Group A is under Belgium's control, with Croatia's shock 1-0 defeat to Scotland in June denting their hopes of finishing first in the group. Croatia will finish at least second in Group A, nevertheless, and currently lie five points behind leaders Belgium.
A win for the hosts on Friday will make the group interesting again, with the Belgians then needing to win their final game to ensure they do not have to book their tickets to Brazil via the playoffs.
However, getting all three points against Belgium is easier said than done, with Marc Wilmots' men so far enjoying a near-perfect qualifying campaign with seven wins and a draw in eight matches.
Croatia vs Belgium October 11, 2013
Croatia will be without defender Josip Simunic who is suspended.
Croatia: Pletikosa; Srna, Lovren, Corluka, Strinic; Rakitic, Modric, Kovacic; Eduardo, Mandzukic, Olic.
Belgium: Courtois; Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Lombaerts; Witsel, Fellaini, Defour; De Bruyne, Lukaku, Hazard.
Prediction: 2-1 to Belgium