Vugrinec is one to watch for World Cup

Making a mark at a World Cup is all about seizing the moment, that unexpected opportunity thrown a player's way by a team mate's injury, suspension or sudden lapse in form.

Croat Davor Vugrinec has all the attributes to take full advantage of any chance that comes his way.

His countrymen need no reminding that World Cups provide surprises -- at France 98 Croatia reached the semifinals in their first tournament, defeating one of the favourites, Germany, before they were stopped by eventual winners France.

This time round their opponents, Ecuador, Mexico and Italy, will be well aware that the Croatian team have plenty of talent at their disposal. But, apart from the Italians, few in Japan and South Korea will be aware of Vugrinec.

Vugrinec arrived in Serie A last season with Lecce, who snapped him up for a small fee from Turkey's Trabzonspor after his talent had emerged with his local club in Croatia, Varteks.

His 12 goals and several assists for target man Cristian Lucarelli were a major factor in Lecce's survival in the top flight. He attracted nationwide acclaim after he grabbed the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Inter Milan.

Vugrinec has skill on the ball, pace when it matters and an eye for goal -- the only question mark over him is his occasional lack of motivation.

But Croatia have yet to find a real replacement for the retired Zvonimir Boban and Vugrinec has the qualities to play in that role behind the strikers.

Croatia coach Mirko Jozic has opted for the injury-prone Robert Prosinecki as the main midfield playmaker. If the Portsmouth player once again fails to live up to expectations or breaks down, Vugrinec is the most likely alternative.

Never having played for either of Croatia's big two clubs -- Hajduk Split and Dinamo Zagreb -- means Vugrinec has a relatively low profile in his homeland.

But his versatility will ensure a place in the final squad of 22 and, as he has shown at Lecce, he is a man who takes his chances