Host nation Brazil opens play against Croatia in Sao Paulo today, led by Neymar Jr. There is a ton of pressure on the "Seleçao" to erase the pain of the 1950 loss to Uruguay at the Maracana but they will be tasked with defeating some of the game's greatest teams ever assembled.
The reigning champion Spanish side will undoubtedly make a run through the tournament for a chance to repeat as kings of the pitch. The South American teams are heavily favored on their home continent to upset the royal powers of Europe and the United States could use their never-say-die attitude to escape the Group of Death. The question haunts Lionel Messi, "will he capture that last piece of hardware that has escaped him?" And what of the 2014 World's Greatest Player, Cristiano Ronaldo? Can he put an entire nation on his back and bring Portugal its first World Cup glory?
The opening match today will be the first of 64 matches, spanning 30 days and 12 cities. The world will hold their breath, only to let out cries of hope and tears of pain. This is the world's game.
Today's Game
Brazil vs. Croatia, Sao Paulo 13:00 PST.
My Pick: Brazil
