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12th Jun 2014 | World Cup

Brazil v Croatia Tip: Potential Party Pooper

In the absence of Croatian star Mario Mandzukic, a Hull City striker should be given the chance to gatecrash the party.

If you’re looking for a wily outsider bet for tonight’s World Cup opener, look no further than Nikica Jelavic to score anytime at a best price of 13/2 with Bet365.

The Hull City player is poised to start the match as his side’s lone striker in place of the suspended Mario Mandzukic. The 28-year-old looks set to get the nod after grabbing the only goal in Croatia’s final warm-up match against Australia last week.

Jelavic has been targeting this fixture ever since the draw was made with reports suggesting he left Goodison Park with Brazil on his mind. He knew he needed more playing time to have any chance of selection for his national team, and so departed to the KC Stadium.

The 6ft 2in striker could be perfect for this occasion for a couple of reasons. Firstly, he can provide a threat in the air, and the hosts have looked vulnerable in this department at times recently. Secondly, he is often at his most dangerous on the counter-attack. Interestingly, all his goals for Hull have come away from home since his January move.

Having averaged 3.4 shots per game at his new club, Jelavic is unlikely to go 90 minutes without troubling the home defence at some point. He might just silence the Sao Paulo crowd for a brief period.

Odds correct at time of publishing: 09:29 12th Jun, 2014 but subject to change

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