Austria v Croatia preview

Jun 8 2008 By Mark Guidi In Zurich

SLAVEN BILIC must be the most multi-talented man in football.

The Croatia manager and former international defender has a law degree, speaks fluent English, German and Italian, writes poetry and is also the singer and lead guitar player in charttopping rock group Rawbau.

Bilic's band even recorded Croatia's anthem for Euro 2008. But the 44-year-old former Everton stopper is determined to write something new on his CV and wants it to be solely about football.

Bilic - who masterminded two victories over England in qualifying - would love to add national coach of the European Champions to his resume and is confident his side have what it takes to provide yet another string to his bow.

Croatia kick off their group matches against Austria in Vienna this evening and Bilic said: "I can't say we are going to win this tournament but I believe we are capable of beating every opponent.

"I'd obviously love to win it and I'd like to enhance my reputation.

"Germany are favourites and that is understandable. We are in their section and it will be hard.

Sad "But when you look at the tournament in 2004 you can see the impossible can be achieved.

"Greece won and that was something few people predicted.

"It goes to show that when you have six or seven games to play over the course of three weeks anything can happen.

"We came through a tough qualification group and that has given us confidence. We are certainly not afraid and will make every minute of every game hard for our opponents."

There is no doubt the loss of Brazilian-born striker Eduardo - who broke a leg while playing for Arsenal in February - is a major blow to Bilic's hopes.

Eduardo bagged 10 goals in 12 games during qualifying and will be a hard man to replace despite Croatia boasting a host of other top stars such as Niko Kranjcar and Mladen Petric.

Bilic said: "The loss of Eduardo is cruel for Croatia and for the player. I feel sad for him. He should be here, displaying his talents.

"He is our best player and he offers us something different.

"It is impossible to replace him but we must try. People may feel we are much weaker without him and will write us off.

"But it was not down to just one player that we were able to beat England at Wembley or when we did well against Russia in the group stages."

After defeating England to qualify for the Euros, Bilic's stock hit a new high and he was quickly linked to the manager's job at West Ham and Fulham.

He also said he would love the chance to boss either half of the Old Firm.

But Bilic pledged his future to Croatia last month by signing a contract to take charge right through to the 2010 World Cup.

He said: "I love being manager of Croatia. This is my country and I am so proud to be leading them.

It is my job. It is my life.

"I feel pressure but believe I can cope with it. If I can do this job then I can do any job in the world.

"But football is never easy and there is nothing guaranteed.

"That is why I will try to learn from the other coaches in this tournament to improve myself.

"I look around and have nothing but respect for Guus Hiddink, Leo Beenhakker and Phil Scolari.

"I'm often in conversation with Hiddink and I like the way he goes about his work. He does it with style and a smile, like with a cigar!"