Brazil survives own-goal to win World Cup opener

Brazil's Neymar (10) scores from a penalty kick against Croatia's Stipe Pletikosa during the 2014 World Cup opening match at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo, June 12, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

Croatia's Stipe Pletikosa almost saves ball shot by Brazil's Neymar (L) during their 2014 World Cup opening match at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo, June 12, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

Special: All about 2014 World Cup

Croatia struck first on a counter attack when Ivica Olic crossed the ball from the left side low into the box. The ball brushed off the leg of teammate Nikica Jelavic that deflected it into the path of Brazil's Marcelo, who knocked it past goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

The 11th-minute score shocked the crowd that was here to celebrate both the team and the game itself. The fans immediately rallied though, stomping and cheering and pleading their guys to continue their all out attacking style.

The Brazilians pressed, forcing Pletikosa to make a number of point-blank saves. Finally, after Cesar made a leaping save on a Croatian header and sent the ball up field, Brazil's top threat, Neymar, slipped a shot from outside the box off the right goalpost and in for the equalizer in the 29th minute.

The teams went into the break level after that well-played first half. Even as the pace of play slowed, perhaps because for Croatia a tie under these circumstances would have been nearly as good as a victory.

The penalty kick call, however, spoiled the back-and-forth action and will go down as infamous in Croatia. Fred fell in a heap after being grabbed just slightly on the shoulder.

With a 2-1 lead and Croatia pressing, Brazilian midfielder Oscar scored from about 20 yards on a nice individual effort that highlighted the power of this team.

To the surprise of no one, Brazil is to be reckoned with - here at home even more than ever.

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