Brazil v Croatia: World Cup 2014 match preview live stream, start time

THE wait is about to end. In a few hours, millions, if not billions, will tune in to the Greatest Show on Earth!

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil is set to kick off with home nation Brazil facing Croatia in the first Group A match.Both teams have looked impressive in friendlies but expectations amd pressure will be high for Brazil.

Click Here To Watch Live Stream Brazil vs Croitia

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Brazil v Croatia
Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo
Kick-off: 21.00 BST.
TV: ITV.

Brazil (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Cesar; Alves, Luiz, Silva, Marcelo; Gustavo, Paulinho; Hulk, Oscar, Neymar; Fred.

Croatia (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Pletikosa; Srna, Lovren, Corluka, Pranjic; Vukojevic, Modric; Perisic, Rakitic, Kovacic; Olic.
Out: Mandzukic (suspended).

Croatia

Under Slaven Bilic, Croatia was a formidable team. Bilic has since left and now the team is being coached by former Croatian player Niko Kovac.

Croatia may be a small country but when it comes to football talent, they have lots of players who are capable of being world beaters! In 1998, they surprised all by finishing third. Can they do it again?

In goal, veteran stopper Stipe Pletikosa will have a busy time thwarting the likes of Neymar, Fred and Hulk. Dejan Lovren, who had a decent campaign with Southampton will be the key centre-back for Croatia and he will most likely be partnered by Vedran Corluka who at age 28, is one of the most experienced players in the side. Captain Darijo Srna and Danijel Pranjic will serve as the wingbacks.

Croatia is most likely to play a 4-3-3 formation just like Brazil. Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric and Brazilian-born Sammir will form the midfield trident. Modric will orchestrate the midfield while Kovacic and Sammir will assume the roles of pivot but expect Kovacic to perform attacking duties as well.

Sevilla’s Ivan Rakitic and maybe, Ivica Olic will assume the roles of second attackers. If Olic is not playing, then Ivan Perisic might take his place.

Mario Mandzukic will be important for Croatia and the likes of Luiz and Silva will have to be alert when facing the Bayern Munich forward.

Likely Line-Ups:

Bleacher Report

Likely Starting Line-ups for Brazil vs. Croatia

Prediction

Home ground advantage will be key for Brazil as they look to win their first game at the Corinthians Arena. Pressure will be high but the Brazilian players will have what it takes to win this game. Croatia is stiff opposition but I don’t see them brushing past the Brazilians. The battle will be in attack and if you ask me, Brazilian “samba” skills will trounce the usually reliable Croatian technical approach. Scoreline? Brazil to nick this first game 3-1.