Brazil to face Croatia in WC opener
Expectations will be high on the hosts who will be aiming to win the trophy for the sixth time.
All eyes will be on defending champions Spain, the team that has won several major tournaments in recent times.
Speaking ont he opening match, former Croatian footballer Davor Suker told FIFA. com: "This is a dream come true! You have to imagine: World Cup... in Brazil... there will not only be a full stadium in Sao Paulo, but also TV and radio from everywhere. The entire world will watch this match. We are a small part of the game. We are a small but very proud country. Everyone will give us respect and we will give all we have. Whichever side is better will be the one that takes these three points."
Yuichi Nishimura of Japan will be the referee for the opening match.
Compatriots Toru Sagara and Toshiyuki Nagi will assist him while Alireza Faghani of Iran is designated as the fourth official.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
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