Baric blasted for Croatia's early exit

Croatia coach Otto Baric has come under fire from the media and some of his squad following the team's disappointing exit at Euro 2004.

'Goodbye, Otto', was the headline in the mass circulation daily Vecernji list yesterday after a 4-2 defeat to England sent his team home following draws with Switzerland and France.

The players were also unhappy with their 71-year-old coach. "I think we had more quality players on the bench than on a pitch," defender Dario Simic was quoted as saying.

"I played too little as an attacker, which I am, and too much in some other positions," added Ivica Olic.

Even Baric's assistant, former Croatia goalkeeper Drazen Ladic, said the England match was lost due to poor coaching.

Despite the criticism he has the backing of FA president Vlatko Markovic and indicated he may consider a new contract.

"Baric remains the main candidate for the coaching post," said Markovic as the Croatian FA considers whether to reappoint the coach when his contract expires on July 31.

"We did not lose to some outsiders but to players from Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. If that is something to be ashamed of I don't belong to a normal world," Baric was quoted as saying by Jutarnji List.

Croatia's next match is a friendly against Israel on August 18 as they prepare for their World Cup qualifiers.

They have been drawn with fellow Euro 2004 finalists Sweden and Bulgaria plus Iceland, Hungary and Malta and start their group matches at home to the Hungarians on September 4.