Zagreb, Nov 21: In the end the boot of in-form striker Dado Prso secured Croatia's place in next year's European championship. The Croatians endured a roller-coaster qualifying campaign that finally ended on a high note with Prso's goal giving them a 1-0 win away to Slovenia in the second leg of their playoff tie and a 2-1 aggregate victory.

Prso, who made a name for himself when he scored four of Monaco's eight goals in their 8-3 champions league victory over Deportivo Coruna on November 5, was one of 40 players used by coach Otto Baric as he struggled to find the right formula.

He took over a team packed with veterans and low on spirit after an early exit from the 2002 World Cup finals but his early efforts at rejuvenation gave little reason for optimism. A 0-0 draw with underdogs Estonia and a 2-0 defeat by group favourites Bulgaria sent Baric on a desperate quest to find a reliable striker and a creative playmaker to boost his midfield.

Baric instilled discipline and a physical approach to Croatia's game and insisted he was on the right track.


Bureau Report