may make an example of midfielder Edwin Tenorio, who was substituted in the first half of the Mexico game after arguing with his team-mates, and leave him on the bench.

Probable teams:

Croatia (4-3-2-1): 1-Stipe Pletikosa; 15-Daniel Saric, 21-Robert Kovac, 3-Josip Simunic, 17-Robert Jarni; 4-Stjepan Tomas, 14-Zvonimir Soldo, 10-Niko Kovac; 7-Davor Vugrinec, 5-Milan Rapaic; 11-Alen Boksic.

Ecuador (4-4-2): 1-Jose Cevallos; 4-Ulises De la Cruz, 3-Ivan Hurtado, 2-Augusto Porozo, 6-Raul Guerron; 15-Marlon Ayovi, 10-Alex Aguinaga 58, 16-Cleber Chala, 19-Edison Mendez; 9-Ivan Kaviedes, 11-Agustin Delgado.

Match venue : Yokohama, Japan
Match referee: William Mattus (Costa Rica)
Linesmen : Miguel Giacomuzzi (Paraguay)
Roland Van Nylen (Belgium)
Kick-off : 1130 GMT
Coaches:
Ecuador - Dario Hernan Gomez
Croatia - Mirko Jozic
World ranking : Ecuador - 35 Croatia - 21
Squad average age : Ecuador - 27.35 Croatia - 27.65
Most capped current player:
Ecuador - Alex Aguinaga 94
Croatia - Davor Suker 79
Population:
Ecuador - 12 million Croatia - 4 million
Previous meetings: None
Previous World Cup appearances:
Ecuador - First appearance
Croatia - 1998
- - -
Tomorrow's game will be the 44th of 64 matches at this
year's tournament.

nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup

Groups and team lists
Stars
Schedule
Points tables
Previous winners and key statistics

Interactive graphics:
Groups and team profiles