Eduardo excited by SWC debut

Cape Town - Croatia striker Eduardo admits the prospect of making his Soccer World Cup debut in Brazil is a dream come true.

The Brazilian-born attacker will turn out at the football showpiece for the first time this year, having previously been overlooked for selection in 2006 and missing out in 2010 after Croatia failed to qualify.

With the start of the tournament just two weeks away, there appears to be no stopping the 31-year-old on this occasion.

"Without a doubt this is a little odd, but I see it as a great opportunity too," he told the official FIFA website.

"I have missed three major tournaments, because there was (UEFA) Euro 2008 as well, when I was still recovering from injury.

"I experienced what it was like to play (at a major competition) at Euro 2012, but your first World Cup is something special."

The Shakhtar Donetsk forward admits he will have conflicted feelings when Vatreni face Brazil in the tournament opener.

"I could never have imagined this situation: to be Brazilian and have the chance to play in a World Cup in your own country, but in the shirt of another national team," he explained.

"And on top of that, just to complicate things, there's the opening match between the two countries. I could never have imagined such a huge coincidence."

"It'll be a difficult moment for me, I'm sure you understand.

"If only I had the chance to sing both anthems. I think I am going to feel torn."

Croatia face hosts Brazil in the opening game of the 2014 Soccer World Cup on Thursday.