Brazil may be the defending champs and they may also be favourites to win the 2006 FIFA World Cup, but that doesn’t make Team Croatia feel any different about their debut match against Brazil Tuesday.

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The task to dethrone the champs is undoubtedly an unenviable one, but since a strong qualifying campaign and solid performances in friendly matches in the build-up to the World Cup, Croatia feel they can pull off an upset against Brazil. With a team full of players perfecting their trade in top European leagues, it is no wonder the team doesn’t seem as intimidated as some might think. Or is it really just a brave face, knowing they are facing the perennial favourites?

Midfielder Marko Babic says the team feels right at home in Germany, as many Croatians live in the country. In March, they defeated Argentina in a friendly, but now is the time for stepping it up a level on the field. No more talk; it's down to business. There are no real standouts on the team, but Babic feels it’s the lack of superstars that make it easy for everyone to be on the same page when it comes to doing things as a unit. That is, by far, Croatia's biggest asset coming into the World Cup.

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There are always dark horses that bring the soccer world to a halt. A win over Brazil would achieve this for Croatia as they look to repeat or improve on their third-place showing in France 98. Yes, this country has had some exciting moments in soccer history and you can bet the Brazilians know the Croats are feeling confident and will want to strike early to take them out of it.

Croatia are coming into the game listed as +600 underdogs and don’t seem to qualify as contenders with a Brazilian squad listed as -222 favourites. Many on the Croatian side believe if they are to prove oddsmakers and soccer fans alike wrong, they will need to catch the Brazilians on an off day and play some great defence before going for any unnecessary risks. If this falls into place with an already confident squad, Croatia may provide the first real upset of this year’s World Cup.

Croatia will take on Japan June 18^th and will wrap-up Group F play when they meet Australia on the 22^nd of June.