Brazil and Croatia play each other in the second match of Group F at the Olympiastadion, Berlin, in one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the group stages. Five times World Cup winners Brazil are always a major attraction at the finals, and this time will be no exception.

Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, who led the Selecao to World Cup glory at USA 1994, is in bullish mood and full of confidence.

"We just think about winning - we don't allow negative thoughts anywhere near us," he said. "Nobody is prepared for a defeat, we are prepared to win."

However, he is prepared to concede that his team does at least acknowledge the pressure of being favourites, adding: "In 1994, the pressure was huge because it was 24 years since Brazil had last won the World Cup. This time, the pressure is on us to maintain our dominance."

Brazil’s captain, 36-year-old AC Milan defender Cafu is slightly more cautious, but believes the Samba Boys can provide the performance that will tell the watching world, and potential opponents, just what they can expect.

"All the teams at this World Cup are going to have problems winning and our first match will be tough," said Cafu. "Everyone says we will reach the final but we need to take every opponent as they come. And we know the whole world will be looking at this match to see what sort of shape we are in."

Another AC Milan star, midfielder Kaka, thinks their 4-man attacking formation used during qualification is high risk, but potentially lethal: "The system we play is very offensive and that means we have a special responsibility not to get caught out with goals on the counter-attack. It is a risky formation as we are open to conceding goals. We need to make sure we get the right balance,” he said.

Brazil are expected to field a three-man attacking line-up with Ronaldo leading the line after overcoming the problems with his boots during the warm-up matches. Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Lucio, and Juan should start in defence.

As potential dark horses, Croatia will not be going into the game expecting to be rolled over by the South Americans. Coach Zlatko Kranjcar says his side will not be anybody’s whipping boys, and is in fact looking for an upset.

"We aren't just looking to counter-attack, we always want to play our own game," said Kranjcar. "We're not waving the white flag. As we saw on Saturday with Trinidad & Tobago and Sweden, there can be surprises."

However, a healthy dose of pragmatism appears to be infiltrating the squad and it would seem that a draw would be a welcome result for the Vatreni.

Siena midfielder Igor Tudor summed up the sentiment: "We are favourites to be second in the group. We don't hide that. 99% of the world is saying Brazil are favourites. A draw would be a success and it would be a sensation if we won,"

Striker Ivica Olic will miss the match due to a thigh strain, Ivan Klasnic should replace him, joining Dado Prso in attack. Darijo Srna was one of several players who contracted a virus, but has now recovered and been cleared to play.

Brazil: Dida, Cafu, Lucio, Juan, Roberto Carlos, Emerson, Ze Roberto, Kaka, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Adriano.

Croatia: Pletikosa, Simic, Kovac, Simunic, Srna, Tudor, Kovac, Babic, Kranjcar, Klasnic, Prso.

Referee: Benito Archundia (Mexico)

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