World Cup Opta Stats: Brazil v Croatia

Can Brazil get off to the perfect start to their World Cup against Croatia?

The 2014 World Cup kicks off as the hosts Brazil face testing European opposition in the form of Croatia. Opta are on hand with all the statistics.

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 are 1.341/3 to win.

Brazil's one previous tournament as hosts saw them defeat fellow 2014 Group A members Mexico 4-0 in their opening game (1950). Over 3.5 goals is 3.814/5.

Eight of the last 12 opening matches at World Cups have produced one goal or less. Under 1.5 goals is 3.711/4.

Brazil are taking part in their 20th World Cup. They are the only team to have taken part in every single tournament. They are the 4.216/5 favourites to win the World Cup.

The Selecao have won the most games (67) and scored the most goals (210) at the World Cup. They are 2.0421/20 to win half-time/full-time.

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). You can lay Brazil at 1.351/3.

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. Under 2.5 goals is 1.8910/11.

Croatia's last nine World Cup games have produced six red cards. The odds of a player being sent off are 4.47/2.

Brazil won their one previous competitive meeting with Croatia 1-0 in the 2006 World Cup; Kaka scored the winner in Berlin that day. They are 6.411/2 to win 1-0 again.