Brazil v Croatia Match of the Day

Hello. Thanks for joining us. The World Cup 2014 is up and running.

Every night on the BBC, we'll be replaying a whole match. Obviously,

we've only had one game so far. So sit back and enjoy the host Brazil

against Croatia with Phil Neville and Guy Mowbray.

Football's not quite coming home, but it has come to the place where

it grew to find a joyous soul. The colourful, couldn't versial 2014

World Cup is finally here. Any football match in Brazil involving

Brazil is an occasion of reverence, but this is off the scale. In a

moment, we will hear the first national anthems of the World Cup in

Brazil. When you hear the home sound, created by an entire stadium,

it will knock you for six. # Lijepa nasa domovino,

Oj junacka zemljo mila # Stare slave djedovino,

Da bi vazda sretna bila # Mila, kano si nam slavna

Mila si nam ti jedina # Mila, kuda si nam ravna

Mila, kuda si planina # Teci Dravo, Savo teci

Nit' ti Dunav silu gubi # Sinje more svijetu reci

Da svoj narod Hrvat ljubi # Dok mu njive sunce grije

Dok mu hrasce bura vije # Dok mu mrtve grobak krije

Dok mu zivo srce bije. # # Ouviram do Ipiranga as margens

placidas # De um povo heroico o brado

retumbante # E o sol da Liberdade, em raios

fulgidos # Brilhou no ceu da Patria nesse

instante # Se o penhor dessa igualdade

Conseguimos conquistar com braco # forte,

Em teu seio, o Liberdade # Desafia o nosso peito a propria

morte # O Patria amada

Idolatrada # Salve Salve

Brasil, um sonho intenso, # um raio vivido,

De amor e de esperanca a terra # Se em teu formoso ceu,

risonho e limpido, # A imagem do Cruzeiro resplandece

Gigante pela propria natureza # Es belo, es forte,

impavido colosso, # E o teu futuro

espelha essa grandeza # Terra adorada

Entre outras mil # Es tu, Brasil,

O Patria amada # Dos filhos deste solo

Es mae gentil Wow. Listening to that, you don't

need to go any further to realise what this means.

The team for Brazil's first home World Cup Finals match since 1950 is

Luiz Felipe Scolari's tried and trusted one that won the

Confederations Cup a year ago. Huge expectations and the pressure they

bring on 22-year-old Neymar. In an iconic Number Ten shirt. His 50th

appearance already for Brazil. Four in the squad have previous World Cup

Finals experience. Croatia's coach, Niko Kovac, has

pledged to have a go. Away we go. In global sporting terms

it doesn't get any better than this. They call it the greatest show on

earth, the greatest game, the biggest names. Another World Cup is

under way. Brazil, the only side to play every

single one. David Luiz in with the first

crunching tackle. Phil Neville is alongside me. I know you were as

blown away as I was by the noise of the crowd an the faces of the

players during the anthems. It was a spine-tingling moment. Mateo Kovacic

serving notice of intent. If you're a football supporter, you wait all

your life for moments like this. The buzz word has been "expectancy". Can

this Brazilian team live buzz word has been "expectancy". Can

pressure, play under this pressure. They have a manager who is used to

it. Love the words of big Phil. Scolari yesterday not shrinking from

the pressure, simply said, "This is our World Cup." The time has

arrived. When you're a footballer, when

you're playing on occasions like this, you want an early touch. You

want your first pass to be a good one. The key area for Brazil are in

these wide areas, Dani Alves, Neymar, Marcelo on the other side.

So much speed and interchanging in those areas. Big jobs today, can

they stay with the runners? David Luiz had to stay balanced.

Dealt with it neatly. It was an early slip from Tiago.

There have been discussions about the playing surface in Sao Paulo,

but looks OK. I know we're at lasty heights, but seems to be playing

OKment Looks perfect to play football on. When you see Brazil in

possession, you see Gustavo dropping into the last three with Luiz and

Thiago Silva. that. One thing the Brazilian

forwards will look to exploit is the speed in behind. What sort of ball

into the box will it be? The Croatian goalkeeper has not had the

greatest reputation when it comes to dealing with crosses.

