World Cup: Australia considers Croatia to be the key to 16th round’s door

World Cup: Australia considers Croatia to be the key to 16th round’s door

A tie against the Croats on Thursday should be enough to send Australia into the second round from Group F despite Sunday's 2-0 loss to Brazil, according to the AP.

Brazil's win, coupled with the 0-0 tie earlier Sunday between Japan and Croatia, means the defending World Cup champions have already booked their place in the knockout round.

A tie against Croatia would give Australia four points. Japan could match that with a win over Brazil but the Japanese have a worse goal difference than Australia (minus-two to zero). So Japan would not only have to beat Brazil, but win big.

A loss to Croatia, on the other hand, would end the Australians' World Cup.