Croatia v Australia: Battle on and off the Pitch

Croatia is trying to woo another young Australian to join its national team. According to Croatian papers, the Croatian Football Federation is interested in bringing 17-year-old Mathew Spiranovic onto the national team. Spiranovic was born in Australia but his of Croatian decent.

Croatia and Australia will play one another in the first round in Group F, but the battle has already been playing out off the pitch. The Croatian team presently has three players - Joey Didulica, Anthony Seric and Joe Simunic - who have chosen to play for Croatia despite being born in Australia.

The Socceroos have eight players of Croatian heritage in its squad, including their captain Mark Viduka and midfielder Josip Skoko, both of whom have played for Croatian club teams.

All of this only means one thing. Their meeting in June is going to be one intense game.