Former Croatia coach Slaven Bilic has claimed that the team can surprise Brazil in the opening match of the World Cup.

The Croats get the tournament underway on Friday when they meet the host nation in Sao Paulo.

Despite Brazil's status as favourites to win the match, Bilic believes that Croatia can cause an upset against the five-time champions.

"This World Cup is a big thing for Croatia," he is quoted as saying by The Mirror. "All the people are excited. We know that a few billion people are going to watch our country.

"Okay, Brazil are better on paper but we are counting that they'll be a little bit nervous. Brazil are strong favourites for the whole tournament but we are expecting to get ­something from that game."

Croatia's previous best appearance at the World Cup was a third-placed finish in 1998.