The 2014 FIFA World Cup began yesterday with the home team Brazil playing and winning against Croatia.
The 2014 FIFA World Cup began yesterday with the home team Brazil playing and winning against Croatia.
Brazil played against Croatia in Sao Paulo on Thursday, winning 3-1. If the Brazilians finally win the final, It would be a record sixth World Cup for them.
Nearly half the world's population, well over three billion people, are expected to watch the month-long soccer bonanza and also get a taste of the country that will host the Summer Olympics in 2016.
The first match of the tournament was not without its moments of tension and suspense.
Croatia took a shock lead when Brazilian player Marcelo scored an own goal in the 11th minute. Brazil’s Neymar leveled the scores after 30 minutes, only for Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura to give Brazil a penalty when Croatian defender Dejean Lovren came into contact with Brazilian player Fred, who then down suspiciously.
Neymar, who plays for Barcelona, scored the resultant penalty to put Brazil ahead. Chelsea midfielder Oscar scored a brilliant goal to seal the crucial victory for Brazil, who now head Group A.
Brazil, who are five-time winners of the World Cup, start the tournament as overwhelming favourites, seeking to heal decades of hurt after the humiliation of losing the final to Uruguay on their own backyard back in 1950.
Today Friday, Mexico will play against Cameroon in another group A match, while Spain will play against Netherlands in a group B match. On Saturday, Chile will play against Australia in another group B match.
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