Croatia will take no chances against Japan

NUREMBERG, June 17 (Reuters) Croatia are a better team and will not settle for a draw against Japan when the two meet on Sunday in their Group F match, players said today.

Following a brief 20-minute training session at Nuremberg's Frankenstadion, the Croats said they were confident they would win against Japan who must also win to stay in the tournament.

''We are ready for the game tomorrow,'' striker Ivan Klasnic told reporters. ''We expect a difficult match but we are a better team and we will win.'' Croatia battled admirably against tournament favourites Brazil in their group opener but could not salvage a point in their narrow 1-0 defeat.

''This is a game that we have to win,'' Niko Kranjcar said.

''We have the quality to do it and we want to finish it although we also have the option of a draw.'' Croatia then face Australia while Japan take on mighty Brazil in the last matches of the group on June 22.

Midfielder Niko Kovac said only a win would do because he did not rule out a surprise Japan victory over Brazil.

''Brazil are not invincible and Japan could beat them. Who said they can't,'' said the younger of the two Kovac brothers.

''We have to win tomorrow to avoid any adventures.'' Kovac also rejected reports of a changing-room bust-up between his brother Robert, Josep Simunic and Klasnic.

''The atmsophere is very good. There is nothing wrong,'' Kovac said.

Kranjcar confirmed there had been a discussion following the practice session but said there was no problem.

''It was just a discussion. Nothing else and these things happen all the time,'' Niko Kranjcar said.

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