Croatia to bring in Tomas for suspended Kovac

BAD BRUECKENAU, Germany, June 19 (Reuters) Croatia will replace Robert Kovac with Stjepan Tomas and shift fullback Dario Simic to the centre of defence for the must-win World Cup Group F match against Australia in Stuttgart on Thursday.

Centre half Kovac is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament in the 0-0 draw with Japan yesterday.

''As always my first thought was the right thought,'' coach Zlatko Kranjcar told reporters today while explaining the reshuffle.

Croatia said it was a setback to be without the commanding Kovac.

''It will be a big blow as we have got used to him,'' said goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa.

''It won't be easy without him but we have other players. Sure, it will be a disadvantage.'' Pletikosa said Australia would pose a tough physical challenge.

''We are more of a technical team,'' he said. ''It will be decided by character and morale.'' It will also be decided on goals or a lack of them, a clear problem for Croatia.

They have not scored at the finals since a 2-1 victory over Italy in 2002. The normally dependable Darijo Srna even had a penalty saved yesterday.

Kranjcar said he would try to boost the belief of his team.

''I want to talk to the players and give them confidence and urge them to be patient,'' he said.

With one match left, Brazil have qualified from the group with six points, Australia have three and Croatia and Japan one each.

REUTERS AY PM2123