Croatia looks ahead to Euro 2012 joint bid

ZAGREB, June 9: Although the eyes of Croatian fans are set on the World Cup, leading officials are licking their lips at the possibility of Croatia co-hosting Euro 2012 with Hungary.

The three bidders, the others are Italy and a joint entry by Poland and Ukraine, submitted their offers to Europe's governing body UEFA last week and a 12-man commission will make a final decision on the winner on Dec. 8.

While it might be said twice former host Italy was the strongest candidate, recent match-fixing allegations in Serie A have not helped its cause.

''Soccer is the number one sport in Croatia,'' national team coach Zlatko Kranjcar told Reuters.

''It will gain even more popularity if we get the opportunity to stage such a big event.'' The desire of officials to jointly stage Euro 2012 is illustrated by the words of the president of the Croatian Soccer Association.

Vlatko Markovic recently told the Vecernji List daily: ''I'd rather see Croatia host Euro 2012 than win the 2006 World Cup.

''It would be far more beneficial for Croatia and its soccer in the long run.'' If the joint bid with Hungary succeeds, the matches in Croatia would be played in the four biggest cities of the capital Zagreb, Rijeka, Split and Osijek.

The government gave full support to the Euro 2012 bid, believing the event would improve the image of the country and help develop its tourist industry, which secures close to 25 percent of the former Yugoslav republic's gross domestic product.

But, according to initial estimates, Croatia may have to invest around 384.7 million dollar to make its stadiums capable of hosting such a big competition.

Grounds in Zagreb, Split and Osijek would have to be rebuilt while Rijeka would need a new one.

The Croatian team launch their World Cup challenge against champions Brazil in Berlin on Tuesday.

Their other Group F opponents are Australia and Japan.

REUTERS