Modric, Mandzukic hopeful for Croatia against Portugal

LENS, France (AP) -- Croatia's key players Luka Modric and Mario Mandzukic trained well yesterday and could be ready for at least part of the round of 16 game against Portugal.

Coach Ante Cacic indicated the two men were recovering. "I cannot say if they're fit to play the full match, the whole 90 minutes," he said through a translator yesterday, a day ahead of the game in Lens.

"Everything looks good and but I will decide tomorrow before the match."

Both men, injured during a 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic, looked strong during training yesterday.

Modric, the playmaker, and striker Mandzukic were nursing muscle injuries that forced them out of the final group stage match, a 2-1 victory over double-champions Spain.

Their return is vital for Croatia's chances of progressing further in the tournament at the expense of Portugal and improving on their performances in 1996 and 2008, when they reached the quarter finals.

The winners of today's match will play Poland or Switzerland in the quarter finals.