The 2014 FIFA World Cup kicked-off with a 3-1 win for hosts Brazil against Croatia in front of 62,103 fans at the Arena Corinthians in São Paulo on Thurday.
Croatia took the lead courtesy to an own goal by Brazil defender Marcelo in the 11th minute. Ivica Olic put in a teasing cross from the left side which Nikica Jelavic miskicked just to see Marcelo put it into the back of his own net.
Brazilian wonderboy Neymar levelled the score line with a fine left-footer from 25 yards. The stadium erupted and both teams kept the fans entertained in a great opener of the 20th FIFA World Cup.
Neymar sealed Brazil’s win with his second goal of the match, when referee Yuichi Nishimura awarded the hosts a penalty in the 71st minute. Nishimura misjudged a challenge by Croatia’s Lovren on Fred as the Brazilian striker went down without any tackle on him. Croatia keeper Stipe Pletikosa got a firm hand to Neymar’spenalty, but the ball still found the corner.
Oscar’s injury time goal handed Brazil a 3-1 win against Croatia and the lead in Group A.
2014 FIFA World Cup | Group A
at the Arena Corinthians, São Paulo, Brazil
BRAZIL 3-1 CROATIA
GOALS
0-1 Marcelo (11′, og)
1-1 Neymar (29′)
2-1 Neymar (71′, pen)
3-1 Oscar (90’+1′)
LINE-UPS
Brazil
12 Júlio César; 2 Dani Alves, 3 Thiago Silva [C], 4 David Luiz, 6 Marcelo; 17 Luis Gustavo, 8 Paulinho (63′ 18 Hernanes); 11 Oscar, 7 Hulk (68′ 20 Bernard), 10 Neymar (88′ 16 Ramires); 9 Fred
Unused Subs
1 Jefferson, 13 Dante, 15 Henrique, 14 Maxwell, 5 Fernandinho, 19 Willian, 21 Jo, 22 Victor, 23 Maicon
Croatia
1 Pletikosa; 11 Srna [C], 5 Ćorluka, 6 Lovren, 2 Vrsaljko; 10 Modrić, 7 Rakitić, 4 Perišić, 20 Kovacic (61′ 14 Brozovic); 18 Olić, 9 Jelavić
Unused Subs
3 Pranjic, 8 Vukojevic, 12 Zelenika, 13 Schildenfeld, 15 Badelj, 16 Rebic, 19 Sammir, 21 Vida, 22 Eduardo, 23 Subasic
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee
Yuichi Nishimura (Japan)
Assistant Referees
Toru Sagara (Japan), Toshiyuki Nagi (Japan)
Fourth Official
Alireza Faghani (Iran)
BOOKINGS
Yellow Cards
27′ Neymar (Brazil)
66′ Ćorluka (Croatia)
69′ Lovren (Croatia)
88′ Luis Gustavo (Brazil)
Yellow-Red Cards
none
Red Cards
none