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World Cup qualifying: Croatia determined to deny Sweden top spot in group [Mon Sep 5th, 2005]
Zagreb (Reuters) - Croatia coach Zlatko Kranjcar expects a tight struggle with Sweden for the top spot in their World Cup qualifying group and is confident his side would emerge victorious.
Croatia hold first place in European Zone Group Eight with 19 points, with Sweden second on 18. The two sides meet in Zagreb on October 8 in a game that will probably decide the final standings in the group.
"The decision about the group winner will be made in Zagreb. I expect a life or death struggle with Sweden, but we are still closer to winning that spot," Kranjcar told the Jutarnji List daily.
"We have our fate in our own hands. We don't care about others, we don't care who may also profit from our struggle," he said in response to a remark that third-placed Hungary could jump into second if Croatia beat the Swedes.
Croatia staged a remarkable comeback at the weekend to defeat Iceland 3-1 following a dispirited first-half performance.
"The victory was a big step towards (World Cup finals in) Germany. But we are taking it slowly, game by game. Now we're focused on Malta," Kranjcar said.
Croatia play underdogs Malta on Wednesday and will be without defence stalwarts Robert Kovac of Juventus and Igor Tudor of Siena, both suspended.
Hungary host Sweden in another Group Eight tie on Wednesday.
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