MATCH 12 PREVIEW : CROATIA VS FRANCE

Tough opposition
Nevertheless, whatever spiritual assistance they can glean from their trip will be gladly accepted; in any football date with France, the opposition has to pray a little in any case, and hope they do not catch Santini's multi-talented outfit on one of their unstoppable nights. Defeat for Croatia would seriously compromise their cherished hopes of a place in the quarter-finals.

Changes expected
Consequently, Baric has been toying with the idea of resting players for the third group match against England. Five Croatians are a booking away from suspension for that game, and Baric - understandably less than ecstatic with the display against Switzerland - may also revamp his attacking options.

Olic in attack
Tomislav Šokota, who was unable to breach the Swiss rearguard on Sunday could stand down with Ivica Olic moving into a front-running role in a 4-4-2 formation after starting on the left flank against Switzerland. This will mean that there will be call-up to the starting line-up for Milan Rapaic. The Croats are also expected to make a change on the right with Giovani Rosso replacing Ivica Mornar.

Živkovic absent
In defence, the Croatians have been forced to make one change. As expected, Igor Tudor returns to the centre after his ban in the opening game, but Josip Šimunic will move to left-back in place of captain Boris Živkovic, who will miss this game owing to a knee ligament injury. "He has been suffering with this injury for a while, but it worsened today," said team doctor Boris Nemec. "He will be on the bench tomorrow, but he is unlikely to participate."

France (possible): Barthez; Sagnol, Thuram, Desailly, Lizarazu; Pires, Dacourt, Vieria, Zidane; Henry, Trezeguet.

Croatia (possible): Butina; Šimic, Robert Kovac, Tudor, Šimunic; Rosso, Bjelica, Niko Kovac, Rapaic; Olic, Pršo.

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