Team News: Fred leads line for Brazil in World Cup opener

Fred has been chosen as the lone striker for Brazil as they get the 2014 World Cup underway against Croatia in Sao Paulo this evening.

© Getty Images

The Fluminense man will be backed up by a trio of players behind him, including Barcelona's Neymar, Chelsea's Oscar and Hulk of Zenit St Petersburg.

Captain Thiago Silva is joined by David Luiz in the centre of defence, while Tottenham's Paulinho is alongside Luiz Gustavo in midfield.

© Getty Images

Croatia, meanwhile, have Hull City frontman Nikica Jelavic leading the line for them, with La Liga pair Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic in the middle of the park.

BRAZIL: Cesar; D Alves, T Silva, D Luiz, Marcelo; Paulinho, L Gustavo; Hulk, Oscar, Neymar; Fred

CROATIA: Pletikosa; Srna, Corluka, Lovren, Vrsaljko; Modric, Rakitic, Perisic, Kovacic; Olic, Jelavic

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