Are they? Didn't Croatia already clinch a quarterfinal birth?
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Not exactly. Croatia has won the group but Poland is the one that needs to win in case Germany loses (they are -300 favorites).
Yesterday Switzerland was playing for pride only without stress.Comment -
75 minutes to kick off and I havn't found any information yet on Croatia's plans other than it's 'likely' that they rest starters.Comment -
You may want to place your bet after line ups are announced.
This is from Euro 2008 website.
Josip Šimunić
Will watch from the bench as he picked up a yellow card against Germany and will not be risked.
Robert Kovač
Like his defensive partner Josip Šimunić, he has a yellow card to his name so will not feature against the Poles.
Vedran Ćorluka
Coach Slaven Bilić sang his praises after the Germany match and is expected to unleash him on Poland as well - not least due to a lack of options at right-back, with alternative choice Darijo Srna also due to miss out.
Hrvoje Vejić
Must be hoping he will collect his third cap in tonight's encounter, and could well do just that - even if he starts on the bench.
Ivan Rakitić
A real menace as he made his tournament debut against Germany, the 20-year-old ought to be given another taste of the big stage before the quarter-finals.
Ognjen Vukojević
Is tipped to deputise for Niko Kovač, and will want to prove he can fill in for good once Croatia's captain retires.
Nikola Kalinić
The only player still based in Croatia, the 20-year-old prospect could be started against Poland alongside Ivan Klasnić.
Niko Kovač
The 36-year-old will be grateful for a rest before the knockout phase gets going.
Darijo Srna
Is carrying a slight knock and has a yellow card - all of which means he will not play a part against the Poles this evening.
Mario Galinović
Despite Croatia's comfortable position in Group B, the third-choice goalkeeper is not expected to come any closer to playing this evening.
Nikola Pokrivač
The one surprise choice in Slaven Bilić's squad, this could be his chance to make an impact on the tournament, assuming he gets a run-out in midfield.
Luka Modrić
Like Darijo Srna, he has both a slight knock and a yellow card and will not be risked at the Wörthersee Stadion.
Dario Knežević
Has appeared in both Croatia's previous games as a substitute, and is expected to be promoted to the first eleven against Poland.
Jerko Leko
May be asked to patrol the right flank, despite being one of five players on a yellow card.
Ivan Klasnić
Set to become the first player to appear at a UEFA European Championship after undergoing a kidney transplant, but will want his goalscoring to dominate the headlines.
Ivica Olić
Seemingly tireless in Croatia's first two matches, the 28-year-old striker will be rested against Poland.
Niko Kranjčar
His performance against Germany won him plenty of praise, and Slaven Bilić will want him to be fresh for the quarter-final with Turkey - meaning a night off for the 23-year-old.
Igor Budan
Collected a knock in training recently, so will not be risked in Klagenfurt.
Mladen Petrić
Will probably not start against Poland, but will want to seize any chance he is given after losing his place in the team.
Danijel Pranjić
Another game at left-back is on the cards for the diminuitive SC Heerenveen prospect, who prefers to operate in midfield.
Vedran Runje
Accepts that tournament football can be difficult for back-up goalkeepers, but continues to look sharp in training and will be ready if called upon.Comment -
That was my plan - thanks for the info - that will help me go with what my gut says: "NO ACTION" haha. I can see way too many things happening. I favor Poland slightly, but I won't know until I see official lineups. If Croatia is protecting 4-5 of their yellow cards, that's some serious quality off the field.Comment -
NINE lineup changes for Croatia was just reported on the telecast. Damn.Comment -
Modric/Srna/Kovac out? No go!Comment
