Champions Brazil expect to be more on their game and wild cards Australia fear a Samba backlash in their pivotal Group F World Cup match in Munich on Sunday.

Both disparate rivals had contrasting opening round victories: Brazil struggled to overcome tenacious Croatia 1-0, while the Australians thrilled with their three goals in the final eight minutes to sink Japan 3-1.

It was the five-time champions' record eighth successive World Cup finals match win, but the reaction was mixed as Croatia disrupted their trademark playing rhythm.

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira warns his team of all-stars will be better and that spells trouble for Guus Hiddink's Australians.

"It is important to start by winning," Parreira said Thursday. "It means we will be more relaxed and the performance will be as well (against Australia) and technically we will be better. Favorites or not favorites, the great virtue of Brazilian football is to grow in adversity. Australia is a tough side. They knocked out Uruguay in the playoffs, drew with Holland in their warm-up match and won against Japan."

Indeed, it seemed like Parreira's comments were meant to prevent his team from underestimating the Australians. "They are physically strong and have three or four players who have superb technique," he said. "When I spoke to the squad, I told them that Australia could be the wild card team here."

Parreira said that there was no question of star striker Ronaldo not playing despite a below-par performance against Croatia, in which he was substituted out, and a visit to hospital after he complained of dizzy spells.

Hiddink, rated by Parreira as one of the best coaches in the world, has a dilemma on what lineup to use against Brazil with four players having picked up yellow cards during the win over Japan. Two yellow cards in the group phase result in a one match suspension.

The Dutchman, who has taken Holland and South Korea to the semi-finals of the last two World Cups respectively, is considering resting defender Craig Moore, defensive midfielder Vince Grella, attacking midfielder Tim Cahill and striker John Aloisi to save his ammunition for Australia's looming match with Croatia next Thursday to reach the knockout round.