World Cup hosts Brazil are expected to face Croatia with the same starting line-up that beat Spain in last summer’s Confederations Cup final.
That means playmaker Oscar is likely to start despite his recent poor form and a Brazilian media lobby for his Chelsea team-mate Willian.
Croatia are without suspended striker Mario Mandzukic, so Nikica Jelavic or Eduardo will deputise.
Sime Vrsaljko will play at left-back in place of the injured Danijel Pranjic.
Croatia made a last-minute change to their squad on Wednesday, with Milan Badelj replacing injured midfielder Ivan Mocinic.
MATCH PREVIEW
After 820 qualifying matches involving 202 teams, the nation synonymous with the beautiful game is finally ready, just, to host football’s greatest event.
For all the legitimate arguments about whether the cost of the most expensive World Cup in history would have been better spent on more pressing needs, the Brazilian obsession with football will surely dictate that passionate protests will be largely replaced by fervent support if the national team hit the ground running.
World Cup hosts Brazil are expected to face Croatia with the same starting line-up that beat Spain in last summer’s Confederations Cup final.
That means playmaker Oscar is likely to start despite his recent poor form and a Brazilian media lobby for his Chelsea team-mate Willian.
Croatia are without suspended striker Mario Mandzukic, so Nikica Jelavic or Eduardo will deputise.
Sime Vrsaljko will play at left-back in place of the injured Danijel Pranjic.
Croatia made a last-minute change to their squad on Wednesday, with Milan Badelj replacing injured midfielder Ivan Mocinic.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The hosts are almost unbeatable at home, won the Confederations Cup last summer, and are loaded with talent, as usual. Nothing less than a World Cup title a month from now will satisfy the fans, at least those who are not actively protesting the tournament.
Croatia will hope to emulate Senegal in 2002 (over France) and Cameroon in 1990 (over Argentina) by pulling off an opening-game upset.
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WHAT’S AT STAKE
Brazil is very, very unlikely not to qualify for the knockout stages, even with a stumble today. Croatia would love a point from a draw, but realistically its fate will be determined in matches against Mexico and Cameroon later on.
WHEN IS THE MATCH?
June 12, 2014 at 4 p.m. ET
WHERE IS THE MATCH?
Arena de São Paulo, São Paulo
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