Croatia coach lavishes praise on returning Mandzukic

Croatia coach lavishes praise on returning Mandzukic - Croatia coach Niko Kovac lavished praise on striker Mario Mandzukic who returned from suspension to score two goals in the 4-0 win over Cameroon in the World Cup Group A match on Wednesday.

The powerfully-built Mandzukic, who missed the opening 3-1 defeat by Brazil after being sent off in Croatia's final qualifying match, dominated the Cameroonian defence and scored twice in the second half.

"Any coach would be happy to have such a player in his team. He is not just a goal-getter - his attitude picks the team up and affects the opposing side," Kovac told a news conference.

"The fact he scored twice shows how important he is for this team and what kind of service the team can expect from him," he said.

Indeed, Kovac suggested the Brazil result could have been different had the 28-year-old striker played.

"What is for sure is that with a player such as Mario this (result) would have looked different," he said.

Mandzukic said his suspension for the first game meant he had had time to do more training.

"There is still room for progress and I'm very satisfied with this victory," the striker said.

Croatia's thumping win meant they will qualify for the second round if they beat Mexico next Monday. That could be tough since the Mexicans looked impressive when holding hosts Brazil to a 0-0 draw on Tuesday.

"We know what awaits us from the Mexican match. This is the final for us," said Kovac. "(They) are a very good, even excellent team, very aggressive, full of energy ... they were capable of threatening Brazil."

Cameroon had Alex Song sent off and played poorly, a fact Kovac conceded.

"Well, certainly Cameroon was not on top but we have to ask ourselves why they played in that way. I think it was down partly to my team. They showed they wanted to win and they deserved it," he said.

"I don't want to belittle what our team did, they were excellent. Our team has the potential to be on par with the best." - REUTERS/ac

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Fashion experts weigh in on World Cup jersey style

Backdropped by the Itaquerao stadium, a Mexico soccer fan poses for a photo wearing a wrestling mask and a representation of his country's national flag as a cape, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Tuesday, June 10, 2014. The high-profile inaugural match will be played at the troubled Itaquerao, which was one of the most delayed venues for the World Cup. It's already known that the stadium's roof won't be fully finished until after the tournament. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

Fashion experts weigh in on World Cup jersey style — The World Cup uniforms will provide a carnival of color and fashion, from Brazil's bright yellow jerseys to the Netherlands' classic orange to Croatia's red checkered home kit and the superhero-inspired looks of Mexico.

The 2014 tournament, which opens Thursday when Brazil hosts Croatia, features the classics, the creative and the downright outlandish.

The Americans' new red, white and blue color-block road jerseys — critics say they resemble Domino's Pizza delivery uniforms — can't be as bad as the memorable faux denim outfits from 1994. But the vote is still out on how the newest outfit for the Stars and Stripes will go over.

"The USA jersey feels very patriotic," said Los Angeles designer and stylist Estée Stanley of Estée Stanley Design. "It's easy to identify the country as the U.S."

The U.S. isn't the only nation trying the block style.

"Another stylish direction is the color-blocking or piecing — USA away or Ecuador away or Colombia," said Tom Julian, men's fashion director at The Doneger Group, a retail merchandising and consulting firm based in New York.

Then there are the classics.

Brazil will be in the traditional yellow with five stars representing its record five titles.

Several teams are all about understated looks: There are England's white home jersey and red road kit — like the one players wore in the victorious 1966 final against West Germany — and the traditional blue of Italy with the a crest over the heart in the nation's tricolor.

They contrast sharply with Croatia, which sports a bombastic home shirt with large red-and-white checks.

Four years ago, Slovenia sported green road jerseys with large yellow zigzags for road games in a look reminiscent of Charlie Brown.

Some teams have gone for subtle patterns that still stand out. El Tri's lightning bolts on both jerseys will make Mexico fashionable as the team travels around Brazil.

