Thursday 12th June, 2014



Brazil have won the opening game of the 2014 World Cup, running out 3-1 winners over Croatia.

The hosts got off to the worst possible start in front of an expectant crowd however, when left-back Marcelo bundled the ball into his own goal following a Croatian cross.




However, Croatia's lead lasted just 18 minutes, with Neymar surging forward and hitting a low drive from outside the penalty area to ripple the back of the net and bring Brazil level in the 29th minute.

Brazil then began to dominate possession, but Croatia held firm and the two teams went in level at 1-1 at half-time.
 


Brazil would get the breakthrough in the second half though, when Fred fell easily in the box and the referee gave a penalty, leaving Croatia feeling hard done by.

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Neymar stepped up and scored in the 71st minute, before Oscar then put the gloss on the night with a neat run and finish in injury time.

The result means Brazil get off to a perfect start in Group A.

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