Former Croatia coach Blazevic to run for president

Wldcup - Former Croatia coach Miroslav Blazevic, who led the Balkan country to third place at the 1998 World Cup, is planning to run for president in elections due by February.

"Certain people have convinced me to run for the presidency, since they believe I could win," Blazevic -- nicknamed 'Ciro' -- told the Jutarnji List daily on Wednesday.

"They told me that I was the only one who can beat (President) Stipe Mesic."

The date for the elections is not yet fixed but they are due to be held by February, when Mesic's five-year term expires. Mesic has said he would run for a second term.

Blazevic claimed he could get the 10,000 signatures required to list as an independent candidate "in 24 hours".

"I only need an announcer at the Zagreb stadium to say that Ciro needs 10,000 signatures," he said.

The 68-year-old, who recently recovered from prostate surgery, is currently coaching Croatian first division side Varteks Varazdin.