The opening match of the 2014 World Cup pitted hosts Brazil against Croatia in Sao Paulo.
Croatia took the lead after 11 minutes when Marcelo turned into his own net, but Neymar levelled for the home side moments before the 30-minute mark.
Brazil took the lead in controversial circumstances after 71 minutes, when Neymar found the back of the net with a penalty after Dejan Lovren had been penalised for a pull on Fred inside the box.
The home side made sure of the victory late on when Oscar poked one into the bottom corner.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Here we go then – the 20th staging of the World Cup gets underway from Sao Paulo as the host nation Brazil welcome Croatia. As mentioned above, kickoff this evening is not until 9pm UK time, but we will have minute-by-minute updates of the opening ceremony and all that comes with it. Be sure to remain with Sports Mole throughout the evening and you will not miss a moment of the action.
After 820 qualifying matches involving 202 teams, the finals of the 2014 World Cup are upon us. Brazil and Croatia have met just twice before, with the Selecao beating their European opponents 1-0 in their only previous World Cup meeting during the group stages in 2006. Their only other clash was in August 2005, with the friendly match finishing 1-1. Just a reminder that the opening ceremony is due to start at 7.15pm.
Brazil enter this particular match having won each of their last nine games, scoring 30 times in the process and conceding just twice. Their only defeat in their last 21 matches came against Switzerland last August. Since then, they have won 16 times, drawing four times in the process. What's more, the Selecao are unbeaten in their last 37 games in Brazil since a home defeat to South American rivals Paraguay in 2002.
The host nation has never lost their opening World Cup game, with the 20 previous hosts winning 14 of their 20 matches, drawing six times in the process. As mentioned above, this is the 20th staging of the World Cup and Brazil are the only team to have taken part in every single tournament.
However, not since 1978 has the World Cup been held on South American soil. That year it was Argentina that won the trophy in controversial circumstances and Brazil, with the bookmakers' at least, are the favourites to pick up their first world title since 2002 this summer. However, it remains to be seen how well the team deals with the vast pressure on their shoulders. Just a reminder that kickoff is at 9pm UK time.
The omens are good for Brazil in terms of tournament openers on home turf. As mentioned, this is the second time that they have hosted the World Cup – the first was in 1950 when they lost to Uruguay in the final – and in that particular tournament they opened with a 4-0 win over Mexico. Current scenes in Brazil...
However, eight of the last 12 opening matches at World Cups have produced one goal or less. While a one-goal victory would be a good result for Brazil, the fans are expecting them to entertain this summer. It isn't just about winning, but winning with style. That is the pressure facing Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Brazil's group stage record is also strong in World Cups, having won eight of their last nine World Cup group games, remaining unbeaten in the process. In fact, the last time they lost a group match in this particular competition was way back in 1998, when they were defeated 2-1 by Norway. It is safe to say that the omens are not looking too good for Croatia, who I shall discuss in more detail as the evening unfolds.
As hosts of the prestigious tournament, Brazil automatically qualified for the 2014 competition. The Selecao also won the Confederations Cup last summer after beating European and world champions Spain in the final of the competition. That could indeed also be the final this summer and Brazil will take plenty of confidence from their performance against the holders in that particular competition.
What about Brazil's manager? Luiz Felipe Scolari is currently in his second spell in charge of Brazil having previously led his national team to the World Cup title in 2002. The well-travelled boss has also previously managed Portugal, whom he led to the final of Euro 2004 and the semi-finals of the World Cup two years later. Scolari has also managed Premier League side Chelsea, but the majority of his success at club level came between the years of 1995 and 2001 in Brazil with both Gremio and Palmeiras.
