Croatia's players run during an official training session the day before the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia at the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (The Associated Press)
SAO PAULO – A confident Croatia is ready to spoil Brazil's party in their World Cup opener and continue a tradition of first match upsets at the tournament.
With all the pressure on the host team, Croatia coach Niko Kovac said Wednesday that his team can deliver a "historic result" in Thursday's match in Sao Paulo.
Kovac acknowledged that Brazil is the clear favorite in the Group A game, but added that few teams would like to face his squad either.
He said "We are a tricky side and we will show that tomorrow."
Even a draw would significantly enhance Croatia's chances of advancing from a group that also includes Mexico and Cameroon.
In previous upsets, Senegal beat holder France in 2002 and fellow holder Argentina lost to Cameroon in 1990.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.