CROATIA : PLAYERS TO WATCH

Midfielder Dario Srna and forward Dado Prso each led the team with five qualifying scores and each had eight international goals entering the winter. But they used different ways and styles to accomplish that feat. Srna, 24, a speedy right midfielder who plays professionally for Shakhtar (Ukraine), is considered the engine of the side, and a solid defensive player as well. World Soccer said that Srna's passing and free kicks were "Beckham-esque."

Prso, 31, is the team's main man up front. He excels in the air and keeps possession well. A late bloomer for a European international -- Prso made his National Team debut at 27 on the orders of Croatian Football Federation president Vlatko Markovic, he plays for Rangers (Scotland). A member of the starting 11 since France '98, midfielder Igor Tudor has switched positions from central defender to holding midfielder since Zlatko Kranjcar took over as coach in 2004. Captain and midfielder Niko Kovac, 34, is an influential figure due to his experience.

ROSTER

Goalkeepers: Tomislav Butina (Club Bruges), Stipe Pletikosa (Hajduk Split), Joe Didulica (Austria Vienna)
Defenders: Robert Kovac (Juventus), Stjepan Tomas (Galatasaray), Dario Simic (AC Milan), Mario Tokic (Austria Vienna), Josip Simunic (Hertha Berlin), Igor Tudor (Siena), Marijan Buljat (Dinamo Zagreb)
Midfielders: Jerko Leko (Dynamo Kiev), Niko Kranjcar (Hajduk Split), Niko Kovac (Hertha Berlin), Marko Babic (Bayer Leverkusen), Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Ivan Leko (Club Bruges), Luka Modric (Dinamo Zagreb), Jurica Vranjes (Werder Bremen), Anthony Seric (Panathinaikos)
Forwards: Dado Prso (Rangers), Ivan Klasnic (Werder Bremen), Bosko Balaban (Club Bruges), Ivica Olic (CSKA Moscow), Ivan Bosnjak (Dinamo Zagreb).