Despite winning the battle of the Balkans 2-0, the Real Madrid midfielder accepts it was a testing experience.

"We are emotionally drained. It's like we have played two games in physical and emotional terms," he said.

Tuesday's match at the Liberty Stadium pitches Modric against former Tottenham Hotspur team-mate Gareth Bale.

Bale, in the running for the Premier League's player of the year award, has been linked with a summer move to Madrid and Modric revealed the pair have kept in touch - although they have not spoken about the forthcoming fixture.

"I corresponded with Bale when I was in Madrid but not in recent days," Modric told a press conference.

"Fortunately they will not play Aaron Ramsey (suspended) and Joe Allen (injured) because they were the best players after Bale."

Assistant coach Alen Boksic believes Bale still represents a substantial threat for its weakened opponent.

"Bale is a better player than I was and is currently the third in the world behind (Lionel) Messi and (Cristiano) Ronaldo but we need to play our game," he said.

Group A leaders Belgium face Macedonia looking to maintain top spot and could be boosted by the return of captain Vincent Kompany, who has been sidelined for two months with a knee injury.

"If he is able to train well on Monday he will start on Tuesday," said Belgium coach Marc Wilmots.

"I first want to see that he is 100 per cent. He is the captain and he's ready."

Former Manchester United winger Zoran Tosic is confident recent incidents involving fans will be forgotten for Tuesday's visit of Scotland. The Serbian Football Association was fined by FIFA for crowd disturbances during its qualifier against Wales in September and an under-21 match against England in October was marred by racist chanting.

"We do not need to think about it, I think the story is finished," said Tosic, with the team in fourth place in the group and under threat of not qualifying.

"The focus is on football. Our fans are great every game but sometimes they become nervous when the result is not good and that goes against us.

"We've never fallen in this early stage of qualifying but the most important thing is to fight to the end."

Police official Krunoslav Borovec has pledged tight security at the qualifier pitting Croatia against former foe Serbia and warned that ethnically-based and insulting chants would not be tolerated.

"Organisers have to (first) warn the supporters (if such chants take place) and then the match can be interrupted either briefly or for good," Borovec told reporters when asked about how the police would react to ethnically-insulting chanting against Serbia.

Croatia and Serbia meet in a football match for the first time as independent nations since the bloody civil war fought between the two former Yugoslav republics in the 1990s.

Serbian fans have been banned from Maksimir Stadium after an agreement between the two countries' football federations in a bid to avoid crowd trouble.

Nevertheless, police had earlier announced stricter border controls and on all transport routes into Zagreb in case any Serbian fans try to attend the game in what will be a sell-out stadium.

The match, as well as the return leg on September 6, will be closely monitored by UEFA, which has warned both countries' football federations about the need to tackle hooliganism.

Relations between the two countries have gradually improved since the 1990s war in Croatia, but sports events involving their teams still remain high-risk.

But Stimac urged fans to refrain from any incidents or hate speech for the high-risk match against Serbia, which is the first meeting of the two sides as independent nations since the 1991-1995 Balkan conflict.

"Our task is to present football ... We will focus only on that. We have to be sportsmen," Stimac told reporters.

In a bid to avoid trouble between rival fans, both countries' football federations have decided to ban away supporters from travelling to the match between the countries that fought a bitter war in the 1990s as the former Yugoslavia fell apart.

Relations between the two countries have gradually improved since the war but sports events are still considered high risk, particularly with football linked to ultra-nationalist hooligans.

Group A also features Belgium, Macedonia and Scotland.

Croatia's squad

Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (Rostov/RUS), Danijel Subasic (Monaco/FRA), Dario Kresic (Lokomotiv Moscow/RUS)

Defenders: Josip Simunic (Dinamo Zagreb), Domagoj Vida (Dynamo Kiev/UKR), Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow/RUS), Gordon Schindelfeld (Dynamo Moscow/RUS), Dejan Lovren (Lyon/FRA), Ivan Strinic (Dniepropetrvsk/UKR), Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk/UKR)

Midfielders: Luka Modric (Real Madrid/ESP), Josip Radosevic (Napoli/ITA), Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla/ESP), Sammir (Dinamo Zagreb), Ivan Perisic (VfL Wolfsburg/GER), Niko Kranjcar (Dynamo Kiev/UKR), Ognjen Vukojevic (Spartak Moscow/RUS), Milan Badelj (Hamburg/GER), Arijan Ademi (Dinamo Zagreb), Mateo Kovacic (Inter Milan/ITA)

Attackers: Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich/GER), Eduardo da Silva (Shakhtar Donetsk/UKR), Nikica Jelavic (Everton/ENG), Ivica Olic (VfL Wolfsburg/GER), Mladen Petric (Fulham London/ENG), Nikola Kalinic (Dniepropetrvsk/UKR)

In letters sent separately to Zoran Milanovic and Ivica Dacic, prime ministers of Croatia and Serbia respectively, Platini also asked for an urgent meeting with European football's governing body officials over the issue.

"UEFA is extremely concerned by all forms of violence at certain matches played by Croatian clubs in UEFA competitions," Platini was quoted as saying in the letter to Milanovic, published on the Croatian Football Federation's (HNS) official website.

A similar letter was also sent to Dacic, a government statement said in Belgrade.

UEFA tasked its official Frantisek Laurinec to meet top government and football officials from Croatia and Serbia in their respective countries over the issue, Platini said.

He proposed that the meeting take place in March, stressing that tackling of football violence was crucial for the future of football in the two former Yugoslav republics.

Platini has repeatedly warned Croatia and Serbia that if they do not root out violence among football supporters they risk being excluded from international competitions.

UEFA has fined the federations of the two countries on several occasions for violence and racist behaviour of hardcore football fans.

The HNS and its Serbian counterpart had decided that, in a bid to avoid crowd trouble, away fans would be banned from the matches between the countries who fought a bitter war in the 1990s as the former Yugoslavia fell apart.

Croatia faces Serbia on March 22 in Zagreb, while the return match is to be played on September 6 in Belgrade.

National HRT television broadcast images of fans who defied freezing temperatures, spending the night in open air in downtown Zagreb waiting for kiosks to open and tickets to be released.

The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) was to release for sale some 24,000 tickets, some of them over the Internet, and officials expected them to sell out during the day.

"For this match there is huge interest that exceeds the capacity of the Maksimir stadium several times," the federation said on its Facebook page.

The venue can accommodate 34,000 spectators.

In a bid to avoid crowd trouble, the HNS and its Serbian counterpart decided that away fans would be banned from the matches between the countries who fought a bitter war almost two decades ago as the former Yugoslavia fell apart.

The return match is to be played in Belgrade on September 6.

Relations between the two countries have gradually improved since Croatia's 1990s war against Belgrade-backed rebel Serbs who opposed the country's independence from the former Yugoslavia.

But sports events including teams from Croatia and Serbia are still considered high risk.

The qualifiers are the first football matches between the two nations since the 1991-1995 conflict.

In 1999, Croatia played a 2000 European championship qualifiers against rump Yugoslavia - at the time composed of just Montenegro and Serbia - without visiting fans.

European qualifying zone Group A also features Belgium, Macedonia, Scotland and Wales.

The former enemies have taken the joint decision in a bid to avoid crowd trouble at the games in Zagreb and Belgrade.

"It was decided that there will be no organised travel of visiting squads' fans for the next two Group A qualifying matches between Croatia and Serbia," a joint statement released by the federations read.

"The decision is based on the fact that both matches are high risk and it was concluded that this is the best preventive measure."

They claimed the move was made in line with recommendations by FIFA, UEFA and the relevant local authorities.

The first match is to be played on 22 March in Zagreb, and the second on 6 September in Belgrade.

Relations between the two countries gradually improved since Croatia's 1990s war against Belgrade-backed rebel Serbs who opposed its independence from the former Yugoslavia.

However, sports events, including teams from the two countries, are still considered high risk.

The qualifiers are the first football matches between the two nations since the 1991-1995 conflict.

In 1999, Croatia played its EURO 2000 qualifiers against Yugoslavia - at the time composed of Montenegro and Serbia - without visiting fans.

European qualifying zone Group A also features Belgium, FYR Macedonia, Scotland and Wales.

A proposal by Croatia coach Igor Stimac that acquitted generals Ante Gotovina and Mladen Markac take the honorary kick-off at the start of a World Cup qualifier between the two nations on March 22 in Zagreb was greeted with fury by Serbian football officials.

Serbia coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, a Serb born in Croatia, said on Monday his team will boycott the match if the two are allowed on the field.

"I believe that neither FIFA nor UEFA will allow that they take the starting kick-off," Mihajlovic said.

"However, if that happens, we won't play the match. That's the only way they can defeat us."

On Friday, the two generals were acquitted by the UN tribunal for the former Yugoslavia of charges of being responsible for war crimes against minority Serbs during a 1995 Croatian military blitz that resulted in hundreds of dead and hundreds of thousands expelled.

The decision to release the two - hailed in Croatia and denounced in Serbia - further strained relations between the two nations that fought a bitter war in the 1990s.

After receiving criticism from his own football association, Stimac said that his words "were taken out of context."

Croatian football federation President Davor Suker said Stimac "needs a spanking" for the proposal.

"We have to lessen the tensions and that's how we have to behave," Suker said.

"We have to show that we are a civilised state. We have to show respect toward Serbia."

Croatia and Belgium lead Group A with 10 points, with Serbia trailing six points behind and seeing the match against Croatia as its last chance to catch up.

Two goals in three second-half minutes from Christian Benteke and Vincent Kompany earned Belgium its victory while Mario Mandzukic and Eduardo were on target for Croatia against Wales.

The top two are now six points clear of third-placed Serbia, which went down to a 61st-minute Agim Ibraimi penalty at FYR Macedonia.

Italy continues to set the pace in Group B with a 3-1 home win over Denmark.

Goals from Riccardo Montolivo (33) and Daniele De Rossi (37) put Italy in charge but a home win looked in question when Denmark pulled a goal back through William Kvist Jorgensen (45) and the Azzurri lost Pablo Osvaldo to a straight red card 18 seconds into the second half for violent conduct.

However, Italy was not made to pay for that dismissal as Mario Balotelli made it 3-1 in the 54th minute to complete the scoring.

Italy's lead now stands at four points after its two nearest challengers Bulgaria and Czech Republic drew 0-0 in Prague.

In Group C, Austria claimed a deserved 4-0 win over Kazakhstan with goals from Marc Janko (two), David Alaba and Martin Harnik while Republic of Ireland bounced back from its mauling by Germany with a 4-1 win over Faroe Islands.

All five goals came in the second half with Ireland notching through Marc Wilson, Jon Walters, a Pol Justinussen own goal and Darren O'Dea, while the Faroes responded through Hallur Hansson.

Germany saw its 100 per cent start come to a remarkable end after Sweden fought back from 4-0 down to salvage a dramatic 4-4 draw in Berlin.

Germany, fresh from its 6-1 thrashing of Republic of Ireland last week, looked set for another big win as a brace from Miroslav Klose and further goals from Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil saw the host 4-0 up inside an hour.

However, hopes of a fourth successive win in Group C suddenly looked in doubt as Sweden, which had won both its opening qualifiers, pulled three goals back in a 14-minute spell through Zlatan Ibrahimovic (62), Mikael Lustig (64) and Johan Elmander (76).

The home side looked to have weathered that fightback, though, as the game entered injury-time with it still holding on to a narrow lead, but in the third minute of added time Sweden stunned its opponent when Rasmus Elm made it 4-4.

Netherlands assumed control of Group D with a thumping 4-1 win of Romania in its top-of-the-table clash in Bucharest.

Romania had not conceded a goal in its opening three wins, but that perfect record was in ruins within the opening 45 minutes as Jeremain Lens, Bruno Martins Indi and Rafael van der Vaart all found the target.

Robin van Persie then completed the rout four minutes from the end with Romania's consolation coming from a fine Ciprian Marica goal when it was 2-0 down.

Three points behind Netherlands is Hungary, which went behind to Mevlut Erdinc goal against Turkey but hit back to claim a 3-1 win thanks to efforts from Vladimir Koman, Adam Szalai and a Zoltan Gera penalty.

In the other group match, a 57th-minute Andres Oper header saw Estonia beat fellow struggler Andorra 1-0.

Switzerland defeated Iceland 2-0 away from home with second-half goals from Tranquillo Barnetta and Mario Gavranovic and it remains three points clear of Norway at the top of Group E.

Norway trailed to a 42nd-minute Efstathios Aloneftis goal against Cyprus but recovered to win 3-1 with Brede Hangeland (45), Tarik Elyounoussi (81, penalty) and Joshua King (83) on the scoresheet.

Albania is in third place on six points after a Odise Roshi goal gave it a home victory over Slovenia.

Group F leader Russia continued its 100 per cent start with a 1-0 victory over Azerbaijan, although it needed an 84th-minute Roman Shirokov penalty to claim a fourth win out of four.

Portugal is now five points behind after being held to a shock 1-1 home draw by Northern Ireland.

It could have been worse for star-studded Portugal as it required a 79th-minute equaliser from Helder Postiga to even salvage a point after falling behind to a first-half Niall McGinn goal.

Israel is level with Portugal after beating bottom nation Luxembourg 3-0, Tomer Hemed netting a brace either side of an Eden Ben Basat goal.

Bosnia-Herzegovina and Greece lead Group G with 10 points.

Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Lithuania 3-0 with goals from Vedad Ibisevic, Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic while Greece ended Slovakia's unbeaten start thanks to a Dimitris Salpingidis goal.

Also, Latvia beat 10-man Liechtenstein 2-0 at home with goals from Vladimir Kamess and Edgars Gauracs.

Group H leader England saw its match with Poland postponed due to a waterlogged pitch in Warsaw.

The other matches in England's group saw Montenegro join Roy Hodgson's men on seven points after beating Ukraine with Dejan Damjanovic netting the only goal, while second-half goals from Serghei Dadu and Alexandru Epureanu gave Moldova a 2-0 win at San Marino.

Reigning world and European champion Spain conceded a stoppage-time equaliser against France in Madrid.

Spain looked on course to move three points clear of the French at the top of Group I thanks to Sergio Ramos' 25th-minute opener, with even Cesc Fabregas' penalty miss just before half-time not looking set to cost Vicente del Bosque's side dear.

But, with four minutes of injury-time played, France snatched a 1-1 draw when Olivier Giroud, who had replaced Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema late on, headed in Franck Ribery's cross.

Belarus beat Georgia 2-0 with Renan Bressan and Stanislav Dragun on the scoresheet.

"I am opening a discussion regarding Tuesday's match against Wales. What is your ideal team for that match? What system would you apply against Wales? 4-3-3? Bring it on!" Stimac wrote to fans on his official Facebook page on Sunday.

After defeating FYR Macedonia 2-1 in Skopje, Croatia sits in second spot in World Cup qualifying Group A behind Belgium, with both teams on seven points.

Wales, which scored a dramatic 2-1 win against Scotland at home, is currently fourth with three points. Group A also comprises Serbia.

Croatia hosts Wales in the eastern town of Osijek.

Tomer Hemed completed a hat-trick in the final minute as Israel won 6-0 in Luxembourg.

Marco Reus and Toni Kroos both helped themselves to two goals apiece as Germany made an emphatic statement of intent in Group C with a 6-1 rout of Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

Reus and Kroos were joined on the scoresheet by Mesut Ozil and Miroslav Klose as Germany heaped more woe on beleaguered Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni. Andy Keogh hit an injury-time consolation.

Sweden moved clear in second place in the group after coming from behind to win 2-1 in the Faroe Islands with a 75th-minute winner from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, while Austria was surprisingly held to a goalless draw in Kazakhstan.

Goals from Christian Benteke, Kevin de Bruyne and Kevin Mirallas gave Belgium a superb 3-0 win over Group A rival Serbia in Belgrade.

