The hosts have the time-honoured tradition of getting the tournament underway, and looks bankers at a standout 4/11 with Coral to get off to a wining start against Croatia (9pm KO, Live on ITV1).
Brazil are clear favourites to win the tournament and have won eight of their last nine World Cup games in the group stages (1 draw), with their sole defeat coming in 1998 against Norway when they went down 2-1.
Phil Scolari’s side are packed with attacking talent, none more so than Neymar.
The 22-year-old is lightning fast and has dribbling skills which can leave opponents looking silly.
He can score also with both feet, an ability which has seen him likened to the legendary Pele, and will be keen to make an immediate impact on the big stage in front of hoem supporters.
Ladbrokes are a top priced 4/1 about him netting the opener, and they also go a best of 23/20 about him netting anytime.
Both look worth a punt, and I also fancy him to emerge as the top scorer in the tournament.
Paddy Power have a tremendous offer in the top scorer market, where if you bet £20 on a player you get a free £5 bet for every goal he scores.
The Irish firm are going 9/1 about Neymar, and you can take advantage of their offer by clicking here to open an account.
Eight of the last 12 opening matches at World Cups have produced one goal or less, and Croatia have only conceded 11 goals in 13 World Cup games (0.85/game).
That suggests that under 2.5 goals is a great bet, but I am going to go against the trend and suggest a small wager on over 2.5 goals at 11/10 with Paddy Power as I fully expect Brazil to turn on the style and state their intention right from the first whistle.