Just a reminder of Brazil's squad for the tournament:
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Toronto FC), Jefferson (Botafogo), Victor (Atletico Mineiro)
Defenders: Marcelo (Real Madrid), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (AS Roma), Maxwell (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Paris St Germain), David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Henrique (Napoli)
Midfielders: Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur), Ramires (Chelsea), Willian (Chelsea), Oscar (Chelsea), Hernanes (Inter Milan), Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Fernandinho (Manchester City)
Strikers: Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk), Neymar (Barcelona), Fred (Fluminense), Jo (Atletico Mineiro), Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg)
While Brazil's defence is undoubtedly full of talent, there are question marks over the midfield. There is not too much creativity in there, especially in relation to squads from previous tournaments, but they do possess the supremely-gifted Neymar in attack, who has an incredible amount of pressure on his shoulders.
Neymar has had his problems settling in at Barcelona due to injuries and off-the-field concerns, but he will be Brazil's main man this summer that is for certain. Comparisons with the great Pele are somewhat premature, but the 22-year-old has scored an incredible 31 goals in 49 games for his country.
Interestingly, only six members of Brazil's 23-man squad have World Cup experience. It is an incredible statistic when running through the list of names, but it is a squad inexperienced at this particular level of football. As a country, however, Brazil are the World Cup team. They have won the most games (67) and scored the most goals (210) in this particular competition.
Just a reminder that kickoff is at 9pm this evening and therefore the team news will be filtering through at around 8pm UK time. There are a number of interesting selection dilemmas for Scolari – who starts at centre-back with Thiago Silva? And who features as the midfield two? Further forward, it is understood that Neymar, Oscar and Hulk will operate behind Fred. I shall bring you up-to-date as soon as possible.
The World Cup ceremony is upon us! At the moment, there are lots of performers currently on the field surrounding a ball that is showing welcome messages to all the countries involved. It is colourful that is for certain, with the colours of the rainforest very much on display.
This is Amazonian Brazil. We have people dressed as trees and raindrops currently on the field. It is quite bizarre, but wonderful nonetheless. Flowers and plants are also emerging...
There are 60,000 people watching the opening ceremony live inside the stadium and at the moment, there are lots of trees, raindrops and plants dancing on the field. The giant ball in the middle of the pitch, meanwhile, is flashing blue. Very much an Amazon feel to the ceremony thus far, which is not a surprise.
The raindrops are now carrying a man in a canoe across the pitch - quite. Questionable music to say the least, but those involved seem to be enjoying it. The second section will reflect the diversity of Brazil.
The second section of the opening ceremony is equally as colourful at the first. Joining the rain and trees, there are women dancers demonstrating all of the Brazilian styles. It is a diverse country there is no question about that. Not quite my taste in music it must be said, but each to their own.
The dancing continues and it is difficult to know where to look at the moment with so much happening. One word to describe the ceremony thus far would be colourful, which is no surprise in Brazil.
The third section of the ceremony is about football. Football, football and more football. There are referees, people dressed as footballs and the like. How bizarre. It is quite wonderful though.
Children from local skills are currently volleying footballs that are attached to their own feet. Meanwhile, the people dressed as footballs have broken away to throw each other into the air. Only in Brazil!
Local children are currently volleying footballs that are attached to their own feet. Meanwhile, the people dressed as footballs have broken away to throw each other into the air. Only in Brazil!
The ball in the middle of the pitch has opened to reveal the star of the show. I didn't quite catch her name, but the woman singing is reportedly incredibly famous in Brazil and has recorded the official World Cup song. That has only excited the dancers further and no-one on the pitch can keep still at the moment.
Hey, I know these two. Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull have also emerged from the giant ball. Pitbull is wearing a Brazilian shirt, while J-Lo is in a green dress. All three performers are currently on stage!
Pitbull is currently living out every man's dream. He is on stage with two attractive women, at the World Cup. The song, however, is not too inspiring. Those in the crowd seem to be enjoying it though!
The audio was not great it must be said. However, the singing has now stopped. The dancing has not stopped, however, with the dancing footballs very much in the swing of things. That was, well, quite bizarre.
