Brazil - Croatia
World Cup, Group A
12 June 2014, 17:00 (22:00 Croatian time)
Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo.

After months of preparation, the World Cup is about to begin, with Croatian national football team having the privilege to open the tournament against the ambitious hosts.

Croatia secured World Cup berth finishing second to Belgium in the qualifying group, and winning the play-offs against Iceland 2:0 on aggregate. In the subsequent international friendlies, Croatia drew 2:2 with Switzerland while beating Mali (2:1) and Australia (1:0).

"The preparations have been done with utmost seriousness in order to avoid surprises. In this historic match, we will not give up, an I can assure you that Croatian will be proud", said Croatia head coach Niko Kovač after finishing a series of strenuous practice sessions in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Austria and Tivoli Ecoresort base camp in Brazil.

Sent off against Iceland, Mario Mandžukić is suspended for the opening match, and Šime Vrsaljko will cover the left-back position with Danijel Pranjić ruled out through injury.

Brazil is one of the favourites to win the World Cup title, and backed by home crowd, this match presents a great challenge for Croatia. One that captain Darijo Srna and his teammates welcome:

"It is a great day to open the World Cup against Brazil, I believe that all Croatians will enjoy that. We are playing one of the best teams in the world, but in football, the better team does not always win. Miracles are possible, and I can promise that each and every player will fight and give all that we have".

The referee Yuichi Nichimura comes from Japan.

In Group A, Croatia will later play Cameroon in Manaus and Mexico in Recife.