1. Mateo Kovacic
The midfielder only turned twenty last month but much is expected of him in Brazil. With the Brazilians likely to focus mainly on quelling the double threat of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic, Kovacic could find some space to influence things between the lines.
A move from Dinamo Zagreb to Inter last year made headlines but he struggled to get going until the tail-end of the season when he featured heavily and began to wield some influence.
Niko Kovac could tinker slightly with his selection for tonight’s clash. Modric and Rakitic sat deep in Croatia’s last competitive game against Iceland but Rakitic could be pushed further forward if Kovac wants to play safe and bring in a ‘traditional’ holding player in Ognjen Vukojevic. If that happens, expect Kovacic to feature in a bank of three alongside Ivan Perisic and Rakitic with Ivica Olic up front.
2. Neymar
After a rather indifferent debut season with Barcelona, Neymar doesn’t carry the wider burden of responsibility and expectation that other Brazilian strikers have had in previous World Cups (see Ronaldo in 1998). Scolari’s system is pragmatic and relies heavily on a strong defensive foundation that allows his attacking players the space they crave. Even Carlos Alberto Parreira, the team’s technical director and who masterminded Brazil’s 1994 World Cup win has pinpointed the team’s defence as being its greatest strength.
Pre-tournament talk has focused on other high-profile names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez so Neymar, comparatively, has slipped under the radar. Except in his home country where he remains the most important ingredient in Scolari’s side, the vibrant heartbeat. The 22 year-old will be closely monitored but could silence many doubters by breaking free and inspiring his team.
3. Fred
With a reputation as being the wild man of Brazilian football, many were shell-shocked by Fred’s decision to convert to Christianity. It wasn’t the first time the Brazilian fans were left dumbfounded by him.
For a long time, his role within the national team was heavily scrutinised. He didn’t carry a natural swagger, he lacked flair, he was so un-Brazilian in how he played. But last year, he scored five times in the Confederations Cup as Brazil went on to lift the trophy. Since taking over as manager, Scolari has brought the best out of him and going by his rebirth with the national team, Fred could be a Golden Boot contender.
