Brazil beats Croatia 3-1 in WC opener

The World Cup opener got to an exciting start with Brazil defeating Croatia 3-1 in Sao Paulo as the hosts came from behind to grab their first victory of the tournament.

Neymar scored twice against Croatia after the hosts' defender Marcelo had reportedly scored an early own goal to provide the visitor's with a 1-0 lead.

According to the BBC, Neymar scored a goal each on either side of the half-time, his first goal being a low, sweeping effort that crept into the net from 25 yards while his second, 19 minutes before the end, was altogether more controversial.

Croatia's defender Dejan Lovren was reportedly judged to have fouled Brazilian striker Fred in the box and Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura pointed to the spot, despite replays showing little contact had been made. Neymar, who was awarded the penalty, converted it into a goal.

Oscar put the icing on the final score with a tremendous late goal as he burst forward and toe-poked in from 25 yards, taking Croatia's goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa by surprise with a low drive, the report added.

Brazil, who had been levelled at 1-1 in the first half of the game, went on to win the match in the last 30 minutes of the game, thanks to Neymar's and Oscar's late goals, the report further added.