FOOTBALL: WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN

Saturday 27 December 1997 00:02 GMT

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

165 days..

and counting until the start of the World Cup finals in France

There was bad news this week for the Derby County defender, Igor Stimac, when Croatia's coach, Miroslav Blazevic, named a preliminary squad of 30 players for the World Cup finals in France. Stimac, who has spent much of the season injured, was one of three players dropped from the squad. The others were the former Nottingham Forest defender, Nikola Jerkan, and Nikola Jurcevic. "We need some fresh blood to rejuvenate the team," Blazevic said. The three missing men had been discarded, he added, for reasons of lack of form, age and health problems. The squad will be reduced to 22 players in time for the finals.

- Rupert Metcalf

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

FOOTBALL: WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering