The wait is over. The World Cup kicks off with the host nation, Brazil, facing up to regular dark horses, Croatia.
The tournament favourites lineup as expected, with the likes of David Luiz, Oscar and Paulinho the familiar names alongside Neymar – the Barcelona starlet sports the armband for Fantasy managers far and wide this evening.
The Croatians have the talent to ensure that tonight’s opener will be a cracker, although the loss of striker Mario Mandžukić to suspension for their first group match is a major blow. Hull City’s Nikica Jelavic leads the line for European side, while Šime Vrsaljko is perhaps the surprise inclusion in their lineup as Danijel Pranjić drops to the bench to make way.
Brazil: Julio Cesar, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, Luiz, Marcelo, Paulinho, Gustavo, Hulk, Oscar, Neymar, Fred.
Croatia: Pletikosa, Srna, Corluka, Lovren, Vrsaljko, Modric, Rakitic, Perisic, Kovacic, Olic, Jelavic.
