"Welcome to Matchday 12 of Group E in the 2008 Austria-Switzerland European Championship Qualifiers, with England hosting Croatia at Wembley Stadium."
"This is a pivotal match for us. Facing the group leaders, we must secure at least a draw—or better yet, a win—to qualify for the Euros!"
"I believe the English lads are ready for battle."
"They understand how much this match means for us. And I'm confident that, here at Wembley, our home turf, they'll rise to the occasion and overcome the checkerboard warriors from Eastern Europe!"
The English commentator's tone was heavy with tension.
Despite the media's attempt to appear relaxed, everyone knew the truth:Croatia had summoned their full squad to play in England.This wasn't a friendly visit—it was a mission to eliminate England early.
Faced with this crisis, England had to perform.They also needed to show these Eastern Europeans just how terrifying the Three Lions could be.
"England's formation is being countered," Croatian commentator Kraushević said with a hint of sarcasm."I don't know how England's back three plan to stop Suker's runs. Even with a loaded midfield, can they really score first against Croatia's compact defense?"
Already having secured first place, Croatia played without pressure.
Winning would be a bonus. Losing? Just meant they couldn't knock England out early.But England, on the other hand, had everything at stake.
Kraushević believed the Croatian players would perform better, simply due to the difference in pressure.
"The match is about to begin! After the captains decide the ends, Croatia will kick off."
"England is in their traditional white home kit, while Croatia wears black away kits."
As the commentator spoke, both teams took their places.
Suker and Mandžukić stood at the center circle, ready to kick off.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO——
A massive wave of boos erupted from English fans, aimed directly at Suker.
But he remained unfazed—his eyes locked on the opponent's half.
Croatia's strategy was clear: take down a powerhouse like England before they fully stabilize.
The referee walked out to the center circle.
FWEEEEEEEET——
The whistle blew.Kickoff!
"The match begins! Croatia immediately passes the ball backward. Suker and Mandžukić push forward in sync, while England's forwards press aggressively. Their five-man midfield also surges forward to control the center."
"England's press is intense. How will Croatia respond?"
"Šimunić goes for a long ball! It sails into England's half—Suker is sprinting toward it, with Terry and Carragher tightly marking him."
All eyes turned to the developing three-way battle.
Suker's danger was well-known—he was the player England feared most.
But English fans trusted Terry and Carragher to keep him contained.
Suker dashed toward the falling ball, with Terry and Carragher flanking him.The physicality was intense, as expected from England.
Suker felt it firsthand in the rough body contact.
As the ball dropped, Suker suddenly halted and leaned hard into Terry.Carragher rushed in, ready to clear.
"Bet he'll miskick!" Suker muttered, staring down Carragher.
The ball brushed off Carragher's boot and shot forward awkwardly.
"Got it!" Suker's eyes lit up.
He immediately surged forward.
Applying constant pressure, especially early in the game when nerves are high, increases the chance of opponent mistakes.
Suker caught up to the ball, took a quick lateral touch, and shot.
Terry closed in, extending his leg to block.
But Suker twisted his hips and fired toward the near post.
The shot nutmegged Terry, flying toward the goal.
"Robinson!"
Terry shouted in alarm.
Goalkeeper Paul Robinson lunged and successfully smothered the ball.
"Suker's first shot—he went near post, slipping it right between Terry's legs! But Robinson stayed alert and saved it."
"Still, this attack was a real threat!"
Kraushević smiled knowingly.
"So I ask again—how exactly does a back three stop Suker?"
Suker shook his head slightly and jogged back.
Terry and Carragher looked rattled.
"My bad," Carragher said, raising his hand.
Had he cleared it cleanly, that scare wouldn't have happened.But Suker's pressure was overwhelming, and Carragher had rushed it.
"Keep calm," Terry said, not blaming him.They knew Suker was an enormous threat.
"Defend! Fall back!" Suker shouted as he dropped back.
All eyes were on him—even the forwards on England's side felt the pressure.After Suker's near goal, they knew they had to score first, or Croatia would grind them down.
"I'll break the line—be ready to win the header!"Rooney told Crouch.
At 2 meters tall, Crouch was born to win aerial duels—except... he was too skinny, and lacked strength in duels.
Plus, Croatia had Šimunić, nearly the same height and more powerful.
Šimunić leaned into Crouch, nullifying the aerial mismatch.Rooney scanned the pitch, waiting for a pass.
Ashley Cole had the ball on the wing.Rakitić dropped back to defend.
Seeing Rooney signaling, Cole passed.
Rooney stepped up, using the outside of his boot to flick the ball and accelerate.
But Vukojević, reading it perfectly, stepped across and brought him down with a tactical foul.
"Nice one!"Šimunić shouted to Vukojević.
This is exactly why Croatia's backline worked so well—Vukojević and Modrić's tireless support protected the defense.
Even fouls were strategic—don't let opponents reach the back line easily.
"England's first set piece—Carrick will take it. He lifts it into the box—can Crouch reach it? No! Šimunić clears it, header to Modrić... Modrić controls it, turns—long ball! Croatia counterattacks! Suker's on the run!"
Suker sprinted after the pass.
Carragher fell behind and immediately raised his hand.
"Offside! Offside!"
The linesman didn't budge.
"Offside, my ass," Suker muttered.
He slowed slightly and eyed the ball's path.
Terry was too far to contest it, so he moved to force Suker wide.
Suker stood tall, lifted his toe to trap the ball.
Just as Terry approached, Suker twisted his left foot slightly inward.
The ball landed in front of his right foot.
"That first touch…" Terry's eyes widened in panic.
Suker's touch opened up a shooting lane.He shifted the ball sideways—ready to shoot.
"I'm here!"
Whoosh!
Ferdinand slid in to block.
But—Suker didn't shoot. He gently pushed the ball across the box.
"!! No—!" All three English center-backs gasped.
The ball rolled toward the back post.
Mandžukić, unmarked, calmly settled the ball—and drilled a low shot into the net.
Whoosh!
Goal!
15th minute.Croatia takes the lead!