It is a miracle of modern medicine that Ivan Klasnić is playing football, let alone preparing to compete at the highest level in UEFA EURO 2008. The 28-year-old striker underwent two kidney transplants in 2007 but returned to play Bundesliga football with Werder Bremen late last year and made his comeback for Croatia against Scotland in March.

Born in Hamburg to family of Croatian guest workers who had come from Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Began career in German second division with local club FC St. Pauli; won promotion to Bundesliga in 2001 but left for Bremen.

Key figure in Bremen's double-winning season of 2003/04, providing 13 goals and eleven assists in Bundesliga title triumph.

Unused substitute for Croatia at UEFA EURO 2004; started first two matches at 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Scored twice in 4-1 friendly win against Austria in Vienna, May 2006.

Has scored five goals in the UEFA Champions League – all against RSC Anderlecht in the 2004/05 competition.

Did you know?
Having turned down the opportunity to play international football for the land of his birth, Klasnić made his debut for Croatia against Germany in February 2004, but was on the losing side (2-1) in the Split friendly.