Brazil vs. Croatia

SI Staff | Jun 12, 2014

Brazil vs. Croatia /

Brazil vs. Croatia

Brazil's Luiz Gustavo, right, is challenged by Croatia's Ivan Rakitic during Brazil's 3-1 victory over Croatia in the opening game of the 2014 tournament, in the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Brazil's Marcelo, right, scores an own goal to give Croatia a 1-0 lead.

Julio Cesar (left) and Marcelo of Brazil watch as a deflected shot goes in.

Nikica Jelavic and Ivan Perisic of Croatia celebrate as Julio Cesar, David Luiz and Marcelo of Brazil watch a deflected shot cross the goal line.

Ivan Perisic of Croatia celebrates the first half goal.

This would be Croatia's only goal of the game.

Nikica Jelavic of Croatia celebrates after a first half goal.

Croatia players (from left Ivica Olic, Nikica Jelavic and Ivan Rakitic celebrate.

Sime Vrsaljko of Croatia shows his joy along with teammates after the first goal was scored in the 2014 World Cup.

Marcelo of Brazil falls after a challenge by Ivan Perisic of Croatia.

Neymar controls the ball as Ivan Rakitic (left) and Nikica Jelavic of Croatia give chase.

Neymar shoots and scores against Dejan Lovren of Croatia in the first half.

Brazil's Neymar scores his side's first goal.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Stipe Pletikosa of Croatia dives and fails to make a save on a shot by Neymar.

Neymar celebrates with Dani Alves and Fred after a goal in the first half.

Croatia's Vedran Corluka, left, clashes with Brazil's Hulk.

Brazil's Thiago Silva, left, and Croatia's Ivica Olic battle for the ball.

Referee Yuichi Nishimura from Japan called a questionable foul against Brazil's Fred, which led to Brazil's second score.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Neymar scores his second goal, this one from the penalty spot.

Croatia's Ivan Perisic, left, wins a header from Brazil's Fred.

Oscar of Brazil fights off Sime Vrsaljko of Croatia in the first half.

Oscar of Brazil is tripped up by Sime Vrsaljko of Croatia in the second half.

Neymar takes a shot during the first half.

Julio Cesar of Brazil tries to make a save in the first half.

Brazil's Marcelo eyes the ball during the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia.

Neymar and Vedran Corluka challenge for the ball.

A giant shirt "Castilho do Brasil Fan Club" is displayed during the opening game of the tournament.

Ivan Rakitic challenges Neymar.

Head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari of Brazil sits at the start of the opening game.

A general view at the start of the game.

Published Jun 12, 2014

SI STAFF