Croatia face Japan at the Frankenstadion, Nuremberg, in the third game of Group F, with both teams looking for a victory following defeats in their opening matches. Croatia lost 1-0 in a tight game against favourites Brazil, whilst Japan were beaten 3-1 by Australia, conceding three late goals to the Socceroos.

Croatia coach Zlatko Krancjar believes his side can capitalise on the defensive shortcomings that undermined Japan’s initial superiority against Australia. "We saw the mistakes Japan made in the last 10 minutes," he said. "We look forward to taking advantage of them, and quicker than the Australians did.”

Krancjar understandably remains upbeat despite the defeat against Brazil, believing the performance deserved more. "Brazil made a goal from just the one chance,” Krancjar said. “This defeat won't stop us from going further. But they [Brazil] have fantastic players in their side with the likes of Kaka."

Juventus defender Robert Kovac expects Croatia to ‘out-muscle’ the Japanese, saying: "We think we can create more chances then we did in the Brazil game because we are much better physically than Japan."

Croatia captain Niko Kovac is expected to be fit after bruising his ribs against Brazil. "He received a blow on the ribs and after the examination we will see whether he can play but we hope it's not going to keep him out of the other matches," said Kranjcar.

CSKA Moscow striker Ivica Olic, who appeared as a substitute against the Selecao, has been struggling with a thigh strain, but is also expected to be fit to face Japan.

Japan coach Zico has already put the defeat to Australia behind him, concentrating instead on the challenges ahead. "We're focused on the Croatia match. That's all we're thinking about because that's all that matters now," he said.

Captain Tsuneyasu Miyamoto expressed the views of the entire squad when he said: "This is by far our biggest test yet. Croatia are a good team and the important thing for us is to believe in ourselves and play like a team."

Zico is expected to play four defenders against Croatia in an attempt to prevent the goals that undid his team against Australia.

The Samurai Blue are at full strength, with no injury concerns in the squad. Shunsuke Nakamura has recovered from a bruised thigh picked up against Australia, while Akira Kaji is fit again and expected to start at right back.

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

Japan (probable): Kawaguchi, Kaji, Miyamoto, Nakazawa, Santos, Ogasawara, Nakata, Fukunishi, Nakamura, Takahara, Yanagisawa.

Bookmark/Search this post with:

delicious | digg | google | yahoo | technorati