Croatia stays level with Belgium at the top of the group but only after coming from behind to win 2-1 in FYR Macedonia. Agim Ibraimi put the host ahead early, before Vedran Corluka and Ivan Ratikic responded.

Two late goals from Gareth Bale gave Wales its first points with a 2-1 win over Scotland. James Morrison put Scotland ahead in the 27th minute but Bale equalised with an 81st-minute penalty and hit the winner two minutes from time.

Italy shrugged off a minor scare to win 3-1 in Armenia, Andrea Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi and Pablo Osvaldo on target, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan briefly equalised for the host in the first half.

Theodor Gebre Selassie, Toma Pekhart and Jan Rezek gave Czech Republic a 3-1 win over Malta, while Bulgaria and Denmark settled for a 1-1 draw after Nicklas Bendtner equalised Dimitar Rangelov's early opener for the host.

Netherlands cantered to a 3-0 win over Group D minnow Andorra in Rotterdam with goals from Rafael van der Vaart, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Ruben Schaken.

Romania maintained its 100 per cent start in the group thanks to Grozav Grozav's goal in a 1-0 win in Turkey, while Tamas Hajnal struck the only goal as Hungary won 1-0 in Estonia.

Switzerland is still top and unbeaten in Group E despite being pegged back against Norway. Mario Gavranovic looked to have won it for Switzerland with a 79th-minute opener but Brede Hangeland equalised two minutes later.

Tim Matavs scored twice as Slovenia beat Cyprus 2-1, while Iceland won 2-1 in Albania thanks to a winner nine minutes from time from Tottenham Hotspur's Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Group G pacesetters Greece and Bosnia-Herzegovina remain unbeaten after a tight goalless draw in Pireaus, a result that allows Slovakia to join them on seven points after Marek Hamsik and Marek Sapara scored in a 2-1 win over Latvia.

Also in Group G, two goals from Edgaras Cesnauskis were enough for Lithuania to claim a 2-0 victory in Liechtenstein.

Wayne Rooney became England's fifth highest goalscorer after scoring two in a 5-0 Group H rout of San Marino. Danny Welbeck also scored two with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain adding the fifth on 77 minutes.

Meanwhile England's Group G rival Ukraine was frustrated by a goalless draw in Moldova.

A hat-trick from Pedro paved the way for Spain to ease to a 4-0 win over Belarus in Minsk after Jordi Alba's 12th-minute opener, while Kasper Hamalainen's equaliser gave Finland a 1-1 draw with Georgia, which had led through Guram Kashia.

Rasmus Elm and Marcus Berg were on target as Sweden picked up all three points.

Germany continued its 100 per cent start to Group C with a 2-1 win in Austria.

Goals from Marco Reus and a Mesut Ozil penalty either side of half-time had Joachim Low's side in control, Zlatko Junuzovic pulling one back for the host.

Roberto Soldado's 86th-minute winner saved Spain from an embarrassing goalless draw with Georgia in the opening match of its qualifying campaign.

The Valencia striker, starting for the world and European champion ahead of Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres, swept the ball home after a short corner to spare the visitor's blushes.

Soldado was the only change to the side that started the EURO 2012 final victory over Italy, but Vicente del Bosque's side was far from at its slick best and almost went behind when Alexander Amisulashvili struck a post.

France topped Spain's Group I after making it two wins out of two with a 3-1 triumph over Belarus.

Etienne Capoue put Didier Deschamps side in front early in the second half and Christophe Jallet added a second.

Les Bleus had a scare when Sergey Kornilenko missed a penalty and Anton Putsila did score a minute later, but Franck Ribery settled the nerves 10 minutes from time.

Italy got its first win in Group B with a 2-0 success over Malta.

After a 2-2 draw with Bulgaria in its opener, goals at either end of the match from Mattia Destro and Federico Peluso gave the host three points.

Bulgaria joined it on four points after a bad-tempered 1-0 win over Armenia.

Stanislav Manolev scored the winner, but the highlight of the second half was a flurry of red cards, Bulgaria's Svetoslav Dyakov and Armenia's Marcos Pizelli and Gevorg Ghazaryan all sent off.

Netherlands, so poor at EURO 2012, won 4-1 in Hungary to get its second win in Group D.

Jeremain Lens' early opener was quickly cancelled out by a penalty from Balazs Dzsudzsak, but Bruno Martins Indi scored to give the Dutch a 2-1 half-time lead.

Lens with his second and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar struck it the second half to ensure a convincing win.

Romania joined it on top of the group after a 4-0 win at home to Andorra, Gabriel Torje, Costin Lazar, Valerica Gaman and Alexandru Maxim on target.

Turkey was a 3-0 winner over 10-man Estonia, the goals from Emre Belozoglu, Umut Bulut and Selcuk Inan. Enar Jaager was sent off for the visitor after 19 minutes.

England needed an 87th-minute equaliser from Frank Lampard from the penalty spot to rescue a 1-1 draw against Group H rival Ukraine at Wembley.

After Jermain Defoe had a goal disallowed, Yevgen Konoplianka put the visitor in front.

Lampard levelled from the spot after Yevhen Khacherdi was penalised for handball, but there was still time for Steven Gerrard to see red for a second yellow card.

Poland and Montenegro joined England on top of the group with four points.

The Poles saw off Moldova 2-0 thanks to a Jakub Blaszczykowski penalty and a Jakub Wawrzyniak strike.

Montenegro hit minnow San Marino for six, with two goals each from Fatos Beqiraj and Andrija Delibasic and one apiece for Luka Djordjevic and Elsad Zverotic.

Portugal and Russia established a five-point cushion over the chasing pack in Group F.

Portugal recorded its second win of the campaign, 3-0 against Azerbaijan, courtesy of second-half efforts from Silvestre Varela, Helder Postiga and Bruno Alves, the last two coming in the final five minutes.

Russia found the going rather easier in Israel, an Alexander Kerzhakov double and goals from Aleksandr Kokorin and Viktor Faitzulin giving it a 4-0 win.

Also in the group, Northern Ireland drew 1-1 at home to Luxembourg, for which Daniel da Mota cancelled out Dean Shiels' opener.

In Group A, Serbia crushed woeful Wales 6-1.

Aleksandar Kolarov, Zoran Tosic, Filip Djuricic, Dusan Tadic, Branislav Ivanovic and Miralem Sulejmani netted for the host, with Gareth Bale briefly giving Wales hope by pulling one back in the first half.

Belgium and Croatia joined Serbia on top of the pile after a 1-1 draw, Guillaume Gillet cancelling out Ivan Perisic's opener.

Scotland came from behind to draw 1-1 with FYR Macedonia, Kenny Miller and Nikolce Noveski scoring.

Switzerland continues to lead the way in Group E, Xherdan Shaqiri and a Gokhan Inler penalty giving it a 2-0 home win over Albania.

Konstantinos Makridis scored to give Cyprus a 1-0 win over Iceland, which had Solvi Ottesen sent off late on.

Norway fought back to defeat Slovenia 2-1, John Arne Riise getting the winner with a 90th-minute penalty.

Markus Henriksen cancelled out Marko Suler's opener.

Bosnia-Herzegovina and Greece won for the second time in Group G.

The former crushed Latvia 4-1, but only after conceding a Kaspars Gorkss' goal after five minutes.

Zvjezdan Misimovic scored twice, including a penalty, while Miralem Pjanic and Edin Dzeko got one each as the host recovered.

Greece beat Lithuania 2-0 thanks to goals from Sotiris Ninis and Kostas Mitroglou.

Slovakia recorded a 2-0 win over Liechtenstein, Marek Sapara and Martin Jakubko on target.

Hazard has had a hand in seven of Chelsea's eight English Premier League goals so far this season, following his big money move to Stamford Bridge.

That has served to heighten the expectation on his shoulders as part of a Belgium team packed with Premier League talent - but the 21-year-old insists he does not feel the pressure.

Hazard is just determined to help Belgium build on its 2-0 victory over Wales and secure a victory that would be key to its chances of reaching Brazil 2014.

"I know everyone expects a lot from me and I also know that I can do better," Hazard was quoted as saying in Het Nieuwsblad.

"I have played 200 games. I don't feel the pressure.

"Three points against the strongest opponents in this group would obviously be good for the confidence.

"But they are a strong team. The last time we played them we lost (1-0 in March 2010).

"They play a bit like Spain and keep the ball.

"If we want to get six points out of six, we will have to produce a better performance than against Wales."

Belgium manager Marc Wilmots has opted to start with Porto midfielder Steven Defour instead of Tottenham's Mousa Dembele, who lined up against Wales.

Defour will be charged with neutralising the threat of Croatia's Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric, as he did to Wesley Sneijder in last month's friendly against The Netherlands.

While Belgium opened its campaign with a 2-0 win against Wales, Igor Stimac's Croatia defeated Macedonia 1-0 with a goal from Everton's Nikica Jelavic.

Serbia was left in no doubt by its coach Sinisa Mihajlovic that a goalless draw in Scotland was not good enough and Wales ought to be braced for a backlash.

"I expected honestly that we would win against Scotland, but we made a few mistakes. We have some things to change to be better in forthcoming matches," Mihajlovic said.

Wales has not scored in four matches but boss Chris Coleman is confident his side can end their drought in Novi Sad.

"The longer you go and you don't score the more of a psychological thing it can become," Coleman said.

"But we will score goals and I thought we were going to get a goal against Belgium. We have creators and players who can finish.

"So we now have to go to Serbia, put in a performance like we did against Belgium and we need to put the ball in the net, we are aware of that."

Scotland manager Craig Levein insisted their qualification campaign remains on track as they prepare to host Macedonia, after a negative reaction to the draw with Serbia.

"It is nonsense to be talking about qualification or non-qualification just now," he said.

"We still have 27 points to play for. We are very positive about what we are doing just now."

Strikes from Roland Juhasz, Zoltan Gera (penalty), Adam Szalai, Tamas Priskin and Vladimir Koman sealed a comfortable Group D victory, while goals from Gabriel Torje and Ciprian Marica gave Romania a 2-0 win over Estonia.

Robin van Persie scored the opener as Netherlands began its campaign with a 2-0 victory over Turkey, Luciano Narsingh netting the second in stoppage-time.

Georgi Milanov's second-half strike rescued a point for Bulgaria, which held EURO 2012 finalist Italy to a 2-2 draw.

The host took a shock lead on the half-hour when Stanislav Manolev's 35-yard strike rocketed past Gianluigi Buffon but Pablo Osvaldo's scored twice in three minutes to put the Azzurri ahead at the interval.

But Italy was pegged back as Milanov fired high into the net from Iliyan Mitsanski's cross to ensure a share of the spoils in Group B, where Armenia went top after Artur Sarkisov's 70th-minute strike gave it a 1-0 win over Malta.

England launched its qualifying campaign with a 5-0 Group H win in Moldova.

Frank Lampard scored twice to provided the perfect answer to questions about his age, with Jermain Defoe, James Milner and a deflected Leighton Baines free-kick underlining England's overwhelming superiority.

Elsewhere in the group, Montenegro and Poland drew 2-2 in a fiery encounter that saw both teams reduced to 10 men.

Abou Diaby scored the only goal as France edged past Finland in Group I, while Georgia got its campaign off to a winning start as a fine second-half goal from Tornike Okriashvili saw off the challenge of Belarus.

Germany began the qualifiers with a routine 3-0 Group C win over the Faroe Islands.

Mario Gotze broke the deadlock in the 28th minute before Mesut Ozil's second-half brace sealed a comfortable, if unspectacular, victory.

Last-gasp goals from Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle ensured Republic of Ireland avoided embarrassment after it came from behind to beat Kazakhstan 2-1.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side looked set for an embarrassing defeat when Kairat Nurdauletov glanced home after an insipid first-half performance from the visitor until Keane's penalty and Doyle's strike gave the visitor a hard-fought win.

In Group A, defensive duo Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen gave Belgium a 2-0 win over Wales, whose early good work was undone when James Collins was sent off in the 25th minute.

Nikica Jelavic's opportunist 68th-minute header got Igor Stimac's reign as Croatia coach off to a winning start against FYR Macedonia.

Cristiano Ronaldo was on song but Portugal only edged past minnow Luxembourg 2-1 in Group F.

The Portugal midfielder drew his side level just before the half-hour mark after Daniel Da Mota Alves gave Luxembourg the lead, before he made a nuisance of himself in a top-class performance which saw Helder Postiga's strike earn the visitor a well-deserved win.

Northern Ireland's qualifying campaign got off to a losing start as goals from Viktor Fayzulin and Roman Shirokov gave Fabio Capello's Russia three points in Moscow, while Israel was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at Azerbaijan.

Granit Xhaka and Gokhan Inler gave Switzerland, which had captain Tranquillo Barnetta sent off, a 2-0 win at Slovenia, while goals in either half from Kari Arnason and Alfred Finnbogason gave Iceland a 2-0 win over Norway, and Albania beat Cyprus 3-1.

In Group G, Greece came from behind to beat Latvia 2-1, Edin Dzeko and Vedad Ibisevic scored a hat-trick apiece as Bosnia-Herzegovina thrashed Liechtenstein 8-1 and Lithuania and Slovakia played out a 1-1 draw.

Russia was held 1-1 in Moscow by Cote d'Ivoire, Alan Dzagoev's opener cancelled out late by Max Gradel.

"It was a very uneasy match as Ivory Coast team have a set of very strong players in their line-up," new Russia coach Fabio Capello told AFP afterwards.

"I'm really pleased with the Russian team's performance. I knew the team is strong but today I've got more proof of that.

"I had a precious opportunity to test young players against strong rivals. Some of them made a debut performance today and I'm glad that now they have a chance for further development."

Serbia was held to a goalless draw by Republic of Ireland in Belgrade.

Konstantin Vassiljev's injury-time goal gave Estonia a 1-0 home win over disappointing EURO 2012 co-host Poland.

Greece eased to an impressive 3-2 win over Norway in Oslo.

Nelson Oliveira and Cristiano Ronaldo got the goals as Portugal beat 10-man Panama 2-0 at the Estádio do Algarve.

Oliveira beat two men before lashing the ball into the top corner on the half-hour mark and, after Gabriel Gomez was sent off early in the second half for a clash with Joao Moutinho, Ronaldo turned to fire home moments later.

Modric has been the subject of intense transfer speculation, but as of yet no club has reached the £40 million ($60 million) asking price Spurs are demanding for his signature.

Modric refused to travel to the United States for Spurs' tour and has not been picked for any of the club's other pre-season games since.

That has not gone down well with national head coach Igor Stimac, who plans to give the 26-year-old his first game of the summer on Wednesday when Croatia faces Switzerland in Split.

"I don't like the situation that he is in at all, he has not played any matches at all this summer," Stimac was quoted as saying on AS.com.

The former West Ham defender said he is confident the player will leave White Hart Lane before the end of the month, however, adding: "He will end up signing for Madrid before the market shuts."

Tottenham already appears to be planning for life without Modric.

The Londoners signed Gylfi Sigurdsson from Hoffenheim earlier this summer, and it is understood they have launched a bid to sign hard-working Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila.

Although the capture of M'Vila would undoubtedly improve the strength of the Spurs squad, Villas-Boas' main concern is in the striker department.

Jermain Defoe and rookie Harry Kane are the only strikers on Tottenham's books as efforts to sign Emmanuel Adebayor and Leandro Damiao have so far failed.

Spurs have also made an offer for Gaston Ramirez, according to the Bologna forward's agent.

"The only solid offer is the one from Tottenham, who offered €16 million euros ($18.7 million)," Betancourt told Calciomercato.

"But the deal didn't go through because Spurs offered too low a wage to the player and if the wage difference is minimal he would stay at Bologna.

"Tottenham could raise their offer if they sell Modric and in that case the deal could be done, otherwise Ramirez will stay another year at Bologna. We also talked with Liverpool but nothing more.

"Inter Milan are interested in the player, but can not afford to offer cash as the teams in the Premier League."

