Match 1 - Brazil vs Croatia

Match 1 on June 12 at 5:00 PM Brasilia Time

Venue: Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo

(Neymar 29' 71'(p), Oscar 90' +1) - (11' Marcelo OG)
Man of the Match: Neymar

Neymar lived up to his reputation and Brazil managed to win the opening game of the albeit a rusty performance from the hosts. Croatia, who started brilliantly with effective display of midfield and forward play got a break when Modric deflected Olic's cross into his own net to become the first Brazilian in history to score an own goal in a World Cup, in the 11th minute. But that's when Croatians stopped showing their creative display and concentrated on holding Brazil. It would be tough doing that against the five time champions and Neymar proved it by equalizing from a nothing shot from far outside the area, putting it in with the help of a deflection of the upright at 29th minute

Croatia seems to be holding the defense well enough when the Japanese referee, who had an average game throughout, made a blunder in granting a penalty when Fred clearly displayed his theatrical abilities with minimum contact from Lorven. Neymar's strike went through the fingertips of the goalkeeper into the top corner to make it 2-1 from Brazil

Olic started the match brilliantly with relentless runs down the left flank, more than once evoking gasps from the 62,000 odd fans, mostly supporting the Selecao. But once the first goal has been scored, Olic switched off and Oscar took over. He had been brilliant throughout the game providing stunning passes and showcasing amazing dribbling skills. Even Neymar whose skills, both in terms of technique and mischief, were on display abundantly was often overshadowed by the prolific midfielder

His work rate was amazing and was rewarded at the end with a great goal oozing of individual brilliance. It seems the Croatians took their foot of the gas too early enabling the hosts gain the three points on offer despite an indifferent display

Neymar was adjudged Man of the Match owing to his two goals

Final score Brazil 3-1 Croatia

Halftime - Olic and Oscar are the best players on the pitch

00:29 - Goal: A Brazilian scores again and its Neymar this time... he equalizes... Brilliant play by Oscar...
00:11 - Goal: A Brazilian scores a goal but its an own goal... Olic crosses, Jelavic mishits, Marcelo deflects it in...

Lineups

97 Matches - W67, D15, L15

Luiz Felipe Scolari, Brazil

Cesar   Alves, Luiz, Silva, Marcelo   Gustavo, Paulinho   Hulk, Oscar, Neymar   Fred

13 Matches - W06, D02, L05

Niko Kovac, Croatia

Pletikosa   Srna, Lovren, Corluka, Pranjic   Vukojevic, Modric   Perisic, Rakitic, Kovacic   Olic

Referee: Yuichi Nishimura, Japan

Head to Head: Brazil 1-1-0 Croatia

Neymar is fit but Mandzukic is suspended, Brazil born naturalized Croatian Eduardo might play

Both teams may play 4-2-3-1 formation