Brazil's lineup is pretty much as everybody expected as they take on Croatia in the opening game of the 2014 World Cup, with Fred leading the line backed up by Neymar, Hulk and Oscar.
Brazil vs. Croatia, World Cup 2014: Lineups
Brazil name their expected lineup as they face Croatia in the opening game of the 2014 World Cup, with Neymar, Fred and Hulk the front four supported by Oscar. Croatia spring a surprise, however, starting the 20-year-old Mateo Kovacic in midfield.
Buda Mendes
Paulinho and Luiz Gustavo are in midfield for the Brazilians, while Thiago Silva and David Luiz are the centre-back pairing. It’s the lineup we knew we’d all get, and it’s the lineup that Brazil will be hoping can win them the World Cup.
Croatia, meanwhile, opt to start the 20-year-old Mateo Kovacic in midfield ahead of the more experienced Ognjen Vukojevic. With Mario Mandzukic suspended, Nikica Jelavic starts up front in his stead, with Ivan Perisic and Ivica Olic on the wings.
Brazil starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Julio César; Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo; Paulinho, Luiz Gustavo; Hulk, Oscar, Neymar; Fred.
Croatia starting lineup (4-3-3): Stipe Pletikosa, Darijo Srna, Vedran Corluka, Dejan Lovren, Sime Vrsaljko; Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic; Ivan Perisic, Nikica Jelavic, Ivica Olic.
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