As the host nation, Brazil qualified for participation in the 2014 World Cup automatically. This will be Brazil's 20th appearance in the World Cup, they are the only team to have participated in every World Cup. Brazil is the nation with the most success in World Cup history. Their total of 5 titles is one better than Italy's 3. Despite their relative dominance on the world stage, Brazil has only 2 titles from a major competition in the last 10 years. The Confederations Cup back in 2009, in which it defeated the United States 3-2 in the final and the 2013 Confederations Cup. Their last triumph in the World Cup came in 2002. The expectations are as high as they can be for this years Brazilian squad. They are always expected to win, but even more so this time around with the tournament being held on their own soil. Their world ranking may be 3rd, but they are the favorite for World Cup glory.
Croatia qualified for the tournament by finishing 2nd in their qualifying group behind Belgium. This will be the Croatian's 4th appearance in the World Cup finals. Their best result came in 1998 in the form of a surprise 3rd place finish. This time around the Croatian squad has high hopes for progressing out of the group stage, and they certainly have the talent to do so. Coming in with a world ranking of 18, the Croatians have the ability to make a deep cup run. However, they are missing their best goal threat, Mario Mandzukic, for the 1st game due to a suspension he picked up during qualifying. In a group with Brazil, Mexico, and Cameroon, Croatia will be looking to escape with second place in group A.
Players to Watch:
Brazil
Neymar Jr. (Foward) - As the face of this Brazilian squad, Neymar will look to light up his home country with his brilliance. His quick feet and ability to manipulate the ball make him the most dangerous attacking player on this Brazilian team.
Dani Alves (Fullback) - Alves is a fullback who spends long periods of the game in the attacking half. He loves to get forward and is quite capable on the ball. Despite his listing as a defender, Alves is an extremely dangerous attacking option. He has been scoring goals all season for his club team, I wouldn't be surprised to see him score a couple times this tournament.
Croatia
Luka Modric (Midfielder) - Modric is coming off of one of his best seasons ever at Real Madrid. He pulls the strings in the middle of the park, everything will go through this man. His pairing in the midfield with Ivan Rakitic will be vital for Croatia's success at this tournament.
Darijo Srna (Fullback) - Srna is the heart and soul of the Croatian side. As the team captain, this veteran player will look to inspire his side in anyway he can. His defensive match ups with the wingers of Brazil will be crucial for Croatian success in this game.
Game Prediction:
I think that Brazil is going to come out on fire in this game. If Croatia is unable to weather the storm for the first 30 minutes it will be tough for them to come away with anything from this game. Especially without star frontman, Mandzukic. Croatia will come into the game playing defensive minded. They are going to try and come away with at least a point from this fixture. Brazil will attack with confidence. In front of their home fans, they are going to want to put on a show.
Score Prediction:
Brazil 3 Croatia 1
Check back after the game for post match analysis!
By: Joey Fishbein
No comments:
Post a Comment