SAO PAULO (AP) – Neymar gave Brazil a winning start to their home World Cup, scoring twice to lead the host nation to a 3-1 come-from-behind victory over Croatia in the opening game today.
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.
The 22-year-old forward equalised in the 29th 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 before going in.
Brazil were 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. Oscar slotted in the third in injury time. (AP)
Group A Standings
Wins
Losses
Draws
Goals For
Goals Against
Points
Brazil
1
0
0
3
1
3
Cameroon
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mexico
0
0
0
0
0
0
Croatia
0
1
0
1
3
0
Schedule & Results
Thursday, June 12: Brazil 3, Croatia 1
Friday, June 13 – Noon: Mexico vs Cameroon at Estadio das Dunas, Natal
Tuesday, June 17 – 3 p.m.: Brazil vs Mexico at Estádio Castelao, Fortaleza
Wednesday, June 18 – 6 p.m.: Cameroon vs Croatia at Arena Amazonia, Manaus
Monday, June 23 – 4 p.m.: Croatia vs Mexico at Arena Pernambuco, Recife
4 p.m.: Cameroon vs Brazil at Estadio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasilia
