WORLD CUP - BRAZIL vs CROATIA PREVIEW: All You Need To Know

The host nation has never lost their opening World Cup game, with the 20 previous hosts winning 14 and drawing six of their openers.

Brazil's one previous tournament as hosts saw them defeat fellow 2014 Group A members Mexico 4-0 in their opening game (1950).

Eight of the last 12 opening matches at World Cups have produced one goal or less.
Brazil are taking part in their 20th World Cup. They are the only team to have taken part in every single tournament.


A Selecao have won the most games (67) and scored the most goals (210) at the World Cup.

Brazil have won eight of their last nine World Cup games in the group stages (1 draw). Their last defeat dates back to 23 June 1998 against Norway (1-2).

Croatia have only conceded 11 goals in 13 World Cup games (0.85/game). It's the best ratio among the 32 teams taking part in 2014.

Croatia's last nine World Cup games have produced six red cards.

Brazil won their one previous competitive meeting with Croatia 1-0 in the 2006 World Cup; Kaka scored the winner in Berlin that day.