Euro2008 Preview: Croatia v Germany

Luka Modric has recovered from a strained tendon so Croatia have no injuries or suspensions to contend with after their win over Austria. But coach Slaven Bilic could bring in Schalke midfielder Ivan Rakitic to replace striker Mladen Petric and play in a deeper role behind Ivica Olic.

Germany are expected to name the same side that beat Poland 2-0, with striker Lucas Podolski again on the left flank. "Not many changes will happen but one or two players may be new," coach Joachim Loew said. German captain Michael Ballack sees little reason to alter a winning team. The Chelsea midfielder added: "I don't see that any changes are needed but of course it is up to the coach - and it depends on the rival as well. "Maybe we will change one or two positions."

Bilic, however, is likely to freshen up his attack - which looked short of ideas in Croatia's 1-0 win over the hosts Austria on Sunday. Although playing Rakitic as a second striker is thought to be Bilic's favoured option, Werder Bremen forward Ivan Klasnic is eager to get his chance against Loew's side. Klasnic, who was born in Germany, is the first player to be picked for a European Championship following a kidney transplant. The 28-year-old suffered kidney failure in January 2007 and received a transplant from his mother, only for his body to reject her kidney. Two months later he repeated the operation, this time using his father's kidney. "I am here and I am 100% ready to play," Klasnic said. "I never thought I would be at the Euros. My first concerns were my health and returning to playing football.