Croatia coach content despite defeat by Poland

ZAGREB, June 4: Croatia coach Zlatko Kranjcar showed few signs of concern after his team lost 1-0 to Poland in their latest World Cup warm-up.

''Croatia were the dominant team (on Saturday) but did not manage to score,'' Kranjcar told the Jutarnji List daily today.

''I'm still content as we're fully prepared for the showdown with Brazil.'' Croatia launch their World Cup campaign against champions Brazil in Berlin on June 13.

In other recent warm-up games, Croatia beat Austria 4-1 and drew 2-2 with Iran.

''We have to take into account our players were slightly tired following intensive training sessions and also that some were still feeling exhausted after a mild viral infection,'' said Kranjcar.

Kranjcar told the Sportske Novosti daily he had little doubt his side would qualify from the group stage.

''Our preparations are not for Austria, Iran or Poland but for (Group F opponents) Brazil, Japan and Australia,'' he said.

''Friendlies are there just to check what should be improved. I'm convinced we will get through the group stage.'' Croatia play one more warm-up game, against Spain in Geneva on June 7.

REUTERS