Easy for the experienced Croatian keeper. Thiago Silva peeled off

around the back post. Isolated the left back from Croatia. Croatia have

had problems in the left back position. Vrsaljko will have to play

on the right-hand side. When you have Hulk laying on the right-hand

side it is easy when you are a left footed player. The extra

responsibility on Persic and Olic. They have massive jobs to stop the

flow down the flanks from Brazil. It is only just wide of the post

from Olic coming in. First time we have seen Luka Modric in possession

of the ball. There are two teams out here. Everybody has come to expect

an easy victory for Brazil. You do fancy Croatia to get something from

this, particularly with the talent they have got in the midfield. In

the middle of the pitch, they have the better players. I think the

three players from Croatia are just as good as the three from Brazil. We

know the qualities of Luka Modric. It is about dictating the pace of

the game for them three. Can they stifle this crowd and the emotion

and frustrates Brazil? All part of the plan. Thiago Silva was looking

for Neymar will Gustavo was clattered into. Big

deflection, a Brazil corner. Corinthian's favourite before he

moved to Spurs. Every time Brazil get a free kick they get the ball

down and want to play straightaway and keep the tempo really high.

The referee blows the whistle before the kick is taken. That is the area

he is going to address. Does he talk to Jelavic or does he talk to David

Luiz or the pair of them? The obvious one to spot was Jelavic

holding him. But Luiz was pulling down on the shorts as well. No room

for manoeuvre at all on the edge of the six yard box. Croatia can come

away with Luka Modric. Tackled by Oscar. Another native of Sao Paulo.

We should point out, Brazil in their final warm up in this city were

We should point out, Brazil in their booed by the crowd. Oscar took

plenty of that on his shoulders. They don't suffer fools gladly, the

Brazilian public. They expect to win this tournament. Good ball in and it

is turned into his own net by Marcel over. Croatia have the lead. The

first World Cup in 2014 is an own goal. Olic has started the game

really well down the left-hand side. Pass the ball into the box. Jelavic

let it run and Mark Callow could only look on. The counter attack

again from Croatia. Hit one foot and then after the other. Unfortunate.

It wasn't in the script. It was a complete miskick. But he has got an

assist off Marcelo. Two counter attacks from Croatia. That looks

like the game plan. They host nation has never lost its opening game in a

World Cup final. Two of the biggest shocks in World Cup history have

come in the opening games. 1990, Cameroon beat Argentina 1-0. Now the

hosts have to come from behind. They were close to being caught cold

again. Brazil look like they are rattled a little bit. Too close to

the goalkeeper. Neymar is playing in behind Fred. It is so important for

this Brazilian crowd and not to get too nervous. So much a motion around

the stadium. It will be difficult to keep a lid on that. Marcelo will

want a few steady touches now. Scored on his Ozil Bebe. Scored in

his own net in his World Cup final debut. They have got the goal now,

they can just camp in and wait for the counter attack.

Hulk was trying to play first time in two Neymar. Was rented from doing

that by Srna. Those are the areas they need to get Hulk in. They are

not the quickest. Great work from Olic. He slipped.

Can Rozelle attack with pace? -- Brazil. Oscar, great all in. Just

bounced up and away from Neymar. Not close enough to Fred. Good cross

from Oscar. Looks like they are trying to tease the Croatian

goalkeeper. Suspect on crosses. Only needed a faint touch from Fred.

14 and a half minutes into the first half and we are seeing some quality

deliveries. We had seen articles that David Luiz

had had his hair shaved completely off for the world cup. But they were

hoax photos, as you can see there. Through the middle. Deflected,

blocked and away but it will be a corner for Brazil. Neymar picking

the ball up. So difficult to pick up, playing off the shoulder.

Luka Modric, trying to get away from Hulk. Brazil committing so many men

forward in the first 15 minutes. Every time Croatia win the ball,

they break with such speed and they look a real threat. They are quite

happy when the ball is in this part of the field to let Brazil have

possession. Getting men back behind the ball.

Daniel Alves as is breaking from the back. Brilliance control but he made

a mess of the next touch. That is the kind of service Alves once. What

you see from the Brazilian centre forward, Fred. Does not get involved

much in the build-up comes alive he gets into the box. Olic again

finding some freedom down the left-hand side. Getting away from

Daniel Alves as. Good bit of possession from the

three midfield players from Croatia. They all look comfortable in

possession. I think he is a bit nervous.

The touch-and-go. Stops the cross at the cost of a corner. He could have

gone down there, Oscar. He's looking to get early crosses

in. Snvpt -- crosses in. Pletikosa showed hesitation. Another

good ball back in. This time the keeper deals with it. Seems to have

a limit as to how far he can go. He doesn't look comfortable on crosses.

We've seen four or five already fired in from Brazil. He never has,

the man who spent a season on loan at Spurs and only played once in the

League Cup, a 4-1 defeat against Arsenal.

One thing about this Croatian team, they have great experience.

Blasted straight as Pletikosa. -- straight at Pletikosa. Throw-in

rather than corner this time. Brazil looking as though they're starting

to move up a gear now. It's the first time we saw Paulinho

break forward. A good save in the end by Pletikosa.

