Croatia have revealed that they will be looking to get the maximum points from the opening match against Brazil in the FIFA World Cup 2014. This will be the opening match of the tournament, and Brazil come into the encounter was the overwhelming favourites as the host of the tournament. It took a last-minute miracle from the Croatians to get into the World Cup, but after having done so, they are targeting success of the tournament. It would be great achievement even if they reach the quarter-finals of the competition.

In order to do so, they have set their sights on winning the opening game. Croatia captain Darijo Srna has raised the possibility of an upset in the first match of the tournament by saying that a World Cup is full of surprises and anything is possible. Incredibly, Croatia managed to reach the semifinals and finished third in the competition back in 1998. This was their first appearance in a World Cup, but incredibly, it was only a few years after the war in the nation. Powered by the likes of Luka Modric, Srna believes that the nation can achieve success in the competition.

The presence of Bayern Munich hitman Mario Mandzukic, who has been in fine form for his club, is a major boost for Croatia.

“World Cup opening games are always tense and nervous. Anything can happen. Surprises are always possible,” Croatia captain Darijo Srna said. “Brazil in the first game with the whole world watching, it will be something. We will try to make it difficult for them. We won’t just be there as tourists. You only get a shot at the World Cup every four years, so we want to leave behind a lasting impression,” Croatia coach Niko Kovac said. Kovac was appointed as the national team manager only recently.