Brazil vs Croatia : Preview and Predicted Lineups – FIFA WC Match 1

Brazil take on Croatia in inaugural match of The FIFA World Cup 2014.

Brazil and Croatia have met two times before this and Brazil have won one and drew one. The recent encounter between these two sides was in FIFA World Cup 2006 and Brazil were 1-0 winners in the tournament held in Germany.

Brazil were involved in two friendly matches before the World Cup and they won both ht match with ease. They defeated Panama by scoreline of 4-0 and then later won Serbia by a goal and keeping the clean sheet.

Croatia on the other hand were also involved in couple of friendly match and they won both the match by a goal. They defeated Mali by 2-1 and then later defeated their fellow World Cup 2014 participant Australia by 1-0.

Team News:

Brazil have no injury concerns bu Luiz Felipe Scolari will have to be bold in making team selection. He prefers having Luiz over Dante and might remain  the same. Paulinho and Gustavo will be handling the defensive midfield ahead of Ramires and Willian is missing out with Oscar, Neymar and Hulk in attacking midfield trio behind Fred.

Croatia have couple of problems in the team selection as their Star striker Mario Mandzukic is unavailable for selection after being sent off in last match of the play-offs. Ivica Olic is expected to lead the attack in absence of Bayern Munich forward. With Daniel Pranjic a huge doubt, Sime Arsaljko might start at the left back position.

Predicted Lineups:

Brazil:

Formation: 4 – 2 – 3 – 1

Julio Cesar (GK) : Dani Alves, David Luiz, Thiago Silva (C) , Marcelo: Luiz Gustavo, Paulinho: Hulk, Oscar, Neymar: Fred

Croatia:

Formation: 4 – 2 – 3 – 1

Stipe Pletikosa (GK) : Darijo Srna (C), Vedran Corluka, Dejan Lovren, Sime Vrsaljko: Ognjen Vukojevic, Luka Modric: Ivan Persic, Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic: Ivica Olic

 

Match Facts:

• Croatia are yet to win Brazil in an International Match.

• There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 10 of Brazil’s last 12 games in FIFA World Cup.