Boksic and Boban doubts hand Vlaovic his chance

Croatia v Denmark Hillsborough Tomorrow, 6.0pm

Goran Vlaovic is pressing for a place in Croatia's starting lineup after his dramatic matchwinning appearance as a substitute agaist Turkey at the City Ground on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old forward, who is being chased by both Valencia and Fiorentina, is likely to play in place of Alen Boksic, who has both a cut head and a foot injury. The captain, Zvonimir Boban, is also doubtful after straining medial ligaments in a knee. The midfielder Mario Stanic is another doubt with a thigh strain.

The Croats' coach, Miroslav Blazevic, said he was not entirely happy with the way his side had played in beating Turkey, adding: "It can only get better." He added that he felt he had the strength in depth in his squad to cope easily enough with any enforced changes.

The Danes, in contrast to the Croats, started the tournament well, producing a disciplined display to hold classy Portugal to a 1-1 draw last Sunday. Peter Schmeichel, who kept them in the match at Hillsborough, said: "It was a good result for us against a very accomplished team. Croatia have a lot of talent as well, but we are happy with our team play and morale which is very high."

Denmark's fitness doubts revolve around the versatile Ipswich Town player, Claus Thomsen, who has a back muscle problem, and Henrik Larsen, once of Aston Villa, who has an ankle injury.

It could mean a place in the starting line-up for Kim Vilfort, who scored one of the goals in the 1992 final against Germany but was only a late substitute for the opening game this time.