Neymar points the way

Brazil 3 Croatia 1 - Sao Paulo 12 June 2014

Brazil came from behind to pick up 3 points in a 3-1 win with a double from Neymar against Croatia in the opening match of the 2014 World Cup. The hosts gifted Croatia a goal in the 11th minute when Marcelo turned a low cross into his own net, but in the 29th minute Neymar rolled the ball in off the post from outside the area to level the score and in the 69th minute, when Brazil were awarded a soft penalty, Neymar forced his spot kick past Pletikosa who could only push the ball into the net. Julio Cesar did well to block a shot from Perisic in stoppage time and moments later Oscar ran towards goal to stab the ball in from the edge of the box, ending a controversial match with a win for the hosts.