FIFA World Cup 2014: Goals from Neymar and Oscar led Brazil to a 3-1 win against Croatia
After what was a nervy start to the opening game of the FIFA World Cup 2014, the home fans at the Corinthians Arena must be quite delighted with the way things panned out as the Brazilian side came back from behind to win 3-1 on the night. A brace from Neymar that marked his 32nd and 33rd goals for the country helped the side on its way to the first win of the campaign.
Oscar sealed all three points for the home side with a clinical finish on the break late in the injury time. However, it took a controversial penalty call that was converted by Neymar to give Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team the crucial lead in the second half.
Brazil, who are often labelled as one of the slow starters at the World Cup tournaments did get off to a cagey start. The back-line suffered several lapse of concentrations and one of them resulted into a terrible own goal, after Marcelo tapped-in a low cross from Olic in his own net.
Although with only 11 minutes gone, things were not going to be any worse for the home side. As the game progressed, the likes of Neymar and Oscar looked more comfortable on the ball. After a couple of near misses, courtesy of some brilliant play from Oscar, Neymar opened the scoring with a neat finish in the far corner.
Croatia did threaten more than once to level the scoring as Modric and Rakitic were allowed too much space in their attacking half. However, the attacking line led by Jelavic in the absence of the more experienced Marco Mandzukic couldn't make the desired impact.
With the Brazilians ensuring all 3 points in what seemed to be their toughest opposition in Group A, Neymar and co. must be expected to cruise past Mexico and Cameroon in the next two games.