Brazil opened their 2014 World Cup Group A campaign with a 3-1 win over Croatia in Sao Paulo on Thursday.

The host nation fell behind early on when Marcelo turned into his own net from close range, but a double from Neymar - including one from the penalty spot - left Brazil 2-1 ahead with little under 20 minutes remaining.

The five-time world champions made sure of the three points late on when Oscar poked one into the bottom corner.

Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Group A rivals.

Match statistics

Brazil
Shots: 14
On target: 6
Possession: 64%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 5

Croatia
Shots: 7
On target: 3
Possession: 36%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 21

Was the result fair?

Brazil might have won 3-1 this evening, but it does not tell the whole story - far from it in fact. Croatia caused the host nation all sorts of problems throughout the 90 minutes and but for a questionable penalty decision, might have gone on to claim all three points themselves. At 1-1, there was simply nothing in the match, with both sides cancelling each other out. However, the game turned on the penalty decision, before Oscar added gloss to the score in stoppage time. Statistics rarely paint a false picture, but on the performance as a whole, Croatia will feel that they deserved a point from their work.

Brazil's performance

The hosts, with the bookmakers' at least, are the favourites to claim their sixth World Cup this summer and their first since 2002. However, if that is to happen, a marked improvement on this showing will need to be seen. While Croatia are a strong outfit, they are not among the top teams in the competition and a better side might have made Brazil pay for fundamental errors. David Luiz and Marcelo were both culpable for Croatia's opener, while the likes of Fred and Hulk struggled in attack. It was a night for Neymar, however, with the Barcelona attacker netting a brace for the Selecao. Chelsea's Oscar, meanwhile, was also impressive in forward areas. When Neymar levelled after 29 minutes, Brazil were expected to take control, but that was not the case, with Croatia a serious threat on the counter. Goalkeeper Julio Cesar was also called into action late on to make a number of smart saves, before Oscar added a third for the host nation. Ultimately, it is three points for Brazil on the opening night, but the home supporters will want more as the tournament advances.

Croatia's performance

One thing is for certain - Croatia did not let themselves down this evening. In fact, quite the opposite. The European outfit started brightly and deservedly took the lead after 11 minutes when Marcelo turned into his own net. They did not retreat and hope to keep Brazil out, meanwhile, with the likes of Ivan Perisic and Ivan Rakitic causing problems at every opportunity.

Defensively Croatia were also impressive, with Brazil frustrated for long spells. The penalty decision was ultimately the turning point, however, with Neymar sending the home side into the lead with little under 20 minutes to play. It did not dent Croatia's challenge, however, and they had the ball in the back of the net through Perisic late on, only for the referee to award Brazil a free kick following a challenge between Brazil stopper Cesar and Ivica Olic. A third Brazilian goal was always likely as Croatia continued to press forward, but the final score was tough on the European outfit, who will still be confident of making it through the group ahead upcoming clashes against Mexico and Cameroon.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Neymar: This evening, Neymar became the first player to score two goals on his World Cup debut since David Villa for Spain in 2006. The 22-year-old had a difficult second half of the season for Barcelona last term, but there is little doubting his performances in a yellow shirt. Following his brace in Sao Paulo, the attacker has now scored 33 times in 50 appearances for his country - a quite incredible record. That said, neither of his two strikes against Croatia was spectacular, with his first effort from distance rolling into the bottom corner and his second arriving from a controversial penalty.

Biggest gaffe

Brazil's victory this evening could be somewhat overshadowed by a penalty decision that went firmly in their favour. Fred appeared to go down incredibly easy under pressure from Croatia centre-back Dejan Lovren inside the Brazil box, but referee Yuichi Nishimura was in no doubt as he pointed for the spot. Replays confirmed that it was a soft decision, with the Southampton defender making little contact with the experienced forward. Neymar stepped up and sent the penalty home, but Croatia stopper Stipe Pletikosa, who might also feel he should have saved Oscar's late strike, will also be disappointed not to have kept it out after getting a hand to the Brazilian's effort.

Referee performance

As mentioned above, Nishimura can unfortunately expect criticism following his award of the penalty. However, the 42-year-old, who issued four yellow cards throughout the contest, might have done Brazil a favour in the first half when he handed Neymar just a yellow card following an elbow on Croatia midfielder Luka Modric. A red would have been harsh, but the Croatian players put him under serious pressure. The official also chalked off a late Croatia goal when he signalled that Olic had felled Cesar in the build-up. Overall, it was a difficult night for the referee in what was an end-to-end match.

What next?

Brazil: Next up for Brazil is a clash with Mexico on Tuesday. Another victory might well be enough to book their spot in the round of 16.

Croatia: Croatia, meanwhile, face Cameroon on Wednesday knowing that anything less than three points would leave them in a vulnerable position in the group.