PARIS. July 7: Hosts France are uneasy as they brace themselves to face grown-up "babes" Croatia in the second semifinal of World Cup '98 at the 270 million pound. 85000 seater Stade de France at St Denis near Paris tomorrow.

Outsiders Croatia, the surprise entrant into the final quartet, stormed into world class football in Euro '96. Although none but themselves considered Croatia as worthy qualifiers, the French today reckon 'hem as worthy oppo-

Croat manager, ex-Nantes boss. Miroslav Blazevic has promised that the semifinal will be a "grand spectacle".

Aime Jacquet, who has been indifferent to the claims of David Ginola and Eric Cantona, himself a player of "unexceptional" quality, admitted nervously on French TV that the French "lose their lucidity in big occasions."

Both Blazevic and his good friend Jacquet are aware that this could be the biggest occasion of their life. A win would mean the right to play either Brazil of Holland, more significantly it would give either a crack at the Cup for the first time.

France's previous best performance at this level has been third position in 1958 and 1986. For Croatia this has been a honeymoon, their first World Cup qualification and a deserveri berth in the semi-finals.

Croatia agree that France are favourites but. says Blaze-vic. "not with us”. The Croat manager can afford to be arrogant because he has built a "complete team". But for Zvonimir Boban of Milan, whose performance leaves much to be desired, each player has the technique, intelligence, power, athleticism and the experience to reach a superior level.

For all those who cared to observe. Croatia has been a side improving for the last three matches. They will want to forget their embarrassing 2-1 win against French third division side Vittel in a practice match before the finals.

Croatia top scorer Davor Suker was considered at best a romantic when before the World Cup began he said "Croatia are able to beat any team in the world, including Brazil". The Real Madrid striker did keep a safety net by quickly adding that they could also " lose to weaker opponents". In group matches Suker proved right on both counts. Croatia won 3-1 against Jamaica and 1 -0 against Japan. The conquerors of weaker teams in the group, both newcomers, went down to fancied Argentina 0-1.

Croatia's first test was against Romania in the prequarters and they flattered themselves by burying Germany in style in the quarterfinals. They have been successfully adopting tactics to the measure of their opponents. Against Germany last Saturday. they played like the Germans. Although maintaining their 3-5-2, formation, they went for individual marking; Bilic on Bierhof, Stimac on Klinsmann and Soldo on Hassler.

Croatia, like any other team, has its weaknesses, prime among them being their inconsistent rhythm over the ninetyminute period and the inability of Boban and Asanovic to recover after being beaten. The crucial midfield is where the Deschamp-Petit French duo is likely to dominate.

Other problems that might bog the Croats include the ripe age of their players, a little over 29 years. They might be caught gasping if the match extends to

extra time as. unlike the French, they have not featured in any in this tournament. They might be caught on the wrong foot if the Semifinal is decided in a tie-breaker as only the French have the nerve-king experience against the . ghty Italians; the Croats ave in Suker a missed penalty gainst Vittel.

In view of their inner strengths and despite their ap-Earent shortcomings. Blazevic as warned the French. "You will make a big mistake if you underestimate us". On the eve of the match, no French who knows his football from boules would dare to do that.

France go into tomorrows Croat game with an advantage or two. home bred they may be. France has enjoyed an extra day of rest having encountered Italy on July 3 at St Denis. They also played Saudi Arabia at the same venue. Provided the militaristic strategy, a passion with Blazevic. canTae overcome tomorrow on the same grass, the French are destined have the extra ground experience that neither Brazil or Holland will have in the final. Whereas the Croats have never felt the grass at St Denis, the Brazilians and the Dutch have each had a group match at the futuristic stadium.

The French will enjoy distinct home advantage. With the midfield under control their defence should be solid in care of Marcel Desailly and company. But. in a World Cup you need to win matches and a goal-shy offence as exemplified by pushed up DJorkaeff in the quarterfinal against Italy. The French forwards have to be more aggressive and adventurous as well develop the presently-lacking left-right understanding. Zidane should be well marked bv the Croats because the new Michel Platini has a repertoire of delicate touches andl a sharp finish.

Parisians have desci ibi d iIn-Stade de France as "hellish" and "a desert" because its barren surroundings are in high contrast with the romantic alleyways and neighbourhood restaurants of the former national stadium, their beloved Parc de Princes. A Journalist said it "resembles a UFO. a ghastly monument to the third millennium, a steel and glass monstrosity...". Come tomorrow night, all will be forgiven if France emerge the winners; Slade de France will appear heavenly, an oasis of football and no less.