World Cup 2014 Opening Match: Final Predictions for Brazil vs. Croatia

The 2014 World Cup gets underway with the host nation of Brazil facing off against Croatia. The Selecao are viewed as top contenders heading into the international showcase. Beginning their journey with a win would help calm any early tension.

Croatia has plenty on the line, as well. If Brazil does secure one of the berths in the knockout rounds from Group A, there will be one spot left for Mexico, Cameroon or the Vatreni. Even a draw against the host nation would be a key step in the right direction.

With that in mind, let's check out all of the important details for the highly anticipated first match of the month-long tournament. That's followed by a preview of the opening fixture along with predictions for the final score and the goal scorers.

Viewing Information

Where: Arena de Sao Paulo in Sao Paulo, Brazil

When: Thursday, June 12 at 4 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN.com

Preview

There are always nerves associated with starting a major tournament. Not only is the pressure to perform sky high, especially for Brazil, but the fact there's only three matches in the group stage means there's very little margin for error across the board.

Selecao manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has maintained confidence about his side's ability to raise the trophy on home soil. Vaishali Bhardwaj of Goal.com reported comments the coach made in the Times of India about the duty his players face:

"

When Brazil play in the World Cup, people expect them to win it. That's not extra pressure, but that's normal for a Brazilian fan, as well as for a Brazilian footballer. If you realize this, the job will be easier.

I know there are issues [with how the tournament has been organized]. People are not happy. We have a duty to make them happy by winning the cup for them.

"

Between playing in Brazil, a roster with a nice balance of young talent and reliable veterans and last year's Confederations Cup, there's plenty of reason for optimism. Yet, that can all go out the window really quick if the side doesn't take care of business in the opener.

It's up to Neymar to set the attacking tone while Thiago Silva does the same at the back. Though the tendency is to play it safe, Brazil must be the aggressor just like it was 12 months ago in the Confederations Cup when it opened with a convincing 3-0 win over Japan.

The Selecao certainly can't afford to look past Croatia. It's a side with a lot of international experience that will probably play a very defensive style with hopes of frustrating Brazil and getting at least a point out of the match.

Liviu Bird of SI.com believes the Vatreni are one of the most underrated sides heading into the tournament:

In order to prevent the match from becoming a total slow-paced grind, Brazil must push numbers forward inside the first 30 minutes searching for an early goal. A quick strike would open the match up and turn it decisively in its favor.

The effort starts in the middle with Oscar and Paulinho, among others. If they can win the battles in the middle of the pitch against a veteran Croatia group highlighted by Luka Modric, it will lead to the necessary chances for Neymar and Co. in the attacking third.

Ultimately, Brazil is the more complete side and that should shine through over the course of 90 minutes. It probably won't be the most exciting match of the tournament, but the host nation will find a way to emerge with all three points.

The Selecao will then be well on the road to finishing atop Group A while Croatia would need a very strong effort over the next two matches to advance.

Prediction: Brazil 2, Croatia 0 (Neymar, Oscar)