Brazil v Croatia World Cup Preview – Brazil 2/1 to win
Brazil will get their world cup underway on Thursday against Croatia with the weight of a nation on their shoulders.
The hosts are not only strong favourites to win a group containing Mexico and Cameroon in addition to the Croats but also firm favourites to claim a sixth title.
The new look Sao Paulo’s Arena Corinthians will host the game and Brazil will hope to avoid the faiths of France (2002) and Argentina (1990) as big names to lose in their opening matches.
Phil Scolari’s men will head into the clash in good form with 14 wins from their last 15 games. The only blot on the record book a 1-0 defeat away to Switzerland. The verde-amarela have won each of their last nine game scoring 30 goals in the process.
With the likes, Hulk, Oscar, Willian, Jo and Fred in their ranks they have plenty of ammunition to break down their European opponents whilst at the other end Marcelo, David Luiz, Thiago Silva and Dani Alves.
The key man for Brazil however is Barcelona forward Neymar. The 22 year old raised concerns in the camp midweek when reports emerged of an ankle problem however those fears have been allayed meaning the striker will lead the line on Thursday.
Croatia meanwhile will fancy their chances of securing the runners-up squad in the group although with players of the calibre of Luka Modric, Ivan Olic and Ivan Rakitic they have plenty to trouble the home favourites.
The Eastern Europeans sealed their place in the tournament through the UEFA play-offs, beating Iceland 2-0 over the two legs. Since then they have drawn 1 and won of their three games with their final game before the competition a 1-0 win over fellow participants Australia.
Brazil are unbeaten in their last 9 group games, winning 8 of them and they are strong favourites to extend that run against a side they beat in the 2006 tournament. Fancy a home win for the Brazilians?