The sting was taken out of the cross. Easy enough for Pletikosa.?

Didn't quite get the cross right there, Marcelo. This was The Paul

Hogan Show chance. What do -- This was the Paulinho chance. Do you

prepare for every evergeuality? What the Croatian manager said in the

press conference, to stay with them. Neymar keeps his balance really

well. This is Oscar! Beaten clear by Pletikosa. Oh, boy, Brazil are

coming now. Again, Neymar running off the back

and past Rakitic. Just kept Again, Neymar running off the back

It was a good shot. A good save by Pletikosa, from the rebound. They're

finding it difficult to pick Neymar up.

He just tried to deflect it in the way of the goal.

Comfort able for Julio Cesar. Brazil have settled down a little bit here,

after a frantic first 15 minutes. They haven't lost an opening game of

a World Cup, remember they've been to them all, since 1934. That was in

a first-round knockout tie against Spain, in Italy.

I think we have proof that the ball did go in when Marcelo put it that

way. We will see this with the opening

goal of every game. Something to make Frank Lampard squirm a little

bit more, goal-line technology is here and in use for every game.

It's the kind of chance that Jelavic feeds off, one touch in the box,

left foot, right foot. I don't think Marcelo will want that replaying

that many times. There's not much he could have done about it, to be

honest with you. He kept his eyes firmly down and away from the big

screens while that was happening. Perisic is down. The free kick has

gone to Brazil. Perisic is hurt because of that, the

arm of Paulinho into the side of his face. He took a clout from the

Brazil player, then a fair bit of a clobbering from the Brazil public.

That was accidental. That happens when you go up for headers, your

trailing arm is used for leverage. Scolari having animated words with

Dani Alves. What will that be about? I would have thought to try and

contain Olic a little bit more. They've pushed Paulinho on top of

Modric and maybe realised the effect he was having, particularly in

counterattack moments. Luiz always looked like he might

overcook that, as he started to stride forward. That's too much of

Hulk. Luiz will be Paris Saint-Germain at

the start of the next season. I wonder if he'll get a little bit

more credit than from the Parisian public than from the Premier League

watchers. He never quite found the consistency in the Premiership,

David Luiz. Nobody's doubting his talent. A wonderful player to watch

when he's on top of his game, totally fearless in his defending

and his attacking at times. Someone once said he defended as though he

was on a PlayStation, I can't remember who (! ) That was a long

time ago. First yellow card of the World Cup.

It's shown to Neymar. Referee made sure he show today to everybody.

First flash point of the World Cup too. Tiago Silva involved. I don't

think the Brazilian players were happy with the reaction of the

Croatian players. I don't think Modric was happy with the arms of

Neymar. A little bit of frustration. That's what the Croatian players

were complaining about. That was no accident. That was quite deliberate.

We think of him as the dancing boy with the silky skills. He has a

darker side. Six bookings in La Liga last term. Sent off three times in

his Santos days. There's an edge there. The best players do have an

edge. We've seen it over the years, the red mist comes down.

Croatia maybe with a chance to double their lead.

What have they got worked out from this sort of position?

Played in towards Lovren. Never quite reached him. It's Croatia's

throw. Just before that free kick, Modric was signalling, hands behind

his back to tell Lovren to go round the back. That's where he wanted to

deliver the ball. Time being taken. The noise is

incredible. I've been in some stadiums in my career, I don't think

I've witnessed anything as emotionally charged as this.

Excellent work from Perisic. What a good ball for Jelavic! Plucked out

of the air by Julio Cesar. Great determination shown there.

Nice skill from Neymar and the shot is in!

The boy wonder. Neymar has Brazil level.

The boy wonder. Neymar has Brazil A yellow-shirted number ten scoring

for Brazil in the World Cup Finals. It's just right. He's just announced

himself to the World Cup. It was Oscar that did all the donkey work.

Road two challenges -- Road two challenges in midfield. Oscar,

strong in the tackle there. This is what he's good at, running at

defenders. Wonderful finish. That is in the only place that Stipe

Pletikosa cannot reach it. He was slow down to his left there,

Pletikosa. I think he'll be disappointed with that. Wonderful

tenacity from Oscar. "That's my boy," says big Phil. That's our boy

says Brazil. A test for Croatia now. You thaupt

the noise was big before -- you thought the noise was big before.

This is incredible. Sometimes it's difficult to play in arenas like

this. If you're a Brazilian footballer, this is what you've

dreamed of all your life. Just a few moments after Neymar

collects the first yellow card of the competition, he does that.