"I am definitely partial to those shirts with daring superhero graphics or shirts that focus on the torso in a dynamic way," Julian said. "Mexico, very 'Shazam!' with the lightning-rod effect — probably my favorite out of all."

Plenty of supporters are flocking into Brazil wearing the new outfit.

"The jersey's like a Power Ranger, I like it," said 28-year-old architect Alan Gonzalez, of Durango, Mexico. He sported the jersey and a sombrero traveling to Sao Paulo via Atlanta with four buddies Tuesday.

Cameroon's forest-green, art-inspired jersey with the look of etchings makes a bold statement for the small African nation.

In the 2004 African Cup of Nations, Cameroon briefly used a track-style unitard. The one-piece outfit with green shirt and red shorts was quickly banned by FIFA before the 2006 World Cup.

The current kit is generating some positive attention.

"The Cameroon jersey is the cutest and most fashionable with an Ikat print," Stanley said.

And, of course, there's the attention to figure-flattering cuts and prints for some of the world's fittest athletes — who are known to celebrate a goal by flashing their rock-hard abdominals.

"The modified Henley — Brazil — is the most body conscious right now and represents the influence of the rock 'n' roll dresser. ... Netherlands away is very torso-enhancing," Julian said. "In activewear, color is an important part of the story, and it's great to see the brights well represented — from yellow and orange to green and red."

Some countries have nicknames based off their kits: France is known as Les Bleus after its classic navy home top. The Netherlands wears orange because it's the royal color — and are nicknamed "Oranje" because of it.

Chile's red home jersey with a blue collar and narrow white stripes down both sides of the neck should bode well for those looking to show off some flair in Brazil and beyond.

Julian calls Costa Rica's look, featuring almost a backward checkmark across the chest, "very space-age superhero" and Nigeria's two-toned green tops with subtle vertical stripes "very green villain."

"Soccer jersey styles are typical and expected with crewneck and polo shirt silhouettes," Julian said. "But the "Johnny collar" style — Chile home — is definitely on trend and a modern silhouette for today's active guy." ( Associated Press )

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Brazil aiming to put World Cup focus on the games

Brazil's Neymar practices during an official training session the day before the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia in the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Brazil aiming to put World Cup focus on the games — The problem-plagued preparations have been well chronicled, with critics condemning the range of issues from budget blowouts to construction delays.

Organizers need Brazil to kick off the tournament with a win over Croatia on Thursday to shift the focus back to what the host nation really cares about: winning a sixth World Cup. Brazil hasn't hosted the tournament since 1950, when it lost to Uruguay in the title match, and that only adds to local expectations.

"We have to do everything possible to win this World Cup," Brazil midfielder Ramires said. "We know everybody is expecting us to do it."

With that in mind, let the games begin.

Here are some things to look for Thursday:

NEYMAR'S MOMENT: Carrying the hopes of a nation is something that gives the 22-year-old Brazil striker goose bumps.

Workers cover themselves from the rain with a plastic as they leave a 2014 soccer World Cup venue, the Arena da Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. The 2014 World Cup is set to begin Thursday, with Brazil and Croatia competing in the opening match in Sao Paulo. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

"The time everybody has been waiting for has arrived," said Neymar, who will direct the attack for a team that is aiming to "fulfill the dream of every Brazilian by winning the title."

The Barcelona forward has scored 31 goals in 49 matches for Brazil, but he says it's not a one-man show.

"I don't play by myself," Neymar said. "There are 11 players on the field, and everybody knows their role and what they need to do to try to help our team make it far in the tournament."

SPOILERS: Croatia will shock the host nation and the world if they come away with even a draw, particularly without Bayern Munich forward Mario Mandzukic, who was suspended following a red card in a playoff to qualify.

Croatia, which surprisingly finished third in 1998, features Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric and Sevilla captain Ivan Rakitic, who is moving to Barcelona and will be Neymar's teammate.

Brazil's Neymar gestures during an official training session the day before the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia in the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Croatia coach Niko Kovac said his team can deliver a "historic result" in Sao Paulo.

