Croatia will trust to familiarity and defensive strength when they meet reigning world champions Brazil in Berlin on Tuesday night.

They are very much the underdogs against the South Americans but they can boast a proud qualifying record and should be ensured of loud support from the large Croatian expatriate communities in Germany.

Furthermore, many of the Croatian players ply their trade at German clubs, so this tournament is very much a home from home for the side.

The Kovac brothers were even born here in Berlin, and skipper Niko plays for Hertha Berlin while Robert - now a Juventus defender - also has Bundesliga experience.

Niko Kovac said: "We are all very much at home in Germany so that should be a boost to the whole team.

"My brother Robert and I were born and raised here in Berlin, and we have friends all over Germany.

"There are also several other players who can speak German fluently, so we are at home among friends here.

"Of course it will be a difficult game for us against Brazil, the world champions, but I hope we can take heart from the supporters."

Croatia endured something of a torrid build-up to their opening match when several of their star players were stricken with a sickness virus last week.

Coach Zlatko Kranjcar however said the players had now recovered, and CSKA Moscow striker Ivica Olic should be fit to partner Rangers' Dado Prso after shaking off a thigh injury.