He's a special player. Special players create special moments, when

it's needed. 50 games for Brazil, 32 goals, 23 of those have come in his

last 29 games. Might not quite have settled, but

set the world alight in his first season in Barcelona, but he's been

delivering for his national team for some time yet. I don't think in

Europe we've seen the best of Neymar. A lot of question marks over

him this season. The ability that he shows, I think he's ready to light

up this tournament. The gaps we can see between the stands at arena Sao

Paulo, this city has been lit up as well. Fireworks have been going off

right around town, just after that Neymar goal.

It's a national holiday today. Imagine if they win this game, the

scenes in Sao Paulo later. Be one worth looking at. We'll be

tucked up in bed. We fly out tomorrow, mate. I think it would be

rude not to join in, such warm, friendly people, always smiling,

always positive. I think they play their football that way as well.

Can Croatia dampen the party spirit again? A long way to go in this

absorbing opening game. Niko Kovac won't change his tactics. He will

want to stay like this for probably 70 minutes, get the crowd nervous

again, ride this bit of a storm. It's probably going to be coming

their way. He didn't appreciate the shove in

the back. I think it was down to momentum more than anything else.

Neymar and Oscar both interchanging their positions, but Hulk has stayed

on the left-wing. They maybe see Srna as a weak link defensively.

He judged that one OK. It was a difficult one, coming over the heads

of players in red and yellow. He collected that well, Pletikosa.

Should he have done better on the goal? Could he have got I think

there? He was slow down to his left. It wasn't the best strike probably

Neymar has had. He didn't move his feet quick enough.

Lots of room for Croatia to attack Luka Modric. There's a blocked

tackle from Marcelo, I'm sure he'll appreciate the roar in that corner

of the ground. Leapt in, but never any danger for Perisic.

Perisic has put two good balls in already, as has Croatia's first

Olic. Corner of the game. amazing watching Brazil in a set

piece, they always leave two or three upfield. Always thinking of

attacking whilst taking a corner. Brazil have had two thirds of the

possessing. -- possession. I think Croatia will get more desertion

later in the game when it slows down a bit. -- possession.

Hulk thought he had forced the throwing.

The Brazilian manager is going mad about something. Not happy they did

not get that throw in. Brilliance. Away from Rakitic. Good

tackle by elvers. Acceleration by Oscar. Paulinho was

tackle by elvers. Acceleration by was a important poke away by Luka

Modric. Not known for his defensive ability. He did well. Every time

Neymar gets the ball, there is two or three Croatian players around

him. They are being aggressive against him as well. They realise he

is the key. When he is on the ball, the crowd lift. Gustavo is claiming

a push. They are almost playing with three defenders, the Brazilian team.

Gustavo shone at the confederations cup. He is literally a third centre

back. He loves to drop in to make a back

three. Always the spare man, covering each other. Another

Croatian throw. Scolari is always animated. Great to listen to in the

media conferences. Always something to remember. Fascinating to watch.

The man who has total belief in his team. He wasn't scared to say, we

want to win the World Cup. He has done it before. Great to see. Free

kick. It wasn't a clever challenge by Srna. The Brazilians want the

yellow card out, particularly the way they reacted over the Neymar

incident. Olic stuck to his task but so did ask to win it back again.

Rakitic has completed the clearing job. It will come back again soon.

Alves was going the goal. Realised he was going to get that foul

quickly. Neymar held off the challenge of Mateo Kovacic touch.

There were calls tonight for Willian to be in the team.

I was watching them train last night and Neymar must have had about 15 or

16 of these shots and scored about 12. First use of the vanishing

spray. Might bring us a few more goals from free kicks. He lasted it

straight into the wall that time. That spray will now dissolve and

disappear. That is the hope. Hopefully with that invention we

will see more goals from set pieces. Trying not to stare at the white

lined the referee sprayed on the pitch, because it is still there at

the moment. I think the Croatian manager will be

looking to get through to half time now, with the score as it is. They

have played their part in a wonderful first half so far will

offside. Free kick for Croatia, who wanted a free kick further down the

field. Luka Modric wanted the file. Think it was Marcelo. Wrong decision

by the linesman. Fred might have been in the middle, but Oscar

by the linesman. Fred might have worse. They are both looking to

counter with speed. Looking at the goal again, just wondering if

Pletikosa didn't see it until it was too late? Brazil were behind for 18

minutes. Olic has worked so hard. It is only the Croatian manager's six

game in charge. is only the Croatian manager's six

Croatian team at the last World Cup they were at, 2006.

Olic was trying to be too clever. Neymar dispossessed him. Lovering is

a strong defender. Two minutes on the end of this enjoyable first

half. It is one of those games when you don't want half-time to come.

