Croatian media condemn team and fans

Croatian media slammed the national soccer team yesterday for their 'shameful' draw in Malta, made worse by rioting Croatian fans who clashed with local police after the game.

Wednesday's 1-1 draw in a World Cup qualifier dented Croatia's hopes of qualifying directly for the finals in Germany next year.

With two games left, Sweden top Group Eight with 21 points, one ahead of Croatia.

"Croat shame on Malta" and "Huge shame suffered at the hands of amateurs" were the main headlines in dailies yesterday.

"The visit to Malta was a huge shame not only in terms of the final result, but also because of the hooligans, disguised as supporters, who decided to vent their frustration on the stands after the game," the widely circulated Jutarnji List wrote.

Maltese police arrested up to 103 Croats after they started ripping up seats and clashed with police.

Prime Minister Ivo Sanader condemned the behaviour of the Croatian fans and Foreign Minister Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic expressed regrets to her Maltese counterpart Michael Frendo.

Croatian police have asked Malta for a detailed report on the behaviour of travelling fans.

"Besides dimming our prospects for qualifying directly for the World Cup finals, Croatia's chances to stage the European Championship in 2012 were also diminished greatly," the daily added.

Croatia and Hungary have jointly bid for the Euro 2012.

Coach Zlatko Kranjcar, however, remained optimistic with two games remaining against Sweden and Hungary.

"The lost points in Malta do not change our position dramatically. It was obvious even before that our tie with Sweden in October will decide the group winner," he told the Vecernji List daily.