As is the case every World Cup, the 2014 edition will undoubtedly bring about the best soccer the world has seen in the past four years. This year’s tournament will take place in Brazil and, as such, will see the host nation play the opening match on June 12th in Sao Paolo against Croatia.
Being one of the favorites to lift the trophy at the conclusion of the completion, Brazil are expected to make quick work of Croatia and their other group opponents en route to finishing atop Group A. That said, Croatia are a tough team themselves and will not simply hand the game to the hosts.
Opening Match Preview
The first match of the World Cup rarely tends to shape up like everyone anticipates. More often than not, both teams are more concerned with working out the pre-match jitters than they are with imposing their will on their opponent. I do not think that this will be the case on June 12th simply because Brazil are a highly talented, highly experienced side who are generally accustomed to playing in front of massive crowds in massively important matches.
Team Brazil
Brazil’s style of play centers around what the world lovingly refers to as “the beautiful game.” The artistic style of play to which the Brazilians adhere is unmatched by most other teams and will see the South Americans pass and move at such a pace they will be in on net in the blink of an eye should a defense relax for even a single moment.
With names like Fred, Hulk, and Neymar heading the attack, it is hard to envision that any defense, especially those featured in Group A, will be able to prevent the back of the net from being found. Brazil’s talent and depth is not limited to the attacking third of the pitch either as both the midfield and defense are full of stars who play their club football at the highest levels in the world.
>> Bet on Brazil today at 5Dimes
Team Croatia
The Croatians do have a stout and experienced defense, but it will take a lot for them to outlast a Brazilian attack that is as potent as they come. Team captain Darijo Srna and up and coming youngster Dejan Lovren will have to play at and above the best of their ability for a full 90 minutes to have any chance of walking away with a point.
If we’re being realistic, Croatia have no chance of winning the opening match and only an extremely slight chance of drawing. Betfair lists Croatia at 12:1 odds of winning the opening match of the tournament while Brazil are heavy favorites at 1:3. A draw is not even very likely and is listed at 9:2 odds by Betfair.
>> Bet on Croatia today at 5Dimes
Brazil vs Croatia Betting Tip
To say that the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup is a David and Goliath style matchup would be a bit unfair, but it wouldn’t be too far from the truth. Croatia simply lack the talent and depth that will be present on the host nation’s bench and throughout the pitch.
To put things in perspective, 5Dimes currently lists Brazil at -2350 to advance out of Group A. Brazil are heavy favorites at 1:3 odds, and I think that a Brazil victory is the only possible outcome of this match. I strongly recommend placing a wager on Brazil to take all three points from the tournament’s opening contest.
I expect Brazil to score early and often en route to a comfortable opening match victory. They will thrive off the crowd’s energy and net at least two goals after 90 minutes. Betfair lists Over 2.5 goals at 11:10 odds and this is, in my opinion, a fairly safe bet. Croatia have more than a solid opportunity to net a goal, but the real possibility is that Brazil, by themselves, will net 2 or more goals.
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