Australia captain Mark Viduka would love to score against Croatia, despite his strong links to the country.

The Middlesbrough striker's father and wife are both from Croatia and he made his name in professional football during a three-year spell with Croatia Zagreb.

It means Thursday's World Cup Group F clash in Stuttgart will be an emotional occasion for Viduka, but he insists helping the Socceroos clinch the point they need to qualify for the last 16 is uppermost in his thoughts.

"This match is very special because we can go further in the World Cup, and because of my heritage," said the 30-year-old.

"Put it this way, it would be a personal pleasure to score."