Uefa keeps close eye on Zagreb

Security will be tight and Uefa will be watching closely when Croatia and Serbia meet in a highly charged World Cup qualifier in Zagreb, their first match as independent states since the bloody break-up of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.

Croatia have tightened security in and around the stadium and on the border between the two countries to enforce a ban, agreed between the two countries’ football federations, on Serbian fans travelling to the match. The ban also forbids Croatian fans from attending the return match in Serbia in September.

“Considering the rivalry between our two countries, this is not an ordinary match,” Serbia defender Branislav Ivanovic said. “They are favourites, but the pressure from high expectations is on Croatia.”

Croatia’s midfield will be led by Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric.