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Brazil beats Croatia 3-1 in World Cup opening game

Brazil's Fred, center, falls next to Croatia's Dejan Lovren, right, as Croatia's Vedran Corluka, left, watches during the group A World Cup soccer match in the opening game of the tournament at Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Thursday, June 12, 2014. Brazil was awarded a penalty kick after Lovren was issued a yellow card on the play leading to a goal by Brazil's Neymar. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Croatia players argue with referee Yuichi Nishimura from Japan after being given a penalty during the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia, the opening game of the tournament, in the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Thursday, June 12, 2014. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)
Brazil's Neymar celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia, the opening game of the tournament, in the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Thursday, June 12, 2014. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)
Brazil's Neymar, left, celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia, the opening game of the tournament, in the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Thursday, June 12, 2014. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)
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By TALES AZZONI ASSOCIATED PRESS
June 12, 2014 - 2:07 pm
 

SAO PAULO — Neymar gave Brazil a winning start to its home World Cup, scoring twice to lead the host nation to a 3-1 come-from-behind victory over Croatia in the opening game on Thursday.

Brazil had a disastrous start when defender Marcelo found his own net while trying to clear a low cross by Ivica Olic in the 11th minute, but Neymar then showed why the nation’s high hopes are all pinned on him.

The 22-year-old forward equalized in the 29th by clearing a defender near midfield before making a run toward the edge of the area and firing a low shot that hit the post before going in.

Brazil was then awarded a disputed penalty in the 71st minute after striker Fred went down inside the area under light contact, and Neymar scored the winner from the spot. Oscar slotted in the third in injury time.

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