A very competitive matchup to kick things off. Scolari probably wishes they had an easier start because I think Croatia can cause them a lot of problems although they will miss Mandzukic.
I'm guessing a draw
I'm guessing a draw
Day 1: Brazil vs. Croatia
- Thread starter gooDevil
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2-0 Brazil, as much as I'd like Croatia to upset the world.
I hope Croatia score an early goal and rock the apple cart a little bit. Would make for an interesting opening game anyway.
Who will Croatia start upfront?
Probably Jelavic because he's decent at hold up play.
Since Mandzukic is suspended, I think Jelavic too.
Seeing Croatia get something out of this more & more, I definitely fancy their chances!
3-1 to Brazil, expect Neymar to have a huge influence just as he did in the Confederations cup.
Just got Croatia at 14/1 with a free £5 bet from Bet365, but have also got two £10 bets on Brazil to win the whole thing. 
2-0.
I don't think this will be the walk over everyone expects, but the host nation has never lost their opening World Cup game and that stat won't change tonight. Croatia have a brilliant midfield but lack quality in other areas, particularly up front with Mandzukic suspended. They'll probably go with Jelavic or even Eduardo up front, I don't rate either of them as being able to cause the Brazilian defence much trouble.
Should be a cracking game. I'm so excited for this World Cup after the complete letdown of 2010.
I don't think this will be the walk over everyone expects, but the host nation has never lost their opening World Cup game and that stat won't change tonight. Croatia have a brilliant midfield but lack quality in other areas, particularly up front with Mandzukic suspended. They'll probably go with Jelavic or even Eduardo up front, I don't rate either of them as being able to cause the Brazilian defence much trouble.
Should be a cracking game. I'm so excited for this World Cup after the complete letdown of 2010.
2-0 Brasil, Paulinho and Neymar.
So excited for this. Game kicks off at 9pm, right? When does the coverage begin on whatever channel is showing the game?
game times in nz are perfect. 8am kick offs etc
bookies love people who bet on football, its easy money for the bookies
If you live in the UK ,unfortunately it's on ITV starting at 7pm
I seem to remember a lot of player reactions to the Jabulani ahead of it's use in the South African World Cup and how much it behaved like a beach ball when struck. Haven't come across much regarding the Brazuca that boasts being the most tested ball by adidas, ever, has anyone else?
Is it only 4 hours to go before opening ceremony? 
Time flies, doesn't it? Can't believe it's World Cup time already.Is it only 4 hours to go before opening ceremony?
Certainly is!Is it only 4 hours to go before opening ceremony?
Heard it's supposed to be stable, so not so much knucklers perhaps.I seem to remember a lot of player reactions to the Jabulani ahead of it's use in the South African World Cup and how much it behaved like a beach ball when struck. Haven't come across much regarding the Brazuca that boasts being the most tested ball by adidas, ever, has anyone else?
Midfield 3 of Rakitic, Modric and Kovavic is probably the 2nd or 3rd strongest in the whole competition - big threat and stronger than Brazils for sure, obviously Mandzukic misses this game but when he comes back in they'll be hard to stop and would be my darkhorses to make the last 8.
I think anything but a Brazil win tonight is wishful thinking. Brazil are very strong at home, as they proved last year.
2-0 Brazil at least tonight. They will thrive under the pressure IMO.
2-0 Brazil at least tonight. They will thrive under the pressure IMO.
They made the grooves where the stitches are deeper so the ball is more aerodynamic. Will the reduce the crazy swerve that was a problem with previous balls.I seem to remember a lot of player reactions to the Jabulani ahead of it's use in the South African World Cup and how much it behaved like a beach ball when struck. Haven't come across much regarding the Brazuca that boasts being the most tested ball by adidas, ever, has anyone else?
50 quid on 12 -1 craotia.
When the teams out lads?
When the teams out lads?
Who will play midfield for Brazil? Will both teams choose a cautious line up for first game or both attack and go for it and entertain the crowd?
12-1 to Croatia? The return on that must be in the millions!
Can't wait for this all to kick off now, bit of a shame there's only one match today though.
I went with Croatia to lead at halftime at 11.8-1
I think that`s more likely then them holding off Brazil for 90. That said, this Brazil team seem to always score first.
I think that`s more likely then them holding off Brazil for 90. That said, this Brazil team seem to always score first.
2nd or 3rd best midfield in the competition? Don't think so, sorry...
Already buzzing. If we somehow win tomorrow at work should be interesting. Sun glasses and a black, black coffee to get me somehow working.
Which are better?
2nd or 3rd best is a bit of exaggeration, but 5th best certainly if not 4th.
Make that two.Is it only 4 hours to go before opening ceremony?
Who is better?
You have Germany, France, Brazil, Italy and Spain.
Rakitic and Modric (this past season) have been as good as any CM's from those national teams.
Brasil's midfield isnt better. On paper certainly not.
Spain and Germany midfield is better and Italy is 50/50 with us I think.
And we're better than France's midfield, that's my opinion anyway.
Where will teams be announced first?
Yeah, I agree with you to be honest. I think you might just edge Italy's midfield as well.
Our midfield looks great on paper. I hope it will look good in action too.
Which Brazilian player is best equipped to combat Kovacic?
4th or 5th is more realistic, I agree.Which are better?
2nd or 3rd best is a bit of exaggeration, but 5th best certainly if not 4th.
I wish that the games were all shown on BBC and ITV and you could choose. It's a tricky situation anyway. I can't stand Lawrenson or Shearer but i enjoy the foreign pundits BBC get. I can't stand Chiles but i like Dixon and Keane on ITV.
Agreed, I see only Spain, Germany, and Italy having an equal or perhaps better CM. Spain's is better, Germany's possibly better, Italy about even. I think Brazil's CM is worse than Croatia's. Gustavo is too limited offensively.
edit:
France's looks pretty good too.
edit:
France's looks pretty good too.
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