The World Cup goes under way tonight. As the Brazilians are concerned, as well as all the supporters of the "total football", that is a true statement. Although "total football" was used very much in the past - especially related to Barcelona - it's the only expression to show the spectacular football played by Brazil. Although he saw some great matches so far - Italy-Ghana, Netherlands-Serbia & Montenegro and, of course, Australia-Japan - we always felt the need for more.

And that's exactly what we're going to get tonight, when Brazil, the current world champion, will begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia. Well, on the condition that Zlatko Krancjar will not defend 90 minutes out of 90. As the Brazilian stars are concerned, Ronaldinho very clearly stated, about a week ago, that "every team that will play against us will play defensively. So we want to ask the referees to whistle FOR a spectacular game and not AGAINST it".

Ronaldo is 100% fit to start for Brazil, and will certainly play in the first "11" of Carlos Alberto Parreira. Having in mind the sensational 2002 World Cup, when he was one of the best Brazilians in the team, Ronaldo wants to let everyone know that he is not finished. His pair on Brazil's attack will be Inter Milan's striker Adriano. Behind them, we'll see the magician, Ronaldinho, who is considered to be a true leader of the current squad. Even Ronaldo himself admitted that "he is a true leader, and all eyes will be on him. We have to take some of the pressure off of him and play our game".

The fourth and final star of the starting line-up will be AC Milan's Kaka. Being one of the few teams without major problems in terms of players' injuries, the "cariocas" will benefit from Kaka's great form in the last few months. He only managed to play 18 minutes against Costa Rica in the last World Cup, and stated that he can hardly wait to start for Brazil against Croatia.

In case Brazil begins the World Cup with a win, Carlos Parreira's team will set a new record of the competition. After becoming the first team to take part in all the World Cup editions so far, Brazil will also be the first one to win 8 matches in a row in the competition. So, let the party begin…

Brazil - Croatia will start at 21.00 CET, in Berlin, and will be refereed by Mexican Benito Archundia.