I've just picked Julio Cesar, Paulinho and Fred in my Fantasy Football team, so I'm counting on them to have a good tournament! Counting a lot on Paulinho - not good for Tottenham but offers something a lot more playing for the Samba boys! That said, should be an excellent way to kick off proceedings tonight with Croatia, a team who have always offered something worthy to these tournaments. Looking forward to Modric and Mandzukic as ever but also, if rumours are to be believed regarding our transfer activity, Dejan Lovren.
If Brazil don't win tonight then I really hope (but highly doubt) the fans won't jump on the back of the team. The winners of the tournament are those who grow into it best as Spain proved after losing to Switzerland in their first group match in South Africa four years ago. Likewise Italy steadily grew into the 2006 World Cup drawing against the USA in their second group game and being highly unimpressive against Australia in the last 16. It was only against Ukraine in the quarters that the Italians woke up. However, being hosts and being Brazil, I don't think there will be any room for them to get off to a slow start so a win tonight seems vital.
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