World Cup

[monks data]

Attendance: 62,103

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 12, 2014 at 9pm UK

Brazil
3-1
Croatia

Neymar (29', 71' pen.), Oscar (90+1')

FT(HT: 1-1)

Marcelo (11' og.)

Team News: Fred leads line for Brazil in World Cup opener

By Barney Corkhill, Editor

Published: June 12 2014 | 20:13

Last updated: June 13 2014 | 18:32

Fred leads the line for Brazil in the opening match of the 2014 World Cup, while Neymar, Oscar and Hulk play just behind the lone striker.

Fred has been chosen as the lone striker for Brazil as they get the 2014 World Cup underway against Croatia in Sao Paulo this evening.

The Brazil team pose prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group A match between Brazil and Croatia at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014 © Getty Images

The Fluminense man will be backed up by a trio of players behind him, including Barcelona's Neymar, Chelsea's Oscar and Hulk of Zenit St Petersburg.

Captain Thiago Silva is joined by David Luiz in the centre of defence, while Tottenham's Paulinho is alongside Luiz Gustavo in midfield.

The Croatia team pose prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group A match between Brazil and Croatia at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014 © Getty Images

Croatia, meanwhile, have Hull City frontman Nikica Jelavic leading the line for them, with La Liga pair Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic in the middle of the park.

BRAZIL: Cesar; D Alves, T Silva, D Luiz, Marcelo; Paulinho, L Gustavo; Hulk, Oscar, Neymar; Fred

CROATIA: Pletikosa; Srna, Corluka, Lovren, Vrsaljko; Modric, Rakitic, Perisic, Kovacic; Olic, Jelavic

Follow live coverage of tonight's World Cup opener with Sports Mole by clicking here.