Croatia coach urges repeat of Brazil performance

BAD BRUECKENAU, Germany, June 15 (Reuters) A repeat of Croatia's strong performance in their 1-0 loss to Brazil would be enough to beat Japan and Australia and ensure they qualify for the World Cup knock-out round, their coach said today.

''We don't have to change anything. We had a lot of chances, but didn't score,'' coach Zlatko Kranjcar told a news conference, reflecting on Tuesday's loss to the world champions.

Croatia were always aware that they would struggle to beat Brazil and had stressed they would focus on the two other group F opponents, teams they believe they should beat.

''We said before it will be the key game in the group,'' Kranjcar said of Sunday's encounter with Japan.

Japan and Croatia go into the match in Nuremberg knowing a defeat would mean they are likely to be on an early flight home. Kranjcar said he had seen enough in Japan's 3-1 defeat to Australia, who scored three times in the closing minutes, to be hopeful of a Croatia win.

''I saw the game and saw the mistakes Japan made in the last 10 minutes. We look forward to taking advantage of them even before Australia did,'' the Croatia coach said.

Kranjcar and his players also paid tribute to Croatia's fans, who lit flares and celebrated at the end of Tuesday's defeat. They urged more of the same for Sunday.

''I saw what they did. Hopefully we can reward them with a victory,'' Kranjcar said.

Croatia had far the better of play for about 20 minutes at the start of the second half and only some outstanding saves by Brazilian goalkeeper Dida stopped them reaping reward for inventive midfield play and direct attacking.

Croatia are desperate to do well in these finals after flopping at the first-round stage in 2002 following their semi-final appearance on their debut in 1998.

Croatia's main concern is the fitness of captain Niko Kovac, who injured his ribs on Tuesday after a heavy challenge from Brazil's Ze Roberto and came off after 40 minutes.

Team doctor Zoran Bahtijarevic said the player, who only took part in training for 15 minutes, was still in pain and needed treatment, but he was optimistic Kovac would have recovered by Sunday.

Striker Ivica Olic, receiving treatment on a thigh strain in Berlin, should also be fit, the doctor said.

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