Neymar fires Brazil to controversial opening win
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E-mail Xinhua, June 13, 2014
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Neymar shines in opener. |
Neymar saved Brazil's blushes as a controversial late penalty saw him strike a double to give the hosts a 3-1 win over Croatia.
Midfielder Oscar scored an injury-time goal to seal the win for the hosts.
The most dramatic scene emerged in the 11th minute which saw the first goal of the World Cup. But it was an own goal made by Brazilian defender Marcelo.
Croatia midfielder Olic broke Brazilian defense in the left, and hit a low cross towards goal which was flicked on by Nikica Jelavic at the front post. Marcelo could not stop his feet in time and touched the ball home.
It was the first-ever own goal in a World Cup opener in history.
The early deficit pushed Brazil into the corner but ignited their fighting spirit. They controlled the game soon with their brilliant individual skill.
Forcing the Croatians to make errors, the Brazilian team laid siege to the opponents' goal.
On 29th minutes, Neymar beat Croatian defenders, leaving them in his wake before setting himself and shooting across Pletikosa with his left foot.
It was Neymar's fifth goal in his last six competitive games for Brazil. However, the Barcelona striker got the first yellow card of the World Cup for tackling Croatian playmaker Modric in the first half.
The second half witnessed a balancing start but the turning point came in the 71st minute when the Japanese Umpire Nishimura pointed straight away to the spot after Brazilian veteran forward Fred was taken down in the area by Lovren. Neymar took a stutter-step approach and shot to Pletikosa's right. The Croatian keeper managed to get a hand on, causing a gasp from the crowd, but the shot was too powerful and found its way into the goal.
Neymar, no doubt the Man of the Match, was substituted by Ramires on 88 minutes. But Brazil punished Croatia after the latter squandered several scoring chances.
In injury time, midfielder Oscar weaved his way through the Croatian backline and fired a low stirke from long range, catching Pletikosa off-guard.
Both teams fielded their strongest starting 11 and shared the same formation 4-2-3-1. Brazil were suprior in the statistics with 58 percent of ball possession and 9 shots on target against Croatia's 4. Brazil deserved the win tonight.
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