Croatian national football team has been paired with Brazil, Mexico and Cameroon in the Group A at the Final Draw of the World Cup to be played next summer. Therefore, Croatia will also play the opening match of the tournament, against Brazil in Sao Paulo on June 12th.

"The group is very, very difficult. Brazil are the favourites, and we will also have the honour of playing the opening match with them. The whole world will be watching our small country and I hope we will make an excellent impression", said Croatia head coach Niko Kovač after the draw.

"The first match is always crucial. It is important for Croatia to get a good result, it can give us wings, yet we are aware of what is ahead. Together with my team, I want to enjoy this World Cup, especially since we have qualified at the very last moment. What we have shown against Iceland in Zagreb, we want to repeat in Brazil", he added.

Beside the ambitious host nation, Croatia will have to deal with North America and Africa representatives in order to qualify for the second round: "Mexico and Cameroon are two quality opponents. Considering they do not play in Europe, they are slightly unknown to us and we will have to analyze them well. We'll try to collect all the facts as soon as possible and prepare accordingly".

Croatia will have to travel from Sao Paulo to Manaus and then to Recife.

"I am aware that Brazil is a large country, which means long journeys. We will carefully choose our base, and we will consult our medical staff in order to make the right choice. It will not be easy to play two matches in the northern parts of Brazil", concluded Niko Kovač.