Croatia midfielder Luka Modric has admitted that his side face a "titanic tussle" against hosts Brazil in the opening game of the 2014 World Cup tonight.

The Arena Corinthians in Sao Paolo is to host the tournament's curtain-raiser, with Croatia taking part in only their fourth finals campaign in FIFA's showpiece event.

"It has been a long while since Croatia played a match as big as this one," Modric told The Sun. "We are all aware of how fired up the Brazilians are to make a winning start on home soil.

"They are a phenomenal team, with Marcelo, Thiago Silva and Neymar the three outstanding players in their team.

"It means we have to breathe as one on the pitch because none of us can put up a one-man show against a team of such quality. It will be a titanic tussle in midfield and we are doomed if we surrender possession and try to sit back and defend."

Modric has made 75 appearances for Croatia since making his debut in 2006.

Written by
Daniel Lewis