Sometimes opening games disappoint because the nerves take over. This

hasn't. Players are playing with no fear. We should not be surprised

because it is the way Brazil play barefoot ball. It is the first time

you have had the view like this of football, are you enjoying it? I was

disappointed with South Africa, because you want the best players to

perform. I think we will see that with Brazil. Maybe one last chance

before the half-time whistle. Gustavo, fouled by Jelavic.

That was a good, sprawling lark by Luka Modric. Not something we

associate with Luka Modric, but is sitting in front of the back for

being really disciplined. It is amazing how quickly the Brazilians

get the ball down and play the ball after there has been a foul. That

will do it. The first half of the first game of the 2014 World Cup.

Hosts had a scare. Marcelo, unfortunately put the ball into his

own net. Then Neymar, moments after getting the first yellow card,

showed just what he is about with a shot that was out of the despairing

grasp of Pletikosa. Second goal scored by Neymar, having

just been booked. There is a debate raging around the stadium whether it

had been another player in a normal game, whether he had been on the

pitch to score that equaliser. I think the referee made the right

decision. I would have thought the Croatian

manager would have told Jelavic, run hard, even on your own up there.

Wait for the right moment. You have played with him and seeing him

fulfil that role, is he a willing runner and worker? He is a true team

player. He is like a one touch finish in the box, waiting for the

right moment. He works hard, will run between Silva and Luiz to close

them down. He loves playing for his country. So proud.

in the stands. I think Scolari will want more from

Hulk in this half. We didn't see hutch of him. It's testament to the

work Olic and Perisic was doing in front. Maybe see him come off the

line a bit more, trying to get involved.

I think they've put Oscar out there, one, to put crosses in. There's one,

fired in. Clumsily cleared by Lovren. Jelavic couldn't hold it up

for long. Looked like a foul. One was the crosses, two, with the

right-footed left back, he can take him on on the outside, on his weaker

foot. Dani Alves has got forward and is in

field. Hulk Another cross. They'll be looking to

stop these crosses that keep coming in.

Slightly weary fashion, getting that ball away. But I think that's his

style. Sometimes they can take the extra

touch, the extra pass, composure. Oscar is brought down. Brazil free

kick. They're going to ask the referee the question. He's over just

to see what is wrong with Oscar, because he's still down. I don't

think there's going to be any caution. Oscar taking him on again.

Neymar with another focussed stare into the area, where he's about to

put the ball. Jelavic on David Luiz. Grappling together again.

Nobody that close to Fred. Snvpt A little shove, quite easy to spot.

A wonderful tackle from Oscar again. He looks like he's got a point to

prove tonight. He was booed off in the friendly last week. The

Brazilian public probably didn't realise his wife had had a baby

three or four hours into the night. The birth of his daughter Julia last

Thursday. Perhaps his mind wasn't quite on the game just a few hours

later. The arm is in the air but I don't

think it struck any part of it. He had every right to be disappointed

there. It hit him in the neck. He's telling the referee that as well.

34 years old now, Ivica Olic. Scored at the World Cup in 2002 in a 2-1

win against Italy. Niko Kovac said in the press

conference yesterday how he trusted Olic, a disciplined player, good

experience. You've seen that tonight with his diligent defensive duty,

tracking Dani Alves. International team-mates for so long, of course.

The Croatian squad know each other so well. They've been around the

scene for a long time together. Threat ening to have a go again,

Croatia. A good bit of possession, the three players in midfield,

surprised at Srna's delivery there. He's one of the best crossers of the

ball that I saw in Europe last year. Croatia are starting to get

frustrated by one or two decisions now. They don't think that was

anything that bad from Vrsalijko. Starting to blow a bit, the

left-sided player for Croatia. He's putting some work in down the left

side, Olic. Nikica Jelavic feeds off crosses. If you're a wide player and

you don't cross the ball, he will let you know. He just wants that

ball in the box. Give him a chance at scoring.

It's going to be a throw-in. It curled out of play for a while.

Neymar wasn't dereceived by what he was trying to do.

Way off beam with that one, a player who managed a three-card trick in

the final league game in the Bundesliga. He hit the post, the bar

an the post -- and the post with one shot. Well worth a look if you get

the chance. It's one of his strengths, coming

off the left side. Big Phil is now jacketed. Perfect

conditions, you were saying earlier, about, to play football in. The

pitch is good. The weather, it's not humid tonight. Pretty cool, but not

cold. It's wonderful, almost perfect conditions to play football.

Look at the Croatian appeals here, they are furious. Japanese referee

is running away quickly. Olic felt he was tripped. At the other end, it

is running away quickly. Olic felt just bounces away from Oscar. First

real bit of excitement in this second half, a second half in which

Croatia have come out to play. The referee has got most things right in

this half. The Croatians are putting massive pressure on him. They wanted

a foul by Dani Alves there. I think they thought he underhit the back

pass. It's whether he intentionally tripped Olic. I think he thought the

ball was dropping short. He wanted to slow Olic down.