Stimac, who is to hold his first press conference as a new coach this week, is replacing Slaven Bilic who took over Russian Premier League side Lokomotiv Moscow after EURO 2012. Bilic led the squad since 2006.

A 44-year former defender, Stimac began and ended his career at Hajduk Split but also played for Derby and West Ham United from the mid-1990s before returning to Croatia in 2001.

He played for the Croatia squad that finished third at the 1998 World Cup in France.

Suker, former striker and Croatia's record goalscorer, is replacing long-term president Vlatko Markovic who headed the HNS since 1998.

Markovic, 75, a former leading player and coach had announced earlier that he was to leave the post after EURO 2012, without revealing the reasons for the move.

"We are aware of Croatian clubs' problems and we will do everything possible to fix that, to retain football's popularity," the 44-year-old Suker said.

He pledged to "return the faith in both football and refereeing".

Croatian football is facing a deep crisis and the federation has been held largely responsible for it. Several first division sides are suffering financial hardship, while match-fixing and bribing scandals have rocked the country.

Sports Minister Zeljko Jovanovic, who took over in December, blamed the HNS leadership for what he described as a "sad situation in Croatian football" and called for their resignation.

Suker also pledged to work with the authorities to fight against hooliganism.

"We need the help of institutions to settle accounts with individuals and groups that harm Croatian football," he said.

In June, UEFA fined the HNS some 135,000 euros ($A165,600) for Croatia's fans racist and violent behaviour at the European championships in Poland and Ukraine.

Suker scored 45 goals in 69 international appearances. He was the top scorer at the 1998 World Cup and represented clubs including Sevilla, Real Madrid and Arsenal.

Croatia was eliminated in the group stage of the European Championship.

The HNS was fined 80,000 euros ($100,000) by UEFA for "the setting-off and throwing of fireworks and the improper conduct of supporters (racist chants, racist symbols)" at last week's day's match against Italy.

UEFA has now opened a new case into the improper conduct of both the Croatian fans and also the players during the country's 1-0 defeat to the Spanish in Gdansk.

A UEFA statement read: "UEFA has today opened disciplinary proceedings against the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) for the setting-off and throwing of fireworks, and the improper conduct of supporters (display of racist banners and symbols) at the EURO 2012 Group C match against Spain in Gdansk on Monday.

"The disciplinary case also involves the improper conduct of the team (six Croatian players received a yellow card during the match)."

The case will be dealt with on Sunday, 24 June.

The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) was docked 80,000 euros ($99,575) for offences which included the racist abuse of Italy striker Balotelli by between 300 and 500 of the country's fans during a Group C game in Poznan, which was also dogged by accusations a banana had been thrown onto the field.

The fine was one of the biggest imposed by European football's governing body for racism-related incidents but it was still significantly lower than the 100,000 euros ($124,468) punishment and one-match ban dished out to Denmark striker Bendtner 24 hours earlier.

Critics of the decision pointed out earlier that UEFA had taken more draconian action against Bendtner than it had over several racist incidents down the years.

Those arguments carried even more weight on the back of this decision when considering that Croatia's fine - which it was given three days to appeal once it receives the written judgment - was not only for racist abuse.

The HNS, which last week labelled its misbehaving fans 'deviant', was also punished for them setting off and throwing fireworks for a second time at EURO 2012.

It had already been docked 25,000 euros ($31,119) for that - and the invasion of the pitch by a supporter - during the win over Republic of Ireland.

Croatia has been previously fined twice for racism by UEFA and FIFA since 2008 and the former's president Michel Platini launched a stinging attack on its fans.

But an even dimmer view appeared to have been taken about Bendtner's antics, something that was ridiculed by the bookmakers whose branding appeared on the underwear he hoisted up after scoring in Denmark's Group B defeat to Portugal six days ago.

Paddy Power offered to pay Bendtner's fine, branding the 'pantsgate' sanction 'barmy' and to the punishment being more severe than those for racism.

A company statement read: "Paddy Power are also issuing an alert to all other players intending to wear their own lucky underpants in the remaining UEFA fixtures to keep the string tied tightly on their shorts so that they too don't face the wrath of the over-the-top UEFA pants police."

Germany was the latest team to face punishment for the extremist behaviour of its fans when action was taken over the display of a neo-Nazi banner during the Group B win over Denmark.

The FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) network, which has been working with UEFA to monitor crowd problems at EURO 2012, posted on its official Twitter account: "FARE can confirm that one of our observers reported a neo-nazi banner in the German section at the match v Denmark in Lviv on Sunday."

Disciplinary proceedings were opened against the German Football Association (DFB) for the 'display of inappropriate banners and symbols, and inappropriate chanting'.

The DFB was also charged with the setting-off of fireworks, having already been fined 10,000 euros ($12,447) after its fans threw screwed up pieces of paper at Portugal players during the opening group game.

UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body will deal with the latest case on Saturday.

EURO 2012 has been marred by several allegations of racism, including another involving Balotelli, one surrounding Czech Republic defender Theodor Gebre Selassie, and claims of such abuse during a Netherlands training session before the tournament even began.

Last week saw Russia hit with a suspended six-point deduction for its EURO 2016 campaign over the behaviour of its fans in Poland and Ukraine, which included the display of extremist banners.

The two teams - along with Group C rival Italy, which was facing Republic of Ireland in Poznan at the same time - went into the closing minutes with their progression still in the balance.

With the game in Gdansk goalless, a Croatia winner would have eliminated Spain, while an equaliser for Republic of Ireland would have seen Italy knocked out.

In the event, Jesus Navas' simple finish settled Spanish nerves before Mario Balotelli secured Italy a 2-0 success to ensure the group big guns marched on.

And Casillas said: "I think it was a very tense match, but that is normal because it was important to get through to the next round.

"Croatia were well prepared to face us. They made it very difficult for us to create chances, they defended very well. In the end we were lucky, scoring late on. It felt like a weight off our shoulders."

Goalscorer Navas added: "It's great to qualify this way, especially if you win. We added more points to our tally and finished first in our group. We are very happy about it.

"Croatia were great opponents but we were able to fight our way to this victory. We always go for the win. That's what we believe in, that's what we play for."

France, England or co-host Ukraine awaits in the last eight and Navas said: "Whoever we have to face, we will stick to our game. I am really looking forward to whoever we will have to play."

Croatia had chances to snatch victory - not least when Ivan Rakitic's diving header forced a sharp save from Casillas, who said: "I was lucky in one situation that could have put us in trouble."

Rakitic added: "I did not manage to take the chance that came my way. I think I will probably have sleepless nights thinking about that.

"It was obvious that we gave everything on the pitch, we gave it our best shot. I can honestly say that my soul was left on that pitch, and I think I need a few people to carry me off the pitch because I am literally dead."

Team-mate Danijel Pranjic added: "As long as the match was still scoreless we had a chance. If Rakitic had scored, who knows how this match could have ended.

"If you can make Spain nervous until the last minute of the match about getting through, I think that is an outstanding performance."

Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic both had earlier chances to break the deadlock and Croatia kept pushing deep into injury-time as it sought the equaliser that could still have sent it through.

Resolute in defence and surging down the flanks on the counter-attack, Croatia kept Spain at bay for long periods and Vicente del Bosque's team will be extremely relieved to have come out on top of its group.

In a poor first period, Fernando Torres came closest to breaking the deadlock when he brought a good save out of Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa in the 23rd minute.

Although Spain dominated most of the early possession, chances were at a premium, with Jordi Alba blazing wide and Andres Iniesta poking a shot goalwards where it was saved by Pletikosa.

Torres skipped past Gordon Schildenfeld in the 23rd minute before firing straight at the keeper from a tight angle, then moments later Sergio Ramos drilled a long-range effort which Pletikosa held.

But after Gerard Pique shot over the bar, Croatia replied with some pressure of its own, Danijel Pranjic shooting low at Iker Casillas and Mandzukic blazing over the bar from just inside the box.

Croatia had a loud penalty appeal turned down in the 27th minute when Mandzukic's charge down the right flank was brought to an end by a crashing challenge from Ramos on the edge of the box, but referee Wolfgang Stark waved Croatian appeals away.

Knowing it was likely to need a goal to give it a chance of reaching the last eight, Croatia made a brighter start to the second half with a dangerous corner from Rakitic punched away by Casillas.

Iniesta almost threaded a ball through to Torres in the 52nd minute but Croatia was still brighter, and Mandzukic was clearly showing no ill effects from his first-half knock as he stretched the Spanish defence.

And Croatia came agonisingly close to taking the lead in the 59th minute when Luka Modric beat Ramos on the right and crossed into the box where Rakitic's low header was brilliantly saved at point-blank range by Casillas.

Perhaps shaken by the near miss, Del Bosque responded by replacing the ineffective Torres with winger Navas, as his side sought desperately to regain control of the game.

But Croatia came close again in the 69th minute when two of its substitutes combined, Ivan Perisic finding space on the left to loft a cross which floated inches too high for Nikica Jelavic in front of goal.

Del Bosque introduced Cesc Fabregas who failed to get his shot off in a crowded box in the 78th minute, then Sergio Busquets missed a glorious chance with 10 minutes to go when he hesitated in the box and was dispossessed by Croatia captain Darijo Srna.

Fabregas was having a major influence in calming Spanish nerves and he made the crucial move in the 87th minute when he lobbed the defence to send Iniesta clear, and he squared for substitute Navas to tap home the simplest of chances.

UEFA on Saturday announced it was taking action against the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) over racist chanting by its fans during last Thursday's Euro 2012 Group C clash with Italy in Poznan.

Press Association Sport understands claims a banana was thrown on to the field in Poznan were taken into account, as was the displaying of racist banners at the Municipal Stadium. UEFA will deal with the case on Tuesday (European time).

Speaking ahead of his side's final Group C game against Spain on Monday night (Tuesday morning AEST), Bilic said: "It (racism) is a big problem all around Europe and all around the world and on behalf of the entire nation, not even as a football manager, I want to say that I am really disappointed as a Croatian, a parent, and a sportsman, a person who comes from a modern, open-minded and tolerant state.

"Everyone is welcome in our county. I don't like these kinds of supporters and nor do my players. I don't want them to come into the stadium.

"I live in Croatia and we really are a tolerant county. We are not a racist country and we are angry at these few crazy supporters. We have to put sanctions on these kind of supporters and stop them forever."

Both sides still need something from the match to be sure of reaching the semi-final stage, with Italy two points behind them and favourites to beat already eliminated Republic of Ireland.

Chelsea midfielder Mata will be facing plenty of familiar players from the Premier League, with Luka Modric, Vedran Corluka. Niko Kranjcar and Nikica Jelavic all based in England, and he knows it will be a tough match.

"Croatia are playing very well," Mata said to Marca TV.

"They have very good players that I know from the Premier League.

"Luka Modric is dangerous and we will have to keep a close eye on him."

Croatia opened its EURO 2012 campaign with a 3-1 win over Republic of Ireland and then came from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Italy.

Spain, meanwhile, drew 1-1 with Italy and brushed aside the Irish 4-0.

The 24-year-old Mata was among the goalscorers in the win.

He expects his team to take three points against Croatia, a result that would see the defending champion progress to the last eight as the top team in Group C.

"We are going for the win," Mata said. "That is what we always do.

"We are in good form and looking forward to play this third game.

"We know the fans are enthusiastic and they expect another win."

Modric, meanwhile, expects a very difficult game against Spain.

"It's going to be very tough," he said. "Both sides will want to prove their worth."

Anything but a win for Italy against Ireland in the other group game would see Croatia join Spain in the quarter-finals.

Should Croatia and Spain draw and score at least four goals between them, Italy would not be able to catch them.

But a draw is not on the minds of the Croatian players.

"We will play as though this was any other game, trying to win,"Jelavic said. "We will not make any calculations or will we focus on what is happening elsewhere.

"For me, Spain and Germany are the favourite sides to win the title but the time has come for one of them to be eliminated."

With a EURO 2012 quarter-final spot on the line, both teams deny they will wilfully play for a scoreline that would eliminate Italy regardless of its result against Republic of Ireland in the other Group C match.

The topic of the possible collusion has been raised numerous times in the last few days, mainly by Italian media who speculate that a preconceived result would benefit both conspirators by taking away Italy's chances altogether.

"There's no point in even talking about it," Spain striker Fernando Torres said. "It's all speculation. Speaking about it puts the very reason for why we are here in doubt. That's not what football is about."

That hasn't stopped the questions from coming, and coming, and coming. To Spain, and to Croatia, and, of course, to Italy.

"We are sportsmen. We are parents. We are normal people. But we don't even think about this kind of fixing the draw," Croatia coach Slaven Bilic said. "The whole of Italy and the whole of Europe can be calm, they don't have to think about it.

"I just say to (the) Italian team and Italian people, trust in us and trust in what I said."

Although it's unlikely that any team will purposely concede two goals at such a major tournament, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque did allow for a reluctance to press for a winner if the score just so happens to reach 2-2.

On its way to winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Spain beat Chile in the group stage, a result that eliminated Switzerland. Chile, coached by the attack-minded Marcelo Bielsa, suddenly sat back as neither team pushed hard for more goals.

"Chile gave up on attacking, on achieving a draw, and that surprised me a lot. Those are situations that happen in a game, it worked for them," said Del Bosque, whose team hasn't given away two goals in a match in 15 games - including title-winning runs at EURO 2008 and the 2010 World Cup. "But for something like that to happen again does no service to football."

Although it would be tough to agree on a 2-2 draw before the match even starts, it's not all that surprising that the Italians are worried. Eight years ago, Italy beat Bulgaria in its final group match at EURO 2004 but was eliminated when Sweden and Denmark drew 2-2.

But perhaps the most notorious example of teams settling for a result came at the 1982 World Cup. West Germany scored early against Austria and the teams played out a mundane 1-0 match that eliminated Algeria, which had beaten Chile the previous day. FIFA changed its regulations after that match to ensure decisive games were played simultaneously to avoid such a situation again.

Talk of silent pacts, however, is largely confined to matches that end with big victories rather than high-scoring draws.

Argentina has long been accused of conspiring to beat Peru 6-0 at the 1978 World Cup, where a victory by at least four goals eliminated arch-rival Brazil.

Spain has also been questioned in the past. The Spanish qualified for EURO 1984 with a 12-1 victory over Malta. Spain - which eventually lost to France in the final - needed to win by 11 goals and managed the result despite holding only a 3-1 lead at half-time.

Spain is guaranteed of a spot in the quarter-finals with any draw, while Croatia could still be eliminated with a 0-0 or 1-1 result.

But whatever happens in that match won't affect the way Italy coach Cesare Prandelli approaches his game against Ireland.

"If we start thinking about a fix," Prandelli said, "we've got problems."

Both sides are two points clear of Italy, which faces Republic of Ireland in the other pool game.

Republic of Ireland has already been eliminated after two defeats.

"I think it is going to be a beautiful game for the fans and for the players," the Barcelona midfielder said.

"They will have to go all out and so will we.

"We depend on ourselves to qualify and we will try to win and be first of our group.

"However, Croatia are very good, they have a fantastic team, with great individual talent.

"I don't expect an easy game."

There are fears amongst Italian fans that the encounter could end in a 2-2 draw, a result that would see Croatia join Spain in the next round at the expense of the Azzurri.

"Absolutely not," Xavi said.

"We only know how to play attacking football so a draw would not suit us.

"We will go out determined to hold possession, to move the ball and to go forward.

"This is our style of game and the one that made us European and world champions.

"Our aim is always to go out for victory and against Croatia it will be no exception.

"We will play to get three points from the first minute until the last."

Spain, which was held to a 1-1 draw by Italy in its group opener, already displayed that attacking flair in a 4-0 triumph over Republic of Ireland.

"We have the same hunger that we had in EURO 2008 and at the 2010 World Cup," Xavi said.

