FRANCE coach Jacques Santini knows victory in their second Euro 2004 match against Croatia today would allow him the luxury of resting key players for their final group game.

CROATIAN footballers will not be seeking divine inspiration in a visit to a Roman Catholic shrine ahead of a key Euro 2004 game with France, their coach said yesterday.

Croatia claim they will be satisfied with a point against European champions France as they believe the key to qualification lies in beating England in their final match.

Croatia’s deputy goalkeeper Tomislav Butina seems certain to start in Sunday’s Euro 2004 Group B opener against Switzerland with first-choice Stipe Pletikosa likely to be out injured.

Switzerland midfielder Johann Vogel handed coach Kobi Kuhn a major boost today when he promised that he will be fit for Sunday’s Euro 2004 opener against Croatia.