Brazil rode on to a brace from Neymar and a late goal from Oscar to scrap through for a victory in the inaugural match of the 2014 edition of the FIFA World Cup. Brazil won the match against Croatia 3-1 but the scoreline does not reflect the real story- what actually happened on the pitch.
It was a worst possible start for the hosts as they conceded as early as in the 9th minute of the match when Marcelo mistimed clearance to put the ball into the back of his own net. Brazil went forward in search of the equalizer but lack of through passes and stout defending from the Croatians kept them at bay. However they did not have to wait long as Neymar’s well-placed shot rolled onto the net after hitting the post. The whole stadium burst into sheer relief as the Julio Cesar was found celebrating at the other end of the field as if they have won the world cup itself.
Play resumed in the second half with both the teams tied at 1-1. Brazil managed to find a gap through the Croatian defense until the 69th minute when Lovren brought down Fred inside the penalty box. Referee awarded the penalty to Brazil much to their good luck and they were even luckier when Neymar scored from the spot as Croatian keeper Pletikosa got both hands to it but couldn’t keep it away. With a 2-1 lead everyone expected Brazil to play in their own style. But it was never to happen as Croatia began to hit back at the fragile Brazilian defense and they came perilously close to be on the level terms in the 89th minute when Julio Cesar had to parry away a low drive from Luka Modric. Brazil took the advantage of Croatia’s late surge as Oscar-arguably the best Brazilian on the field- caught the Croatian defenders napping in the 91st minute to score on of the finest goals one can think of. It was curtains for Croatia in the match but surely not in the tournament as they looking really promising to go through to the next round from the Group A.
Tags: Brazil FIFA FIFA 2014 FIFA World Cup football neymar Oscar
