"Over here! Over here! Come this way!"
A group of fans in blue jerseys walked out of the São Paulo airport, singing loudly and holding up flags.
These were fans from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
With the emergence of players like Džeko, Suker Basic, Boame, and Skolk, Bosnia and Herzegovina had also improved.
This was their second consecutive World Cup appearance.
Among these fans, several stood out, wearing a different set of jerseys, which, from their style, seemed to belong to a club.
They did not move with the main group but walked alone towards another exit.
"This is truly the Land of Football!"
Walking out of the airport and seeing the streets filled with football elements and a pervasive football atmosphere, Oripe couldn't help but exclaim.
South American countries are full of passion, and the combination of yellow and green hues also highlights this.
The group consisted of three pairs, essentially three families.
They were Oripe, Bakic, and Mlinar, Suker and Modrić's early teammates.
The three had agreed to come to Brazil to watch the games; although retired, they still couldn't let go of their passion for football.
"We'll watch Bosnia and Herzegovina's first match, then head straight to Rio de Janeiro!"
Oripe said with a smile.
Bakic, beside him, also smiled; "Bosnia and Herzegovina's chances of winning don't feel very high; playing Argentina in the first match is incredibly difficult!"
"Croatia's opponents are also very strong!"
"But Suker and those guys are stronger!"
Chatting as they walked towards the taxi stand, they prepared to go to their hotel.
As soon as they arrived at the hotel, a young man walked in.
"Long time no see!"
The young man with a thick beard walked over; his skin was a bit red, and he looked somewhat disheveled.
Seeing this young man, Oripe couldn't help but laugh, "Kovic, you should really pay attention to your appearance!"
Kovic was also a former teammate of Suker at Mostar Wanderers, but later went to sea as a sailor and is now a promoted first mate.
Kovic shrugged, seemingly unconcerned.
They hadn't seen each other for a long time and immediately prepared food in the hotel, starting their first day of revelry.
"To the World Cup!"
Oripe raised his glass, and everyone roared along, creating a lively atmosphere.
In the hot summer, a glass of ice-cold beer went down, instantly feeling refreshing.
"Who do you think will win this World Cup?"
Bakic suddenly asked.
This was also a question many fans discussed.
"It's hard to say; everyone has a chance, but based on previous rankings, Croatia, Brazil, Germany, and Spain all have a chance!"
"FIFA rankings!"
Mlinar couldn't help but grin; "That stuff is the least reliable!"
The FIFA ranking is also an elimination list, especially with a high probability of the top-ranked team being jinxed.
This is also a point many fans complain about.
And Croatia is currently at the top of the FIFA National Team rankings.
Metaphysics is not to be believed, but it cannot be entirely disbelieved.
It just so happens to reflect on oneself!
"But I feel Croatia should be an exception!" Oripe shook his head: "These guys play too rigorously, and unlike other European teams, For them, if they miss this chance, who knows if they'll have another opportunity to challenge for the World Cup!"
"That's right! Croatia can't possibly produce so many talented players all at once like this, and with Suker's personality, that guy is definitely putting pressure on his teammates!"
Hearing this, everyone burst into laughter.
They couldn't help but recall their time playing football together. Who would have thought that the kid who couldn't even play professionally back then is now about to challenge the throne of a historical, even peak, Football King.
Ten years have changed too many things.
From the moment Suker stepped out of Bosnia and Herzegovina, he had already begun to forge his brilliant professional career.
"That guy's talent will not be buried!" Oripe shook his head.
From the first moment he saw Suker, he firmly believed Suker was a professional player.
However, he hadn't expected this guy to do so well.
"Do you think Suker can answer the phone now?"
"They should be preparing for the match, so let's not disturb them."
In fact, they also really wanted to call Suker, as they hadn't been in touch for a long time.
Oripe glanced at the time; it was exactly 5 PM, probably just after dinner or during rest time.
"It should be fine at this time!"
With that, Oripe took out his phone and dialed Suker's number.
"Video call!"
Bakic suggested.
Oripe immediately switched to video.
The phone kept ringing, but there was no sign of Suker answering.
"Is he resting?"
"That's too early, isn't it?"
"Never mind, let's not disturb him!"
Just as Oripe was about to hang up, with a beep, the video connected.
Suker's slightly resolute face appeared on the screen. Approaching 30, Suker's overall face had become more angular, not as youthful as before.
Seeing Oripe on the screen, Suker couldn't help but laugh.
"Hey! Suker!"
"What are you doing?"
"Man, long time no see!"
As soon as the video connected, Bakic, Mlinar, Kovic, and others immediately crowded around. Four heads squeezed onto one screen, looking exceptionally amusing, and Suker couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Are you guys having a party?" Suker asked.
"We're in Brazil!" Bakic shouted excitedly.
Suker laughed, "Bakic, you're still the same!"
"Of course, I'm always young!" Bakic said proudly.
