Host country Brazil, opens up the 2014 World Cup with a Group A match versus Croatia. History is on Brazil’s side as host countries are a combined 14-0-6 over the last 20 World Cups. I expect an exciting match to open the 2014 World Cup as favorite Brazil has some of the best players in the world on their team including Neymar, Fred and Oscar. Look for these players to be anxious to impress their home fans in this opener, pushing the pace early and often. Adrenaline will be pumping and the energy will be at an all time high as the players and fans have been waiting four years for this moment. This could lead to some cautious play early as both teams will be trying to feel each other out.
Low scoring matches are commonplace in World Cup history, in 8 of the past 12 opening matches, only one goal was produced. This bodes well for Croatia as well. Over their last 13 World Cup matches, Croatia has only surrendered a historically low 11 goals.
The last time these two countries met in the World Cup was in group play in 2006. In that match, Brazil won 1-0 with the winning goal scored by Kaka. In that match, Croatia was blessed with great net play by goalkeeper, Stipe Pletikosa. Pletikosa was fantastic in net that day and eight years later he will have to be even better. Pletikosa believes he can by telling India.com, “If I ever had feared any forwards that fear disappeared in the match against Brazil at the 2006 World Cup when I had against me players like, Ronaldo, Kaka, Adriano and Ronaldinho.”
While it’s true, this year’s Brazilian team is missing the likes of Rolando, Kaka, Adriano and Ronaldinho, this year’s Samba superstars may be even more formidable with the likes of Neymar, Fred, Oscar and Hulk. One glaring difference in this year’s Croatia team is that their defense, once thought to be a strong suit eight years ago, is significantly weaker. Couple the weak defense with injuries to Pranjic, Strinic and suspension to star, Mario Mandzukic, the Croatian offense will be lacking as well.
Expect a slow start to the match as nerves and adrenaline will get the better of everyone. I anticipate that the Brazilian players will be trying to do too much early on in order to dazzle their home fans. If Croatia scores, it will have to be early in the match. It is the only chance they have of winning the match. Expect Brazil to get into the flow of the game and start playing more fluidly by the 30 minute mark. With that said I expect a rough final 60 minutes for Croatia and goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa. Watch for Neymar as expectations will be at an all time high and everyone will be waiting to see if he lives up to the hype surrounding him. Also watch for Croatian Midfielder, Luka Modric. With Mandzukic suspended, Modric will take center stage for Croatia. He is attack minded and might be able to find the net.
My prediction: Croatia scores early, but once Brazil’s nerves dissipate, the flood gates open. Game ends 3-1 Brazil.
Betting odds courtesy of Bovada.lv:
Brazil – 1.5 (Even) -375 Moneyline
Croatia +1.5 (-120) +1000 Moneyline
Draw +475
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