Brazil don't spook us says Srna

Croatia are not afraid of World Cup favourites Brazil, winger Darijo Srna says.

"Brazil are favourites, not only to win the group but the whole World Cup. But we are not afraid of the Brazilians.

"We respect them highly but we shall not start that match in fear," he told reporters yesterday.

The world champions are Croatia's first opponents in a Group F match in Berlin on June 13.

Japan and Australia are their other group rivals.

"We are aiming to get that second place (in the group), but we have to win it by fighting on the pitch," said the Shakhtar Donetsk winger.

"I can hardly wait to get past the friendlies and start the World Cup," added Srna, who scored five goals in Croatia's qualifying campaign and is the driving force in the team.

Croatia play warm-up matches against Iran at home tomorrow, Poland in Wolfsburg, Germany, on June 3, and Spain in Geneva on June 7.