Suker: "I mean, you're as old as ever!"
Hearing this, everyone burst into laughter.
Bakic, in turn, angrily gave him the middle finger.
Mlinar asked gently, "How are the preparations going?"
"Old captain, our preparations are going well; we're just waiting for the first match to begin."
"Are you nervous?" Hearing Suker call him 'captain,' Mlinar couldn't help but feel a little proud.
In this world, how many people could make Suker call them that?
Suker shrugged: "Am I nervous?"
"It's okay to be a little nervous!" Oripe said seriously; "You know, this World Cup is very important to you."
Suker waved his hand: "Alright, stop putting pressure on me."
Just then, an off-screen voice came from Suker's screen.
"Who is it?"
Suker turned his head and said something, and soon Modrić also entered the frame.
"Everyone, long time no see!"
Seeing Modrić greet them, Oripe and the others also responded repeatedly.
In fact, their relationship with Modrić was far from the level of their relationship with Suker, so there was still some distance.
Oripe finally said, "Alright, we won't disturb your preparations anymore. Get some good rest, and on match day, we'll go cheer for you!"
Suker gave a thumbs-up.
"Just watch!"
They didn't chat for too long and hung up the phone directly.
Suker put his phone on the bed, leaned back against the headboard, and turned his head, saying, "I didn't expect Oripe and the others to come!"
"They're probably cheering for Bosnia and Herzegovina! After all, Bosnia and Herzegovina also made it to the World Cup!"
"That's right! And Bosnia and Herzegovina!" Suker said; "Boame and Skolk, those two guys also made it to the World Cup!"
"Bosnia and Herzegovina will be tough to deal with!" Modrić shook his head.
Suker: "This Eastern European teams are all tough opponents. Don't let their less famous lineups fool you; when they really play, they fight with their lives!"
"You talk as if we aren't an Eastern European team." Modrić said.
Suker: "When they meet us, they might as well surrender directly!"
Modrić turned to look at Suker; "You seem very confident?"
Suker smiled.
They had prepared for this World Cup for so long; it was impossible not to be confident.
Even if it meant exhausting all their heritage in this World Cup, he would still take home the World Cup trophy.
A week of preparation was also a week of promotion.
During this period, retired football stars came out to support the World Cup.
Especially the local Brazilian superstars like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and others, all appeared before the public.
In the original timeline, Brazil in this World Cup was rated as the least distinctive Brazil Team.
However, they were being compared to the super-strong Brazil Team of 2002. If compared to teams of the same era, Brazil was still an extremely powerful team.
However, the current Brazil Team is heavily influenced by European tactics, as if it has returned to the era when it was dominated by European tactics.
At that time, Pelé stepped forward and reawakened the bloodline of Samba Football.
And now, many people are also expecting Neymar to add a brand new color to Brazilian football in the same way.
But this is not an easy task; in fact, the Europeanization of Brazil has become very serious, making it difficult to see that free-spirited attacking football in them.
Instead, it's a severely formulaic, Europeanized tactical approach.
It's not that this is bad, but for fans, it always lacks a certain characteristic; they prefer to see a passionate and uninhibited Brazil Team, rather than a formulaic team trapped by European tactics.
People always have some fantasies about the Brazil Team, this football kingdom!
Besides Brazil, Germany is also a focus of attention.
In the last World Cup, Germany unfortunately lost, watching Spain lift the trophy.
However, at that time, many people believed that Germany would exert itself in the next World Cup, becoming more mature.
And just as they said, this Germany has indeed undergone many changes, even changes that they had not anticipated.
The squad strength and overall form maintenance of this Germany are excellent, which is one of the reasons they are considered a favorite to win this World Cup.
Spain, as the defending champion, is also a hot topic.
With tiki-taka as their core, they swept through the South Africa World Cup, breaking through many strong opponents to lift the Hercules Cup, creating their own myth.
However, compared to four years ago, this Spain has aged significantly, which has led to speculation about whether Spain can continue the glory of the last World Cup.
And the most anticipated is undoubtedly Croatia from Eastern Europe!
This Eastern European powerhouse boasts many star players like Suker, Modrić, Mandžukić, and Rakitić!
Their rise is like a legendary movie!
These young players first shone brightly in the Champions League, becoming the focus of all of Europe, even prompting major powerhouses to scramble for them.
Subsequently, they achieved astonishing back-to-back victories in the next two European Cups, claiming the only two international top-tier tournament titles in Croatia's history.
Many people refer to the players of this Croatia as pioneers, meaning history-makers!
It's hard to imagine that in a small country with a population of only 4 million, so many talented players could emerge at once.
And in this World Cup, they are more experienced, and they have also brought in many young players, while retaining most of their core players, once again challenging for the World Cup.
The most watched and most anticipated team in this World Cup is undoubtedly the Checkered Legion.
After much anticipation, June 12th finally arrived, the day of the World Cup opening match.
