Opening Game:
Brazil 3 – 1 Croatia
Brazilian sensational youngster, Neymar Junior scored a brace to give the 5 time record World Cup winners, Brazil a 3 – 1 group A Victory over Croatia in the commencing fixture of the 2014 edition.
The match, proceeding one of the most colourful opening ceremonies ever was played at the Arena de Sao Paulo on Thursday.
Coming from a Marcelo own goal in the opening stages of the game, the Samba boys fought gallantly to make amends and win the game watched by a capacity lively crowd and millions across the globe.
The European side had taken a shock lead after defender Marcelo’s own-goal on 11 minutes. Ivica Olic received the ball on the Croatia left and ran unopposed into the Brazilian half.
His low cross fizzed across goal and was turned in by Marcelo, who failed to re-adjust his feet in time. Ivan Perisic was ready to pounce if the Real Madrid man had not made the final touch.
Neymar, shortly after he had been booked for elbowing Corluka equalised in the 29th minute following a solo effort as he powerfully drilled the ball past goalie Pletikosa when the ball rebounded off the post before settling at the back of the net.
He then converted a 70th minute second-half controversial penalty after Fred had been fouled by Dejan Lovren.
Croatia had the ball in the net before the end of the game, but Ivica Olic was adjudged to have fouled Julio Cesar in the build-up.
Oscar, who had a busy day at office made sure of the victory late on on the 90th minute mark with another brilliant solo effort.
The World Cup matches continue on Friday when one of Africa’s representatives, Cameroon takes on Mexico in another group A match.
Group B matches to follow later: Spain Vs Netherlands. Click here to see all group fixtures