EDGE OF THEIR SEATS: With hundreds of millions of people watching on TV, organizers at Itaquerao stadium have extra cause to be edgy about preparations.

The Sao Paulo venue is set to hold a capacity crowd for the first time in the opening match of the World Cup.

The 61,600 spectators will certainly test the facility and put a strain on safety plans and equipment, which was still receiving finishing touches Wednesday after chronic delays, worker deaths and other problems during construction.

Just two matches — and none with more than 37,000 fans — were held at the Itaquerao to test its readiness.

Croatia's Luka Modric plays with the ball during an official training session the day before the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia at the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

WE ARE ONE: J.Lo is likely to perform at the World Cup after all. Jennifer Lopez told The Associated Press earlier this week that she would be flying to Brazil in time to perform during Thursday's opening ceremony.

"We always were going," she said. "I think people get anxious, especially with me and my schedule ... but we are definitely going."

FIFA officials had announced earlier this week that the singer wouldn't perform the official tune "We Are One (Ole Ola)" alongside Pitbull and Claudia Leitte.

UPSET WATCH: Brazil has won 15 of its last 16 games and heads into the World Cup as a favorite to win the title, but Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad is aware that there's no easy opener at the sport's marquee event.

The World Cup has produced its share of shockers on opening day. Until 2006, the first game usually involved the defending champion, not the host. Two of the biggest: Cameroon upset defending champion Argentina 1-0 in 1990, and defending champion France lost 1-0 to Senegal in 2002.  ( Associated Press )

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Kovac names provisional Croatia World Cup squad

Kovac names provisional Croatia World Cup squad

Kovac names provisional Croatia World Cup squad - Croatia head coach Niko Kovac has given five uncapped players the chance to make their mark ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

The 42-year-old has named goalkeeper Oliver Zelenika, striker Duje Cop and midfielders Marcelo Brozovic, Ivan Mocinic and Mario Pasalic in his provisional 30-man squad for the finals.

Nikola Kalinic was left out to make room for Cop, who has scored 22 goals in 32 games for Dinamo Zagreb this season.

Kovac's squad features star names in the shape of Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic, and the coach already has his final 23-man group in mind.

"I have in my head which 23 players will go to Brazil, but we left some space," said Kovac. "Everyone has a chance to prove themselves.

"Mocinic played a superb season. When he was in the Under-21s he was a little restrained, but every day he is getting better It is similar with Pasalic and Brozovic and they will one day be the mainstays of the team. I personally explained why Leon Benko, Kalinic and Hrvoje Milic were not invited."

Defender Josip Simunic was unavailable for selection after his 10-match ban for "discriminatory behavior" was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Croatia faces Brazil, Cameroon and Mexico in Group A of the World Cup.

Squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (Rostov), Danijel Subasic (Monaco), Oliver Zelenika (Lokomotiva).

Defenders: Igor Bubnjic (Udinese), Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv), Dejan Lovren (Southampton), Danijel Pranjic (Panathinaikos), Gordon Schildenfeld (Panathinaikos), Darijo Srna (Shakhtar), Ivan Strinic (Dnipro), Domagoj Vida (Dynamo Kyiv), Sime Vrsaljko (Genoa).

Midfielders: Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo), Milan Badelj (Hamburg), Mateo Kovacic (Inter), Niko Kranjcar (QPR), Ivan Mocinic (Rijeka), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Mario Pasalic (Hadjuk), Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla), Jorge Sammir Cruz Campos (Getafe), Ognjen Vukojevic (Dynamo Kyiv)

Strikers: Duje Cop (Dinamo), Eduardo (Shakhtar), Ivo Ilicevic (Hamburg), Nikica Jelavic (Hull City), Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich), Ivica Olic (Wolfsburg), Ivan Perisic (Wolfsburg), Ante Rebic (Fiorentina) // ( goal.com )

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