Brazil – Croatia

Exciting day for football fans around the globe, as the World Cup if finally upon us. The opening match will see hosts Brazil take on Croatia in Sao Paulo on June 12th, with the Selecao looking to make the first step towards the trophy.

Brazil apparently does not have the same star power like in the past, but Luis Felipe Scolari really put this team together and the hosts are playing arguably the best football in the world right now. The Confederations Cup triumph (3-0 against Spain in the final) showed what this team can do, and Brazil’s 15 wins in the last 16 games are showcasing excellent form – especially since 12 of those wins came by more than 1 goal. The hosts have a solid defensive line and great pace and versatility up front, so expect a strong display from them in the opening match. Still, it remains to be seen how the young players of Brazil will handle the enormous pressure that looms over their heads.

The Europeans have a very good side, disciplined and well organized, surely capable to surprise the best teams in the world on their day – albeit the talent in the squad is not quite at the level it used to be one decade ago. Croatia has not lost in the last 5 matches but did not look particularly impressive either, they will need to improve if they are to challenge Brazil in Sao Paolo.

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Team news & lineups

Brazil has a full squad to choose from, while Croatia will miss Mario Mandzukic and possibly Pranjic. The Bayern Munchen striker will be a huge loss, and Pranjic would also leave a big void on the left side of the defense if he fails to recover in time for the match.

Brazil: Cesar – Alves, Luiz, Silva, Marcelo – Gustavo, Paulinho – Hulk, Oscar, Neymar – Fred.

Croatia: Pletikosa – Srna, Lovren, Corluka, Vrsaljko – Vukojevic, Modric – Perisic, Rakitic, Kovacic – Olic.

At a first glance this is the kind of match in which I would bet on the underdog to cover a 1 goal handicap, but I`m not so sure about Croatia. They played poorly in the last two friendlies, they are not too good on counterattacks and will have a big absentee in Mario Mandzukic. Brazil is playing excellent football and it`s not just their ability to score: the hosts have an amazing back line and have allowed just one goal in the last 7 matches. I don`t see Croatia posing much of an offensive threat in this World Cup opener and I can surely see Brazil winning, so my tip is Brazil to win to nil. The odds are not the greatest, but are still worth backing. Prediction: Brazil – Croatia 2-0.

Pick: Brazil to win to nil
Odds: 1.80 @ Winner
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6.40
Event date: 12 June