Group F: Across the world for a local derby tonight in Stuttgart. Croatia and Australia tussle for the place in the next round with both sides enjoying such a unique familiarity with each other that the game feels like a reunion as much as a World Cup tie.

The Croatian squad contains three players with Australian backgrounds - Joe Didulica and Josip Simunic were both born in Australia whilst Anthony Seric (like Simunic) is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Sport.

Simunic, indeed, came up through the Institute in the company of Mark Viduka and Craig Moore.

Australia have seven players of Croat background in their squad - Viduka, Zeljko Kalac, Ante Covic, Tony Popovic, Josip Skoko, Jason Culina and Marco Bresciano.

Croatia don't just require a win tonight they need to break a depressing pattern of scorelessness - in their last four games their only score has been a Spanish own goal.

They are forced to make just one change as key defender Robert Kovac is suspended, so Stjepan Tomas will play right back where he will spend some time policing his best friend Viduka (the pair played together with Dynamo Zagreb early in their careers.)

Apart from the enforced change the Croats will remain the same, with Ivan Klasnic continuing to partner Dado Prso up front in what has hitherto been a toothless attack.

Elsewhere, despite a plethora of yellow card risks, both sides will go at full strength. Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton, Culina, John Aloisi, Vince Grella and Moore of Australia will be suspended if booked. Darijo Srna, Igor Tudor and Nico Kovac are in the same position for Croatia.

Tony Popovic, who went off with a calf injury against Brazil, is Australia's only injury difficulty and Brett Emerton, quietly effective in Australia's two games thus far, may drop back into the right back slot tonight.

Harry Kewell, who escaped suspension through a legal loophole having abused German referee Marcus Merk as he came of the pitch after the Brazil game, is free to play.

Two robust sides will hardly make a pretty match tonight and whoever goes through could be seriously depleted by suspensions.

On the other hand both teams need to win just to be certain and Croatia, in particular, need to come out and attack.

Australia have been at their best in this tournament when they do likewise, declining to offer too much respect to the opposition (a mistake they made early on in both the games with Japan and Brazil) and taking the game by the scruff of the neck.

Croatia and Australia have met each other four times, in friendly international matches. Croatia have won once, Australia twice, with one match drawn.

The last meeting between the sides was in 1998 when Croatia humiliated the Aussies 7-0.

That won't happen tonight. Lucas Neill and Moore have been wonderful in defence for the Australians and should have the handling of the Croats.

What is needed from Australia is a sign of intent. Kewell has been only sporadically effective so far, while Viduka, who looks to be in the shape of his life, is working selflessly but not being given the telling pass.

Tonight Guus Hiddink will look to Kewell and to Marco Bresciano for that little flame of creativity.

The Croat are sterile and predictable and without a win in six games. An early score for Australia would plant a lot of doubt.

Australia progress to the next round with a win, although a draw could see them through provided Japan don't beat Brazil by more than two goals.

Croatia must win to proceed to the next round, and even then they are not certain. A Japanese win could pip them.

Everything to play for.

Australia to win.