Brazil will play Croatia in the opening game of the FIFA World Cup 2014 soccer tournament on Thursday. Brazil will be favorites to claim the win, but Croatia have a talented team too and will be looking to cause an upset. Today's Group A game will start at 4 p.m. ET and can be watched on TV on the ESPN network or online through free live stream (details below).
(PHOTO: REUTERS/JOEDSON ALVES)
FIFA President Sepp Blatter (R) and Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff pose with the World Cup trophy during a ceremony at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia June 2, 2014.
The opening game of the World Cup has a tradition of holding a surprise or two, and Croatia will be desperate to add to the number of upsets that have taken place in the tournament opener.
Croatia coach Niko Kovac said on Wednesday that he believes his team can provide a "historic result." He believes that although Brazil are favorites to win the game and Group A for that matter, he feels that no other team would look forward to playing his side either.
He said, "They are not going to have it easy against Croatia. We are a tricky side and I am sure that we will show that and demonstrate that tomorrow," according to The Associated Press.
Most Croatia fans would be satisfied with a draw from today's game. If they can claim a point it would put them in a strong position with games against Mexico and Cameroon coming up. They will feel confident that they can defeat both of those teams if they play to their potential.
Croatia captain Darijo Srna has added, "I can't promise that we will beat Brazil but I can promise that we will give our all, to the last atom of strength."
Brazil though are the most successful nation in world football, having claimed the World Cup a record five times. With the World Cup taking place in their home country this year, they will be confident they can make it six World Cup titles in 2014.
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