Croatia train in Slovenia

Croatia, under the guidance of coach Zlatko Kranjcar, have been preparing to face Malta today in Catez in neighbouring Slovenia.

Officials from the Croatian FA told The Times that for the past few years, their national squad have used the tranquil surroundings of Catez as base for home internationals. Catez is 45km away from Zagreb and very close to the airport.

Kranjcar and his players will be in Zagreb this morning and will spend the last few hours before the match at the Sheraton Hotel, home to the Maltese senior squad during their three-night stay in the Croatian capital.

On announcing his squad for the double-fixture against Iceland and Malta, Kranjcar had set a maximum six-point target for his team.

"I expect my team to win both games," he said.

The first half of their mission has been accomplished after they beat Iceland 4-0 on Saturday with a brace from Niko Kovac and a goal each for Josip Simunic and Dado Prso.

Croatia will overhaul Sweden at the top of Group Eight if they beat Malta today. Sweden have 12 points from five matches and Croatia have 10 but played a game less.

Bulgaria are third with seven points followed by Hungary who have six. Iceland and Malta have one point.