Scolari's shallering his men forward. -- ushering his men

forward. Crunch of that one from Perisic on Marcelo.

Dani Alves was trying to give and go with Oscar. Oscar just goes.

Just too much on that for Paulinho to bring it under control and keep

the attack going. Just slightly overhit it, Neymar.

Wonderful tenacity. Tripped himself I think, Olic. There is a nudge from

Dani Alves. I think it was accidental. I take it back. I think

he ran across the path of Olic there. I don't think there was any

intention in it. Darijo Srna is starting to lose his

cool, the captain of Croatia. He thinks too many Brazilians are

making too much of things. I think he obstructed him. A bit of

obstruction there. The Kovac brothers united in their anger.

That's what brothers do, they stick together.

Every time a Brazilian player goes down, Luiz Felipe Scolari is out of

his technical area, putting pressure on the referee.

Kovacic, didn't see much of him as an attacking force in the first

half. Jelavic is absolutely furious that it's not exactly what he wanted

on his plate. They're arguing with each other there, Olic and Jelavic.

He wanted that ball fired across the six-yard box. His deliveries at the

moment are a bit slow for Nikica Jelavic.

So difficult for a centre forward when there's no speed on the ball,

to finish first time. He liked it fired into him. Almost like the ball

and the speed of the ball do I haven't seen anything from Marcelo

in terms of an attacking sense tonight so far.

Perisic has done a fantastic tracking job, disciplined.

An Oscar error, there won't be too many of those. It will be a Croatian

throw and substitution. Mateo Kovacic is making way for Marcelo

Brozovic coming on. Linked to a move to Serie A, the UN man seen as the

future of Croatia. Like-for-like really. He struggled tonight,

Kovacic, to have any impact in the game.

Brazil are getting Hernanes ready to come on as a substitute, which is a

move that Scolari often makes. Hernanes is on from the bench more

often than he starts. Carelessly given away by David Luiz.

What Brozovic will bring Croatia is a little bit more athleticism,

movement, more speed. It already looks as though he's going to play

further down field than Kovacic was, at any stage. I think he will play

closer to Nikica Jelavic, give more support. So at least when Croatia

get possession, they can get up the field a little bit There is more.

The change. It is like-for-like, Paulinho off. Hernanes on. His 25th

cap. Mixed reception. He used to play for Sao Paulo. He won't be too

popular with Corinthians fans. Hernanes will fill in the same role

as Paulinho, similar type players, box to box.

It's early for both managers to be making substitutions. I think

substitutions will be a big part of this World Cup.

It's a goal kick. We've had a bit of a lull in the atmosphere and the

action. It's suited coshament It will suit Croatia down to the

ground. They've broke up Brazil's rhythm, making little fouls, bits of

possession in midfield through Modric and Rakitic.

It's something that the Croatia manager wanted before the game, to

make the crowd quiet, make them nervous.

He rather flung himself to the floor, but he was helped there.

Another foul. It Typically busy style. He got away

from Marcelo and threaded the ball through.

Lovely ball for Srna. Good tracking too. Hulk went back with him.

Rakitic wasn't expecting that ball from Corluka. Neymar fouled. Corluka

trying to make amends for his error, gives away a free kick and gets a

booking. Corluka realised he made the mistake. It was a definite foul.

It is a good chance for Neymar. Just sold Rakitic short there,

Corluka on the pass. In these areas Neymar needs to produce.

You see his ankle is heavily strapped. He has had problems there.

There was a scare a couple of days ago, when he limbed out of a

training session. He wasn't out of it for long. He hasn't stayed down

for long here. This was the same spot, the same end, where he was

practising free kicks yesterday over an imaginary wall. He was hitting

the money every time. He's imagining something now.

The line is drawn. Dani Alves is fully folk ugsed on

smashing this. He'll have first run. Dani Alves hit

it through, just a little too high. We saw four years ago, the World Cup

ball moved a lot. This ball moves a little bit truer. Four or five

players in the Brazil team fancies themselves at these free kicks. That

way too far out for Neymar. He likes it in and around the box. You saw

Ronaldo, Christiano version, how did he do it with that dip? Just hours

of practice. There's no secret to most people's success. It boils down

to hard work and practice and Ronaldo did it five, six days a

week, 15, 20 balls after every session. Every pick it up and try it

yourself? I was never allowed near those situations. I was always the

lad collecting the ball in, when they'd go over the top of the bar.