"We are among the favourites and we have the possibility to make history and win another Euro title.

"But we know that only through hard work and humility that will be possible."

Fernando Torres is set to lead Spain's attack for the second consecutive game with the Chelsea striker having scored twice against Republic of Ireland.

Rival Croatia faces Spain for the first time in a major competition and coach Slaven Bilic knows his side will have to step up its game.

Croatia beat Republic of Ireland before holding Italy to a 1-1 draw.

"We will need to play the best game of our lives," said Bilic, whose side hopes to reach the quarter-finals of the competition for the second straight time.

"We must be concentrated for 90 minutes.

"We have to work as a team and we are going to have to take our chances."

Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Luka Modric will play in support of striker Mario Mandzukic, who is the joint-top scorer of the competition with three goals.

Spain will be at full strength with midfielder Sergio Busquets having recovered from a minor foot injury.

A point would be enough for the world champion to guarantee its place in the last eight and a 2-2 draw would also ensure that both sides progress at the expense of Italy, but Del Bosque is only interested in another three points.

Indeed, the former Real Madrid manager claimed his side can learn from the support the Irish fans gave their side, despite being thumped 4-0 by Spain.

He told Marca: "We have an example of how to behave from the supporters and players of the Irish team who have given prestige to football.

"We are sportsmen and the Croatians are as well, therefore we will go out to win.

"There is no possibility of planning a draw that favours us, I haven't even done the calculations. The only thing that interests us is winning."

European football's governing body announced it was taking action against the Croatian Football Federation over the racist behaviour of its fans during the country's 1-1 Group C draw against Italy on Thursday.

It was unclear whether the proceedings were also intended to deal with claims a banana was thrown onto the field during the game in Poznan or if that would be handled separately.

UEFA was quoted in a statement: "UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) for the setting-off and throwing of fireworks, and the improper conduct of supporters (racist chants, racist symbols) at the UEFA Euro 2012 Group C match against Italy in Poznan on Thursday.

"The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body will deal with the case on 19 June."

UEFA confirmed it was 'looking into' reports a photographer witnessed a steward retrieving a banana from the pitch during Italy's clash with Croatia.

The FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) network also announced its observers heard between 300 and 500 Croatia fans chanting monkey noises at Balotelli in the 1-1 Group C draw in Poznan.

UEFA confirmed it was aware of the racism claims, telling Press Association Sport: "We are looking into the reports."

If the purported banana-throwing incident is shown to be intended as an insult towards Balotelli, the fallout would be potentially the biggest yet at a tournament that has been dogged by allegations of racist abuse.

Balotelli said before EURO 2012 that he would 'kill' anyone who threw a banana at him in the street and threatened to walk off the pitch if racially abused.

UEFA is already probing allegations the Manchester City striker, 21, was subjected to monkey chants in Italy's opening match against Spain.

That may have been missed by FARE observers but this apparent repeat was not.

European football's leading anti-racism campaigner posted on its Twitter feed: "FARE observers report between 300 and 500 supporters of Croatia involved in racially abusing Mario Balotelli at last nights match in Poznan.

"UEFA received the observers reports this afternoon. We are working with them to provide as much information as possible.

"We congratulate the Italian fans for their support of Balotelli last night. Many sang his name to drown out the monkey chants #no2racism."

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli, who on Monday rejected claims Balotelli was racially abused during the game against Spain, insisted he was unaware of the alleged banana-throwing incident.

"No, I haven't seen anything," he said.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) later confirmed the claims and accompanying photograph had been brought to its attention but added that no-one from its delegation witnessed the incident during the game.

A spokesman told Press Association Sport: "There's not any official complaint at the moment about that.

"It's not quite clear where this photograph was shot at the game and whether it [the banana] was launched against Mario Balotelli."

As well as incidents surrounding Balotelli, UEFA is looking into allegations Czech Republic defender Theodor Gebre Selassie was subjected to monkey chants during his side's Group A opener against Russia.

Netherlands players claimed they heard racist chanting during an open training session in Krakow before the tournament even began.

The FIGC, meanwhile, has written to UEFA expressing 'great regret' that its national anthem was booed by Spain and Croatia fans during their EURO 2012 Group C matches.

In a statement, the Italian federation confirmed vice-president Demetrio Albertini had sent a letter to UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino to complain.

The FIGC acknowledged Italy supporters had jeered anthems in the past.

FARE also confirmed that it had passed on to UEFA complaints over comments made by Italy striker Antonio Cassano about homosexuals this week.

Cassano later apologised after saying he hoped there were no 'queers' among his team-mates.

The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) was hit with a 25,000 euro ($31,353) fine for the setting off and throwing of fireworks and missiles, and a pitch invasion by a supporter, during the win over Republic of Ireland.

The HNS could face further action after a repeat against Italy, while any conviction for racist abuse may lead to even more severe sanctions.

The Azzurri dominated the opening 45 minutes of the Group C clash with Croatia in Poznan's Municipal Stadium, creating a number of chances before deservedly taking a 39th-minute lead courtesy of Andrea Pirlo's stunning free-kick.

Italy, however, lacked the same intensity after the interval and conceded an equaliser 18 minutes from time as Mario Mandzukic made it three goals in two games with a poacher's finish in off the right-hand post.

It now leaves Italy knowing it has to beat Republic of Ireland if it is to stand a chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

Prandelli denied being angry with the result, stating: "Of course you are a bit bitter because when a side plays football, creates a lot of goalscoring chances, they need to put a game to bed, to kill off the game.

"You need to be more clinical in front of goal, show more determination when you get in their half and get near their goal.

"If you can't win the game, you don't kill it off then you are going to have regrets.

"Football is unique in that you can have one cross and it can ruin everything you have built up over the game, so of course there is a lot of regret.

"But we're still convinced we can get through. Mathematically we are not out of it. We need to play well, but we have wasted an opportunity here."

Prandelli also dismissed suggestions his team lacked character and instead countered that fitness was to blame for its second-half performance.

"I don't think we lack character in any way shape or form. I'm not entirely convinced by this," said Prandelli.

"But we do struggle, there is a drop in our level at the 60th minute. In terms of the two games, at that stage of the game we lack fresh legs.

"We need to rest up after this, we need to see how we manage our energy levels."

It has been suggested, given Spain, Croatia and Italy could all finish on five points, the former two could engineer a 2-2 draw to guarantee a last-eight place and freeze out Italy given UEFA's qualifying criteria.

A dismissive Prandelli said: "I'm not thinking like this. I'm thinking all the games are fair and everyone is playing for the win."

Explaining his side's second-half turnaround, Croatia coach Slaven Bilic said: "It's always difficult playing against big teams.

"There was a lot of pressure on us in the first half, we didn't play well and we know we can do much better.

"We changed things around for the second half and we dominated, we were the better team.

"We then just waited for our chance and in the end we were close to victory. We showed character, we were strong."

Bilic declined to look ahead to the next game with Spain, simply saying: "All I will say is that I'm very optimistic for the next match.

"I'm really satisfied we've four points from the two games. It could be even better but four points is optimal, realistic and now we have a real chance to go through."

Bilic, meanwhile, has severely criticised referee Howard Webb, in particular believing the Englishman failed to spot a penalty when Nikica Jelavic went down in the area under a first-half challenge from Giorgio Chiellini.

Bilic said: "I don't agree with coaches who don't comment on referees. This is very important for my job.

"I'm sure that was a clear penalty on Jelavic, and the referee was not good.

"Then there was a foul before the Italy free-kick (from which Pirlo scored).

"The referee was really not ... I didn't like his performance. I think he was a referee who helped the Italian team a lot.

"I'm just someone commenting, I'm not going to talk about revenge, but was the referee good? No, he was not good for the Croatian team."

Croatia went into the Group C encounter knowing a win over Italy would guarantee it a last-eight place, but it was decidedly second best in the opening 45 minutes at Poznan's Municipal Stadium.

Italy deservedly led at the half-time interval courtesy of Andrea Pirlo's stunning free-kick, but was never the same attacking force in the second period, allowing Mandzukic to equalise in the 72nd minute.

With four points from two matches, Croatia now faces a challenging final clash with reigning world and European champion Spain.

As for Italy, which has now drawn both of its matches, it knows it will have to beat Republic of Ireland to be in with a chance of a quarter-final spot.

Although Italy coach Cesare Prandelli remains unbeaten in competitive internationals with eight wins and four draws, he will likely feel this was a game that should have been won in the first half.

Italy signalled its intent inside three minutes, via Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli in particular.

Receiving Emanuele Giaccherini's left-wing ball inside the area and with his back to goal, Balotelli made one touch and a sharp turn before firing a 12-yard left-foot shot narrowly wide.

It was the start of a predominantly one-sided half, with Claudio Marchisio shaving the crossbar with a rasping 20-yard drive just eight minutes later.

A further opportunity for Balotelli, with a snap shot straight at goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa, and an Antonio Cassano flick through the six-yard box sandwiched Croatia's one significant chance.

That came in the 20th minute when Darijo Srna played a piercing low ball from the right into the near post.

All that was required was the merest of touches from Nikica Jelavic that would potentially have been enough to beat Gianluigi Buffon, but instead the veteran was allowed to collect.

Italy, though, retained its stranglehold on the game and should have taken the lead eight minutes from the break, only for Marchisio to twice be denied by Pletikosa.

After a delightful touch to leave Srna for dead inside the area after a throughball from Cassano, Marchisio's initial left-foot shot was superbly saved by Pletikosa, who then blocked the follow-up at point-blank range.

But with the danger still present, Ivan Ratikic fouled Balotelli on the edge of the area, allowing Pirlo to whip a 21-yard right-foot free-kick over the wall and inside Pletikosa's right-hand post.

It left Slaven Bilic's side going into the break knowing it had to up the tempo and chase the game in the second half, which it at least started with greater urgency.

But after Luka Modric first fired a 20-yard shot a yard over the bar the encounter turned scrappy, dominated by niggly fouls and challenges until Balotelli came within inches with a fierce drive on the hour.

Then finally, in the 72nd minute, Croatia made its presence felt in the right way as its two-goal hero from the 3-1 win over Republic of Ireland struck again.

Ivan Strinic's ball from deep on the left wing was missed by Giorgio Chiellini, allowing Mandzukic to control and beat the advancing Buffon in off the right-hand post from six yards.

Croatia finished the game the stronger as it went in search of the winner that would have sealed its last-eight place, but it was not to be, leaving both sides facing a dramatic final group game.

The Azzurri claimed a 1-1 draw with holder Spain in its Group C opener and next takes on a Croatia side that beat the Republic of Ireland 3-1.

"The game against Croatia will be the crucial game of the group," Prandelli said. "I expect a very complicated game.

"Our aim is to win because I reiterate that this is a key match."

Prandelli has warned his players not to get carried away by their positive start to the tournament and expects his side will be fully tested by Slaven Bilic's men.

"Croatia is a more dangerous side than Spain because it is unpredictable," Prandelli said. "We will study Croatia although they change the way the play throughout the game.

"Croatia's performance against Ireland confirmed what we already thought for some time, that Croatia is a strong side."

Prandelli has not ruled out making changes to the team that drew against Spain.

"Before we decide who will play we need to consider how we are going to face Croatia," he said. "We have two important training sessions before the game and I will look at our options before making a decision.

"It is an important game and I will consider the mental and physical form of my players and see who is ready."

Reports in Italy claim Prandelli could opt to bench Mario Balotelli in favour of Antonio Di Natale.

Balotelli has come under criticism after a disappointing display against Spain, with the Manchester City forward having missed a golden chance to put the Azzurri ahead.

Di Natale, who finished as the top Italian scorer in Serie A this season with Udinese, replaced Balotelli before the hour mark and scored against Spain.

"Mario is 21 and he is in the process of maturing," Prandelli said. "All I ask him is to play a simple game without thinking of trying to resolve a game alone.

"He needs to think of giving depth to our game. He did a little bit of that against Spain.

"For the first time he has prove to everyone the potential that he is said to have and for sure he feels more responsibility."

Slaven Bilic's side opened its campaign with a resounding 3-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland in Poznan and tops Group C after Italy and Spain drew in Gdansk.

The Croatians and the Italians go head-to-head in Poznan on Thursday (Friday AEST) with Modric and his team-mates knowing a second win would assure them of a place in the last eight before their final group game against Spain.

He said: "That's an amazing game for us as well. I hope we can repeat this performance on Thursday evening and I hope we can win against Italy as well.

"It is going to be a different game, but we have to prepare well, bring this performance and play like we did last night."

The draw between the group's two big guns did Croatia little harm, although Modric insisted they did not even consider what was happening in Gdansk as they finalised their preparations for Ireland.

He said: "It has given us confidence because we won. That game didn't bother us that much and we were only focused on our game and how to win.

"Now we have four days to think about Italy. I hope we prepare well, like we did for Ireland."

Bilic had spoken of his confidence ahead of the game that Croatia would prevail if it played to the best of its ability and in truth, it claimed the points comfortably on a night when Ireland was not at its best, particularly at the back.

Mario Mandzukic got Croatia off to the perfect start with a third-minute header and, after strike-partner Nikica Jelavic restored the lead in the wake of Sean St Ledger's equaliser, the Wolfsburg man saw his 48th-minute header come back off the post and go in off luckless keeper Shay Given.

Modric said: "We played excellently and dominated Ireland in a big part of the game.

"We didn't allow them to have so many set-pieces because we knew they were dangerous from set-pieces.

"In the end, they scored one and that was it. We prepared very well for this game and we showed that."

Asked about the contribution of the in-form Jelavic, Modric was effusive in his praise.

He said: "He has brought his form to the national team. That is what we expected from him.

"Our team knows if he has a chance, he will score, and he showed that. Mandzukic as well played an amazing game. Overall, all the team, every player, was at a high level."

Modric, whose future at Tottenham remains a topic for speculation, was shedding little light on what may or may not lie ahead this northern summer, and insisted he was thinking no further ahead than the European championship.

He said: "Of course it is very important. When I am playing for Croatia it is always different to playing for a club because it is a bigger responsibility on us.

"The Croatian people are expecting and expectations are high from us, and thankfully we played a great game.

"We fulfilled their expectation and we are extremely happy that we won, and now we have to prepare well for Thursday for Italy."

Republic of Ireland suffered a painful reintroduction to the game's elite as it was thoroughly outplayed to lose 3-1 in Poznan and leave itself with a mountain to climb in Group C.

Defeat against Spain could spell the end for Trapattoni's men, who must realistically also get a result against Italy to stand any chance of progressing.

Republic of Ireland looked worryingly out of its depth in what was its first major finals appearance for a decade and first at a European championship since 1988.

But manager Trapattoni said: "We have to believe.

"This evening we met a strong team, technical - we knew that before.

"But every game in this Euro can be a surprise.

"We have to believe this.

"Until now, we have not conceded a situation like this evening."

Republic of Ireland got off to the worst possible start, conceding inside three minutes.

It equalised in the 19th minute through Sean St Ledger and looked set to go into half-time level before a sucker punch two minutes from the break.

Nikica Jelavic appeared offside before pouncing on Stephen Ward's horrible error to make it 2-1.

"The second goal was clearly offside, two metres," Trapattoni said.

It knocked the stuffing out of Republic of Ireland, which allowed Mario Mandzukic to grab his second of the night three minutes after half-time.

It was also denied a lifeline when captain Robbie Keane saw what looked a stonewall penalty turned down.

Keane felt referee Bjorn Kuipers' decision may have been influenced by the Irish not putting the ball out of play when a Croatia player lay injured in the build-up.

"I think so, yeah," he said.

"It's definitely a penalty, there's no question about that.

"Their players and their fans were shouting for us to kick the ball out but, before the ball got to me, I think the fellow stood up or was just about to stand up.

"Whether the referee had that in the back of his mind, I'm not too sure. That's something you're going to have to ask him."

Trapattoni refused to blame the officials for his side's defeat, which ended a 14-game unbeaten sequence.

