Beiruting News

It is almost time. The day Brazilians have been eagerly awaiting is finally arriving.

Brazil plays Croatia on Thursday to get the home World Cup under way, beginning its quest for a sixth world title almost seven years after the nation was picked to host the 32-team event.

After so much talk about delays, protests and problems, fans at last are getting a chance to cheer for the national team on home soil in soccer's showcase tournament.

If Brazil wins the opening match, the fact the stadium in Sao Paulo isn't fully finished will likely be forgotten. A loss, quite simply, is unthinkable for a nation whose identity is so closely linked to its team.

"We are all eager to get started, we are just counting the days," Brazil midfielder Ramires said Tuesday. "We know that the fans have confidence in our team and they are behind us.

"We have to do everything possible to try to win this World Cup. We know everybody is expecting us to do it."

Brazil, which enters the World Cup with victories in 15 of its last 16 matches, is trying to become the first nation to capture the title at home since France did it in 1998.