Right, back to the football. In terms of Brazil's preparation, they were 4-0 winners over Panama on June 3, before beating Serbia 1-0 last Friday. Scolari's side were far from convincing in either, but they did show patience in the second friendly, with Serbia proving a tough nut to crack.
Let's step away from Brazil for a moment because, of course, there is another team playing this evening and one thing is for certain, Croatia are not here to make up the numbers. They have a squad full of talent and while it is fairly inexperienced at this level, they certainly have the capabilities of causing a few surprises, not just this evening, but in the tournament as a whole.
Incredibly, Croatia have only conceded 11 goals in 13 World Cup games. At 0.85/game, it is the best ratio among the 32 teams taking part this summer. However, as touched upon, Croatia did lose their 2006 World Cup opener against Brazil, with Kaka netting the only goal of the match. Team news is expected shortly...
Five wins and a draw from Croatia's first six Group A matches left them level with much-fancied Belgium in their European qualification section in March 2013. However, they picked up just one point from their final four fixtures, with that run of form leaving them second – three points ahead of third-placed Serbia – and therefore relying on coming through the playoffs to make the tournament.
They were drawn against Iceland in the playoffs, and drew 0-0 on the road before winning 2-0 in Zagreb to book their spot in Brazil. In total, their group record read played 10, won five, drawn two and lost three. It was far from inspiring, but they did enough to book their spot in the finals.
Like Brazil, Croatia also picked up two wins from their two recent warm-up matches. They beat Mali 2-1 at the end of May, before beating Australia 1-0 last Saturday. That said, Croatia have gone four World Cup matches without a win and only scored in one of those fixtures – a 2-2 draw with Australia in 2006.
What about Croatia's manager? Former Croatia captain Niko Kovac has been head coach of the national team since October 2013 after Igor Stimac resigned from his position. Kovac had previously taken charge of the Under-21 side in January 2013, but was promoted after less than nine months in the job. As a player, the 42-year-old played in two World Cups (2002 and 2006) and retired from football in 2009.
Since Kovac took charge, Croatia are unbeaten in five matches, winning three times in the process. Another positive result this evening would set the European nation up nicely for the final two group matches. That said, a defeat this evening would not be the end of the world, with Brazil expected to collect nine points from nine in the group stages. Right, the team news is filtering through from Brazil...
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: No real surprises in the Brazil XI this evening, with the back five as expected. Paulinho and Luiz Gustavo will hold the midfield, allowing Hulk, Oscar and Neymar to operate behind Fred. Croatia, meanwhile, have Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic in their XI. Bayern Munich forward Mario Mandzukic is suspended, but Hull City striker Nikica Jelavic does start. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
BRAZIL: Cesar; Alves, Silva, Luiz, Marcelo; Paulinho, Gustavo; Hulk, Oscar, Neymar; Fred
CROATIA: Pletikosa; Srna, Corluka, Lovren, Vrsaijko; Modric, Rakitic, Perisic, Kovacic; Olic, Jelavic
So there we have it. As mentioned, no surprises in the Brazil team. Injuries permitting, it is the XI expected to feature in all three group matches. Former Arsenal striker Eduardo does not start for Croatia against his home country, however. The European side go with Jelavic and Olic in attack, while Southampton defender Dejan Lovren also starts. It is an impressive team on paper and one that Brazil will fear.
Just a reminder of Croatia's squad for the tournament:
Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (Rostov), Danijel Subasic (Monaco), Oliver Zelenika (Dinamo Zagreb)
Defenders: Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Dejan Lovren (Southampton), Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow), Gordon Schildenfeld, Danijel Pranjic (both Panathinaikos), Domagoj Vida (Dynamo Kiev), Sime Vrsaljko (Genoa)
Midfielders: Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla), Ognjen Vukojevic (Dynamo Kiev), Ivan Perisic (Wolfsburg), Mateo Kovacic (Inter Milan), Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Sammir (Getafe), Ivan Mocinic (Rijeka)
Forwards: Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich), Ivica Olic (Wolfsburg), Eduardo (Shakhtar Donetsk), Nikica Jelavic (Hull City), Ante Rebic (Fiorentina)
As mentioned, Bayern Munich striker Mandzukic is suspended for Croatia this evening following his red card in the playoff clash against Iceland. There is no question that is a huge blow to their chances, but their squad is full of quality. With Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic starting in central midfield, there might not be a better partnership in the entire tournament. Around 40 minutes until kickoff this evening...
