Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic described their World Cup quarter-final opponents Brazil as "terrifying" after the five-time champions thrashed South Korea 4-1 to send a clear message to their rivals.

Brazil could be even stronger in Friday's last-eight clash with the 2018 runners-up as left back Alex Sandro should be available and they will be close to full-strength after a number of injury problems.

With talisman Neymar and key defender Danilo returning against South Korea after missing two games due to ankle problems, coach Tite had to improvise and started right back Danilo on the left of the defence.

Tite is hoping to field his first-choice team against Croatia with full backs Danilo and Sandro in their natural positions, sending versatile centre back Eder Militao back to the substitutes' bench after impressive performances.

After overcoming Japan on penalties on Monday following a 1-1 draw after extra time, Croatia face the huge task of facing Brazil .

Led by the experienced Luka Modric, Dejan Lovren, Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic, the 2018 finalists arrived in Qatar as one of the oldest teams and there are concerns about the fitness and form of key stalwarts after the gruelling 120- minute game against Japan.

When?

9th December, Friday, 09:00 pm, Bangladesh time

Where?

Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar

Head-to-head

Matches 4

Brazil 3

Croatia 0

Draw 1

Probable lineups

Croatia: (4-3-3) Livakovic (GK), Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric, Kramaric, Petkovic, Perisic

Brazil: (4-2-3-1) Alisson (GK), Militao, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo, Casemiro, Paqueta, Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Richarlison

Key stats:

* Brazil have reached at least the quarter-finals in their last eight World Cups. They were champions in 1994 and 2002 and runners-up in 1998, but have only reached the semi-finals once since then - as hosts in 2014 when they were humiliated 7-1 by Germany.

* In four games so far, Croatia have won only once in 90 minutes - a 4-1 group stage win over Canada either side of goalless draws with Morocco and Belgium, before overcoming Japan on penalties with the score deadlocked at 1-1 after extra time.

* Brazil striker Neymar, who marked his return from injury by scoring in Monday's 4-1 win over South Korea, netted twice when they beat Croatia 3-1 in the group stage in 2014.

* Croatia have won all three of their World Cup penalty shootouts. They beat Denmark in the last 16 and hosts Russia in the quarter-finals 2018, and Japan on Monday.

Previous meetings:

* Brazil are unbeaten in their four meetings with Croatia (W3 D1). The teams have met twice in the World Cup, with Brazil winning 1-0 in 2006 and 3-1 as hosts in 2014.