After a long wait of anticipation, tonight the world would focus on brazil, as they get the 2014 world cup underway.
Tonight the host brazil kick off the opening fixture against croatia in sao paulo (Referee: Y. Nishimura) and are highly favoured to win.
When Neymar hit the ground during training on Tuesday, it appeared as though the nightmare build-up to Brazil’s first home World Cup in 64 years had carried over onto the field as well. But the news that the Barcelona ace suffered no lasting injury to his left ankle after his awakward fall will have come as a massive relief to coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.
The result is that the Selecao will likely take to the field against Croatia on Thursday with the same XI which lined up in four of the five matches last summer as the host nation claimed Confederations Cup glory. Neymar will take up his usual spot just behind Fred, joining Oscar and Hulk in attacking midfield positions as part of a settled line-up.
Croatia boss Niko Kovac has no such luxuries, with Danijel Pranjic unlikely to start after he picked up a nasty ankle injury in the final warm-up fixture against Australia in Salvador at the weekend.
Who will carry the day?
BRAZIL Julio Ceser David Luiz• Tiago Silver• Dani Alves• Marcelo Luiz Gustavo• Fernandinho• Oscar Neymer• Hulk• Fred
CROATIA Danijel Subasic Vedran Corluka• Dejan Lovren• Darijo Srna• Pranjic Luka Modric• Ivan Rakitic• Kovacic• Perisic Eduado• Mario Mandzukic
Common sense is indeed not common.
Posted: at 12-06-2014 04:50 PM (9 years ago) | Hero
Hundredsof thousands of fans are gathered today to witness the worlds biggest soccer event kick off in brazil. Opening Ceremony Time:2 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. BST Match Kick-off Time: 4 p.m. ET, 9 p.m.BST
Do You Know?
The host nation has never lost their opening World Cup game, with the 20 previous hosts winning 14 and drawing six of their openers.
Brazil's one previous tournament as hosts saw them defeat fellow 2014 Group A members Mexico 4-0 in their opening game (1950).
Eight of the last 12 opening matches at World Cups have produced one goal or less.
Brazil are taking part in their 20th World Cup. They are the only team to have taken part in every single tournament.
A Selecao have won the most games (67) and scored the most goals (210) at the World Cup.
Brazil have won eight of their last nine World Cup games in the group stages (1 draw). Their last defeat dates back to 23 June 1998 against Norway (1-2).
Croatia have only conceded 11 goals in 13 World Cup games (0.85/game). It's the best ratio among the 32 teams taking part in 2014.
Croatia's last nine World Cup games have produced six red cards.
Brazil won their one previous competitive meeting with Croatia 1-0 in the 2006 World Cup; Kaka scored the winner in Berlin that day.
Common sense is indeed not common.
Posted: at 12-06-2014 04:58 PM (9 years ago) | Hero
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