Kranjcar wants England favour

Kranjcar: Eyeing World Cup spot

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Croatia midfielder Niko Kranjcar admits his compatriots are banking on an England result to help their World Cup cause.

The Tottenham winger, one of a trio of Croatians at White Hart Lane, hopes England can avoid defeat against Ukraine on Saturday as Croatia look to secure second place in Qualifying Group 6.

Should England at least draw, Croatia will only need to win their final group game against Kazakhstan next week to be assured a play-off position.

Along with Vedran Corluka and the currently crocked Luka Modric, Tottenham's Croatian contingent will be hoping for a favour from their England team-mates Aaron Lennon and Peter Crouch.

Kranjcar said: "We are depending on England now and we are hoping they don't lose in Ukraine.

"Hopefully we will reach the play-offs, get a good draw and reach the finals.

"But we are disappointed with our campaign, especially the home defeat to England and the two draws with Ukraine - they are the games we felt we should have got more from and that would have made a big difference."

Dos Santos

Meanwhile, Tottenham forward Giovani dos Santos hopes club-mate Wilson Palacios can make the World Cup finals with Honduras.

Mexican Dos Santos, on-loan at Ipswich from Spurs, expects to see his compatriots tie up second place in the CONCACAF qualifying section and hopes Honduras can grab third spot ahead of Costa Rica.

The fourth-place team in their section will meet the fifth-place team from South America, currently Argentina, therefore Dos Santos is wishing Palacios all the best ahead of their double-header against USA and El Salvador.

"I hope Wilson makes it," said Dos Santos, who will miss the big finale after picking up an ankle ligament injury at Preston.

"He's my friend and I want the best for him. Honduras have some very good players.

"They have been doing well in the qualification and they need four points from their two games to make it to the World Cup.

"They can do it but they have two difficult games and the first one is against the USA. That will be a massive game but if they win it, I think they will be in the World Cup.

"Wilson is a big player for them and if Honduras make it to South Africa I will be so happy for him."