by http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/en/020326/1/bz8.html
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/en/020515/1/hpr.html
15 May 2002, Seoul - Tokyo
Boksic confident Croatia can deal with Italy
ZAGREB (Reuters) - Croatia striker Alen Boksic is convinced his side will at
least draw with group G rivals Italy at the World Cup finals next month.
Boksic spent much of his career playing in Italy with Lazio and Juventus from
1993-2000.
"(Playing Italy) sounds nice, because it is a matter of prestige but Croatia
should not be under any pressure for this game," he told Jutarnji List daily
on Wednesday.
"Italy have a superb keeper and forwards, but their midfield is made up mostly
of defensive players and I am convinced we can easily draw against them," he
said.
The 32-year old Middlesbrough striker said Croatia, who finished third at the
1998 World Cup in France, should focus on their other two group rivals.
"What matters more are the games against Ecuador and especially the first one
against Mexico," he said. "Beating Mexico will mean we have practically done
the job."
Despite being a regular starter in the national team, Boksic will be making
his first appearance at a major international tournament after injuries
sidelined him from Euro 1996 and France two years later.
"I have achieved everything with clubs, the only thing I lack is at least one
good performance at the World Cup," he said.
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