Team profile: Croatia
The production line of superstars seems to have slowed, but the Croats still have an impressive record at tournaments. While the idea that Brazil would miss a spot in the final 16 is unfathomable, Croatia have a real battle of their hands with Japan and Australia for second place in Group
FIFA Ranking: 23
Coach: Zlatko Kranjcar
Key players: Dado Prso, Niko Kranjcar, Josip Simunic
World Cup record: Third appearance
Best finish: Third Place 1998
Last appearance: First round 2002
Qualifying route: Won European Group 8
Key question: Unbeaten in qualifying can the new batch of stars surpass the heights of 1998?
Squad:
| Goalkeepers | # |
| Stipe Pletikosa | 1 |
| Joe Didulica | 12 |
| Tomislav Butina | 23 |
| Defenders | |
| Josip Simunic | 3 |
| Robert Kovac | 4 |
| Igor Tudor | 5 |
| Dario Simic | 7 |
| Mario Tokic | 11 |
| Stjepan Tomas | 13 |
| Midfielders | |
| Darijo Srna | 2 |
| Jurica Vranjes | 6 |
| Marko Babic | 8 |
| Niko Kovac | 10 |
| Luka Modric | 14 |
| Ivan Leko | 15 |
| Jerko Leko | 16 |
| Niko Kranjcar | 19 |
| Anthony Seric | 20 |
| Forwards | |
| Dado Prso | 9 |
| Ivan Klasnic | 17 |
| Ivica Olic | 18 |
| Bosko Balaban | 21 |
| Ivan Bosnjak | 22 |
Group matches:
v Brazil, 19:00 GMT, Tuesday 13th June – Berlin
v Japan, 13:00 GMT, Sunday 18th June – Nuremberg
v Australia, 19:00 GMT, Thursday 22nd June – Stuttgart