Vranjes (left) is desperate for a starting spot (Allsport)
VRANJES CAN'T TAKE MORE HEARTACHE
By PA Sport Staff
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Croatia midfielder Jurica Vranjes would be
bitterly disappointed if he did not make the starting line-up at the World Cup.
The Bayer Leverkusen star has suffered his fair share of disappointments
already domestically this season as the German outfit missed out on a trio of
major honours.
The 22-year-old was denied a Bundesliga championship medal as UEFA Cup winners
Borussia Dortmund snatched the crown on the last day of the season and Schalke
handed Leverkusen a 4-2 DFB Pokal final defeat.
And after reaching the final of the Champions League, Real Madrid broke
Leverkusen hearts again to leave the Germans with nothing to show for the
exploits.
Now Vranjes is hoping to ease the pain with a run in the national side as they
prepare for their Group G clashes with Italy, Ecuador and Mexico.
"I never doubted that I would be in the 23-man squad," he said.
"Now I want to play in the World Cup for my country."
The Croatians, who finished third at France 98, took to the field on Thursday
after visiting Tokamachi Football School.
The Croats were outplayed by the Japanese juniors, albeit outnumbered 55-11.
Team spirit is reported to be high in the camp with the only doubts over
Middlesbrough striker Alen Boksic, who is suffering from a stomach muscle
problem and could miss the opening match against the Mexicans.
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