Croatia boss Bilic believes another Euro shock winner may be on the cards

13 April 2012

Another shock winner of the European Championship could be on the cards, according to Croatia coach Slaven Bilic.


"There is a very realistic possibility a surprise package will win like Greece did in 2004 and I think we are quite capable of doing it," Bilic said.

Relaxed: Croatian coach Slaven Bilic keeps the balls during a practice session

Croatia came through a tough qualifying section, recording two victories over former world champions England, and Bilic said the high expectations of the fans and media would bring the best out of his squad.   

"We don't feel under any more pressure than we did on the road to the finals," he added. "Pressure, if it's positive, is the best motivating factor and it makes the players give 110 percent in every game.   

"The opening match is always vital but even if we don't get the result we want it's not a complete disaster provided we make amends in the other two group games."   

Croatia open their Group B campaign against co-hosts Austria in Vienna on Sunday before meeting Germany in Klagenfurt four days later and Poland at the same venue on June 16.    

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