Just a quick mention of some other key games today: Sweden v Ireland is massive in the race for 2nd place in Group C. Sweden currently lead Ireland by 1 point, and presumably no one is catching Germany. Hungary v Romania - these two are definitely fighting it out for 2nd place in Group D. They both have 9 points. Netherlands have a perfect 12 points and should win the group, Turkey are well off the mark with 3. Norway v Albania - Another battle for 2nd. Switzerland have a healthy lead in Group E. Norway are just a point ahead of Albania. Bosnia v Greece - Bosnia lead the group with 10 points. Greece also have 10 points. Also Portugal's qualification looks doubtful still. They've drawn 3-3 in Israel. Israel still hold 2nd in that group. Capello's Russia are walking it.
I have a feeling that both teams will be so concerned about being well-behaved and getting caught up in the occasion that the football in the end could be quite tame. But as PTF said, a historic event regardless.
Then you'd be mistaken, Serbian fans have been banned from attending by their own government and the Croatian police have said that if they hear any nationalist chants at all they will call the match off. I don't really see how that can be remotely practicable, but that's what they're saying. Even Mihaijlovic has said if his players misbehave they will never be picked again, and he's not renowned for his discipline! If anything all this makes it even more fascinating though.
Worth noting that Adem Ljajic won't be playing for Serbia today. Mihajlovic gave him the boot because he refused to sing the national anthem. Patriotism really can be fickle.
That disappoints me that they've dulled it down. I was looking forward to seeing them going at each other's, and that's before the fans start rioting...
Croatia: Stipe Pletikosa; Darijo Srna, Josip Simunic, Vedran Corluka, Ivan Strinic; Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Niko Kranjcar; Mario Mandzukic, Ivica Olic. Serbia: Zeljko Brkic; Aleksandr Kolarov, Matija Nastasic, Neven Subotic, Branislav Ivanovic; Aleksandar Ignyovski, Ivan Radovanovic, Filip Djuricic, Zoran Tosic, Alen Stevanovic; Marko Scepovic.
When it comes to the National Anthem you've either got to sing your heart out or keep your mouth shut. The half hearted attempts that some players make to sing the National Anthem is quite frankly pathetic.
- I don't have anything against the Queen personally, but I don't believe we should have one, let alone be made to pledge allegiance to one. - The anthem has religious connotations which I do not believe in.
It's especially cruel because he is of Bosnian muslim descent! I don't know the Serbian national anthem but I wouldn't be surprised if it was not particularly kind about the Bosnian muslims!
I don't know the literal translation of it, but Ljajic has said he didn't sing it because he felt it was racist.
