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The interminable wait will end on 12 June 2014 – the date on which the 2014 World Cup finally kicks off. And this opener between the Seleçao and the Croats already promises to be a huge match. It has to be said that despite their clear technical superiority, the Brazilians will have to manage the pressure of the Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, added to the expectations of an entire nation… And against the “Vatreni” (Blazers) who will be relying on their impressive attack (Modrić, Rakitic, Eduardo, etc.), Neymar’s men know that they’ll pay a high price for any hesitation. Will the Brazilians already take a big step towards the last 16 by dominating their main opponents in Group A?
The key points of the match
The Seleçao always led at half-time before winning its four matches at the 2013 Confederations Cup!
The Croatian central defensive pairing of Ćorluka and Lovren is quite slow and will really suffer against dynamic players such as Neymar and Oscar.
Croatia showed its shortcomings against every nation it faced in 2013/2014 and comes to the World Cup riddled with doubts.
Croatian coach Niko Kovač has only been with his squad for five matches before the start of this World Cup. Not really enough before embarking on such an important event…
Our Prediction for Brazil Croatia
The Brazilians will be keen to make the best possible start in order to dispel the pressure of this opening match and have already proven their ability to control their emotions at the Confederations’ Cup. Against a Croatian side that’s somewhat pedestrian in defence, the Seleçao should logically lead at half-time before pocketing their first three points!
Agencies/Canadajournal