He added: "The first goal is our mistake.

"Maybe, we have tension in this moment.

"The second goal was very important because it killed us in this moment.

"Our performance was not like our other performances. We played better in many games, and did not concede a goal.

"This game, we conceded three goals."

The Italian also absolved goalkeeper Shay Given of responsibility for Mandzukic's opener, insisting the 36-year-old was unsighted and not still struggling though injury.

Republic of Ireland was roared on by thousands of fans, who made Poznan's Municipal Stadium a real home from home.

Keane said: "I'm obviously gutted for them that we didn't get the result for them.

"I think the two goals killed us, the one just before half-time and the one after.

"That was the killer blow for us and it was always going to be an uphill battle from there."

Croatia boss Slaven Bilic never doubted his side would win.

"I was expecting this kind of result," he said.

"We were preparing for this victory. We knew everything about this Irish team.

"We knew we were the better team but you never know.

"Since the first minute of the match, I was really sure we were the better team on the pitch.

"It would've been really hard not to win this match."

He added: "I'm completely satisfied with the way we were playing tonight.

"We were really strong in midfield.

"The Irish team didn't lose for the last 14 matches, they were in a group with Russia, they drew 0-0 in Moscow: this means they are a strong team.

"We played very well and we beat a strong team tonight."

The win left Croatia in control of Group C after Spain and Italy drew.

"We are dreaming about this position," Bilic said, admitting Republic of Ireland had been doing the same.

"I'm sorry for them. They were looking for their chance in this match," he said.

"We are in a really better position now.

"We have two match points, first against Italy. Probably, one victory will be enough to go to the quarter-finals."

Dateline will broadcast a special report looking at issues of safety that may confront visitors to the tournament. BBC reporter Chris Rogers spent a month on the terraces in host nations Poland and Ukraine, investigating pockets of hooliganism and looking at what steps UEFA has taken to give the host countries every opportunity, through EURO 2012, to clean up the game locally for good. See this special investigation on Dateline this Tuesday at 9.30pm on SBS ONE.

The Wolfsburg striker opened the scoring with a third-minute header and then after Everton's Nikica Jelavic had cancelled out Sean St Ledger's 19th-minute equaliser, saw his second-half attempt come back off the post and end up in of the net after ricocheting off unfortunate goalkeeper Shay Given.

But for all Republic of Ireland's industry and endeavour, Slaven Bilic's men were good value for a victory which left them top of Group C after the 1-1 draw between Spain and Italy earlier in the day.

The defeat - just the third competitive reverse during Trapattoni's four-year tenure and the first on foreign soil - means Republic of Ireland heads into its showdown with Spain, reigning world and European champion, knowing its hopes of qualification could effectively be over if it does not come away with at least a point.

Resilience has been the keyword for the 73-year-old Italian since he accepted the challenge of trying to restore Republic of Ireland's fortunes, but while there was no shortage of willingness for the fight, Croatia simply had too much quality, and was ruthless enough to accept the slices of good fortune which came its way.

Republic of Ireland emerged from the tunnel before kick-off to be greeted by a sea of green and a torrent of noise as it embarked upon its first game at the European championship finals for 24 years.

But within three minutes, a sizeable proportion of the hope and expectation which has mounted since qualification via the play-offs in November last year had evaporated.

Croatia started much the better and received its reward when captain Darijo Srna's right-wing cross clipped fullback Stephen Ward and sat up for Mandzukic.

The striker had slipped as Srna prepared to deliver, but managed to right himself and head towards the bottom corner.

His effort looked to lack power, but Given, whose fitness had been a major talking point for the previous three weeks, just could not get to the ball in time.

Bilic's men scented victory as Mandzukic and strike partner Jelavic repeatedly stretched Richard Dunne and St Ledger at the heart of Republic of Ireland's defence, the signs were ominous.

Fullbacks Srna and Ivan Strinic repeatedly made their way forward to occupy wingers Aiden McGeady and Damien Duff in areas of the pitch where they would rather not have been, and with Luka Modric starting to pull the strings in the middle of the field, Republic of Ireland was desperately in need of inspiration.

It arrived, firstly in the shape of striker Kevin Doyle and then St Ledger with 19 minutes gone.

The combative Doyle was giving Corluka a torrid time and forced the Tottenham Hotspur defender to concede one of a series of free-kicks.

McGeady's delivery to the far post was firm and true and with Corluka out of position, St Ledger crept in front of him to head the Republic level from close range.

The noise which erupted as the ball hit the back of the net was phenomenal and roared on by the bulk of a crowd of 39,550, Republic of Ireland started to make a game of it.

Given dispelled any fears of his health with a fine diving save from Ivan Perisic's firmly-struck 22nd-minute shot, and he was grateful to see the same man thump a dipping volley wide nine minutes before the break.

However, Republic of Ireland looked to be heading in at the break all square until disaster struck with two minutes of the half remaining.

The increasingly influential Modric cut inside the covering Robbie Keane to fire in a long-range shot which was blocked, but in his haste to clear, Ward could only slice the loose ball to the delighted Jelavic, who easily beat Given from close range to restore his side's advantage.

Given's luck deserted him totally within three minutes of the restart when Mandzukic powered a header towards goal from a Perisic cross and saw the ball come back off the post, hit the keeper on the head and fly into the unguarded net.

Trapattoni made a double substitution just eight minutes into the second half when he replaced Doyle and McGeady with Jon Walters and Simon Cox, and the latter sent a long-range effort high over Stipe Pletikosa's crossbar within seconds of his arrival.

But with Croatia by now firmly in the driving seat and knowing victory was within its grasp, Republic of Ireland found itself struggling to make it out of its own half.

However, it was convinced it should have been awarded a 63rd-minute penalty for central defender Gordon Schildenfeld's crude challenge from behind on Keane, although Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers took a markedly different view.

Dunne headed a 68th-minute Duff free-kick straight at Pletikosa, but Croatia was cruising towards victory without having to expend unnecessary energy.

Midfielder Ivan Rakitic curled a 77th-minute shot inches wide and Keith Andrews powered a header agonisingly past the post at the death, but the points had been secured long before.

Dateline will broadcast a special report looking at issues of safety that may confront visitors to the tournament. BBC reporter Chris Rogers spent a month on the terraces in host nations Poland and Ukraine, investigating pockets of hooliganism and looking at what steps UEFA has taken to give the host countries every opportunity, through EURO 2012, to clean up the game locally for good. See this special investigation on Dateline this Tuesday at 9.30pm on SBS ONE.

Back in 1998, the two men found themselves in direct competition at the European Under-18s championship when Republic of Ireland got the better of Croatia with a 5-2 victory in Cyprus on its way to lifting the title.

Keane, who often insists he does not remember games in his past, certainly has fond memories of that tournament, and would welcome a repeat in Poznan.

He said with a smile: "Hopefully that's the case.

"At the Under-18s, people didn't think we had a chance playing against one of the best nations and favourites England.

"They beat us 1-0, but we managed to crack on and beat Germany in the final on penalties, so I certainly hope that is the case this time."

Keane is not the only man to remember that game in Cyprus with 33-year-old Pletikosa, who would later spend a year in the same Tottenham Hotspur squad as Keane, equally set on revenge.

He said: "I remember well this match. We lost against them in the first match of the Under-18s and I think Robbie Keane scored two or three goals.

"When I went to Tottenham, I was talking about that tournament. We will do everything we can to make sure that won't be repeated this time.

"Robbie is a really great player, he has great statistics in the Premier League and I can say in the year we spent together at Tottenham, I learnt a lot about him, so I know him very well.

"His best skill is that he is just unpredictable and he can surprise you at any moment with his reactions.

"But I am sure I and my team-mates will do everything we can to stop him."

Now 31, Keane has since played at the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals and made himself a household name both at home and abroad.

However, when he leads out his country at the Municipal Stadium in Poznan for its opening Group C fixture, he admits it will be among the most important games he has played.

Keane said: "It is certainly up there. I'm very fortunate, as I have said before, to have played in a World Cup.

"The European championships is different. Everybody has great memories over the years of previous Irish teams.

"It is certainly going to be a special occasion to play for your country, but to lead your country in a major championships is something that I don't think any player will ever forget.

"It is certainly something that I am looking forward to."

As well as Pletikosa, Keane had spells at White Hart Lane with Vedran Corluka, Niko Kranjcar and Luka Modric, and he knows how much of a threat the latter in particular will be to Ireland's hopes.

He said: "I've been speaking to him over the last couple of days and having a bit of banter with him.

"I look forward to playing against him and hopefully after the game, shaking his hand with three points in the bag.

"We know they have grown as individual players and collectively as a team since [Slaven] Bilic took over as manager. They have become a stronger and even better team."

The 25-year-old, who plays for Bundesliga side Hamburg, suffered the injury during training on Wednesday, state-run HINA news agency reported.

Bilic called up Dinamo Zagreb's Sime Vrsaljko as a replacement. The 20-year-old, capped three times, is to join up with the squad later on Thursday.

Ilicevic is the third player the 2008 quarter-finalist has lost even before a ball has been kicked, with Lyon defender Dejan Lovren and earlier this week veteran striker Ivica Olic ruled out because of injuries.

Croatia is drawn in the tricky Group C with reigning champion Spain, Italy, and the Republic of Ireland.

The former Yugoslav republic plays its first match at the European championships, hosted jointly by Poland and Ukraine, against Ireland on Sunday (Monday AEST).

Dateline will broadcast a special report looking at issues of safety that may confront visitors to the tournament. BBC reporter Chris Rogers spent a month on the terraces in host nations Poland and Ukraine, investigating pockets of hooliganism and looking at what steps UEFA has taken to give the host countries every opportunity, through EURO 2012, to clean up the game locally for good. See this special investigation on Dateline this Tuesday at 9.30pm on SBS ONE.

Bilic, who is to leave after six years as national coach at the end of EURO 2012 to join Lokomotiv Moscow, said Jelavic's form this year for Everton is one of the reasons why he's confident about Croatia's chances despite being grouped with Spain and Italy, the last two world champions.

"His impact was so strong and so sudden that it was quite unbelievable," Bilic said. "He is one of our biggest assets in this tournament, especially now that we've lost Olic."

Jelavic only joined Everton at the end of the January transfer window but his form has been electrifying. He scored 11 goals in just 16 appearances - making him one of Europe's most in-form strikers in the months running up to EURO 2012.

Since making his debut for his country in October 2009, Jelavic has been a regular member of the squad but has failed to establish himself in the starting line. His tally of only two goals in 19 appearances certainly pales in comparison to the performances of Olic and Eduardo.

Bilic said he would not follow the example of Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni and name his starting line-up days in advance of the game between the two sides.

The match is crucial for both teams - a defeat for either would make it very difficult to progress, with matches looming against Italy and Spain.

Still, Bilic is undaunted by the prospect and noted that Croatia won all three of its group games in EURO 2008, before a disappointing defeat on penalties to Turkey in the last eight.

For now, Bilic is focusing his team squarely on the task of beating Ireland and giving the team an early lift.

"We have a Plan A, a Plan B and a Plan C if necessary," he said.

Croatia has a number of creative talents in its team, including midfielders Luka Modric and Darijo Srna and it will have to be at the top of its game if it is to get past an Irish defence that has only conceded three goals in 14 games.

"I have big respect for Irish team, they are very good, very impressive," said Bilic. "My respect can't be bigger."

The only injury doubt for Croatia is midfielder Ivo Ilicevic, who suffered a calf injury during Wednesday's morning training and would miss the afternoon session.

"It was a knock in the calf, and it's in a painful spot, but it's not a serious injury," Bilic said. "I hope he will be ready for Sunday's match against Ireland. However, we can't be sure about that."

Bilic was at the Ferenc Puskas Stadium in Budapest to see Ireland's 0-0 friendly draw with Hungary, a game which left opposite number Giovanni Trapattoni far from happy.

Croatia and the Republic meet in Poznan in the opening round of fixtures in Group C, and the former West Ham United and Everton defender knows exactly what to expect.

He told Irish reporters: "In Croatia, someone has not twisted my words, but made it up like I said that you don't have a good team and blah, blah.

"It's totally nonsense. I have big respect for your team - I played against your team last summer.

"It's an unbelievably competitive team. They are very solid, they play very simple football, they don't take a lot of risks.

"But they are still dangerous enough with some really good forwards - two strikers and two wide men who are very quick. One on one, they can decide a game."

The draw with Hungary extended Ireland's unbeaten run to 14 games stretching back to March last year, and that kind of resilience, embodied by former Everton club-mate Richard Dunne, could prove key in Poland and Ukraine.

Bilic said: "It's very hard to get a clear chance against them. Richard Dunne is a leader, he's the organiser. He's a great player.

"I admire him. He was young [at Everton], but you could see he was going to the big stage and the big time, and I'm so glad for him. He's a great guy."

Scans have revealed the full extent of the departing Bayern Munich frontman's thigh injury and he is expected to be out of action for between four and six weeks.

His place in the Croatia squad, who provide the Republic of Ireland's first opponents in Group C, will be taken by Dnipro's Nikola Kalinic.

A statement on the Croatian Football Federation's official website, www.hns-cff.hr, said: "Unfortunately, Ivica Olic will not participate at the European Championships in Ukraine and Poland, and as his replacement, coach Slaven Bilic has called Nikola Kalinic."

Olic, who is to join Wolfsburg, suffered the injury in a friendly draw with Norway at the weekend.

He is due to fly home from Croatia's training camp in Munich.

The Croatians open its campaign against the Republic in Poznan on Sunday evening.

"I cannot guarantee that Olic will play at the Euros," Croatia squad doctor Zoran Bahtijarevic told the Sportske Novosti daily online edition.

The 32-year-old Bayern Munich striker, who will join Wolfsburg after the tournament, picked up the injury during his side's friendly against Norway in Oslo, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

"We did the first medical exam at the stadium in Oslo to check the flexibility of the muscle. It seemed fine, but he will undergo a complete scan on Monday in Munich," the doctor said.

Olic said he did not feel any pain, he added.

"I'm an optimist. So far the medical evidence suggests he could (play at EURO 2012), but let's wait until the scan."

Croatia is in a tricky Group C with reigning champion Spain, Italy and Republic of Ireland.

The former Yugoslav republic plays its first match at EURO 2012, hosted jointly by Poland and Ukraine, against Ireland on 10 June.

Umut Bulut's brace put Turkey 2-0 ahead and, although Nani got one back, the visitor held on and increased the lead with Pepe's own goal.

EURO 2012 co-host Poland enjoyed a routine win too, beating Andorra 4-0 in Warsaw.

Ludovic Obraniak got it on its way and Robert Lewandowski made it two before penalties from Jakub Blaszczykowski and Marcin Wasilewski sealed the rout.

In Oslo, all the action came late on as Norway and Croatia drew 1-1.

Eduardo gave the visitor the lead with 11 minutes left, only for Tarik Elyounoussi to level two minutes into stoppage-time.

"Lovren was feeling a lot of pain after training so he dropped out," Bilic told journalists in the team's training base of Bad Tatzmanndorf, Austria.

Dnepropetrovsk striker Nikola Kalinic was also dropped from the squad, as well as Dinamo Zagreb defender Sime Vrsaljko and Hajduk Split goalkeeper Goran Blazevic.

"Kalinic imposed himself," Bilic said, adding however that the squad for the 8 June-1 July event being hosted jointly by Poland and Ukraine was 'well covered' with four strikers.

Bilic insisted his side could reach the quarter-finals despite being drawn with Spain, Italy and the Republic of Ireland in a tricky Group C.

Croatia kicks off its EURO 2012 campaign against the Republic of Ireland on 10 June.