With 60 caps, Rakitic will be one of the more experienced members of the squad this summer. The 26-year-old will also enter the tournament having helped Sevilla to fifth place in La Liga and the Europa League title. The attacking midfielder, who scored 15 times for his club during the 2013-14 season, is currently one of the most sought-after players in European football and looks certain to join Barcelona after the World Cup.
Modric, meanwhile, will enter the World Cup off the back of winning a Champions League and Copa del Rey double with Real Madrid during the 2013-14 season. The former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker has thrived in Spain over the last nine months following a lacklustre start and was arguably their best player for long periods of the season. He will be the catalyst for his country this summer.
As mentioned, Brazil are five-time winners of the World Cup. Their first victory came in 1958, before they picked up the trophy for a second time four years later. The third time arrived in 1970, before winning a fourth in 1994. Their last success was in 2002, but it has been a fairly disappointing last couple of tournaments, with the Selecao eliminated at the quarter-final stage in both 2006 and 2010.
Croatia, meanwhile, have never won the World Cup, but they have only played in three tournaments as an independent nation – from 1930 until 1990, they competed as part of Yugoslavia. They finished third in France 1998, but were eliminated in the group stages in both 2002 and 2006 and did not qualify for the 2010 competition in South Africa. Little under 30 minutes until kickoff this evening...
Looking ahead for a moment, following this match, Croatia face Cameroon on June 18, before ending their group campaign against Mexico on June 23. It will be interesting to see what total of points is enough to make it through. Four points could be enough, but then goal difference could very much come into the equation.
Brazil, meanwhile, face Mexico in their next Group A match on June 17, before facing Cameroon on June 23. In truth, it would be an incredible surprise if the host nation did not comfortably make it through the group and indeed one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history. Kickoff is almost upon us...
In truth, all of the pressure this evening is on Brazil. Croatia have a clean hit in many ways. They can lose this match and will still be confident of making it through. It has to be a confident start from the hosts.
PREDICTION: I am finding it difficult to make a case for Croatia this evening. I think it will be close, but I expect Brazil to start their Group A campaign with all three points. That said, the longer the match says goalless, the more nervous the home supporters will be. My prediction is 2-0 Brazil.
Just a reminder that this is the only World Cup match taking place this evening. Group A's other match between Cameroon and Mexico will take place tomorrow. The players are expected shortly...
Here we go then. It is finally here. Both sets of players emerge from the tunnel, with little over five minutes until kickoff. The national anthems will soon take place and it is sure to be emotional.
Just an incredible noise inside the stadium this evening. The national anthems have taken place, the handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for kickoff.
Serious emotion from the Brazilian players during the national anthem. What a moment it would be if the World Cup returned to Brazil next month. That said, a number of teams, including the likes of Argentina and Spain, will have something to say about that. Right, Croatia officially get the 2014 competition underway.
Bright start from Croatia as Perisic finds some space in the middle of the park before looping a ball towards Olic, but Luiz comes across to make a fine challenge. Kovacic has some space outside the Brazil box moments later, but his effort is wide of the post. Moments later, Brazil take control of the ball in their own half.
Possession football from Brazil in the early exchanges with the likes of Luiz and Silva seeing plenty of the ball in their own half. Not too much in terms of attacking pressure, however, with Croatia settling into a defensive shape. Olic delivers a dangerous cross into the Brazil box moments later, but Luiz lashes clear.