Again, looking for that early cross from Oscar. Fred is making some

brilliant runs. Brazil change. Hulk is going off.

Coming on in his place is Bernard. It's a controversial choice in the

squad in many Brazilians' eyes. This is his 12th cap, nine of those

appearances have come as a substitute.

Federation's revelation of the year, a few years ago. Blistering speed.

Right footed likes to play on the left-hand side and put in. He will

be disappointed with Hulk tonight. Did not yet himself in the game.

Fred went down and the referee has given a penalty. Did not hesitate.

Awarded it dramatically and now he is surrounded by furious Croatian

players. Livid and shocked by the decision. Lovren gets the booking

and Brazil get the chance to take the lead. Looked a soft penalty.

Don't think there was much from Lovren. Fred went down easily. That

is what the referee saw, the hand on the arm. Not a lot but enough for

Fred to try and take maximum advantage of the situation. I always

think in situations like that, when you are not sure, you have got to

favour the defender. He seemed sure, made his decision quickly. He

has got most things right tonight, the referee. Neymar, from the spot.

Pletikosa in his way. Can Neymar give Brazil the lead for the first

time this evening? There is the man who scored the winner against

Croatia at the last time they met 80 years ago.

Goodness me! Pletikosa Nelly it out but there was just too much on the

shot. Noise right around the ground. Brazil in front. Croatia continued

their angry protest. They are still talking about the one where Olic

went down at the other end. Pletikosa in the goal, livid with

himself because he got two hands on the ball. Neymar is relieved. He

should be saving that, Pletikosa. There is the president.

Both goals will be talked about by the Croatians. Persic but one in and

Luiz nearly turned it into his own net. I think Croatia will feel

unlucky to be 2-1 down at the moment. They started the second half

well. Rakitic in. Lovren couldn't get tall enough to power in the

header. You can understand their frustration. They will talk about

the elbow from Neymar that only brought a yellow card. He then

scored a couple of minutes later. They will talk long into the night

about the penalty award. The referee has had an outstanding game up until

that point. He has used his common sense and has not been fooled by any

dramatic dives. So disappointing, as a defender when that is given

against you. Will be a test for the team to keep their discipline. So

easy in these situations to lose your discipline and get a man sent

off. They will also look at Olic going down under a bump of Danielle

vows. -- Alves. They have to take into

account you will not get many of the decisions. It is impossible in an

atmosphere like this and on an emotionally charged evening to not

get carried away sometimes. Bit more charge to the evening now. A free

kick for Croatia. It was Oscar who tapped the ankles of Vrsaljko, quite

heavily. Here is the penalty. Sometimes some people are born for

moments like this. It looks like Neymar is one of those. Waiting for

these moments. He did well. Carried the ball past

few Croatian defenders. Croatia have got to ride this storm a bit, stay

in the game. Lovely ball. Croatia have gone to

the referee, I think they are saying he tried to handball batted in. I

think it was a foul they were appealing for against Srna. They

will feel aggrieved at the moment. Quite a few still muttering at the

referee. We have seen a lot of Oscar in the Premier League. We have never

seen him play as an outside right as we have tonight. He has probably

been a Brazil's best player for me so far.

Here comes another Croatian change. Jelavic is going off. All of his

experience leaves the field and it is another Young hopeful coming on.

Rebic is coming on. 20 years old. Croatia coming again with Persic.

Brilliant recovery tackle from Luiz. Poor ball from Neymar. Gustavo was

caught out by Brozovic. They have got some energy upfront now. Rebic

has brilliant energy and will chase down defenders. Still showing plenty

of energy himself is Neymar. Wonderful pass from Marcelo, on the

outside of his foot. That was the recovery tackle from Luiz.

It was flicked across with Pletikosa stranded. Fred made the run across

the near post. Hard to defend there. It is a Croatian throw in.

