Chapter 357: Jerusalem

The UEFA Euro qualifiers were in full swing.

So far, Group E, where Croatia was placed, had become quite chaotic.

Group favorites England had stumbled, while Croatia and Russia were on a winning streak.

England had drawn one and lost one in their last two matches, and the home draw against Macedonia brought huge media pressure.

This forced England's manager Steve McClaren to reorganize his plans.

But even the best cook can't prepare a meal without ingredients.

Michael Owen was seriously injured, essentially missing the entire 2006–07 season, with no return in sight.

Wayne Rooney, who had high expectations placed on him, was emotionally unstable and unavailable for the away game against Croatia, weakening England's attacking threat.

David Beckham was aging, and the midfield duo of Lampard and Gerrard still couldn't find harmony.

At the moment, England was in complete disarray.

In contrast, Croatia had emerged as the biggest surprise of Group E.

This Eastern European force, the Checkered Army, hadn't performed this well in international competitions for a long time.

Even though only three matches had been played, Croatia clearly showcased a level of performance higher than the rest.

Even the impressive Russian team only "stole" a draw in the first round, when Croatia hadn't fully settled into the tournament.

Yes—stole a draw!

This was the general consensus among European media.

Many experts and journalists now believed this Croatian team had huge potential.

They claimed Croatia's football soil was once again nurturing a generation of talented players—after the likes of Davor Šuker and Zvonimir Boban.

This era's Croatian national team carried a different kind of mission.

Especially with players like Šuker, Luka Modrić, and Mario Mandžukić shining in the top five European leagues, the Croatian squad drew even more attention.

On November 15, the entire Croatian team departed from Zagreb Airport and headed to Jerusalem, the capital of Israel.

On the flight to Jerusalem, Šuker noticed many teammates already praying and worshipping.

Jerusalem, being a holy city in Western religions, held profound historical and religious significance.

For devout players, this was more than a match—it was a pilgrimage.

On the plane, Mandžukić was praying.

After he finished, Šuker leaned over and said:

"If you go easy on them because of your religious beliefs, I'll beat you up!"

Mandžukić turned his head, surprised:

"Why would you think that? My faith teaches me to face all challenges bravely. I won't hold back!"

Hearing that, Šuker nodded in approval.

This match carried significant pressure for him.

Modrić was injured and unable to play.

Šuker had to shoulder much more responsibility.

Although Rakitić was performing well, neither Van Stoyak nor manager Slaven Bilić believed he could replace Modrić's influence or role.

Particularly for Van Stoyak, who preferred the familiar Šuker over the less-known Rakitić.

It's worth noting that due to his excellent analysis in the previous match against England, Van Stoyak had officially joined Bilić's coaching staff.

He now served as an assistant coach, mainly responsible for tactical planning and analysis.

Upon arrival at the airport in Jerusalem, the team encountered very strict and detailed customs checks.

Long queues had already formed at the entrance, but the process was still slow and meticulous.

Bilić had already gone to urge the staff multiple times, but it had little effect.

These devout personnel were just that thorough.

As the line crept forward, Šuker kept glancing ahead.

When it was finally his turn, he looked at the security officer.

He brought his index, middle, and thumb fingers together, and made the sign of the cross from forehead to chest, then left shoulder to right shoulder.

"May the love, mercy, and peace of the Lord be with you and bring you warmth."

To his surprise, the officer's eyes lit up with joy.

He mirrored the gesture and blessing, then waved Šuker through with no further checks.

Šuker quickly passed customs and headed straight to the team bus, ignoring the noisy reporters.

Soon, the other players boarded the bus as well.

"First of all, remember: no alcohol, and no public displays of affection,"

Bilić said as he boarded, stressing the local rules again.

Even though athletes typically avoid these things anyway, he felt it was still his duty to repeat them.

While Bilić oversaw the big picture, Van Stoyak sat in the front row, studying his tactical board with deep concentration.

Upon arriving at the hotel, many media outlets requested interviews with the Croatian team.

But Bilić refused all of them—he wouldn't speak to the media until after qualifying for the Euro was secured.

"Work quietly and let success speak."

No bold declarations.

No setting up flags.

These were Bilić's guiding principles.

With the Croatian team now in Jerusalem, the Israeli national team felt increasing pressure.

Though they had played some decent matches earlier, facing the current top dog in the group was daunting.

Their only comfort was Modrić's injury, which meant Croatia's midfield lacked a general.

This placed heavy responsibility on Israeli players Yossi Benayoun and Walid Badir.

"Be careful of Croatia's high pressing! Don't let them disrupt your rhythm. And watch out for Šuker!"

Israel's coach, Avram Grant, warned his players.

He had emphasized Šuker's threat multiple times that week. Even though the players already knew, he kept hammering the point.

Clearly, Šuker's performances against England, and in recent league and Champions League matches, had made a strong impression.

After pointing out the dangers, Grant smiled and added:

"The good news is Modrić is injured. Croatia's midfield is weak—we can exploit that."

To him, Croatia's midfield revolved around Modrić.

He acknowledged that the Manchester United playmaker was excellent. But with him out, they wouldn't be able to build play from the back, and Šuker wouldn't get the service he needed.

In short, this was their best chance.

Back at the Croatian team hotel:

Bilić sat on the bed, looking at his tactical board and sighed:

"Luka's injury really hurts us. Rakitić can't replace him."

Van Stoyak looked at him, thinking he was simply worrying too much.

"You have Šuker—what are you afraid of?"

Šuker was incredibly versatile—a true utility player.

Back at Zrinjski Mostar, Van Stoyak had already explored many ways to use him. Given the time and need, he even believed Šuker could fill in at full-back if necessary.

"Don't worry about it," Van Stoyak said. "You have Šuker."

Bilić replied, "But he's an attacking midfielder—he's never played as a playmaker."

"He has!" Van Stoyak insisted. "At Zrinjski and Dinamo Zagreb—maybe not often, but he's organized from the left midfield before!"

"Really?" Bilić was surprised.

Van Stoyak nodded. "Trust me—his versatility is even more impressive than you think."

Maybe it was Van Stoyak's confidence that reassured him, but Bilić said no more.

The night passed quickly.

The next afternoon at 3:00 p.m., the teams arrived at a pitch at the foot of Jerusalem's sacred Mount.

This stadium had no name. It was surrounded by ancient landmarks, like a field hidden inside a historical site.

To reach it, players had to pass through a weathered stone archway—a pathway steeped in history.

Because of the location's religious significance, both teams had to disembark and walk to the field on foot.

Šuker, though non-religious, fully respected the traditions in a foreign land.

Still, he was puzzled by Israel's pre-match team prayer—calling the match a "trial granted by the Lord."

To him, it sounded like an excuse.

If they won, they were blessed faithful, basking in divine favor.

If they lost, they'd confess in church and ask for forgiveness—completely ignoring their own responsibility.

Since arriving, Šuker just couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.