Brazil v Croatia odds : Get Neymar to score anytime, betting tips plus match preview
The latest Brazil v Croatia odds, latest betting tips and free bets to use as Paddy Power announce they are going 4/1 on Neymar to score anytime during the game, a bet which is sure to prove very popular with punters and fans alike.
Much is expected of the Brazilian superstar coming into the tournament, and despite a indifferent start to his Barcelona career, the former Santos man is sure to feel much less pressure playing in front of his own people.
The 4/1 really is a massive price – lets not forget Neymnar is the favourite for the Top Goalscorer at the time of writing!
The wait is no longer, the 2014 World Cup is finally here with the hosts Brazil kicking the tournament off against Croatia. Brazil have incredibly won their last nine matches going into the World Cup, conceding just twice in the process as the side looks to meet expectations.
Since naming their squad, Scolari’s side have thrashed Panama 4-0, before a less than convincing 1-0 win over Serbia last Friday.
Croatia themselves are unbeaten since the appointment of former midfielder Niko Kovac, edging two World Cup warm-up matches against Mali and Australia.
The pair have only met twice before with Brazil winning one and the other ending all square, while their last meeting was in the 2006 World Cup, where Kaka scored a superb winner for the Canarinho.
Both sides will be looking to make a good start in Group A, with Mexico and Cameroon to follow after their opening match.
World Cup best: Brazil five time winners (Last in 2002); Croatia third place (1998)
2010 World Cup: Brazil Quarter-finals; Croatia DNQ
Squads in full
Brazil
Goalkeepers: Jefferson; Julio César; Victor
Defenders: Dani Alves; Thiago Silva; David Luiz; Marcelo; Dante; Maxwell; Henrique; Maicon
Midfielders: Fernandinho; Paulinho; Oscar; Ramires; Luiz Gustavo; Hernanes; Willian; Bernard
Forwards: Hulk; Fred; Neymar; Jô
Croatia
Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa; Danijel Subasic; Oliver Zelenika
Defenders: Darijo Srna; Domagoj Vida; Sime Vrsaljko; Danijel Pranjic; Vedran Corluka; Dejan Lovren; Gordon Schindelfeld
Midfielders: Luka Modric; Ivan Rakitic; Mateo Kovacic; Marcelo Brozovic; Ognjen Vukojevic; Ivan Mocinic; Sammir
Forwards: Mario Mandzukic; Nikica Jelavic; Ivica Olic; Eduardo Da Silva; Ivan Perisic; Ante Rebic
Team news
Brazil are expected to name the same starting XI that beat Spain in the 2013 Confederations Cup final.
Fernandinho is pressing to start in central midfield ahead of either Paulinho or Luis Gustavo; however Luiz Felipe Scolari is unlikely to alter his side.
David Luiz will partner Thiago Silva in the heart of the Brazilian defence that has been so assured in recent months.
Mario Mandzukic is suspended for Croatia, following his dismissal in their World Cup qualification match with Iceland.
Hull City striker Nikica Jelavic is favourite to lead the line having scored the winner in a 1-0 friendly win over Australia.
Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic are two of the most skilful central midfielders in the world and Brazil will need to be at their best to stop the pair dictating the game.
Brazil (4-2-3-1): Cesar, Alves, Luiz, Silva, Marcelo, Paulinho, Luis Gustavo, Hulk, Oscar, Neymar, Fred
Croatia (4-5-1): Pletikosa, Srna, Corluka, Lovren, Pranjic, Eduardo, Rakitic, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic, Jelavic
