Forward Mario Mandzukic will miss the crucial opener while the experienced Niko Kranjcar was dropped from the squad because of a late hamstring injury .
Forward Mario Mandzukic was red - carded in the team 's final qualifier .
Forward Mario Mandzukic , who was red - carded in the team 's final qualifier , will miss the crucial opener while the experienced Niko Kranjcar was dropped from the squad because of a late hamstring injury .