by REC.SPORT.SOCCER, Global -- Star Croat propogandist Barry Marjanovich, who
has never missed an opportunity to post pro-croatian propoganda prior,
during and post the last World Cup and the 1996 European Championships
through, is taking no chances this time.
While witnessing the Croatian training camp this week, much of his emphasis
has been on talks of Croatia's past. Confident in the words of Croatia's
poster boy - Alen Boksic, Barry believes that is boyhood idol can deliver on
his promise to make mince-meat of the competition in Japan.
The squad leaves for its World Cup base in Japan on Sunday.
Boksic, who has been relegated to England's Middlesbrough, after brief but
unsuccesful stints with some of Europe's top clubs, can often be seen taking
his daily dose of fiber, or just privately meditating in a peaceful corner
at the camp here, looking for the strength to make good on his recent
outbursts.
One can only ask themselves, have these seemingly unconscious remarks have
been done by default or design? Has Boksic, in his more "mature" years
simply fallen victim to the hype of the past, or by design is Boksic a
master manipulator of inspiration, trying to provide a spark for what seems
to be a young Croat team led by some wiley veterans.
Barry, it seems, would like to believe in the latter. Still in awe of
Croatia's 3rd place finish in 98, he has a dream, a dream that see's the
Croat's making the next step...
Sport Psychologist Marko Junic wants his players to fly out as mentally
fresh as possible for the tournament. As such, he has employed a mental
training regimen that includes replay's of all of Davor Suker's 98 goals
that led to his golden boot award. Also as part of the training, the Croat
players regularily chant a mantra consisting of the opposing teams name,
followed by an old croatian adage "*** the Monkey That Pulls Their Cart"
The France 1998 semifinalists are grouped with three-time champion Italy,
Ecuador and Mexico in the round-robin stage.
Barry believes the Italians are the easiest target. "Sure they are rated
amongst the favorites to win it all, but that is merely just a
representation of what the Mafia can IN$PIRE." Often he is heard repeating
"Italy is a beautiful place, but the only problem with it is that it is full
of Italians." and, "We know better than to be in awe of their supposed
unbreakable defence, after all Maldini is almost as old as
Boksic....err...but Boksic is god."
Goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa, defenders Josip Simunic, Anthony Seric and the
Kovac brothers, Niko and Robert, are most often seen on the golf course,
believing that if they can produce a hole in one on this "turf" why wouldn't
it be possible on the soccer field!!.
Left-back Robert Jarni likes to escape from the soccer pitch to the tennis
court, most recently having been seen with Martina Hingis, while captain
Davor Suker prefers to test his goal-scoring touch with shots at goal from
around the penalty box. "Hey, don't make fun of me, I still can hit the net
from here!!!"
All in all, come what may, we are the most entertaining team in Europe. Our
fans, which include citizens of the world, will continue to be in awe of our
inspirational play. Boksic believes anything is possible, even a win against
Ecuador!!
"We all have a dream!"
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