WATCH: After strikes and protests in the lead-up, Brazilian officials may have a sense of relief that the first kickoff in the World Cup has finally happened. Mike Drolet has the story.
Brazil’s Neymar gave his country the start it so desperately wanted — needed maybe — in the World Cup’s opening match, scoring twice to lead the host nation to a 3-1 come-from-behind victory over Croatia 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.
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The 22-year-old forward tied the game in the 29th minute 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 then ricocheting into the net.
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.
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Brazilian teammate Oscar scored in the third in injury time.
Brazil’s victory capped a dramatic day in Sao Paulo and across the rest of the South American country, a day that began with a partial walk off the job among union staff at Rio de Janeiro’s airports.
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Then came the spectacular opening ceremony in Sao Paulo’s gleaming new — yet still somewhat unfinished — arena followed by the first game of the month-long contest.
Controversial call
Japanese official Yuishi Nichimura ensured that refereeing standards at the World Cup will be a hotly debated topic from the opening match.
Nichimura awarded Brazil a questionable penalty that Neymar converted in the 71st minute, giving the host nation 2-1 up in what turned into a 3-1 victory over Croatia.
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For some referees, Neymar might not have been on the field to take the spot-kick, nor even level the match in the 29th minute.
Nichimura showed the Brazil star just a yellow card in the 26th minute for pushing a forearm into the throat of Croatia playmaker Luka Modric.
Four years ago, the 42-year-old professional referee sent off Brazil defender Felipe Melo in its quarter-final exit against the Netherlands.
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— With files from Associated Press in Brazil
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