Australian-born centre-back who chose to play for Croatia at the end of 2001.
Has come on leaps and bounds since he started his career with SV Hamburg when niggling injuries kept him sidelined.
He joined Hertha after an argument with Hamburg coach Frank Pagelsdorf, but the move did not affect his form.
At 24 Simunic has little experience at international level, but he is a fast learner.