CROATIA FANS BANNED

Croatian fans will not be able to attend the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifying match against Switzerland in their home patch after being given a stadium ban due to excessive offences.

This qualifying campaign has been marked by a number of offences and the football governing body has finally lost patience with Croatian fans.

Manager Niko Kovac said that it is extremely disappointing to know that the fans will not be able to witness what will be a great encounter. Kovac was confident of getting a victory in the last few weeks, but this appears to have changed with knowledge of this ban. By the looks of it fans will have to content themselves with watching the game online - its reported that PokiesPedia.com is the front-runner to acquire the streaming rights.

The task for Kovac has been made even tougher with the news that midfielder Luka Modric has failed to recover from the injury and will definitely miss the game. Tottenham defender Vedran Corluka will be unavailable due to suspension. Considering these absentees, Kovac says that he would now even consider a draw as a good result.

Croatia are in a very good position when it comes to reaching the Euro 2016. Despite being underdogs to the likes of Switzerland, they have managed to keep a two-point advantage over the 2006 World Cup winners. A draw will retain disadvantage going into the final few matches.

"It is tragic for our soccer and the people that no fans will be allowed into the ground. Hence it won't be an enjoyable event but there will be no excuses if we don't get a result. Under the circumstances, I'd be happy with a draw, especially in view of the fact that we will miss injured (midfielder) Luka Modric and (defender) Vedran Corluka through suspension," said Kovac.

"Croatia are a very good team and they proved it at the San Siro but we have to qualify,” said his opposition counterpart.