Soccer: Coach dogged by critic from Croatia's 'golden generation'

Croatia coach Mirko Jozic is on a mission to prove two high-profile critics wrong when his side play Mexico tonight.

Mexican counterpart Javier Aguirre has offended Jozic by pouring scorn on his players' capabilities and his prowess as a coach.

But it is the harsh words of predecessor Miroslav Blazevic that are eating away at Jozic as he attempts to repeat Croatia's thrilling World Cup debut at the finals four years ago.

Blazevic, who led the "golden generation" of players to the semifinals in France, has accused Jozic of "betraying" the nation's love for attractive football in his quest for a watertight defence, which conceded just two goals in their qualifying campaign - the lowest number of any European nation.

Jozic, who will stand down after the finals, accepts that only another thrill-filled tournament will earn him a fond farewell, but warns he is aiming for points first and foremost.

"For me, reaching the second round will be an achievement," he said. "People always talk about the golden generation ... it is true, these players are not as confident. They may have lost some of their lustre, but we have many qualities."

After taking over from Blazevic during qualifying, Jozic had to build a team without the likes of 1998 talisman Zvonimir Boban.

Yet despite his love of defence, he has indulged Robert Prosinecki, another of the old guard, by surrounding the aging playmaker with hard-working team-mates.

Mexico's forward partnership of Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Francisco Palencia are also of proven class.

But with Jesus Arrellano and Johan Rodriguez suspended for this match and winger Rafael Garcia and midfielder Gerardo Torrado battling injury, Mexico are struggling to convince as a unit.

Probable teams:

Croatia: Stipe Pletikosa; Boris Zivkovic, Robert Kovac, Josip Simunic, Robert Jarni; Stjepan Tomas, Zvonimir Soldo, Niko Kovac; Robert Prosinecki; Davor Suker, Alen Boksic.

Mexico: Oscar Perez; Melvin Brown, Manuel Vidrio, Alberto Rodriguez; Alberto Garcia Aspe, Rafael Marquez, Gabriel Caballero, Gerardo Torrado, Rafael Garcia; Francisco Palencia, Cuauhtemoc Blanco.

- REUTERS

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