Brazil, São Paulo, Corinthians Arena.
Under the gaze of countless people, the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup is about to begin.
At this moment, fans all over the world gathered in front of their televisions to watch the opening ceremony of this grand event.
Of the 32 participating teams, besides the two teams in the opening match, the rest were also watching.
As the music began, a fiery figure slowly emerged onto the stage.
Brazilian national treasure model, Gisele Bündchen, walked in high heels, dominating the stage for a full minute, showing her influence in Brazil.
Watching the opening ceremony, the Croatia players, including the coach, couldn't help but turn to look at Suker.
Suker's expression was calm.
Mandžukić couldn't help but whisper, "Awesome!"
The entire opening ceremony, just like in the original timeline, was divided into three stages.
Nature, Humanity, and Football.
The first part was the welcoming ceremony, welcoming fans from all over the world to Brazil and to the Brazil World Cup. In this segment, various unique Brazilian plants were showcased, and at the same time, the large sphere in the center displayed the development and evolution of the Earth.
The second part was inseparable from Brazil's unique dance, with a large group of young men and women coming to the center of the stage and dancing passionately to energetic songs.
Brazil's traditional samba dance once again appeared before the public.
The third part was football, with 64 children representing the 32 participating teams entering the center of the field to perform.
Subsequently, Pitbull, Brazilian diva Claudia Leitte, and Latin diva Jennifer Lopez would jointly perform the theme song of this World Cup.
Then, a huge Brazilian flag entered the field, and a paraplegic Brazilian youth would kick off the World Cup opening match.
The opening match was finally about to begin!
"It's coming!"
Modrić said in a deep voice.
At this moment, the expressions of all the Croatia players, including Suker, became serious.
Before this, it was all preparation, but with the start of the opening match, it meant that this major tournament was directly entering a moment of fierce competition.
For all participating teams, they needed to be fully focused.
The opening match was Brazil against Mexico!
If judged by excitement, it should have been Brazil against Italy.
But for the effect of the opening match and to boost morale, it was likely arranged against a slightly weaker, but not too weak, team.
The starting lineups for both sides are as follows:
Brazil (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Cesar.
Defenders: Alves, Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo.
Midfielders: Ramires, Casemiro, Oscar, Kaka, Neymar.
Forward: Fred.
Mexico (5-1-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Ochoa.
Defenders: Aguilar, Rodríguez, Marquez, Moreno, Layún.
Midfielders: Ander Herrera, Lucas Vasquez, Dos Santos, Guardado.
Forward: Peralta.
"Are they going to park the bus in the opening match?"
Seeing this formation, Mandžukić immediately complained.
For a forward, the bus tactic is truly disgusting.
"If they don't park the bus, are they going to be slaughtered by Brazil?" Dujmović said, "Just looking at this lineup, do you think Mexico can be stable without parking the bus?"
"What Mexico wants is a draw; drawing with Brazil, they will consider it a victory!"
Rakitić said.
"It's useless, Brazil has too many outlets!" Modrić analyzed, "All four defenders in the back have good passing ability, and in front of them, Kaka is there to organize the rhythm. Further forward, there are Oscar, Neymar, and Ramires; their vertical breakthrough ability is very strong, and they also possess long-range scoring ability. Brazil probably anticipated that Mexico would set up a bus formation, so their overall lineup seems more balanced."
"The bus tactic tests a team's vertical breakthrough ability," Van Stoyak said, then added, "Don't you think the Brazil Team is missing something?"
Everyone turned to look.
Van Stoyak pointed to the wing and said, "Pato is benched!"
Hearing this, everyone was stunned for a moment.
"The Brazil Team still retains some vertical breakthrough ability. This is to let Neymar and Ramires attack first, and when Mexico's defense becomes disorganized, Pato will deliver the fatal blow!"
"Then why not let Pato draw the fire and let Neymar be the closer?" Rakitić asked.
Van Stoyak explained, "This is a matter of player types!"
"Pato and Neymar have different natures. You can think of it as the early Suker and Kaka in Milan!"
"Suker excels in small-space, using his technique to cleverly evade and break through in tight spaces, which is more useful in dense defensive setups!"
"Kaka, on the other hand, is more about big, sweeping movements, needing a certain amount of space to accelerate. Therefore, if Pato were to draw the fire, it would actually make it easier for Mexico to play, but Neymar is not as easy to mark!"
At this point, Suker spoke up, "You can understand it as: with Pato's breakthroughs, defenders know what he's going to do, but based on his explosiveness, speed, and ball control, these defenders can't stop him, but these require specific conditions to be effective!"
"Neymar is different; he has too many tricks. Defenders completely cannot predict Neymar's next move, so they need to be more vigilant, and the energy and stamina expended are doubled!"
Speaking of this, Suker exhaled and said, "If Mexico isn't careful enough, they will be worn down to death!"