Croatia's soccer players poses for a team picture before their international friendly soccer match against Mali at Gradski Vrt Stadium in Osijek May 31, 2014. REUTERS/Antonio Bronic
(Reuters) - Based on the pedigree of their squad, Croatia have high hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the 2014 World Cup, but other factors may come into play against hosts Brazil, Cameroon and Mexico.
The Croatians, who have not reached the last 16 since their impressive third-place finish in the 1998 tournament, face a daunting opener against favourites Brazil in Sao Paulo on June 12 and defeat would put pressure on them to win the remaining two group fixtures against dangerous opponents.
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