Croatia squad:

Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (Rostov), Danijel Subasic (Monaco), Ivan Kelava (Dinamo Zagreb)

Defenders: Domogoj Vida (Dinamo Zagreb), Vedran Corluka (Tottenham Hotspur), Josip Simunic (Dinamo Zagreb), Gordon Schildenfeld (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ivan Strinic (Dnipro), Danijel Pranjic (Bayern Munich), Jurica Buljat (Maccabi Haifa)

Midfielders: Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Tomislav Dujmovic (Real Zaragoza), Ognjen Vukojevic (Dynamo Kiev), Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla), Luka Modric (Tottenham Hotspur), Ivan Perisic (Borussia Dortmund), Niko Kranjcar (Tottenham Hotspur), Milan Badelj (Dinamo Zagreb), Ivo Ilicevic (Hamburg)

Forwards: Ivica Olic (Bayern Munich), Nikica Jelavic (Everton), Mario Mandzukic (Wolfsburg), Eduardo da Silva (Shakhtar Donetsk)

Vedran Corluka opened the scoring for the host after 16 minutes while Nikola Kalinic added a second four minutes later.

Ognjen Vukojevic made it 3-0 in the 81st minute while Konstantin Vasillev restored some respectability to the scoreline for Estonia late on when he netted with a deflected free-kick.

Croatia, who has another warm-up game against Norway next week, open its Euro 2012 Group C account against the Republic of Ireland on June 10 before games against Spain and Italy.

In Moscow, Russia played out a 1-1 draw against World Cup semi-finalist Uruguay in its opening European championship tune-up.

Liverpool's Luis Suarez opened the scoring for the South American visitor in the 48th minute but Russia substitute Alexander Kerzhakov levelled moments later.

Further Euro 2012 warm-ups follow against Latvia and Italy before Russia commences its Group A campaign against Greece, the Czech Republic and co-host Poland.

In the night's other friendly involving European sides, in-demand forward Eden Hazard was on target as Belgium drew 2-2 with Montenegro in Brussels.

Hazard is poised to leave French club Lille for an expensive transfer to the English Premier League, where he has been coveted by several clubs, believed to be Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.

The 21-year-old fired Belgium into a 2-1 lead from the penalty spot after Mirko Vucinic's opener for Montenegro had been cancelled out by Kevin Mirallas, but Nikola Drincic's 76th-minute leveller meant it ended honours even.

The 43-year-old will step down as Croatia boss after Euro 2012 to take up the reins at the Russian club on a three-year contract.

Lokomotiv president Olga Smorodskaya told the club's website: "I am very pleased we have managed to hire such a strong and eminent coach.

"Bilic is one of the best coaches in Europe and in trying to get him we had to beat off competition from several clubs, including in the English Premier League."

Bilic made the announcement when naming his 27-man provisional squad on Thursday, saying: "This is my last championship in charge."

The 43-year-old has been in charge since 2006 and guided the team to the quarter-finals at Euro 2008.

Croatia has been drawn in a tough group that includes defending champion Spain, but the former West Ham and Everton star is still optimistic.

"I can't say that this side are better than in 2008, but I think I am better," he said.

Croatia's first match at Euro 2012 is against Ireland on June 10. Four-time World Cup winner Italy is also in Group C.

Olic has been a bit-part player since returning from injury and is concerned his lack of playing time will hamper his chances of playing for Croatia at Euro 2012.

The possibility of leaving in January remains but Olic would still be happy to see out his contract which expires next summer.

"The chances (of leaving now) are 50/50, but I will definitely have gone by the summer," he told the Bild newspaper.

"I have no problem fulfilling my contract, it is not as if I desperately need to leave.

"We will just have to see what happens this winter and then decide together.

"Maybe it is even better to stay until the summer, particularly for my family."

Olic has reassured Croatia boss Slaven Bilic that he will be fit for the finals in Poland and Ukraine even if he continues to spend much of his time on the bench.

"I have discussed the situation with Slaven Bilic and he would like me to be fit and healthy for the European Championships," added Olic.

"I can still assure that even if I am not playing regularly.

"I will keep myself extra fit by doing extra shifts in addition to normal training with Bayern."

The Irish had effectively sealed victory with a 4-0 win in Tallinn in the first leg of the qualifying play-off, and completed the job with a 1-1 draw in front of a joyous home crowd.

Stephen Ward slotted home the opener on 31 minutes after Estonian goalkeeper Pavel Londak had parried a Kevin Doyle effort into his path, snuffing out even the slimmest of chances for the visitor.

With the home side cruising, Estonia grabbed an equaliser out of nowhere in the 57th minute when Konstantin Vassilijev let fly from 25 yards with a shot which caught out Shay Given as it crashed into the back of the net.

The Czech Republic joined Ireland in the finals after negotiating a potentially tricky night in Montenegro, Petr Jiracek's 81st-minute goal enough to give the Czechs a 1-0 win on the night and 3-0 on aggregate.

The home side will rue a pair of first-half misses from Mirko Vucinic, with one close-range effort flying over the bar and his second superbly saved by Czech keeper Petr Cech, before Jiracek's winner ended the tie.

Croatia played out a goalless draw against Turkey in Zagreb which earned Slaven Bilic's men a 3-0 aggregate victory after their heroics in Istanbul.

Colin Kazim-Richards hit the post for Turkey in the fourth minute but Croatia looked most likely to break the deadlock with Ivan Rakitic forcing a superb fingertip save out of Turkey keeper Sinan Bolat.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Helder Postiga both scored twice as Portugal reached the finals with a 6-2 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina but the scoreline did little justice to the drama at Lisbon's Stadium Of Light.

The visitor, which had held on for a gallant goalless draw in the first leg in Bosnia, twice narrowed the deficit to a single goal despite being hampered by the 54th-minute sending-off of Senad Lucic.

A thunderous eighth minute free-kick from Ronaldo and an even more powerful long-range drive from Nani on 24 minutes appeared to have settled home nerves and sent the favourite through.

But Zvjezdan Misimovic ensured the outcome of the game still hung by a thread at half-time after he converted a 41st-minute penalty awarded after Fabio Coentrao was ruled to have handled in the box.

Portugal regained the initiative through Ronaldo on 53 and when Lulic was shown a straight red immediately afterwards for arguing with the referee, it appeared the Bosnia-Herzegovina challenge was finally over.

But the visitor reduced the deficit again on 65 through Emir Spahic before the 10 men tired, with two late Postiga strikes and a free-kick from Miguel Veloso giving a lopsided look to the scoreline.

Ivica Olic gave Slaven Bilic's side the perfect start when he turned home Vedran Corluka's cross from close range with just two minutes on the clock.

Mario Mandzukic doubled the lead half-an-hour later when he nodded past the flailing Volkan Demirel at the far post, before Corluka completed the scoring in the 51st minute with only his second international goal.

A late header from Tomas Sivok saw the Czech Republic put one foot in the finals with a 2-0 victory over Montenegro.

The Czechs held a narrow lead after Vaclav Pilar's 63rd-minute goal but Sivok's goal in injury-time gives them a clear advantage going into the second leg in Montenegro.

Captain Robbie Keane claimed a double as the Republic of Ireland took a stranglehold on its play-off with a 4-0 win against nine-man Estonia.

Keith Andrews had got the visitor off to the perfect start with a 13th-minute header and Jonathan Walters repeated the feat from Keane's 67th-minute cross.

Keane made it 3-0 four minutes later and then converted a late penalty as Estonia, which had Andrei Stepanov sent off before the break and captain Raio Piiroja after it, capitulated on a miserable night for the host in Tallinn.

Bosnia-Herzegovina failed to make the most of home advantage as it played out a dire goalless draw with Portugal in Zenica.

Possession was dominated by the visitor but Helder Postiga missed the best of what chances it created, while Cristiano Ronaldo again struggled to recreate his club form in a Portugal shirt.

Despite that, Portugal will feel it is best placed to qualify ahead of the second leg in Lisbon.

Croatia was leading 1-0 in the final minute of extra-time but Turkey managed to equalise in the dying seconds and then won the match on penalties.

At the time, Croatia coach Slaven Bilic was furious with the game officials for allowing the added time for Semih Senturk to score the equaliser.

But he says revenge is not on his mind as he prepares to face a Turkey team that finished second behind Germany in its qualifying group.

"Revenge is a very bad word," Bilic told Thursday's edition of Turkish newspaper Today's Zaman.

"I respect your team, Turkey definitely has a chance ... I would say the odds are currently 50-50."

Since then, both teams failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup and are desperate not to miss out on another major competition.

Bilic said drawing Turkey in the eight-team play-offs for the final four places at Euro 2012 was only a problem because of the opposition team's form.

"That is why we were not delighted to be matched against Turkey, not because of 2008," he said.

"Turkey is a team which plays very emotionally, like Croatia. I mean this in a positive way."

Turkey will be without Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin, who has only recently returned to action after a long-term injury, as well as Galatasaray fullback Gokhan Zan and midfielder Yekta Kurtulus.

Trabzonspor forward Halil Altintop has been included for the first time since a 1-0 qualifying loss to Azerbaijan in October 2010.

"We are a team capable of overcoming difficult situations," Turkey forward Burak Yilmaz told NTV Spor television.

"Croatia is a good team but we want a satisfactory result in the first leg at home. We want to overcome the difficulties and qualify for Euro 2012."

Croatia has its own injury problems with Mladen Petric, Ivan Strinic, Niko Krancar and Dejan Lovren all missing.

Despite that, Bilic opted not to recall Bolton Wanderers striker Ivan Klasnic - who scored Croatia's goal against Turkey at Euro 2008 - and Dinamo Zagreb captain Milan Badelj.

Bayern Munich midfielder Daniel Pranjic and forward Ivica Olic have been included in the 24-man squad along with Sparta Prague left-back Manuel Pamic and Hamburg forward Ivo Ilicevic.

The second leg will be played in Zagreb next week.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic announced his squad for the two-leg playoff on Wednesday, which included Tottenham Hotspur duo Luka Modric and Vedran Corluka along with Bayern Munich striker Ivica Olic and defender Danijel Pranjic.

Kranjcar pulled out of the qualifier with Latvia last month with leg injury, while Hamburg forward Petric was hurt during training last week.

Having finished second to Russia in qualifying group B for the tournament, Giovanni Trapattoni's men must now amend a dreadful two-legged record to book their place in Poland and Ukraine.

Ireland has tasted success just once in the five play-offs they have featured in before now - getting the better of Iraq to qualify for the 2002 World Cup - and must make it two wins from six if it is to make what would be only a second appearance at the finals of the European Championships.

Its most recent flirtation with a play-off ended in acrimony, when Thierry Henry's handball helped France qualify for last year's World Cup at its expense, while it has also fallen foul of the Netherlands, Belgium and Turkey.

Ireland will start its latest attempt to qualify for a major tournament in Estonia on Friday, November 11, with the return leg at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, November 15.

"It is extremely positive for Ireland that we will play the first leg away," veteran coach Trapattoni said.

"We should not underestimate our opposition, or any team, including Estonia.

"To have made it through to the play-off, they must have quality and mental fortitude.

"Our build up to this stage of the competition has shown us the importance of organisation, attention to detail, and self-belief.

"That will be vitally important to us as we prepare for these games in November."

Tarmo Ruutli's Estonia emerged from a group containing Italy, Northern Ireland, Serbia, Slovenia and the Faroe Islands to take second place, and with it earn a first-ever play-off berth.

It has never made the finals of a major tournament, and history is not on its side either.

The two historical meetings between the pair have gone the way of the Irish, 2-0 on both occasions in qualifying for the 2002 World Cup, with Richard Dunne on target in each game.

Former Republic of Ireland striker John Aldridge has backed the team to beat Estonia and qualify for the finals.

Asked if he thought Trapattoni's side would go through, he told Sky Sports News: "Yes. We've got the greatest travelling fans and it would be great to see them on the road again.'"

The former Liverpool player believes the Republic was fortunate to draw Estonia.

He said: "It was probably the easiest of the four (unseeded teams to draw).

"We travel better than we play at home, we've had better results away than we have had at home.''

Aldridge admitted the suspension of striker Kevin Doyle, still waiting to hear the length of his punishment after being sent off in the qualifier against Armenia on Tuesday which the Republic won 2-1, would be a blow to the team's chances.

However, he backed Shane Long to fill the breach.

"Shane Long has done really well when he has deputised for either Robbie (Keane) or Kevin so it's a great opportunity for him," he said.

Ireland has only reached the European Championship finals once before - in West Germany in 1988 - but will be relatively pleased to have drawn Estonia.

There were tougher-looking assignments in the pot of unseeded teams it could have been put up against, with the other ties seeing Turkey taking on Croatia, the Czech Republic facing Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina going up against Portugal.

Portugal and Bosnia were both losers in winner-takes-all showdowns last week, with Portugal being defeated by Denmark and with it surrendering top spot in Group H, while Bosnia drew 1-1 with France when a win would have seen them pip Laurent Blanc`s men to the automatic spot in Group B.

The Czechs took second in Group I, winning a two-way tussle with Scotland to finish behind reigning champion Spain.

The Greek players started the night knowing a win was almost essential in their penultimate match in the group, with the Croatians enjoying a one-point lead.

Samaras struck in the 71st minute and Gekas added the second eight minutes later to leave Greece knowing a point in its final group game in Georgia next week will be enough. Latvia beat Malta 2-0 in the other Group F game.

Belgium wrested control of the race for a play-off place in Group A with a 4-1 win over Kazakhstan in Brussels, while rival Turkey was sent crashing 3-1 by group winners Germany in Istanbul.

Timmy Simons, Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany and Vitaly Yevstigneev's late own goal gave Belgium a 4-0 lead, but in order to guarantee their play-off spot Georges Leekens' men must now win in Germany.

Turkey, which has a home game against Azerbaijan, went down to strikes from Mario Gomez and Thomas Muller. Hakan Balta pulled one back before Bastian Schweinsteiger settled matters with an 86th-minute penalty.

Belgium's win eliminated Austria, despite its 4-1 win in Azerbaijan.

The Netherlands was made to work harder than expected to extend its 100% record to nine games in Group E, Klaas Jan Huntelaar scoring the only goal of the game in the 40th minute at home to group minnows Moldova.

Sweden effectively guaranteed the runner-up slot with a 2-1 win over Finland in Helsinki, Sebastian Larsson's early strike setting the Swedes on their way and Martin Olsson adding a second before Joona Toivio's late consolation.

In Group D, Bosnia set up a winner-takes-all clash with France in Paris after a 5-0 win over Luxembourg in Zenica, while the French cantered to an equally convincing 3-0 triumph against Albania.

Goals from Florent Malouda, Loic Remy and substitute Anthony Reveillere meant the French go into the final group fixture with a one-point advantage - but also with memories of plenty of previous last-gasp qualifying disappointments.

In the other Group D fixture, Romania saw its slim play-off hopes disappear in a disappointing 2-2 draw with Belarus in Bucharest.

Spain maintained its 100% record in Group I with Juan Mata and Xabi Alonso scoring in a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in Prague, a win that keeps Scotland's slim play-off hopes alive.

Scotland knows wins from its final two matches will guarantee second place - but its last match is against Spain in Alicante. The Czechs' final game is a trip to Lithuania next week.

Branislav Ivanovic cancelled out Claudio Marchisio's early strike as Serbia secured a potentially vital point in Group C with a 1-1 draw against Italy in Belgrade.

Estonia went second as it completed their fixtures with two Konstantin Vassiljev goals giving it a 2-1 win in Northern Ireland - but a point for Serbia in its final match in Slovenia next week will be enough to earn a play-off place.

Ashley Young and Darren Bent scored early as England secured qualification from Group G, but only after opponent Montenegro had battled back to claim a 2-2 draw with Andrija Delibasic's injury-time equaliser.

Delibasic's goal, which came after Wayne Rooney was needlessly sent off, was enough for the Montenegrins to make sure of a play-off place after rival Switzerland fell to goals from Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale in a 2-0 defeat in Wales.

