The biggest footballing spectacle is finally here as world cup 2014 starts. As the tournament host, Brazil gets the chance to play the opener against Croatia who are no pushovers. The samba boys are expected to run over the Croatians but believe you us it will not be a cakewalk.
CROATIA: The Croatians have been in top form coming into the tournament and their team is built around the likes of Ivan Rakitic, Ivica Olic and Luka Modric, the Real Madrid man considered one of the best midfielders in Europe. The Croatian midfield will have to stop the attacking flair of Brazilians. The Croatians prefer a 4-2-3-1 with Eduardo or Nikica Jelavic on top, replacing the suspended Mario Mandzukic and Modric in a central role. The absence of Mario Mandzukic is a major blow for head coach Niko Kovac’s side. The attacking duo of Olic and Persic will look to provide width and quality crosses bringing the attackers into play.Their defence does not boast of household names but likes of Vedran Corluka and Darijo Srna are potent enough. The task of stopping Neymar will rest on the shoulder of Dejan Lovren. Croatians fullbacks must make overlapping runs to support their wingers and provide width even if they run the risk of leaving pockets of space behind for their opponent.
BRAZIL: The host nation comes into the tournament on back of a sizzling display in the Confederations Cup where they annihilated teams. The Brazilians just like their opponents prefer the tried and tested 4-2-3-1. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has not changed the system neither the team preferring a young side that destroyed Spain in the Confed Cup final.
The core of the team is attacking quartet of Neymar, Hulk, Fred and Oscar. Neymar, the man with a hundred unfinished haircuts has the hopes of entire country resting on him. His form will decide the outcome of this match and to some extent the tournament. Brazilians look strong in every department with Thiago Silva and David Luiz in defence, Marcelo and Dani Alves who are known for their attack more than defence. An important cog in Brazilian wheel is Luis Gustavo who will look to break up play and keep possession.
PREDICTION LINEUP:
Brazil (4-2-3-1): Julio Cesar, Marcelo, David Luiz, Thiago Silva, Dani Alves, Paulinho, Luiz Gustavo, Neymar, Oscar, Hulk, Fred.
Croatia (4-2-3-1): Stipe Pletikosa, Danijel Pranjic, Dejan Lovren, Vedran Corluka, Darijo Srna, Ivan Rakitic, Ognjen Vukojevic, Luka Modric, Ivica Olic, Nikica Jelavic, Ivan Perisic.
MATCH PREDICTION: The last time these two nations met was at the 2006 World Cup where a wonder strike from a certain Kaka helped Brazil to a solitary goal win. This time around Brazil might struggle initially again but would overcome Croats at the end, though an early Croat goal might spice up things.
FUll TIME SCORE: BRAZIL 2 CROATIA 0
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