Suker will not be taking Mexico lightly (Allsport)

By PA Sport Staff

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Davor Suker and Mirko Jozic have warned that Croatia would be foolish to take Mexico lightly ahead of Monday's World Cup Group G opener in Niigata.

Coach Jozic and veteran striker Suker are aware Mexico have undergone something of a rebirth at international level in recent times and the pair admit that their favourites tag will count for nothing come the first whistle.

"We saw that France were the big favourites but Senegal won," Suker said.

"That makes me think that we are no better than Mexico. We start as equals and let's see what happens when we take the field."

Jozic concurred with Suker's assessment but is looking to get his side's campaign off to flying start in the Big Swan stadium.

When asked whether he would draw a lesson from Senegal's victory over France, Jozic said: "One team may start as favourites but you can only prove that on the pitch. It's the same thing with Croatia and Mexico."

Former Arsenal and West Ham hitman Suker, who has recently signed a new one-year contract with German club 1860 Munich, also believes that the first goal could be crucial in a match which looks too close to call.

"I hope that Croatia will score first to give us a mental lift against Mexico," he said. "I think whoever scores first will win the game."

Dario Simic was struggling last week with his left hamstring but is training again and should be available.

However, it is likely to be Robert Kovac and Josip Simunic who fill the central-defensive berths.

Remarkably, it will be the first World Cup appearance for 32-year-old Middlesbrough striker Alen Boksic, who will play alongside France 98's leading scorer and team captain Suker.

Jozic's side will be brimming with confidence ahead of only their third meeting with Mexico, having beaten them in both their previous meetings.

The first victory came almost 10 years ago, with Croatia emerging 3-0 winners in Zagreb in October 1992, before Mexico failed to exact revenge in the summer of 1999, going down by the odd goal in three in a friendly in Seoul.

Mexico, currently ranked number seven in FIFA's world rankings, must do without the services of Santos Laguna midfield player Joahan Rodriguez and the influential Jesus Arellano through suspension.