Kranjcar keen for Wembley glory

Portsmouth midfielder out to surpass Croatia triumph

Last updated: 14th May 2008

kranjcar niko

Kranjcar: Hoping for cup final glory

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Portsmouth midfielder Niko Kranjcar admits winning the FA Cup final at Wembley would surpass Croatia's infamous victory over England.

Kranjcar is set to face Cardiff in Saturday's showdown, a match which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1, as he revisits the scene of Croatia's success against England in Euro 2008 qualification last November.

The 23-year-old also featured in Pompey's 1-0 semi-final Wembley win against West Brom in April but he claims that, if successful, this weekend's outing will surpass his previous experiences.

Kranjcar netted a spectacular 25-yard opener as Croatia defeated England 3-2 six months ago, which cost the latter a place at Euro 2008, but the Pompey star believes lifting the FA Cup would be the better feeling.

Important

"I have great memories of that stadium but, hopefully, the third one will be the best one. Yes, I think this will be the most important," said Kranjcar.

"When Croatia beat England they came wanting to send a message that they had quality players and a quality team. I think that is just what happened and I have never had any bad reaction here from English supporters over that. They accepted it.

"I think the team (Portsmouth) has done unbelievably great in the last three years and hopefully the next step will be winning the FA Cup.

"It would be a massive result, not only for us as individuals but for the club because to get into Europe is very important.

Step forward

"It's another step forward, it's another great experience for the club, it's another chance for the club to evolve."

Kranjcar, who joined Portsmouth for £2.5million from Hadjuk Split in 2006, has also rubbished speculation he is set to quit Fratton Park in favour of a move to Arsenal or Tottenham and insists he can fulfil his aspirations at Portsmouth.

"Of course I can," he added when asked about achieving success at Pompey. "The quality is there, you just have to look at the players here and see what they have won in their careers.

"We have a great future here and a team that is ready to play big games."