The two countries were involved in a fast and furious encounter the last time they played each other in the quarter-finals of the 1996 European Championship in England when Croat defender Igor Stimac was sent off.

The Germans won 2-1 that day at Manchester's Old Trafford and went on to take the trophy. But they were perilously close to being knocked out by the Croats who would probably have won had they not lost their composure.

Germany's winning goal from libero Matthias Sammer in the 59th minute came just two minutes after Derby county defender Stimac was dismissed after his second bookable offence.

The European Champions, who have failed to impress with their football despite two remarkable second-half comebacks against Yugoslavia and Mexico, know they have a game on their hands.

``It is the most importantgame so far. We know from Euro 98 that they are unpleasant opponents,'' German striker Oliver Bierhoff said. ``It's going to be aggressive and tough. We are going to have to lift our form.''

Both countries have come to the World Cup with experienced squads. The Croats have been fielding teams with an average age of 29 while Germany coach Berti Vogts has sent out sides full of 30-somethings with an even higher average than tomorrow's opposition.

Although their squad is full of veterans, the Germans are likely to play only four men from the 1996 game. Some of the key members of the European-winning team have not lived up to expectations at this World Cup.

Croatia, however, have nine of the players from the 1996 game in their squad. Stimac feels experience could be a key factor.

``Both sides are very experienced and there is a good reason for that,'' he said. ``You need experience. You can't send five or six 19-year-olds in at once. We've more experience than two years ago. We have to learn from ourmistakes.''

Vogts is not likely to make too many changes from the team which started the match against Mexico on Monday with Klinsmann and Bierhoff as the two main strikers and Thomas Haessler selected as the main attacking mid-fielder.