Russia all but wrapped up qualification from Group B as Alan Dzagoev scored the only goal of the game against Slovakia in Zilina. Victory at home to Andorra on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) will secure the Russians' place in the finals.

The Republic of Ireland will fight it out with Armenia for the play-off place in Dublin after both won their penultimate matches.

A draw will be good enough for Ireland, for whom Kevin Doyle and Aiden McGeady scored in a 2-0 win in Andorra, but Armenia will travel full of confidence after a thumping 4-1 home win over Macedonia.

Portugal and Denmark will play off for qualification from Group H in Copenhagen next Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT) after the former beat Iceland 5-3 in Porto.

The home side was coasting at 3-0 thanks to an early double from Nani and a third from Helder Postiga, but Aron Gunnarsson and Hallgrimur Jonasson scored in the second half to reduce the deficit.

Late strikes from Joao Moutinho and Eliseu finally secured victory, before Birkir Bjarnason's injury-time penalty.

Portugal will go to the Danish capital knowing a draw will be enough but Denmark will be brimming with confidence after a 4-1 win in Cyprus, in which veteran winger Dennis Rommedahl scored twice.

"We have two qualifiers left, and it's our plan to return from Greece ... with our place secured at the tournament in Poland and Ukraine," Bilic said. "We will be under less pressure because we don't have to chase victory."

Croatia leads Group F with 19 points, one more than Greece. Both teams have two matches remaining. In the day's other group match, Latvia hosts Malta.

But the qualifying spot has come down to Croatia and Greece, with the runner-up guaranteed of at least a play-off berth.

"It won't be easy at all," Bilic said of the Euro 2004 champion. "Greece has been at a high level in European football for a decade and we are aware of their quality."

Croatia overtook Greece as leader of the group after a 3-1 win in Israel on 6 September, while the Greeks were held to a 1-1 draw in Latvia and slipped a point behind.

Bilic left out Bayern Munich striker Ivica Olic, who has not fully recovered from a hip injury, while Bundesliga team-mate Danijel Pranjic was dropped due to his recent lack of match time.

Bilic's biggest worry is the absence of captain Darijo Srna, who will miss the Greece game through suspension.

Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic has scored four goals in the Scottish Premier League this season, but has yet to find the net for his country in five qualifiers.

Croatia was held to a 0-0 draw by Greece in Zagreb last year, keeping the balanced record between the two countries.

Greece coach Fernando Santos is missing talented midfielder Sotiris Ninis, who is expected to be out for up to six months with a knee injury he picked up after scoring the winning away goal against Israel on 2 September.

Yiannis Fetfatzidis, an emerging talent and attacking midfielder, is also injured.

Last week, Santos recalled veteran strikers Angelos Charisteas and Fanis Gekas, after the latter publicly apologised for quitting the national team a year ago when he cited animosity with team-mates.

Santos - unbeaten in the Euro 2012 qualifying - said he was has happy to have more experienced players for the big game.

"We'd always said that the two qualifiers against Croatia would be our most important games, and this will definitely not be an easy game," the 56-year-old Portuguese coach said. "But the only result we are looking for is a win. We don't want to place our fate in Croatia's hands in the last game."

Santos also expressed confidence in Celtic striker Georgios Samaras, who has been mired in a scoring drought for his club and country.

"Samaras has never really displayed all the talent he has. It would be good to see this happen because he is a gifted player," Santos said. "This would be a great moment for Samaras to show us what he's got. He has goals saved up that he hasn't scored."

But he knows they will need to show more cutting edge going forward when its Euro 2012 qualifying matches against Slovakia and Russia comes around next month.

The 0-0 draw at the Aviva Stadium was in many ways a creditable result for the Republic, who were facing a team ranked ninth in the world and with a first XI which included Tottenham trio Luka Modric, Niko Kranjcar and Vedran Corluka.

The goalscoring chances the hosts created were few and far between though, and Trapattoni wants his attack to show greater potency in the qualifying games on September 2 and 6, when Ireland play the two sides they are currently locked together with on 13 points at the top of Group B.

"When the players are incisive we can make a difference. In qualifying we have to do this," the Italian said.

The Republic went into the contest with Croatia having won its previous four fixtures without conceding a goal, and referring to the latest shut-out, Trapattoni said: "I am happy for this.

"Before the game, when we prepare, I repeat the same lesson because when I was first here, two or three little situations were changing our results.

"The team has improved very much in these situations."

Although generally sound in defence, Ireland did appear lucky not to give away a penalty in the first half as clumsy challenges in the box by Glenn Whelan and Stephen Kelly went unpunished.

Asked if felt the Irish had been fortunate in that respect, Trapattoni said: "I don't know - if I had a television replay I could confirm or not. The referee let it go and he was near enough."

Croatia boss Slaven Bilic certainly felt one of the incidents should have yielded a spot-kick.

"We were controlling the game in their half, and with a little bit of luck or with a little bit more concentration in the last part of the pitch, we could have won the game," Bilic said.

"If you add the penalty - which was obvious - for us in the first half, I think that we are the ones who should have created a result."

A succession of players pulled out of Trapattoni's squad due to injury in the build-up to the match, and the 72-year-old is not confident striker Kevin Doyle - who withdrew on Tuesday - will be available for the clashes with Slovakia and Russia.

Overall, though, he is feeling positive about the options at his disposal and the progress Ireland are making.

Trapattoni said: "With our quality and attitude now, I ask the team only this - to remember what we have done over the last few months."

Ivic is best remembered for winning eight league titles in six different countries during his coaching career, enjoying success with Hajduk Split, Ajax, Anderlecht, Porto, Panathinaikos and Marseille.

He also led Atletico Madrid to the Copa del Rey title in 1991.

In addition, Ivic had spells in charge of Yugoslavia and Iran as well as being joint coach of Croatia between 1994 and 1995, helping them qualify for the Euro 96 finals in England - its first major tournament since gaining independence five years earlier.

Klasnic has not played for Croatia since September 2009 and was so sure he would not be required for this week's Group F Euro 2012 qualifier against Georgia, he pencilled the date in for a northern summer break.

But manager Slaven Bilic decided the 31-year-old did feature in his plans.

Klasnic said: "It was a massive surprise. I really didn't expect to the get the call from Slaven Bilic to ask me to come and play.

"I had previously spoken to him over the phone and he had told me that I probably wouldn't be involved in the squad so I had booked my holidays.

"But earlier this week I got the phone call and it seemed he changed his mind.

"Of course it's an honour to be asked to play for my country as it always is and, if I get the chance, hopefully I can show everyone what I can do."

"I want to do what every football player wants to do, go out there and play and not sit on the bench."

Victory would take Croatia two points clear of Greece at the summit, though that would probably be a temporary measure as the group leaders take on rock bottom Malta on Saturday (Sunday AEST).

Bilic's side also has revenge on its mind after being upset by Temuri Ketsbaia's team in Tblisi earlier in the campaign courtesy of Levan Kobiashvili's late goal.

The bookies may give bottom side Malta no chance against the group pace-setters, but just one late goal from Vassilis Torossidis separated the teams when they met in March.

Coach John Buttigieg wants to see more of the same fighting spirit on Saturday (Sunday AEST).

He said: "It is common logic to say this is a very difficult match. I hope we put up the same positive performance we displayed at the end of March when we lost in the dying seconds of the match."

Latvia and Israel meet in Riga the weekend's remaining fixture.

The host side has four points from five outings and are hoping for a result that prevents it losing touch with the qualification hopefuls.

Israel, meanwhile, can still hold out realistic hopes of topping the group but will need results elsewhere to fall favourably.

It currently occupies third place, below Croatia, which has played a game fewer, on goal difference.

Laurent Blanc made five changes from the team which won convincingly in Luxembourg last time out, omitting Patrice Evra and Franck Ribery with fears of a backlash from French supporters for what would have been their pair's first home game since the World Cup.

All eyes were on the two managers before kick-off as Blanc came up against Croatian boss Slaven Bilic for the first time since the Frenchman was sent off in the World Cup semi-final back in 1998.

It took France just over 20 minutes to create its first clear-cut opportunity as Blaise Matuidi's long-range effort was saved by Croatian goalkeeper Vedran Runje.

Croatia, which was knocked from the top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group F after losing to Georgia at the weekend, took even longer to test Hugo Lloris in the France goal, Nikica Jelavic forcing a smart save from the Lyon goalkeeper towards the end of the first half.

Karim Benzema wasted a fantastic opportunity to give the host the lead on the stroke of half time, firing over from 12 yards.

The second half was disjointed, mainly through a mixture of substitutions and fouls which saw a flourish of yellow cards, but France defender Adil Rami's shot from outside the area hit the post after 67 minutes.

It would be the closest either side would come to breaking the deadlock.

Croatia retreated further into its own half as Bilic made five changes in the second half but it managed to limit the opportunities for France which also made a succession of substitutions towards the closing stages.

Ribery was introduced on the hour mark to a mixed reception after the part he played in France's World Cup debacle, but the Bayern Munich playmaker failed to create any real excitement.

Croatia's substitute goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa, on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, had to be on his guard right until the end of the game and he made a fantastic save in stoppage-time as he turned a long-range effort from Yoann Gourcuff around the post.

Bayern Munich pair Miroslav Klose and Thomas Muller both grabbed a brace in an easy win for Joachim Low's side in Kaiserslautern.

The win gives Germany an eight-point cushion at the top of the group ahead of its clash with Austria in June, while Kazakhstan is still waiting for its first goal, let alone its first point in qualifying.

In Group B, leader Russia was again left frustrated in front of goal as it was held to a goalless draw in Armenia.

Russia has now failed to find the net in its last three matches after friendly defeats to Belgium and Iran, but, in light of Armenia's strong start to the campaign, it will be happy to return home with a point.

Slovakia laboured to a narrow 1-0 win over basement-dweller Andorra to join Russia at the top of Group B.

Filip Sebo got the only goal in the 21st minute to send Slovakia on to 10 points from five games.

But a series of chances to add a second came to nought, setting up a nervous finish for the visitor.

The Republic of Ireland is also part of the three-way tie at the top of the group thanks to a 2-1 win over FYR Macedonia.

Aiden McGeady's early goal gave it a dream start, before Robbie Keane pounced on a goalkeeping error to double the lead.

Ivan Trickovski pulled one back on the stroke of half-time and it took a brilliant second-half save from Keiren Westwood to earn Ireland the win.

Bosnia-Herzegovina went into its Group D clash with Romania knowing it needed a win after France's victory the previous day and it did not let itself down, although it had to come from behind to win 2-1.

France's win took it on to 12 points and Bosnia-Herzegovina, starting the day on four points from three games, was behind to Ciprian Marica's first-half goal.

But Vedad Ibisevic headed an equaliser just after the hour and Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko grabbed a vital winner with seven minutes left.

In the final game in Group D, Belarus' hopes of qualification for Euro 2012 were dealt a blow as it suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Albania in Tirana.

Hamdi Salihi grabbed the only goal of the game for Albania just after the hour mark as it moved level on points with its opponent, although it remains below it on goal difference.

In Group F, morning leaders Croatia suffered its first qualifying defeat as Levan Kobiashvili's late goal gave Georgia a 1-0 win.

The strike extended Georgia's great start to life under coach Temuri Ketsbaia, with it now 10 games unbeaten under his charge.

The win put it on to nine points, just one behind Croatia.

A header from Vassilis Torosidis with the last touch of the game helped 10-man Greece beat Malta 1-0 and move to the top of Group F.

With Croatia having lost earlier in the day, Greece knew a win would put it at the summit but, for 93 minutes it, and striker Kostas Katsouranis in particular, was denied by the brilliance of goalkeeper Justin Haber.

The 2004 winner looked stumped, especially when Socratis Papastathopoulos was sent off with six minutes left but, in the 94th minute, Torosidis denied Malta its first point of qualifying.

Elsewhere in the group, Beram Kayal hit a late winner as Israel survived a rocky second-half period to beat Latvia 2-1.

Elyaniv Barda gave it the lead in a first half it dominated, and Latvia was fortunate not to be out of sight by the time the half-time whistle went.

But it hung in and Kaspars Gorkss looked to have given it a point with an equaliser just after the hour until Kayal struck with nine minutes left.

England won the battle of Britain in Group G, coming away from Cardiff's Millennium Stadium with a 2-0 win over Wales.

The game was over inside the opening 15 minutes, with Frank Lampard scoring from the spot after James Collins brought down Ashley Young, and Darren Bent netted from close range shortly after.

Jack Wilshere excelled on his competitive debut for England, which returned to the top of the group with the win.

It and joint leader Montenegro received a huge boost later in the day as Bulgaria and Switzerland got the result they both did not want in Sofia - a 0-0 draw.

A draw leaves the pair six points adrift at the halfway stage in Group G with Wales anchored at the foot of the table.

Cyprus blew its chance at a first win in Euro 2012 qualifying Group H as it missed a penalty and struck the post against fellow struggler Iceland.

Chryssis Michael saw his penalty saved in the 21st minute and Konstantinos Makridis struck the post 12 minutes from time as it failed to make the breakthrough against Iceland, which earned its first point of the campaign with the draw.

Erik Huseklepp's goal nine minutes from time maintained Norway's unbeaten record in qualifying as Denmark missed the chance to pull level with its Scandinavian rival at the summit of Group H in a 1-1 draw.

A cagey encounter produced little in the way of goalmouth action before Dennis Rommedahl fired the Danes ahead just before the half-hour, and the veteran winger was unlucky not to wrap up the points after the break when he fired against the crossbar.

Norway's toothless performance made a mockery of its 100 percent record coming into the match but the host got out of jail late on when Huseklepp got in behind the Denmark defence to snatch a barely-deserved equaliser.

Greece is currently two points behind and travels to Malta, which has yet to pick up a point.

Now managed by Temuri Ketsbaia, Georgia is undefeated in nine games under the former Newcastle striker.

Despite this, Croatia coach Slaven Bilic is confident.

"We are a better side with more quality than Georgia so we will win this," he said.

Croatia has a fully-fit squad to choose from, which includes the likes of Tottenham's Luka Modric and Niko Kranjcar, as well as Sevilla's in-form Ivan Rakitic, who scored his side's winner against Valencia at the Mestalla last weekend.

The only notable omission is that of Wolfsburg midfielder Mario Mandzukic.

Georgia is without Malkhaz Asatiani, who has been omitted while he finds a club. Striker Nikoloz Gelashvili is a late addition to the squad, and midfielder Aleksandr Koshkadze replaces Spartak Moscow's Jano Ananidze, who is injured.

If Croatia fails to beat Georgia, Greece could replace it at the top of Group F in Malta.

Despite its opponent's failure to pick up a point, Greece coach Fernando Santos is taking nothing for granted.

He said: "We have to win in Malta. We are favourites, but it won't be easy. We need to be focused and prove our superiority on the pitch."

Panagiotis Lagos has been recalled to the squad after injuries to Michalis Sifakis, Grigoris Makos and Nikos Spyropoulos. He can play in the left-back or left wing-back positions.

Malta, buoyed by a friendly draw against Switzerland in February, will have English-based Daniel Bogdanovic up front, along with captain and former Coventry striker, Michael Mifsud.

The other game in Group F sees fourth play fifth, as Israel takes on Latvia in Tel Aviv, with both needing a win to remain in touch with the group leaders.

Israel, which was defeated 1-0 at home by Latvia in the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, has called up Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun, who has not played since September.

Coach Luis Fernandez could hand international debuts to striker David Biton and 18-year-old left-back Talb Tawatha.

Latvia will be without the suspended Oskars Klava, but Latvia coach Aleksandrs Starkovs will be able to call on the fit-again Deniss Kacanovs.

CSKA Moscow midfielder Aleksandrs Cauna is injured, with Ivans Lukjanovs replacing him.

Former Arsenal forward Eduardo fired Croatia in front on 10 minutes before Kalinic opened his account to double the lead three minutes later.

The Czechs pulled one back through Besiktas defender Tomas Sivok before Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky levelled just before the break.

