Transplant Ivan’s miracle recovery

Ivan Klasnic, the 28-year-old Croatia striker whose goal last night extinguished Polish hopes and underlined the strength and passion in depth in this team who England face in the World Cup qualifiers, underwent two kidney transplants last year, his body rejecting an organ from his mother before accepting one from his father. He was warned by his doctor that he was putting his life on the line by returning to football. Last night he scored the only goal on his debut in the European Championship.

Klasnic plays with a fibreglass shield around his middle but he has scored for his club – Werder Bremen, whom he leaves this summer – and his country in a remarkable comeback. “I’m happy to play football again,” he said. “This is a new football life to me. A second life. It’s like a dream.”

Croatia coach, Slaven Bilic hailed Klasnic, a committed Christian. “We all prayed for him and he had very strong faith throughout,” Bilic said. “We called him but he encouraged us. It’s a perfect success story.”

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