21.  The club finished second to Galatasaray in the first division league championship last season under Croatian coach Otto Baric.

22.  The Croatian coach also told reporters Monday that he plans to start the game without midfiedler Robert Prosinecki who has been in poor shape recently.

23.  Thuram had a score to settle with Croatian coach Miroslav Blazevic, but no one could have thought he would do it with two goals.

24.  Croatian coach Miroslav Blazevic also resigned to become the first coaching casualty at the tournament.

25.  Croatian coach Petar Skansi said this will be the final season for Kukoc on the national squad because his NBA commitments keep him away too long.

26.  Croatian coach Tomislav Imic has formed a squad to be envied -- despite organisational and financial problems in the war-torn country.

27.  Croatian coach Mirko Jozic reacted almost immediately by withdrawing disappointing veteran striker Davor Suker and replacing him with Daniel Saric.

28.  Croatian coach Petar Skansi also sees little hope.

29.  Croatian coach Mirko Jozic said Sunday he will step down when he returns from the World Cup where his team failed to qualify for the second round.

30.  Croatian coach Mirko Jozic was full of praise for his players after reshuffling his line-up and changing tactics after the defeat by Mexico.