Kindly Share This Story:With the likes of Neymar, Daniel Alves, Silva, Hulk and Willian in the side, few would bet against Brazil beating Croatia in the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. History favours the hosts in the group stage of the World Cup. They have played all the other three sides in the past. Brazil’s opponent in the opening match, Croatia, were their opponents in their first game in Germany in 2006 and a solitary Kaka goal made the difference. Brazil also come into football’s showpiece event with some momentum behind them after winning the FIFA Confederations Cup. They outclassed defending World and Euro champions Spain 3-0 in the final. In their recent friendlies, Brazil have been rampant in victories. But against Croatia, a side that have always had great individual players but whose ability to gel as a team haves always been questioned, it will not be a stroll in the park for the five-time winners. With new coach Niko Kovac at the helm, one can be rest assured Croatia will bring some dogged determination to the pitch. The former Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburg and Bayern Munich defensive midfielder is well known for his steel, his…