It's finally here! The countdown to Brazil 2014 is over and the opening game is tantalisingly close. A grandiose ceremony depicting the nature, diversity and football history of this mystical South American country has come to a close and we are now approximately one hour away from the Group A opener between hosts, Brazil and Croatia at Arena de Sao Paulo (also known as the Arena Corinthians).

It's VERY crowded down in that tunnel area. Both sets of players are ready. Expect a crescendo of noise to greet Brazil and for that national anthem to be sung with real gusto. The 2014 World Cup is about to get underway. Hold on to your hats! Kick off is imminent.

So, the key questions for any football lover over the next month or so will be who plays who, where and when? Not to worry, a breakdown of each Group game, kick off times and location are just the click of button away.

Expecting a goal-fest? History may not be on your side... STAT: Eight of the last 12 opening matches at World Cups have produced one goal or less.

Has the excitement gripped you yet? If you still need a bit of encouragement it's worth checking out Eurosport Managing Editor, Alex Chick's blog to get you right in the mood!

Interesting stat.

A change to the Croatia starting XI: Mateo Kovacic starts instead of Marcelo Brozovic.

Niko Kovac: "We will try to keep the ball as long as possible but create chances whenever possible, we are not going to park the bus tomorrow. We are going to attack ... because Brazil is so strong that if you want to succeed against them you have to score. Of course that is easier said than done. However much we may be thinking about Brazil, I think Brazil will be thinking about us. Personally I think Mr Scolari may be losing sleep when thinking about playing Croatia."

So, how do the managers see this opener? First up, the views of 'Big Phil' Scolari. He told his pre-match press conference "To all the Brazilians I want to tell you the time has arrived and we are going to go together. This is our World Cup. They are always trying to improve and all this makes us, even when we are feeling sad, forget the sadness and feel the beauty around us. Arriving here at the airport, at the Corinthians stadium, it is a beautiful stadium and we forget the sad aspects and think of the 99 per cent of positive things in our lives.”

Brazil's great hope, Neymar had the nation holding its breath when he appeared to pick up a knock to his ankle in training. The Barcelona man has shrugged it off though and is desperate to carry on where he left off at last year's Confederations Cup. He told reporters: "I am anxious of course but also I'm extremely happy being where I am today because many people would like to be here. I really hope I can help my team in the best possible way to fulfil the dream of the players, and Brazilians, which is to win the World Cup."

Graphic of how the two teams will set out; pretty much like for like with 4-2-3-1 apparently in vogue.

Our man Reda Maher is in Brazil for this summer's tournament and will be bringing you a whole host of features right from the heart of the action. Today he's been soaking up the atmosphere and taking snaps of some rather colourful supporters. You can Tweet him via @Reda_Eurosport or check out his timeline for some interesting tidbits.

Great to see!

Jan Molby reckons Croatia could emerge as opening day party-poopers. Read his thoughts on why Luka Modric and co could upset the favourites if the hosts underestimate their opponents.

Croatia are without talismanic hitman, Mario Mandzukic through suspension after the soon to be ex-Bayern Munich star picked up a red card in qualifying. Hull striker Nikica Jelavic deputises. There are a host of names familiar to the Premier League involved for the Croats, with Southampton defender Dejan Lovren and ex-Spurs and current Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric starting.

FIFA confirm tonight's line-ups. Brazil will deploy that familiar 4-2-3-1 formation with Luiz Felipe Scolari sticking with the personnel who helped them secure the Confederations Cup last year. As expected, Neymar features from the start for gthe Samba Boys.

The first part of a World Cup funnies montage is already underway!

TEAMS - BRAZIL: Cesar, Alves, Silva, Luiz, Marcelo, Paulinho, Gustavo, Hulk, Oscar, Neymar Fred. /// CROATIA: Pletikosa, Srna, Corluka, Lovren, Vrsaijko, Brozovic, Olic, Modric, Rakitic, Perisic, Jelavic.

And what about Croatia? FIFA offer a sneak peek behind the scenes...

Who starts for Brazil? Team news very shortly...

The Arena de Sao Paulo is the home of one of Brazil's most famous clubs, Corinthians. It was built especially for this World Cup and boasts a capacity of 61606. If you're wondering about the other venues being used this year, why not check out our slideshow of the 12 stadiums hosting the football's world's biggest extravaganza?