Brazil top Croatia in opener

Neymar scored twice and Oscar added a third on Thursday as Brazil ran out 3-1 winners in the first match of the 2014 World Cup. The hosts struggled early against a lively Croatian side, but late-game quality and some kind refereeing ensured the Brazilians didn't disappoint in front of their home crowd.

The match began with a surprise. Just 11 minutes in, a low ball into the box from Wolfsburg's Ivica Olic was deflected into the Brazil net by defender Marcelo. It was Brazil's first ever own goal at a World Cup.

But by the half-hour mark, the hosts had equalized. Neymar scuffed a shot from the top of the box, but luck was on the star attacker's side all evening and his otherwise poor attempt glanced off the far post and into the net.

The two sides went into the break level, but following the restart it was Brazil who moved into the driver's seat. As Croatia seemed to tire, Brazil took advantage. In the 71st minute, Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura controversially awarded a penalty to the hosts.

Brazil striker Fred appeared to go down easily after making contact with Croatia's Dejan Lovren, but the whistle was blown nonetheless. Neymar's penalty wasn't particularly impressive, but another lucky deflection ensured Brazil took the lead.

Seven minutes from time it looked like a fatigued Croatia had found an equalizer when Persic's shot from close range found the back of the net. But the goal was ruled out, as Nishimura called a foul for Olic's jump with Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar moments earlier.

The result was put beyond any doubt in the 91st minute by Oscar, who picked up the ball in the middle of the park and marched towards goal, sending a low finish in the corner of the net to seal the 3-1 victory.

"It's sad that we have to discuss refereeing decisions at the opening of the World Cup," said Croatia's Ivan Rakitic after the match. "It was a good game, we earned more than this."

Croatia coach Niko Kovac had much harsher words, playing on FIFA's high-profile "respect" campaign against racism by turning his focus to the officiating on the night.

"We talk about respect, that wasn't respect, Croatia didn't get any," he told reporters.

"If that's a penalty, we don't need to play football anymore. Let's play basketball instead, it's a shame," Kovac added. "That was ridiculous and if we continue in this way we will have a circus."

The win gives under-pressure Brazil a crucial three points in Group A against what is considered their toughest group opponent.

"I expected the win," said Neymar. "Two goals, I'm really happy about that."

Fellow group opponents Mexico and Cameroon begin their World Cup campaign on Friday (16:00 UTC). In Group B, Spain take on the Netherlands (19:00 UTC) in a rematch of the 2010 World Cup final.