Match 1 - Group A - Brazil VS Croatia 21:00 BST including the opening ceremony

The start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Brazil VS Croatia 12 June 21:00 BST

From Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo

Referee: Yuichi Nishimura (Japan)

There have been only two previous meetings between Brazil and Croatia. The last coming during the group stages of the 2006 World Cup, Brazil winning 1-0 with a goal from Kaká.

Brazil: Julio Cesar; Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo; Paulinho, Luis Gustavo; Hulk, Oscar, Neymar; Fred

Croatia: Pletikosa; Vrsaljko, Corluka, Lovren, Srna; Modric, Rakitic; Perisic, Kovacic, Olic; Jelavic

What time's the opening ceremony?

What channel is it on?

What time's the opening ceremony?

What channel is it on?

How do I block users?

This thread isn't only for UK viewers, the channel therefore isn't needed.

I did have the date in the thread title originally but lost it and forgot to put it back in

I wasn't asking you or asking for it to be in the OP you feckless moron, I was just generally asking.

Early tensions. \o/

ITV from 7pm

Bah, Tyldsley and Townsend

game doesn't start till 9 either so you've got 2hrs of Chiles and co waffling on

game doesn't start till 9 either so you've got 2hrs of Chiles and co waffling on

At a Chinese at 7 \o/ So will make sure that lasts towards 2 hours before heading to a pub for the game then.

Hoping for a Croatia win, would liven up the whole tournament right away.

Modric Kovacic Rakitic > Gustavo Paulinho Oscar

Modric Kovacic Rakitic > Gustavo Paulinho Oscar

Superior by quite a distance too.

Croatia could cause a few problems here - Modric to dominate the game I reckon.

Croatia could cause a few problems here - Modric to dominate the game I reckon.

Can't see it myself. Think Brazil with the crowd and expectation behind them will be on the front foot.

Modric Kovacic Rakitic > Gustavo Paulinho Oscar

Wow, what a midfield trio! Do Croatia play with 3 in the middle?

What time's the opening ceremony?

Dunno. Probably before the first match. Who cares.

What channel is it on?

ARD/ZDF

I think we can safely avoid the opening ceremony

I think we can safely avoid the opening ceremony

Yeah, I am going to avoid the whole build up thing I think and just tune in 5/10 minutes before the kick-off.

I love opening ceremonies

Opening ceremonies haven't been the same since Barry Davies hung up his mic.

2 hours build up

I think I'll switch on at 8.55

2 hours build up

I think I'll switch on at 8.55

Most of it is the opening ceremony surely? And 2 hours build up isn't a bad thing...well it is with Chiles and co.

Gonna miss the majority of the ceremony but will definitely watch the match

Most of it is the opening ceremony surely? And 2 hours build up isn't a bad thing...well it is with Chiles and co.

Gonna miss the majority of the ceremony but will definitely watch the match

People just like to moan.

It's the World Cup ffs, just sit back and enjoy it

**** yeah, the opening ceremony is getting watched. This isn't just a game of football, THIS IS THE WORLD CUP, BABY.

Just ignore the opening ceremony, it will be just clichés and silly things anyway.

Can't be worse than Danny Boyle's pretentious shitfest for the Olympics.

At least there is some sport afterwards, and you don't have to wait until the next day.

Just ignore the opening ceremony, it will be just clichés and silly things anyway.

Feom my experience of Brazilians, it will just be 2 hours of somebody sourly telling us how bad Brazil are and how rubbish the hosting is.

Can't be worse than Danny Boyle's pretentious shitfest for the Olympics.

At least there is some sport afterwards, and you don't have to wait until the next day.

You take that back!! The 2012 Olympic Opening was probably one of the best things I've ever seen on TV.

Actually can't tell if that's a wind up or not.

Will we see any old Brazil legends wheeled out?

Feom my experience of Brazilians, it will just be 2 hours of somebody sourly telling us how bad Brazil are and how rubbish the hosting is.

It won't be like that because it will be organized by FIFA and the government here, so they will pretend everything is perfect even though the other description is more accurate.

Actually can't tell if that's a wind up or not.

Of course it isn't, it was widely regarding as a fantastic opening ceremony. I was brimming with nationalistic pride afterwards, plus, Mr Bean doing Chariots of Fire - HILARIOUS.

In fairness the olympic opening ceremonies are always worth watching and you can't really compare them to the World Cup opening ceremonies that are always a bit crap.

Feom my experience of Brazilians, it will just be 2 hours of somebody sourly telling us how bad Brazil are and how rubbish the hosting is.

It's made by Belgians

I was at the last game these two met. The most boring game of football ever witnessed. Unbelievably excited now though.

Brazil 2-1

Anyone not watching the opening ceremony shouldn't be allowed watch the game afterwards tbph.

Anyone not watching the opening ceremony shouldn't be allowed watch the game afterwards tbph.

Thanks for that, I was in need of a good laugh after the day I had.

Ah the opening ceremony. I'm surprised it will only take 2 hours to take down the scaffolding.

Thanks for that, I was in need of a good laugh after the day I had.

Alright mate.

Yeah, I am going to avoid the whole build up thing I think and just tune in 5/10 minutes before the kick-off.

I generally cannot stand opening or closing ceremonies. No one really enjoys watching them. Fireworks don't excite me ... I'm a grown up and people dancing and forming various flags also doesn't do a lot

Got to agree with not wanting to watch the ceremony. I'll just switch it on a few minutes before kick-off.

GROUP A, Match 1

12 June 2014, 22:00 CET

Arena Corinthians, São Paulo

BRAZIL - CROATIA

Referee: Yuichi NISHIMURA (JPN)

Assistant Referee 1: Toru SAGARA (JPN)

Assistant Referee 2: Toshiyuki NAGI (JPN)

Fourth Official: Alireza FAGHANI (IRN)

Reserve Assistant: Hassan KAMRANIFAR (IRN)

If Brazil lose, no doubt some fools will blame the referee as he was the referee when Brazil lost to Holland four years ago.

Brazil most definitely won't lose.

2-0

1-0 with a goal for ALL AMERICA

Can't wait for this.

Broke my ankle a few days ago so now I have an excuse to be antisocial and watch every game. Focus on the positive...

[video=youtube;tLcHRa7LrkQ]

Previous Group Stage meeting between these two in 2006

If Brazil lose, no doubt some fools will blame the referee as he was the referee when Brazil lost to Holland four years ago.

I think in this match many players will be warned. This referee likes to use the yellow and red cards.

Anyone not watching the opening ceremony shouldn't be allowed watch the game afterwards tbph.

I'm saving an extra two hours of sleep for the tournament itself tbqh.