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Brazil 3-1 Croatia, Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
It just had to start with a Brazil win, the pressure prior to the game on the host nation was tremendous, and the 62000 fans packed into the magnificent stadium, though amazing for support, do add to the tension and expectations. Imagine, then, what must have gone through the mind of poor old Marcelo, when he diverted Ivica Oilc’s cross into his own net. It must have been devastating not only for the player but for the entire team.
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But then Brazil showed that they are truly a magnificent team- they rallied together, showed their support for Marcelo and raised the level of their game. They never gave up on a single ball, and that endeavor was rewarded when Neymar found space some 25 yards out in front of goal. The result: a sweetly struck left footer into the bottom corner of the net, and 1-1. The young superstar, tipped to be the next Pele, showed his class, especially considering the fact that he seemed to be losing his nerve when he picked up a yellow card a few minutes before the goal.
In the second half Croatia got numbers behind the ball and stifled Brazil’s play totally. To their rescue came a penalty which probably should not have been given, but Neymar accepted the gift, although there was some fortune about the way the ball went in off the palms of Croatia keeper Stipe Pletikosa. Croatia, after that, gave the game all they had, and nearly equalized; Julio Cesar pulled off a few decent saves and David Luiz made one amazing block. The win for Brazil was rounded off by the talented Oscar, scoring a cheeky goal to round off the perfect way to start the World Cup as hosts.
Indeed, Oscar had been phenomenal throughout the game: he tackled, he passed, he shot, he ran and he scored. Every time he got the ball you could see a goal scoring opportunity arrive. He was matched only by Neymar, who is truly proving he can be the man who takes Brazil to World Cup glory. The one concern for the Brazilians, though, will be their defence: it looked very shaky at times, and the central midfield partnership of Gustavo and Paulinho wasn’t all that great either.
For Croatia there are plenty of positives to take from this game. Their organization, work rate and technical skills were commendable, and Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic can surely consider themselves capable of slitting open the likes of Mexico and Cameroon. Add to that a solid back line and the return of striker Mario Mandzukic and I feel Croatia are good enough to qualify from the group.
For Brazil though, expectations will again be high when they face Mexico in Fortaleza in a few days’ time. But who on earth will bet against them dishing out another clinical performance?