Couple of nervy moments for Brazil in the counter-attack thus far, with Croatia certainly possessing the quality to hurt the host nation. The noise inside the stadium is just incredible, meanwhile. Deafening atmosphere. It hasn't quite been the start to the tournament that Brazil would have wanted, however.
Free kick for Brazil in a wide position as Corluka throws himself into Hulk - clumsy challenge from the defender. The resulting set piece is delivered by Marcelo and met by Luiz, but his header is straight at Pletikosa. First real sight of the Croatian goal for the host nation with seven minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Croatia as Perisic finds the head of Olic inside the Brazil box, but his header is wide of the post. It has been a very confident start from the European side.
Half-chance for Brazil as Paulinho finds some space outside the Croatia box, but his effort is deflected behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered by Neymar, but the referee demands a re-take following a clash between Jelavic and Luiz. Brazil with another chance to deliver...
... once more the free kick comes in from Neymar, but Perisic is on hand to clear. Modric attempts to break for the European side, but Paulinho is across to clear the danger. Still goalless with 11 minutes played.
GOAL! Brazil 0-1 Croatia (Marcelo OG)
Oh my good grief. Croatia lead after 11 minutes as Marcelo turns a low Olic cross into his own net. Incredible moment in Sao Paulo. The home supporters have been utterly stunned.
Brazil are down the other end with Oscar, but his cross is straight into the arms of the Croatian goalkeeper. The atmosphere has just dropped in the last few minutes, with Croatia confident on the ball. One hell of a story emerging from Sao Paulo, but there is still a lot of football to be played this evening.
Half-chance for Brazil as Oscar delivers a dangerous cross towards the far post, but neither Fred nor Neymar can make contact. That is better from the host nation, but Croatia remain a serious threat on the counter.
Brazil have started to force the issue in the last few moments, but they are finding it difficult to break through this stern Croatia defence. Couple of late challenges for the referee to deal with, meanwhile, but the official has not yet produced a booking. Still 1-0 Croatia with 18 minutes on the clock.
Croatia threaten once more as Vrsaijko delivers a dangerous cross from the left, but there are no takers in the middle of the box. There is no real atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment, but that will change if the host nation can find an equaliser. That said, they have not really had a clear chance thus far.
CHANCE! First real chance for Brazil as Paulinho breaks into the Croatia box before striking towards goal, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. There is some live in Brazil yet.
CHANCES! Three chances in quick succession for Brazil. First, Srna makes a wonderful block following a low Neymar cross, before Pletikosa denies Oscar from distance. Moments later, Hulk fires high and wide of the crossbar from close range. One-way traffic in the last few moments, with Brazil on top.
Some glum faces in the crowd at the moment, but Brazil have been on top in the last five minutes or so. There is a slight stoppage in play, however, with Perisic on the ground receiving treatment following a clash with Paulinho. What a story it would be if Croatia were to beat the hosts this evening. Just incredible.
BOOKING! Neymar is booked for Brazil following a challenge on Modric. Replays have shown that the Barcelona forward put his arm into the face of the Real Madrid midfielder.
The resulting free kick is delivered by Perisic, but Luiz is on hand to clear under pressure from Lovren. Another Croatian goal could spell serious trouble for the hosts as boos ring out around the stadium.
GOAL! Brazil 1-1 Croatia (Neymar)
Brazil level and it just had to be Neymar. The Barcelona attacker picks up the ball outside the box before driving one into the bottom corner off the post. It wasn't a clean hit, but it found the back of the net.
Neymar's 32nd Brazilian goal. Who would have thought it? It had to be him didn't it. It just had to be. Moments before, Jelavic had headed straight at Cesar from close range. It was a goal out of nothing.
Red or yellow card? Croatia wanted red...
