On Thursday night saw Brazil go past Croatia with the score-line as 3-1.

– ITALY

News coming from the Italian’s side, Giaccherini is doing good by coming out to motivate his team, in as much as the Sunderland player did not make the list of 30 by Prandelli, he is in support of the Azzuris success in Brazil.

Sunderland’s Emanuele Giaccherini told Football Italia: “I was getting called- up into the national team until March. It’s normal that I expected to be in Prandelli’s 30, but the boss made his assessments, and I always thank him for what he has done for me. I’m a bit disappointed because everyone wants to play in the World Cup,
but even though I won’t be on the pitch I will cheer for Italy, and always support the Azzurri. I do hope to get back into the national team. For me it’s an
honour.”

– MEXICO V CAMEROON

The African reps will taste the feel of the competition first before Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Algeria against Mexico at 17:00 BST(British Summer Time) before the group B match comes on.
It is much expected to see the African side thumb their opponents, but, Mexico who had played Nigeria three times between to years have a feel of what an African side can do.

– RONALDO?

Ronaldo had a short time during a training session on thursday, he only stretched with the team , although 65 minutes was how long he played in the 5-1 win over Ireland, Ronaldo then watched the rest of the session from
the bench and his fitness remains a cause for concern ahead of Portugal’s World Cup opener against Germany in Salvador on Monday.
And let’s not forget the Ghanian witch-doctor.

– SPAIN V NETHERLANDS

Four years ago, Andres Iniesta shattered Holland’s hopes of winning their first ever World Cup as he netted a 116th minute winner for La Roja in Soccer City, Johannesburg.

Tonight, the two teams will meet once more, with an air of revenge colouring the atmosphere.

The opening match of Group B will see a repeat of the 2010 final, with title-holders Spain meeting the Netherlands in Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador.
Though the flags have stayed the same, the personnel of both squads are markedly different, with neither team looking quite as strong as they did during the last tournament.

For Spain, there has been gradual change since their triumph in South Africa. A knee injury for central defender Carles Puyol (which eventually forced him into retirement) has seen Sergio Ramos slide into the center of defence for La Roja’s Euro 2012 and Confederations Cup 2013 campaigns. His vacated spot at right-back has been filled by Cesar Azpilicueta, although Vincente Del Bosque also has Juanfran to call upon for the same position should he have the need.

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