Brazil v Croatia
Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo
Kick-off: 1.30 am Sri Lankan time
Referee: Yuichi Nishimura (Japan).
Head-to-head record:
Played 2 Brazil Wins 1 Draws 1
Neymar has recovered from a training ground knock that left an entire nation holding its breath and is likely to start on the left in Scolari's typical 4-2-3-1 formation with Hulk on the opposite side and Fred playing as a lone striker.
Much has been said about the loss of form of Chelsea's Oscar, and Scolari will be hoping that the youngster regains his form soon.If his dip continues, another Stamford Bridge star, Willian, can be called upon.
Croatia could suffer from the absence of Mario Mandzukic, who is suspended following his red card in the play-off game against Iceland back in November. One man in their squad was born and bred in Brazil. Eduardo has played for Croatia for a long time, though he admitted recently he might even sing both national anthems.
- In the build-up to the World Cup, Brazil averaged 2.58 goals per game, scoring two or more goals in 84 per cent of those matches.
- Brazil won their one previous competitive meeting with Croatia 1-0 in the 2006 World Cup; Kaka scored the winner in Berlin that day.
- 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).
- The host nation has never lost their opening World Cup game, with the 20 previous hosts winning 14 and drawing six of their openers.
Source: The Guardian and the Telegraph