It is important now for Luka Modric and Rakitic, the experienced players

now to keep their heads. Neymar has got it. Fred as Islam the

air in the middle. -- Fred has his arm. Got his distances right there,

Vrsaljko. Plenty of time here for Luiz. Brazil

in front and nine minutes to make sure it stays that way. This is far

from a vintage reserve side but there is something captivating about

them, nevertheless. They do have a vulnerability about them. That is

why Gustavo is in the team. After the game you will wonder what impact

he has had. Drops into the back three and sweeps up in and around

Luiz. Phil is little holes. Clumsy from Bernard. Chants of

Vrsaljko, maybe? Rakitic. Won't get the return from rabbits, feels like

he was foul. Was a chance, the flag is being waived. More calls for

Croatian complaint. See it a lot nowadays in full ball. Goalkeepers

go up and they always get the benefit of the doubt. Olic had every

right to challenge for that. He has been a threat for Croatia tonight,

Persic. The home team will probably get the

majority of the decisions. Hard to take. It is when you get those soft

decisions like the penalty. I wonder if Croatia can fuel their sense of

injustice and use it in the right way? Croatia have six minutes plus

whatever is added on. Croatia have speed and energy upfront to

counter. The game has opened speed and energy upfront to

the midfield looks more open. No need for Brazil to commit to many

men forward now. Flicked across goal. Slip and a slide from Lovren

prevented him from fully attacking that. That will be a free kick for

Brazil as Lovren was a centre back doing an impression of a tricky

winger. Was stopped by Hernanes. Who was holding who? They are all out in

the technical area. Going mad at the fourth official. Soft decisions to

make. The goalkeeper has got the advantage, he can use his hands.

The Croatian manager has said he likes to stay in the background

because he is a boring person! I bet he has something to say after this.

It looks as though they are using it in the right way and they are

putting pressure on Brazil in the closing minutes. Julius Cesar was

caught out. Luiz takes no chances with the boot away. I think he saw

that late, Julio Cesar. Slow to react.

Gustavo clears. Fouled after he had done so. Croatia have put Olic up

front. Olic is so good at running through. On balance, do you think

they deserve something from this game? I think they do. They have

taken part in a wonderful occasion and have played their part just as

much as Rizzo have. They will feel hard done by without penalty. --

Brazil. A few fouls going on all over the field now. The card is

showing to Gustavo. Good decision by the referee. Tried to allow the

advantage. Pulled the game back when Croatia lost possession. Scolari

will be looking Croatia lost possession. Scolari

midfield. Neymar is being substituted. Before he goes he

shakes the hand of the referee. He possibly was lenient with him in the

first half and gave him the chance to add to that goal he scored with a

second from the penalty spot. That penalty was awarded and it certainly

looked generous. Croatia are getting a lot of possession in the midfield.

In from Modric. Headed wide. He will be disappointed with that. He should

have hit the target. 90 seconds of the 90 minutes to go.

Oscar has come into the middle. Maybe to sit on Modric, stop him

dictating the game. Midfield players around Europe has the ability to dig

Tate the game and Modric is one of them.

It could only take one more Croatia chants and Brazil could be held on

day one. Vrsaljko. Modric. Persic, well-placed. Srna is wide. It wasn't

a good lay-off. Sloppy from Persic, probably the first mistake he has

made in the game. We are heading for injury time in a few seconds.

Curlers from Modric. So was back. Presented with the ball. Good shot.

Luiz was in the way of it. Marcelo away. It is a nervous looking Brazil

now. Four minutes added on! Rackety was dispossessed by Ramires. Oscar

goes on to score. Brazil win their opening game of the 2014 World Cup.

At the bottom of the yellow pile is a boy from Sao Paulo. In his home

city, sending those people home happy. The chants game. Was a good

chance that Persic the other end. If anybody deserved a goal because of

the pressure was Oscar. Brazilian media did not want him in the

starting 11. His quality tonight has been top drawer. You can feel the

emotion now. Oscar wraps it up. Scolari, 65 years old. The dance of

joy of somebody a quarter of his age. He has had personal heartbreak

and torment in the build-up to this tournament. Attended the funeral of

his brother-in-law last month and one of his nephews was killed in an

accident just last week. Football is a release in this country. It is

like a religion. 60 seconds before Oscar's goal... Sorry, it could be

for in a minute. Croatia had Brazil on the back foot.

A bit of concern. Just cramp. Oscar getting medical treatment from TA

ghost Silva and Luiz. Brazil's players are waving to the crowd and

getting them cranked up to sing them off the field. If you want to know

how to sing the national anthem, should have recorded Luiz. He has

played in that fashion. Wonderful to see players playing with a motion

and with enjoyment. Excitement, express yourself, no fear. They want

to be entertained. We now have played the additional four minutes.

Fired over the crossbar. Ambitious attempt from Brozovic. Croatia can

be proud of their performance tonight. The game plan was working.

They subdued resilient. Maybe they will use the fact that they will

feel they have been hard done to tonight to their advantage when they

play Mexico on Tuesday night. Then they finish off against Cameroon. I

fancy Croatia to come back from this and qualify for the last 16. It is

being billed in this country as the Neymar show. There was a scare with

a Marcelo own goal. Was that an Neymar elbow? There was immediately

in Neymar goal for 1-1. A penalty given, if it was a foul. The World

Cup is alive. The World Cup is open. Brazil win game number one.

Thanks for watching. The next live game will involve Spain against the

Netherlands.