It is all Brazil at the moment as the host nation keep the ball in the final third. Hulk dances past two players before delivering towards the near post, but Perisic is across to clear. The resulting corner is delivered by Neymar, but Pletikosa is first to the ball. Still 1-1 in Sao Paulo.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments, but Croatia are finding it difficult to push forward, certainly as easily as they did in the opening minutes. Olic attempts to break down the left for the European side once more, but Alves is across to make the challenge. Croatia throw.
CHANCE! Another chance for Brazil as Oscar breaks down the right before delivering a cross towards Paulinho, but Modric is across to make a wonderful challenge at the vital moment.
Decent spell of Croatia possession in the last few minutes with Modric and Rakitic both seeing plenty of the ball in forward positions. However, the latest attack comes to an end with Srna loses the ball before fouling Marcelo. Little over three minutes of the first period remaining. It has been a brilliant first half.
Opportunity for Brazil to threaten from a free kick as Rakitic brings Neymar to the ground...
... the resulting free kick is taken by Neymar, but his effort hits the wall. Croatia want the half-time whistle to arrive quickly. A Brazil goal at this stage of proceedings would be a real killer for them.
Another half-chance for Brazil as Marcelo finds Oscar in a forward position, but the linesman flags, despite replays showing that the Chelsea midfielder was level with the final defender. Still 1-1 in Sao Paulo.
A mistake from Olic allows Brazil another half-chance as Neymar finds Hulk inside the Croatia box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. We are into the first of two additional minutes.
HALF-TIME: Brazil 1-1 Croatia
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the score level at 1-1. Croatia took the lead after just 11 minutes when Marcelo turned a Olic cross into his own net, but Neymar levelled for the home side moments before the 30-minute mark. Croatia did not read the pre-match script that is for certain.
STATISTICS: Brazil have had more of the possession with 70%, while they have had 10 attempts, four of which have been on target. Croatia, meanwhile, have had four attempts, but just one has been on target. There has also been one yellow card, with Neymar in the book for an elbow on Modric.
BENCH WATCH: Brazil have an abundance of attacking talent on their bench this evening with the likes of Bernard, Willian and Ramires in reserve. Croatia, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Eduardo, Pranjic, Sammir and Badelj. Both benches could be vital as the second half unfolds.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. As expected, there has been no changes from either manager at the interval. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital. Right, Brazil get the second period underway in Sao Paulo.
In truth, a draw would not be the worst result for Brazil this evening. However, it would not be accepted by their supporters. They have to win and win well this summer. As expected, Brazil have indeed taken control of the possession in the early moments of the second half, but Croatia remain a threat on the counter.
Just a reminder that Group A's other two teams - Cameroon and Mexico - clash tomorrow. I think it would be fair to say that the two teams on display this evening are the favourites to progress from the group. Not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure in the opening stages of the second period. Still 1-1.
Half-chance for Brazil as Hulk finds some space down the right before delivering a low cross towards Hulk, but Corluka is on hand to clear the danger. Croatia cannot get out, however, as Oscar wins a free kick under pressure from Vrsaljko, who was incredibly late to the ball.
Neymar delivers the resulting free kick towards the near post, but Corluka is on hand to clear the danger. Not too much from Croatia in terms of attacking pressure since the interval, with Brazil firmly on top.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last few moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Croatia have a half-chance as Olic delivers a low cross towards Jelavic, but Silva is on hand to clear the danger. Little under 35 minutes of this World Cup opener to play in Sao Paulo.
The match has become extremely stretched in the last few minutes with both sides forcing numbers into the final third. Olic wants a free kick just outside the Brazil box following a challenge from Luiz, but the referee is not interested. Moments later, Oscar just fails to gather a long pass from Paulinho.
Brazil once more make good ground in the final third as Neymar finds some space outside the box, but his pass is too strong for Paulinho. We are entering the stage of the match where both managers will be thinking about changes. Both sides have players that could influence the game there is no question about that.
