Brazil 2014: Host in winning start against Croatia

An own goal from Marcelo put fans under pressure.

The 2014 FIFA World Cup Thursday night got underway in a thrilling fashion as the hosts Brazil had to come from a goal down to defeat Croatia 3-1.

An own goal from Marcelo put fans under pressure as Brazil’s enviable record of never losing an opening game at the Mundial was looking under threat.

It was Neymar that orchestrated Brazil’s comeback just after picking a yellow card as he fired in an equaliser for the hosts.

The goal was his 32nd in 50 games for Brazil. It was also the 211th goal for Brazil at the World Cup.

Having restored parity in the first half, Brazil got two more goals in the second half to start their quest for an unprecedented 6th World Cup title on a bright note.
The host’s second goal came from a Neymar penalty after Fred was brought down in the box; while Oscar scored the third.