Then came his big chance when national team boss Blazevic resigned after a row involving his signing of a controversial petition.

BBC: Jozic the wanderer

Suker put Miroslav Blazevic's side ahead, but a defensive error allowed right-back Lilian Thuram to equalise with his first ever goal for France.

BBC: Croatia's rise from obscurity

Blazevic put his name to a document criticising leading Croatian figures, including prime minister Ivica Racan and president Stipe Mesic, and quit in the ensuing uproar.

BBC: Jozic the wanderer