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

Players missing include defensive stalwarts Igor Tudor of Juventus and Bayern Munich's Robert Kovac, top scorer Davor Suker, now with 1860 Munich, and Middlesbrough striker Alen Boksic.

BBC: Big names miss friendly

The Croatian team, featuring players such as Robert Jarni, Robert Prosinecki, Davor Suker and Zvonimir Boban, cruised through qualifying, losing only one game - 1-0 away to Ukraine - en route to England.

BBC: Croatia's rise from obscurity