Brazil v Croatia, World Cup 2014: live
Latest
BRAZIL v CROATIA
Head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has claimed this is Brazil's World Cup ahead of the opening match against Croatia. After years of preparation, the 20th edition of the tournament kicks off in Sao Paulo on Thursday at the new Arena Corinthians.
This is the second time Brazil have hosted the World Cup and they will be praying it is more successful than in 1950, when the Selecao fell at the final hurdle against Uruguay at the Maracana. That remains the only time a clear favourite playing in front of a home crowd has lost the final and it is a fate Scolari is confident will not be repeated this year.
Here's John Ley's match preview...
Brazil (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Cesar; Alves, Luiz, Silva, Marcelo; Gustavo, Paulinho; Hulk, Oscar, Neymar; Fred.
Croatia (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Pletikosa; Srna, Lovren, Corluka, Pranjic; Vukojevic, Modric; Perisic, Rakitic, Kovacic; Olic.
Out: Mandzukic (suspended).
Referee: Yuichi Nishimura (Japan).
Betting: Brazil 1-3 , Croatia 10-1 , Draw 7-2.
Brazil vs. Croatia (Group A) | Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET | Stadium: Corinthians, Sao Paulo
OR
Team News
Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari should field a 4-2-3-1 formation for the tournament opener.
Much has been said about the loss of form of Chelsea's Oscar, and Scolari will be hoping that the youngster regains his form soon.
If his dip continues, another Stamford Bridge star, Willian, can be called upon.
Croatia could suffer from the absence of Mario Mandzukic, who is suspended following his red card in the play-off game against Iceland back in November.
One man in their squad was born and bred in Brazil. Eduardo has played for Croatia for a long time, though he admitted recently he might even sing both national anthems.
