Deep Purple News

Croatia has an unorthodox way of motivating its players for their crucial World Cup match against Japan.

Rock band Deep Purple will be holding a concert under the windows of the team's hotel on Friday and officials say players are welcome to attend. Anything to lift them after an unlucky opening 1-0 defeat to champion Brazil.

"Music gets the rhythm process going and the blood stream running," team treasurer Zorislav Srebric said. "Not only will they hear and see it (the concert), they can be part of it."

A special zone has been set up for Croatian players who want to attend the band's "Rapture of the Deep" tour, which will be held outdoors, about 100 yards from the team's hotel.

Croatia plays Japan in Nuremberg in a match vital to both teams' hopes of getting into the next round.

Although the sound of squealing guitars and thumping base is hardly likely to help them sleep ahead of an important game, that shouldn't matter because Srebric said the concert will finish early.

"Obviously, we took into consideration before booking our accommodation that the concert had been agreed and that it could disrupt the players' preparation, but we ensured that the gig would end at 10 o' clock," he said.

Croatia often had five-time world champions Brazil on the back foot on Tuesday but a superb strike from Kaka in the 44th minute settled the game.

Defender Robert Kovac welcomed praise for the team's valiant efforts, saying he expected Croatia to play just as well against Japan and get some goals.

"We don't adapt to our opponents, we play our own game," Kovac said. "We always try to stand behind the ball and dictate the flow of the game through the midfield, which is the way we qualified for the World Cup.

"Hopefully, we will be more successful finding the back of the net."

Kovac's brother Niko, who had to come off three minutes before Kaka's goal due to a bruised rib, trained Friday and will be ready for the match, assistant coach Martin Novosel said.

Ivica Olic, who strained a thigh muscle, is also expected to be fully fit against Japan, he added.