Croatia have had a rather misfortunate record in the past 2 years since the Semi-Final was introduced.  On both occasions they've made it through to the Final comforatbly (with what I think have been poor entries).  However, their fate in the final seems to take a turn, and on both occasions, just manage to miss out on the top ten placings.  Indeed, the only reason they qualify directly for this year's Final is due to Serbia & Montenegro's withdrawal.  In 2003, they had what I thought was a wonderful entry, with a funky song and good performance, but couldn't do better than 15th out of 26.  Most of their results do however seem consistent, either in the bottom of the top ten or just outside the top ten.  Their highest result is 4th, in both 1996 and 1999.

 

 

I must say, again I'm quite disappointed with this entry.  I personally think it resembles noise rather than music.  I thought the performance at the selection lacked the 'oompf' it really needs to be recognised for what it is at Eurovision.  A translation to English could have worked well here, but it's not too late.  Severina's a pretty girl, and she can sing no doubt, I just don't like the song.

 

 

On an outside chance Severina could pull this off, but it's no winner, and like so many of the Balkan entries this year, their form of male vocals which resembles a sound similar to that associated with severe, constant agony won't do the song any favours.  Another one lacking the sparkle it needs, but Croatia do have nice neighbours.

 

 

Hmmm, the first Finalist I'm predicting for after the Semi.  I don't like this, but it is distinctly Balkan, and sounds more like something that would come from Croatia than many previous Croatian entries.  This doesn't impress me at all, nonetheless, there will be lots of 8s, 10s and 12s in here from neighbouring counterparts.  I'd say that's all it will get though, I didn't like Severina's performance at her National Final and if it's something similar it won't be that impressive at all.  15th-17th is on the cards here, possibly higher.

 

 

Another genuinely surprising one. The performance on the night of the Final was much better than I had anticipated - definately better than the National preselection performance, and Severina's vocal sounded well. I'm still not sure about the song in general - it's still not one of my faves - but a great performance made this very enjoyable on the night - even if it did come across as being a bit silly. Slotting it in 15th - 17th, I guess my prediction was close enough considering it came in at 13th.