Position: Defender
Born: 16.04.78
Club: Juventus

Igor Tudor's central defensive partnership with Robert Kovac has long been the foundation on which Croatia's success has been built.

The 6ft 4in rock made his international debut against Ukraine in 1997 and was a part of Croatia's famous France 98 squad, making three substitute appearances on the way to a semi-final defeat to the tournament hosts.

That summer he made a £2.5million switch from Hajduk Split to Turin but he has not always held down a regular place in the Juve starting line-up since his transfer, perhaps suffering the curse of the versatile player.

He did play a valuable role in back-to-back Serie A titles though - as well as starting the 2003 Champions League final - but it was no surprise when he joined Siena on loan in order to secure some regular first-team football.

An impressive CV at club level has established Tudor as a key performer for his country and he is famed for employing his imposing frame to good effect at both ends of the field.

And after missing the 2002 World Cup campaign through injury, Tudor has an extra motivation to succeed.