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After four years of waiting, finally, the 2014 World Cup is here. Today the world will be watching the opening ceremony and the following, and first match, between the hosts, Brazil and their opponents, Croatia. Brazil are at full strength and they're the favourites to win the tournament, so they will be looking to make a big impact with quite possibly one of the worldwide biggest sporting event audiences of all-time.
Brazil will stick with their usual line-up, which means Oscar and Neymar will play. That's right, soccer fans, and particularly Brazil fans can breathe a huge sigh of relief, Neymar is healthy and ready to fire you to glory. Neymar suffered a minor injury recently and some were concerned that he would've missed tonight's opening match. He's tipped to be the star of the tournament, and most likely he would want to play with a broken leg, so it's no real surprise that he will step out on to the field. Croatia are without Mario Mandzukic, so Nikica Jelavic should start instead. Mario is their best player, so this will have the same impact as it would if Brazil had been without Neymar.
After 820 qualifying matches played between 202 teams, it comes down to 32 teams. There is no bigger stage for a soccer player than the World Cup, so expect to see blood, sweat and tears as the players try to prove their worth and lift the most glorious trophy in all of sports.
Venue: Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
Date: Thursday, 12 June
Kick-off: 21:00 BST/ 16:00 EST
