Croatia World Cup News

Bayern's Mario Mandzukic of Croatia, center right no. 9, scores his side's opening goal during their German Soccer Cup semifinal match between FC Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg, in Munich, southern Germany, Tuesday, April 16, 2013.

Countries like England, Spain, Germany, Holland, Argentina and Brazil would all be at the top of their list of places that have produced some of the finest players the world has ever seen.

WITH team-mates likening him to Andres Iniesta and opposition managers lauding him as the next David Silva, it is no surprise that Jonathan Williams is the subject of such fervour and hype.

Cold-shouldered by the media when he took over from the popular Slaven Bilic in July, Croatia coach Igor Stimac is finally earning plaudits after two gritty wins kept the Balkan nation on course for the 2014 World Cup finals.

It was a night of disappointment for the Home Nations as draws for England and Republic of Ireland put their World Cup hopes in danger, while defeats for Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland effectively ended theirs.