Arsenal's confident Croat expects Wembley 'holiday'

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Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva however is convinced Croatia and Russia will go through and that they will head to Wembley next week 'almost as tourists'.

Confident: Croatia's Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva believes Croatia and Russia will qualify for Euro 2008

Croatia top the group with 26 points from 10 games, ahead of England on 23 from 11 games and Russia on 21 from 10 games. They play England in their last match at Wembley on Nov. 21.

A draw in Skopje will see Croatia through, and coach Slaven Bilic - who has yet to lose a match since taking over in 2006 - said he was confident his players could do it.

"We have enough knowledge, quality, morale and strength to take this last step and qualify for Euro, which we've deserved," he said.

Bilic has few injury worries with only Borrusia Dortmund striker Mladen Petric recovering from concussion. He will probably be replaced by in-form Ivica Olic of Hamburg SV.

While the Croatians need only a point to qualify, Hertha Berlin defender Josip Simunic said the team should focus on taking all three points.

"If you start the game thinking that you need a draw, you may end up losing. It's a well-known thing," he said.

Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva is convinced Croatia and Russia will go through.

"I think this Saturday we will know that Croatia and Russia have qualified," the forward told the Jutarnji List daily.

"The English have squandered their chances and I think we'll be able to go Wembley almost as tourists."

Macedonia, who have no chance of qualifying, will be without top scorer Goran Pandev. The 24-year old Lazio striker is nursing a thigh strain and his absense is a huge blow for coach Srecko Katanec.

"We know what he means for our team. But we'll try to give our best in the two (remaining) matches," Katanec said.

"Croatia are favourites but we'll try to stage a surprise."