Coach lavishes praise on Mandzukic

Croatia coach Niko Kovac lavished praise on striker Mario Mandzukic who returned from suspension to score two goals in the 4-0 win over Cameroon in World Cup Group A on Wednesday.

The powerfully-built Mandzukic, who missed the opening 3-1 defeat by Brazil after being sent off in Croatia's final qualifying match, dominated the Cameroonian defense and scored twice in the second half.

"Any coach would be happy to have such a player in his team. He is not just a goal-getter - his attitude picks the team up and affects the opposing side," Kovac said.