Since Germany 2006, the hosts, rather than the holders, have played in the opening World Cup match, rekindling a tradition maintained for the majority of the finals until the 1974 tournament.
A number of opening matches kicked-off simultaneously with other games, however the hosts invariably played on the first day, with the exception of the 1954 finals.
Advertisement
Croatia will be without suspended striker Mario Mandžukić against Brazil, however there have been some memorable opening shocks at the World Cup in recent memory...
