With the likes of Neymar, Daniel Alves, Silva, Hulk   and Willian in the side, few would bet against Brazil beating Croatia in the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

History favours the hosts in the group stage of the World Cup. They have played all the other three sides in the past. Brazil’s opponent in the opening match, Croatia, were their opponents in their first game in Germany in 2006 and a solitary Kaka goal made the difference.

Brazil also come into football’s showpiece event with some momentum behind them after winning the FIFA Confederations Cup. They outclassed defending World and Euro champions Spain 3-0 in the final. In their recent friendlies, Brazil have been rampant in victories.

But against Croatia, a side that have always had great individual players but whose ability to gel as a team haves always been questioned, it will not be a stroll in the park for the five-time winners.

With new coach Niko Kovac at the helm, one can be rest assured Croatia will bring some dogged determination to the pitch.

The former Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburg and Bayern Munich defensive midfielder is well known for his steel, his spirit and leadership. Croatia also has some big names like Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic, all of whom have had a brilliant season for their respective European clubs. Modric starred for Real Madrid in their ‘La Decima’, 10th European Cup, winning season.

Mandzukic was prolific for a Bayern team that did the domestic double and reached the semifinals of the Champions Legaue, beaten by the eventual champions. The biggest find for Croatia, though, was Rakitic. The midfielder played a starring role for Spanish side Sevilla, who beat Benfica to lift the Europa League trophy.

Croatia will also have the services of former Bayern Munich veteran Ivica Olic. But the injury to Niko Kranjcar comes as a huge set-back for Croatia. He injured himself while playing for Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League and has been ruled out of the World Cup.

Brazil will have the crowd and perhaps more global sentiment to kick off well with a victory. That may reduce the protests against the event in Brazil and set the stage for memorable World Cup.

The spectacle begins on Thursday.