Croatia v Australia - Preview

It's go for broke from Aussies

Coach Guus Hiddink says it's impossible to go against the character of the Australian team and seek a draw against Croatia here Thursday to qualify for the second round of the World Cup.

A draw should be enough for Australia to join Brazil in the second round, but with six squad members with Croatian heritage they face an emotional occasion against Croatia.

"This team is going for a win against a high-profile opponent. It's impossible to be a director of a draw here."

Although two points ahead of the 23rd-ranked Croatians, an Australian loss will end an amazing ride under Hiddink since he took up the challenge last July. Hiddink will leave the Australian team after the World Cup and take up an appointment as Russia's head coach.

"We are not thinking that the end is near because we've had a wonderful preparation, the boys are so committed," Hiddink said.

"It is still and will be joyful work with them. I like very much the attitude of the players.

"To demand each of them to go to a higher level of performance is the only drive and challenge we make to each other, that's why it's so good to work with this team.

"So why should we say goodbye after this game (Croatia), let's have some more."

Brazilian midfielder Emerson (front) is challenged by Australian forward Harry Kewell (behind) in their opening round Group F World Cup football match at Munich's World Cup Stadium, 18 June 2006. Brazil were leading 1-0 in the second half. AFP PHOTO / VANDERLEI ALMEIDA

With the potential of the emotion of the occasion and the high stakes involved spilling over English referee Graham Poll has been appointed by FIFA to control the match.

Hiddink said the FIFA disciplinary hearing Tuesday into Harry Kewell's rant at German referee Markus Merk after Australia's 2-0 loss to Brazil last Sunday had not been a distraction to the team's preparation.

The Liverpool player was cleared to play in Thursday's game after the governing body found inconsistencies in the referee's report on the on-pitch blow-up.

"Mentally, Harry's okay. When he came on against Brazil he played a good role and had a chance to score the equaliser," Hiddink said.

"I think he's up to do a big thing whether it's from the start or later on in the game, but he showed yesterday that he's fully fit mentally and physically.

"We know that it's only his lack of games in the past weeks for why he is not at his top yet but with his special ability he can be of huge importance for us against Croatia."

An injured Australian captain Mark Viduka (R) talks to Australian team coach Guus Hiddink after arriving late to the Socceroos training session in Ohringen, 08 June 2006. The Socceroos will play their first FIFA World Cup Group F match against Japan in Kaiserslautern on 12 June. Torsten BLACKWOOD/AFP PHOTO

Hiddink said he has discounted Croatia's last start scoreless draw with Japan as he works on his tactics to play them.

"They should have won because they had dominance in that game, they missed a penalty and hit the crossbar, so they didn't have much much luck, but I saw them play Brazil and how they played in that game was very good," he said.

"I don't have doubts about their performance against Japan because I know what they can do and they gave another different impression in the Brazil game."

Croatian coach Zlatko Kranjcar has signalled that he will use Stjepan Tomas to mark Australian striker Mark Viduka with first-choice Robert Kovac suspended.

"He's (Tomas) been a good friend of mine," said Viduka on Tuesday.

"When I came to play in Zagreb (in the mid-1990s) he and I were both on our own and we were living next to each other and hanging out every day.

"He's very special and I am very happy for him that he's going to be playing because everyone wants to play in the World Cup, but I will be going out there to win."

Teams

Australia

Zeljko Kalac, Lucas Neill, Craig Moore, Scott Chipperfield, Vince Grella, Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka (capt), Mile Sterjovski. Coach: Guus Hiddink (NED)

Croatia

Stipe Pletikosa, Darijo Srna, Josip Simunic, Stjepan Tomas, Igor Tudor, Dario Simic, Marko Babic, Nico Kranjcar, Dado Prso, Niko Kovac (capt), Ivica Olic. Coach: Zlatko Kranjcar

Referee

Graham Poll (ENG)