Croatia recalled defender Sime Vrsaljko for their pivotal game against Group A rivals Mexico, who remained unchanged from the side that drew 0-0 with hosts Brazil last time out.
Vrsaljko, who filled in for the injured Danijel Pranjic at left-back in the opening 3-1 defeat to Brazil, was chosen ahead of Brazil-born attacking midfielder Sammir.
His inclusion means captain Darijo Srna could play a more advanced role down the right with Vrsaljko slotting in at full-back.
Meanwhile, Mexico coach Miguel Herrera kept faith with the team that frustrated Brazil and beat Cameroon 1-0 with Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez again left out.
Mexico need just to avoid defeat to take their place in the last 16, where either the Netherlands or Chile await, while Croatia would be eliminated with a defeat.
A draw would suffice for Croatia should Cameroon, who have yet to collect a point or score a goal, beat Brazil.
Croatia
Stipe Pletikosa; Sime Vrsaljko, Dejan Lovren, Vedran Corluka, Danijel Pranjic; Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Ivan Perisic, Darijo Srna (capt); Ivica Olic, Mario Mandzukic
Coach: Niko Kovac (CRO)
Mexico
Guillermo Ochoa; Paul Aguilar, Francisco Rodriguez, Rafael Marquez (capt), Hector Moreno, Miguel Layun; Jose Juan Vazquez, Hector Herrera, Andres Guardado; Giovani dos Santos, Oribe Peralta
Coach: Miguel Herrera (MEX)
Referee: Ravshan Irmatov (UZB)
Source: AFP