Trash Talking Stops Here

(Sunday, June 2, 2002) - After a war of words that erupted during the week, Mexico and Croatia will finally meet in the Group G opener in Japan.

Mexican Head Coach Javier Aguirre was quoted as saying that he didn't believe Croatia was that great a team. Croatia Head Coach Mirko Jozic responded by stating that he believed this was the poorest Mexican side to make the World Cup in many years.

But it is the harsh words of Jozic's predecessor, Miroslav Blazevic, that are eating away at him as he attempts to repeat Croatia's thrilling World Cup debut at the finals four years ago in which they finished in a surprising third place. Blazevic led that "golden generation" of players to the semifinals in France and accused Jozic of "betraying" the nation's love for attractive football.

Croatia conceded just two goals in their qualifying campaign -- the lowest number of any European nation. Jozic, who will step down after the finals, accepts only another thrill-filled tournament will earn him a fond farewell but he warns Croatian fans that he is aiming for points first and foremost. "People always talk about the "golden generation"...it is true, these players are not as confident," said Jozic, who took over from Blazevic during qualifying and has built the team without a player like Zvonimir Boban. "They may have lost some of their lustre, but we have many qualities and I am proud of them."

Yet despite his love for defensive fortitude, Jozic has also indulged 33-year-old Robert Prosinecki, another of the "old guard", by surrounding the aging playmaker with hard-working team mates who think nothing of sacrificing themsleves for "Robbie".

"My mind is better than four years ago," Prosinecki said. "And my body feels good."

Alongside veterans Prosinecki, Robert Jarni, 1998 Golden Boot winner Davor Suker and Alen Boksic -- who is set for his World Cup debut at 32 -- Jozic will be blending in the inexperienced Boris Zivkovic and Niko Kovac.

Controversy in Mexico camp:

Head Coach Javier Aguirre has since backed down on his words on Croatia and has been quoted as predicting a tough match against the Croatians.

"Croatia survive on the opposition's mistakes and the bottom line is that you cannot commit any," he said. "It'll be a tough match because they don't give you space in midfield."

Aguirre has relegated forward Francisco Palencia, who plays his club soccer in the Spanish La Liga with Espanyol of Barcelona, to the bench. His forward duo will consist of Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Jared Borgetti, the latter being strong in the air.

Palencia's benching has surprised many, while fueling the critics who question the playing style of a Mexican team which has experienced trouble scoring goals. Aguirre, who has been linked with a possible move to the helm of Spanish club Osasuna, will field a team which is missing two players and depending on others battling injury. Jesus Arellano and Johan Rodriguez are suspended for the match in Niigata, and both winger Rafael Garcia and midfielder Gerardo Torrado are battling injury, Mexico. Veteran Alberto Garcia Aspe, the midfielder who was dropped by previous coach Enrique Meza, will win his 109th cap if he sees playing time in this match.

Personnel Updates:

Mexico: Jesus Arellano and Joahan Rodriguez are suspended ... Morales and Torrado are carrying minor injuries ... Striker Francisco Palencia and veteran midfielder Alberto Garcia Aspe have been dropped from the starting lineup to face Croatia.

Croatia: Dario Simic will not play tomorrow due to a calf injury ... Simunic will play in the back.

Probable Lineups:

Croatia: (4-3-1-2) GK Stipe Pletikosa - D Robert Jarni, D Josip Simunic, D Robert Kovac, D Boris Zivkovic - M Niko Kovac, M Stejpan Tomas, M Zvonimir Soldo - M Robert Prosinecki - F Alen Boksic, F Davor Suker

Mexico: (3-5-2) GK Oscar Perez - D Salvador Carmona, D Rafael Marquez, D Manuel Vidrio - M Gabriel Caballero, M Ramon Morales, M Gerardo Torrado, M Sigifredo Mercado, M Braulio Luna - F Jared Borgetti, F Cuahtemoc Blanco