Football
20y

Soccer-Euro-Croatians put on brave face after Swiss draw

ZAGREB, June 14 - Croatia coach Otto Baric plans
radical team changes for Thursday's match against champions
France after the disappointing 0-0 draw with 10-man Switzerland.

"I was dissatisfied with six players. They showed their form
(in friendlies) against Slovakia and Denmark but underperformed
completely against Switzerland," Baric told a news conference at
Croatia's training camp on Monday.

Croatia created few chances in the Group B opening match and
failed to take advantage of Switzerland having midfielder Johann
Vogel sent off early in the second half.

The 71-year-old coach did not say who would be the new
starters against France, but the Hina agency said defender Josip
Simunic, midfielder Nenad Bjelica and Benfica striker Tomislav
Sokota were likely to lose their starting places.

Baric said Croatia stood little chance against France.
"However, I do hope we can surprise England," he said.
Croatia face England on June 21.

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