Anyway, it is going to be an interesting opening world cup of 2014.
I predicts that Brazil will be under pressure as the host badly need 3 points clear to put their way to reach Final of World CUP 2014.
On the other hand, Croatia as an underdog team will do their best to qualify to top 16.
It will be 1-1 for full time score.
Key clash: Neymar v Vedran Corluka
In
his prime Vedran Corluka was a decent centre-back but his mobility has
taken a drastic turn for the worse in recent years, which makes the
prospect of facing Neymar, one of the most skilful players all the
planet, all the more daunting.
Facts of Brazil v Croatia
Opta stats
Predicted line-up: Brazil v Croatia
•
The host nation has never lost their opening World Cup game, with the 20
previous hosts winning 14 and drawing six of their openers.
• Brazil’s one previous tournament as hosts saw them defeat fellow 2014 Group A members Mexico 4-0 in their opening game (1950).
• Eight of the last 12 opening matches at World Cups have produced one goal or less.
• Brazil are taking part in their 20th World Cup. They are the only team to have taken part in every single tournament - winning it a record five times.
• A Selecao have won the most games (67) and scored the most goals (210) at the World Cup.
• Brazil’s one previous tournament as hosts saw them defeat fellow 2014 Group A members Mexico 4-0 in their opening game (1950).
• Eight of the last 12 opening matches at World Cups have produced one goal or less.
• Brazil are taking part in their 20th World Cup. They are the only team to have taken part in every single tournament - winning it a record five times.
• A Selecao have won the most games (67) and scored the most goals (210) at the World Cup.
* Brazil
have won eight of their last nine World Cup games in the group stages
(1 draw). Their last defeat dates back to 23 June 1998 against Norway
(1-2).
• Croatia have only conceded 11 goals in 13 World Cup games (0.85/game). It’s the best ratio among the 32 teams taking part in 2014.
• Croatia’s last nine World Cup games have produced six red cards.
• Brazil won their one previous competitive meeting with Croatia 1-0 in the 2006 World Cup; Kaka scored the winner in Berlin that day.
• Croatia have only conceded 11 goals in 13 World Cup games (0.85/game). It’s the best ratio among the 32 teams taking part in 2014.
• Croatia’s last nine World Cup games have produced six red cards.
• Brazil won their one previous competitive meeting with Croatia 1-0 in the 2006 World Cup; Kaka scored the winner in Berlin that day.
