Kovac expected to be fit as Croatia chase needed win

Japan v Croatia: Both of these lost their opening games, but it was the Croats who emerged with more to cheer about after performing solidly against a Brazilian side that had been expected by some to simply brush them aside.

If everyone is fit, then Zlatko Kranjcar is likely to start with very much the same team that took on the world champions, with Niko Kovac expected to be fit, despite having limped out of the match in Berlin.

One possible change, though, may be made up front with Ivica Olic likely to start alongside Dada Prso if he has sufficiently shaken off the thigh strain that sidelined him on Tuesday.

Prso was, perhaps, the team's strongest performer in the opening game and seems likely to cause the Japanese defence problems with his highly energetic and physical game.

Zico, meanwhile, is set to scrap the side's 3-5-2 formation in favour of a 4-4-2 with Celtic playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura on the left and Mitsuo Ogasawara coming in on the right of the midfield.

The Brazilian coach will be hoping the heat eases off as the forecasts here suggest it will. Against Australia, the Japanese led until the closing stages when Tim Cahill inspired a late charge by his side, but Zico and several of his players afterwards identified the weather as having been a key factor in their defeat.

"We started so well, but by the time they got to 1-1 we were becoming increasingly confused," said Naohiro Takahara.

Japan are still likely to be without right-sided defender Akira Kaji.

Japan (4-4-2)

Kawaguchi; Kaji, Miyamoto, Nakazawa, Alex, Ogasawara, Nakata, Fukunishi, Nakamura, Takahara, Yanagisawa.

Coach: Zico

Croatia (4-5-1)

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

Coach: Zlatko Kranjcar