Brazil winning opener

Brazil, host to the World Cup 2014, won their first match on Thursday night against Croatia with 3:1. Superstar Neymar scored twice during the game and Oscar finished the deal with his late goal in overtime. The strong and intense match was overshadowed however by a big mistake by the referee who gave a penalty kick after a clear dive of Brazil´s striker Fred.

Neymar had more downsthan ups in his performance, but scored twice.

The goal line cameras come to their first big use during the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil. While the question if the ball was in or not no longer has to be asked, there is still plenty of room for referee mistakes as the first match already showed.

Crotia got off to a better start and was rewarded with the 1:0 just eleven minutes in after a very unlucky own goal from Marcello. Brazil put up the heat after that and created more chances which lead to Neymar equalizing the score with a shot from about 20 meters distance.

After the break Brazil had problems to find their game again while Croatia focused more on defending. Then in minute 70 the exciter of the match happened: After a light touch on the shoulder by his opponent Brazil´s striker Fred fall to the ground screaming and the referee decided to give a penalty kick. The decision was more than questionable. However, Neymar scored the leading goal, although he was lucky to do so as keeper Pletikosa touched the ball before it hit the net. Oscar, who played a very strong first match, finished the deal with his late goal in minute 90 +2.