Ruben Daniel Bilos between two flags

Will Croatia finally persuade the Boca star?

Ozren Podnar reports...

USA | Japan

Croatia have qualified for yet another World Cup, but the coach Zlatko Kranjcar has but one dream: no, not for his son Niko to become an international, because Zlatko himself gave him the first cap as soon as he took over the Croatian team. Kranjcar wants to field Daniel Bilos from the Argentinian League leaders Boca Juniors.

Last year the Croatian FA learned that the Argentinian born Bilos had Croatian origins (and passport) from an official of the Croatian embassy in Buenos Aires. At that time, Bilos was playing for Atletico Banfield, but what the Croats saw when they started to observe Bilos satisfied them completely.

It's true that he does not speak any Croatian and that he does not know any player from the current red-and-white squad, but his great technique (and physique, at 194 cm) have utterly convinced Croatia that they must have him - before it occurs to Argentina.

Daniel Ruben Bilos (25) was not anywhere near the Argentine squad at the time and Kranjcar believed he would jump to accept the call from the land of his ancestors. But, Bilos hesitated...and hesitated...and said he still preferred to "wait a while" to see if José Peckerman would finally pay attention.

Kranjcar gave Bilos one deadline, then another, then yet another, and now seems content if this elegant forward-come-midfielder joins Croatia for the pre-World Cup friendlies in March. But, in the meantime Bilos got transferred to the mighty Boca Juniors, boosting his hopes of seeing international soccer with what he sees as his real homeland.

Embarrassed by the fame

Over the past few months it has become clear that the Cro-Argentinian is truly a classy player. Not only have Boca fans been chanting his name and calling for his inclusion in Peckerman's squad, but even Boca's vice-president Diego Maradona has glorified him in the press.

The increased media attention is not amusing Bilos, just as the Croatian persistent advances have made him uncomfortable. "It is true, I am embarrassed that there should be so much talk about me. I have never expected this. Especially as there are so many talented players at Boca. The mere fact that I'm playing alongside them is a dream come true for me," said Bilos to Clarín daily.

He lives a retiring lifestyle. "I go out as little as possible. My route is from home to the training grounds and back. That is how I lived in Banfield, that's how I live now," explains Bilos while parking his less than glamourous Peugeot 206. So typically Bilos.

While Kranjcar keeps on praising Bilos and repeating how important he would be for Croatia, Bilos remains cold. "I am grateful to the people of Croatia for approaching me when I least expected it, when I was at Banfield. They were very kind and offered me all sort of privileges, from the transport directly to the stadium to letting me bring along whomever I wanted from Argentina. But, I still hope to be called up by Argentina. I know it will be difficult, there is so much indicating that. The World Cup is now close, I have never been called and we have so many first-class players."

Asked if he will opt for Croatia after all, if Pekerman does not put his name on the list for the World Cup, Bilos said, "I have their passport, we'll see. It's a personal decision and my family will certainly have a say."

In any case, Bilos better remember that it is rare for Argentinian players to join the national team in mid-twenties onwards. The name of Jorge Valdano springs to mind. The big winger was called up at 29, but he played for an extraordinary Real Madrid side then (and played brilliantly too). Everybody else was given their chance at an early age - Saviola, Riquelme, Tevez, Ortega, Crespo, Messi... And Diego Maradona made it when he was not even 17.

Therefore, it is increasingly looking that it will either be a World Cup in the Croatian shirt, or no World Cup at all for Bilos.

Ozren Podnar

Daniel Ruben Bilos

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Position: offensive midfielder, forward
Birth date: September 3rd, 1980
Birthplace: Pergamino (ARG)
Height & weight: 194 cm, 86 kg
Nickname: Flaco (Slim)
Club: Boca Juniors
Nationality: ARG/CRO

Club Career & Appearances - Goals:
2001/02 Banfield 22 - 1
2002/03 Banfield 21 - 3
2003/04 Banfield 31 - 8
2004/05 Banfield 18 - 3
2005/06 Boca Juniors 9 - 4