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Last Update;
Date: 05/11/06 Best wishes
Under the experienced stewardship of Miroslav Blazevic, Croatia qualified for their maiden major finals at the first attempt, by pipping Italy to top spot in their qualifying group.
Davor Suker was the star of Croatia's qualifying programme as the predatory striker notched 12 goals in Group 4, including both goals in the excellent 2-1 success in Italy. He also scored a hat-trick in a 7-1 mauling of Estonia and the equaliser in the return meeting with Italy as Croatia lost only once - away to Ukraine.
Suker carried on his exploits once the squad had arrived in England for the finals.
Drawn in a group containing Portugal, Denmark and Turkey, Croatia were handed an outstanding chance of reaching the knockout phase and they duly obliged, with Suker's goals a key factor in their progression.
Goran Vlaovic grabbed Croatia's first goal of the finals when he proved to be the match-winner with an 86th minute strike in the opening game against Turkey at The City Ground.
Croatia's second match was at Hillsborough against the Danes with Blazevic's troops running riot after the interval as Suker bagged a brace either side of Zvonomir Boban's goal. Suker's second goal was a joy to behold as he impudently chipped the ball over Peter Schmeichel.
Already assured of a place in the quarter finals, Croatia's 3-0 defeat to Portugal in the final group phase merely condemned them to runners-up spot in the table.
Germany were Croatia's reward for the quarter final showdown at Old Trafford and Blazevic's side were desperately unlucky not to vanquish the eventual winners.
Jurgen Klinsmann put the Germans ahead with a dubious penalty on 20 minutes before the in-form Suker dragged Croatia level not long after half time. But the contest turned on Igor Stimac's 56th minute red card, with Matthias Sammer striking three minutes later to send Germany through.
The former Croatian striker, who had spells with Arsenal and West Ham, says Owen's talents will shine on the big European stage and that he is guaranteed to net a bagful of goals.
Suker said: "England can get to the final. In 1996, Alan Shearer scored six goals and I believe Michael Owen can emulate him.
"If you have one goalscorer who has a great competition, you can go all the way. I think we will see the best of Owen again.
"Owen is a great finisher and a world class player. That must give the team confidence."
says Owen's talents will shine on the big European stage and that he is guaranteed to net a bagful of goals.
The 35-year-old former Real Madrid star has admitted that the strains of top-level football were beginning to tell. "I am 80 percent certain that this will be my last season," he told Munchner Abendzeitung.
"I can't face another winter training camp in Dubai or training in the snow in Munich. "25 years of active football must be enough."
Suker played for many of Europe's top clubs such as Real Madrid, Arsenal, 1860 Munich and West Ham United and won the Golden Boot in the World cup 1998.
Davor Suker has set up his own Football academy in Croatia for young players in the capital Zagreb, and will not take a active role in helping the youngester break through the ranks.
The 34-year-old 1860 Munich striker is a hero among Croatian fans for his consistent goalscoring displays but he is now approaching the end of the line.
Suker played just over an hour of the first Group G game against eventual winners Mexico, and that was all the Far East would see of his talents.
Coach Mirko Jozic chose not to play Suker again despite their desperate search for goals in the final game against Ecuador, and that decision could signal the end of his international playing days.
"I've had some good times and bad times with Croatia, and I have played with some good players throughout my international career," said Suker.
"As to whether this is my last appearance, I haven't yet decided, but first I will take a good, long rest, maybe in Barcelona or Madrid," confirmed Suker.
"I will play another season for 1860 Munich and then after that I will return to Croatia, as well as spend some time at the house I am having built near Madrid.
"I just want to enjoy life now. I've enjoyed football, but I've not had much of a life."
Suker has an incredible scoring record for Croatia, bagging 45 goals in just 69 appearances, but it is likely they will now have to look elsewhere for their source of goals.