Position: Goalkeeper
Born: 18.02.78
Club: Hertha Berlin

A product of the Australian Institute of Sport, the Canberra-born Josip Simunic chose to play his international football for Croatia in 2001.

Eligible to represent the Balkan nation as his parents were born there, Simunic soon found his feet at international level and played in the 2002 World Cup as well as Euro 2004.

He began his club career with Melbourne Knights before making the brave move to Bundesliga side Hamburg at the age of just 20.

After a difficult early period with the northern club he became a firm fans' favourite but left after a row with coach Frank Pagelsdorf.

A move to Hertha has paid dividends and he has a growing reputation as a defender famed for his anticipation and man-to-man marking.

Indeed his stock has risen to such an extent he has been linked with the likes of Italian giants AC Milan in recent months.

A likely starter for Croatia, Simunic offers a threat at set-pieces with heading ability to match his 6ft 5in stature and will particularly relish the chance to face the land of his birth in Germany.