Olic is again a threat as the winger drives a low cross into the Brazil box, but Luiz is on hand to clear under pressure from Jelavic. Croatia are not settling for a point here there is no question about that.
SUB! Croatia make the first change of the match as Kovavic is replaced by Brozovic.
SUB! First change for Brazil as Hernanes replaces Paulinho in central midfield.
Like-for-like changes by both managers rather than attacking ones. The match continues to flow from end-to-end, but neither side is really in control with little over 25 minutes of this Group A opener to play.
BOOKING! Corluka enters the book for Croatia after hacking Neymar to the ground just outside the box. It was late from the former Tottenham defender, who had made the initial mistake.
The resulting free kick is taken by Alves, but his effort just drops over the crossbar. I suspect that Luiz might hit the next one from that distance. Still 1-1 with little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
SUB! Brazil make their second change as Bernard replaces the disappointing Hulk.
PENALTY BRAZIL!
Brazil are awarded a penalty as Lovren is adjudged to have felled Fred inside the box. For me, it is a poor decision. Soft, soft decision from the referee.
GOAL! Brazil 2-1 Croatia (Neymar, pen)
Just, but only just. Brazil take the lead from the penalty spot as Neymar finds the back of the net, but Pletikosa got a hand on it and might have made the save. Brazil lead in Sao Paulo!
Half-chance for Croatia to respond as Perisic delivers a low cross towards Jelavic, but Luiz just manages to turn over his own crossbar. I have a feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals this evening. Lovren threatens for Croatia moments later after meeting a corner from Modric, but his effort is wide of the post.
It's good work from Hernanes as the Brazilian midfielder drives through the heart of the Croatia defence before attempting to deliver a cross towards Fred, but Lovren is on hand to make the challenge.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Brazil to score their third as Oscar delivers a wonderful cross towards the far post, but Luiz can only head over the crossbar. What an opportunity!
SUB! Croatia make their second change of the match as Rebic replaces Jelavic.
Luiz takes a risk inside his own box after diving into a challenge with Perisic, but the referee says that the Chelsea defender played the ball. It is all happening at the moment as Brazil burst down the other end.
CHANCE! Another chance for Brazil as Fred meets a near-post corner from Neymar, but his header just flashes across the face of goal. Little under 10 minutes of this Group A clash remaining.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Croatia have the ball in the back of the net through Perisic, but the referee blows his whistle and awards a free kick to Brazil after Cesar had clashed with Olic.
Brazil are living dangerously at the moment with Croatia a threat on the counter each time they press forward. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match. Little under five minutes to play.
Croatia are not finished this evening that is for certain as the European outfit continue to force the issue in the final third. Modric hits one from distance, but Cesar is across to make the save. It is all a little anxious in the Brazil defence with little over two minutes of normal time remaining.
BOOKING! Gustavo enters the book for Brazil following a late challenge on Modric.
SUB! Brazil make another change as two-goal Neymar leaves the field for Ramires.
Another half-chance for Croatia as Corluka meets a cross from Modric, but his header is wide of the post. Croatia continue to worry this Brazil defence, which has not looked too convincing for long periods.
Another smart move from Croatia as Modric combines with Perisic, but Marcelo is across to clear at the vital moment. Perisic hits one from distance moments later, but Cesar is across to make the save. Wow.
GOAL! Brazil 3-1 Croatia (Oscar)
Brazil make sure of the three points as Oscar breaks towards the Croatia box before poking his effort into the bottom corner. Lift-off Brazil on opening night!
We are into the fourth minute of additional time this evening. It is tough on Croatia, however, who will feel that they should have taken something from this match. It could yet get worse for the European outfit.
FULL-TIME: Brazil 3-1 Croatia
So there we have it. Brazil open with a 3-1 win over Croatia, but that does not tell the whole story. Croatia will feel aggrieved about the award of the penalty, which effectively brought Brazil's second. Much to discuss and ponder this evening, but that is just about it from me. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around for all the reaction. Until next time!