Blackburn Rovers striker Kalinic restored Croatia's lead just after the hour while substitute Ivo Ilicevic made sure of the win with the fourth 16 minutes from time.

Ioannis Fetfatzidis' 63rd-minute strike secured a 1-0 win for Greece against Canada, while one goal was all that separated Russia and Iran, the Iranians winning it thanks to Mohammad Reza Khalatbari's late effort.

Veseljko Trivunovic and Zoran Tosic were on target as Serbia defeated Israel 2-0 in Tel Aviv.

Latvia won 2-1 against Bolivia, FYR Macedonia slipped to a 1-0 reverse at the hands of Cameroon, Hungary was a 2-0 winner in Azerbaijan, and Turkey and Korea Republic played out a goalless draw in Istanbul.

Two matches played as part of a friendly tournament in Cyprus went to penalty shoot-outs.

Ukraine and Sweden played out a 1-1 draw in their game, the Swedes opening the scoring through Bolton Wanderers' Johan Elmander before a Marco Devic penalty levelled for Ukraine. And it was Ukraine which prevailed on penalties, winning 5-4 in the shoot-out.

Romania also beat host Cyprus 5-4 on penalties after their match ended 1-1. Gabriel Torje opened the scoring for Romania 10 minutes after the break but Cyprus equalised through Michael Constantinou late on.

Luxembourg posted a surprise 2-1 win over Slovakia.

Daniel Da Mota scored two goals in the second period to lift minnow Luxembourg to the eye-catching result against a team 111 places higher in the world rankings.

Erik Jendrisek had opened the scoring for Slovakia in the 55th minute.

Belgium and Finland played out a 1-1 draw in Gent.

Belgium took the lead on the hour when Axel Witsel fired home but Roni Porokara popped up at the death to rescue a draw for the Finns.

Elsewhere, Bulgaria and Estonia played out a 2-2 draw, Slovenia was a 2-1 winner in Albania, Norway slipped to defeat at home to Poland and Malta versus Switzerland ended goalless.

English-based duo Davide Somma and Steven Pienaar were on target for South Africa as it laboured to a 2-0 victory over Kenya in Rustenburg.

Leeds United forward Somma, playing in only his second game since choosing to represent the country of his birth, opened the scoring for Bafana Bafana after just three minutes.

Tottenham Hotpsur new boy Pienaar (45) doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time, but the expected goal flurry in the second period never happened with the host forced to settle for just the two goals against the east African side.

In Lagos, Nigeria also found goals difficult to come by against Sierra Leone, scratching its way to a 2-1 triumph.

Defender Taye Taiwo opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 16 minutes and Ekigho Ehiosun (45) added a second before the break.

But the inexperienced Super Eagles outfit, who had three uncapped players in their starting line-up, failed to kick on thereafter and Adefemi Olubayo (88) added some respectability to the scoreline with his late effort.

Elsewhere, Mbark Boussoufa bagged a brace to help Morocco claim a 3-0 victory over Niger in Marrakech.

The Anderlecht midfielder opened the scoring after 16 minutes and then added a second seven minutes from time, before Mohammed El-Bakkali (90) added a third.

In other matches involving African teams, goals from Boris Nguema Bekale (25) and Daniel Cousin (54) helped Gabon overcome the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-0, while Libya edged out Benin 3-2 in Tripoli.

Slaven Bilic's side will visit the Stade de France on Tuesday, March 29, following on from the February 9 home friendly against Brazil.

Les Bleus will then follow their Euro 2012 qualifier against Belarus on June 3 with trips to both of the tournament's co-hosts - Ukraine on June 6 and Poland three days later.

It is hoped the latter two encounters can be played in the new stadiums being built for the tournament in Kiev and Gdansk.

The Tottenham midfielder Kranjcar scored with a driven shot from outside the penalty box in the 18th minute after Croatia had dominated from the start.

Teammate Eduardo da Silva missed a chance six minutes later, but Kranjcar added another goal in the 42nd from the edge of the box.

Malta fought harder in the second half and Michael Mifsud wasted a chance when his effort went over the bar.

Croatia forward Nikola Kalinic scored in the 81st minute to wrap up the game.

Croatia leads Group F with 10 points, two more than second-place Greece, which has played a game less.

Kranjcar got his first from the penalty spot in the 38th minute and added a second from open play four minutes later to put the visitors in control.

Israel gave it something to worry about late on after Itay Shechter's 82nd minute strike, but it could not find an equaliser.

Israel wasted no time in testing Croatia goalkeeper Vedran Runje with Shechter's shot coming with only 11 seconds on the clock, but Runje was able to tip it over.

Moments later, Gil Vermouth tried his luck from the edge of the area but fired wide.

Croatia was struggling to create anything too dangerous early on, with Ivan Rakitic's shot never threatening Dudu Aouate's goal as it sailed wide.

Instead it was the host who continued to dominate but Shechter was off-target before Runje tipped Yoav Ziv's close-range effort over the crossbar.

Aouate did not have a save to make until the 35th minute when he pushed Ivica Olic's shot over. Josip Simunic headed wide from the resulting corner.

But Croatia was ahead moments later when Dekel Keinan brought down Eduardo in the area and Kranjcar made no mistake with the penalty kick.

Kranjcar's Tottenham team-mate Luka Modric then tried to get in on the action but saw his long-range effort held by Aouate.

Vermouth failed to trouble Runje with a shot from the edge of the area, and moments later Croatia doubled its lead when Modric teed up Kranjcar to fire home from the centre of the area.

Aouate was now much the busier goalkeeper and had to save again from Eduardo in first-half stoppage time.

Croatia continued to dominate in the second half, but its shooting touch had somewhat deserted it as Kranjcar, Ivan Rakitic and Danijel Pranjic all fired wide.

They did not register a shot on target in the second half until the 81st minute when Pranjic's shot was held by Aouate.

And those misses came back to haunt Croatia when Israel got a goal back with eight minutes left, with Shechter slotting home from close range.

The host suddenly looked revitalised and moments later Lior Rafaelov went close from long-range before Vermouth forced a save out of Runje.

It had one last chance by forcing a corner deep into injury time, but Bebars Natcho's cross did not find a team-mate as Croatia hung on.

Croatia was the dominant force, particularly in the first half, but it could not make the breakthrough.

Luka Modric and Niko Kranjcar both had efforts saved by Michalis Sifakis in the opening 10 minutes while Ivica Olic also tried his luck before Georgios Samaras at last offered something for Greece with an effort that flew wide.

Kranjcar was then denied again by Sifakis before the half petered out.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic brought Nikica Jelavic on in place of Mladen Petric for the second half and it looked like the change had worked immediately when the striker put the ball in the net in the 48th minute only for the offside flag to curtail the celebrations.

A minute later home keeper Vedran Runje was called on for the first time to keep out a Giorgos Karagounis shot.

At the other end, Ivan Rakitic forced Sifakis into another save while Greek substitute Fanis Gekas became the second player to be denied a goal by the offside flag.

Croatia threw everything at its opponents in the final 10 minutes, with Kranjcar, Danijel Pranjic, Ivan Strinic and Eduardo all trying their luck, but without success.

The point was, though, enough to put Croatia top of Group F on four points following its last start win in Latvia, while it was a second successive draw for Greece.

Elsewhere in Group F, Latvia won 2-0 in Malta and Israel remains unbeaten after securing a scoreless draw in Georgia.

The Tottenham playmaker missed the 3-0 victory over Latvia with a thigh problem but is in line to return for the second round of matches in Group F.

Coach Slaven Bilic admits Croatia's self-belief dipped after they failed to qualify for the World Cup but believes they are now on the right track.

"I'm not only delighted because of the victory against Latvia but because we thought Latvia would be our most difficult away match," said Bilic.

"We had a dip in confidence after World Cup qualifying but we shouldn't be euphoric just yet."

New Greece coach Fernando Santos experienced a frustrating competitive debut as after his team was held to a 1-1 draw at home by Georgia in the opener.

Georgia hosts Israel in its first Euro 2012 qualifier on home soil in what will also be its first competitive match against Israel.

Temuri Ketsbaia, the Georgia coach, was pleased with last weekend's 1-1 draw in Greece.

"The match was very tight but that's not a surprise for me," said Ketsbaia.

"I knew Greek football well so it was easy to tell the players what to expect.

"Even though we led and only got a draw, I am happy to have this result as we now look forward to meeting Israel."

The opening round of fixtures pointed to a long qualifying campaign for Malta and Latvia with both sides suffering three-goal defeats to Israel and Croatia respectively.

Now the minnows meet in Ta' Qali in what will be their first competitive fixture.

Malta coach John Buttigieg saw pleasing aspects in the 3-1 defeat by Israel and refuses to throw in the towel against Latvia.

"We all knew that the Israel match would be very difficult," said Buttigieg.

"Despite being under early pressure my team reacted well and even drew level with a goal from Jamie Pace.

"Again we conceded two goals which we could have avoided. From then on it was impossible to recover.

"Our immediate objective is now Latvia - another difficult match but not impossible."

Bilic is anxious to get the talented Croatian squad back on track after the shock of failing to qualify for the World Cup, and has vowed to come flying out of the traps in his side's opening two matches.

A key home game against 2004 European champion Greece follows next week, and Bilic wants no half measures from his side in its bid to reach the finals in Poland and Ukraine in two years' time.

"Let's go for three points," said the former Hajduk Split and West Ham defender, who successfully guided Croatia to the finals of Euro 2008.

"We have reiterated many times that we start with two games from which we want all six points.

"So, in Riga, we are interested only in victory."

Tottenham midfielder Niko Kranjcar is also eyeing a perfect start to the campaign.

"We have long waited for these qualifiers and I hope that we will start with two wins, which will bring us confidence," he said.

"We respect every opponent, but must return with three points.

"Greece and ourselves are the group favourites and we must prove it on the field."

Latvia is protecting a five-game unbeaten home record in competitive matches but has a poor record against Croatia, having lost both of the two previous meetings, which came in qualifying for the 2002 World Cup.

Latvia coach Aleksandrs Starkovs will be able to call on skipper Vitalijs Astafjevs, who has shrugged off an injury problem and should win his 163rd cap.

Ottmar Hitzfeld's side, which was famously the only team to beat Spain at this northern summer's FIFA World Cup, grabbed the only goal of the game in the 73rd minute through Moreno Constanzo.

The home side had a golden chance to take the lead five minutes earlier but Christian Fuchs, captaining the side for the first time, missed a penalty.

Czech Republic was in fine form as it defeated Latvia 4-1. After a goalless first half, Roman Bednar netted the opener in the 49th minute.

Martin Fenin added the second five minutes later and goals from Zdenek Pospech and Tomas Necid put the match beyond Latvia, which managed a late consolation from Aleksandrs Cauna.

Samuel Eto'o scored twice as Cameroon bounced back after its World Cup disappointment with a 3-0 victory against Poland.

The Inter Milan forward netted in the 29th and 52nd minutes before Vincent Aboubakar rounded off the scoring.

Serbia suffered a surprise home defeat by Greece, Dimitris Salpingidis grabbing the only goal on the stroke of half-time, while Slovakia and Croatia drew 1-1.

Miroslav Stoch opened the scoring for the host in the 50th minute but it took only four minutes for Nikica Jelavic to level for Croatia.

Belgium's international woes continued as an own goal by Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany gave Finland a 1-0 victory.

Wales scored four second-half goals to destroy Luxembourg 5-1 in Llanelli.

Captain Craig Bellamy put the seal on an outstanding individual display with his country's fifth goal, which followed earlier efforts by David Cotterill, Andy King, Ashley Williams and a Joe Ledley penalty.

Luxembourg produced a spectacular first-half goal from striker Joel Kitenge, but they it was reduced to 10 men after 77 minutes when Mario Mutsch was sent off.

Radomir Dalovic scored either side of half-time to hand Montenegro a 2-0 victory and leave Northern Ireland frustrated in its match in Podgorica, while Cyprus beat Andorra 1-0.

Toshack's under-strength team performed admirably in the friendly against the Euro 2008 quarter-finalist but was ultimately beaten 2-0 and left to rue the absence of many senior stars.

Wales travelled to Osijek with a squad of just 17 after eight withdrawals from the initial party took the number of players unavailable to Toshack to 15.

Toshack awarded five new caps in the highly-charged atmosphere of the Gradski Stadium - which may prove advantageous for the Euro 2012 qualifiers in the northern autumn - but it was not ideal.

Toshack said: "To be honest I would rather not have been in that situation.

"It would have been more positive if we had had at least half of those missing players with us.

"We arranged this game for the atmosphere, the type of football this team plays, with Montenegro in September in mind. It is disappointing so many players weren't here."

Wales was without the likes of Craig Bellamy, Gareth Bale, James Collins, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Collision but those selected in their place did their cause no harm.

Superb goals from Ivan Rakitic and Drago Gabric late in each half cost them, while Tottenham dangerman Luka Modric was in inspired form, but Wales held its own for large parts.

St Mirren's Andy Dorman won his first cap from the start while Mark Bradley, Neil Taylor, Christian Ribeiro and Hal Robson-Kanu - promoted from the Under-21 squad - also saw action.

Wales, which could name just six substitutes compared to Croatia's 10 and used them all, was also unlucky to have a goal disallowed in the first half.

Simon Church claimed a decisive touch from a Chris Gunter cross only to be flagged offside.

Toshack said: "We had a few chances and there was a goal - I don't think anyone would have complained too much if it had stood.

"There were one or two useful counter-attacks and we defended quite resolutely.

"To lose the first goal right on half-time was a disappointment and in the second half, bearing in mind some haven't played too much, we were stretched numbers-wise."

Toshack's opposite number Slaven Bilic felt Wales had proved tough opponents.

Bilic said: "Wales are not technically at the highest level but they play great British football.

"They were good running forward and played well through the middle."

The highly-rated Croatia coach abruptly ended a press conference arranged to preview the international friendly against Wales in Osijek when asked about reports linking him with the Hammers.

Bilic was installed as one of the favourites for the post when Gianfranco Zola was sacked earlier this month, but his name has faded in recent days following the resignation of Avram Grant at Portsmouth.

Grant is now considered the most likely contender but Bilic is still unwilling to declare his interest or discuss the subject.

When asked about the matter the 41-year-old waved away the question and stood up to leave the room at the Gradski Stadium.

That came after he had spoken of his regard for his opposite number, the Wales manager John Toshack, and respect for his team.

Former Liverpool striker Toshack has coached clubs such as Real Madrid, Deportivo La Coruna and Besiktas in a distinguished career.

Bilic said: "Who am I to judge John Toshack? When I was a kid he was one of the greatest strikers in Europe with Liverpool and he managed Real Madrid and other top clubs.

"As a player and a manager he has had a great career.

"He is Welsh and I know that he is enjoying this job and I have a big respect for him."

Toshack will field an under-strength side after being denied the services of 15 senior players.

Eight of them have withdrawn since the initial squad was announced last week and only 17 made the trip to eastern Croatia.

"I expect it will be a tough and very competitive game," said Bilic, who after guiding Croatia to the Euro 2008 quarter-finals, failed in his quest to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

"It is a young team I know, and they are without some of their players - but it is only four or five major players such as (Craig) Bellamy, (Gareth) Bale, (James) Collins, (Simon) Davies.

"We were without 12 players on Wednesday night against Austria and played one of our best games of the year.

"Those new guys are good players, they are hungry and so proud when they have a chance to play for Wales."

Croatia, who beat Austria 1-0 in midweek, is making a rare visit to Osijek, Croatia's fourth largest city and home town of legendary player Davor Suker.

"The stadium is going to be packed, the pitch is big and it will be a really good test that is useful for us and Wales," added Bilic.

Croatia will be without Bayern Munich's Ivica Olic and Danijel Pranjic while Eduardo and Luka Modric, of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspurs respectively, are fitness doubts.