Bullish Bilić issues rallying cry

For some people the glass is half full, others half empty but for Slaven Bilić it is always brimming over, even after a chastening 4-1 loss at home to England. Silver lining Victim of that heavy defeat to Fabio Capello's men last time out, still missing Croatia's "most important player" in Eduardo da Silva, and facing an away trip to Ukraine next in Group 6 – the list could be sufficient to turn some coaches prematurely grey. Not Bilić. He knows his star striker should return to club football before 2009, he believes the England defeat marked a bad night, not a failing qualification campaign, and the former West Ham United FC and Everton FC defender is confident there is ample talent and attitude in his squad to cope with the impending visit to Kiev. Speaking at the recent UEFA Conference for European National Coaches Bilić... [read full story]