Both teams are in Group A (together with Mexico and Cameroon). And to be honest, nobody expects Brazil to fail at the first hurdle.
Let's have a closer look at the different teams:
- Brazil are clearly favourites to top this team. They have the reputation, the experience, the bookmaker's backing, the home crowd and practically history behind them.
They also have a very large selection, some healthy competition for certain places and they are extremely gifted in the technical department.
The only worries are in goal and the central attacking position.
Player to watch: Neymar
- Croatia are probably going to finish second in Group A, which should see them through to the next round. They don't have any big star players anymore (like in the past with Davor Suker) but they have the experience of previous World and European Cups. Only downside might be the inexperience of the current trainer, Niko Kovac.
Player to watch: Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Rakitic
- Mexico have a a rough time qualifying, needing a whopping 47 different players to secure their place in Group A.
They have a solid defense (playing with 5 people in the back) but their striking abilities are relatively limited.
Because of the lack of a clearly-defined team, there might be problems with cooperation between the players on the field. They only have one week to solve that.
Player to watch: Oribe Peralta and Javier Hernandez.
- Cameroon: forget the team that played so well in the last century (1990), this Cameroon is only a shadow of its former self. There is no Roger Milla anymore.
They do have a good defense and an excellent goalkeeper (Charles Itandje) but they have trouble scoring.
And to be honest, they miss creativity in midfield.
Player to watch: Chelsea's Samuel Oto'o
Our prediction:
1. Brazil
2. Kroatia
3. Mexico
4. Cameroon
What do you think?
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