World Cup kicks off in Sao Paulo with a Brazil victory

The World Cup can begin: The focus at the opening ceremony was on the "three treasures of Brazil" - nature, people and (obviously) the fooball, the "true Brazilian art form."

The 25-minute opening ceremony for the 20th World Cup featured some 600 performers, showing the cheerful and colorful side of host country Brazil. The center of the show was a giant LED ball made up of more than 90,000 light clusters, amid the backdrop of the Sao Paulo night sky.

The more than 61,000 seats at Sao Paulo's Corinthians Arena were not completely filled. The trio of Jennifer Lopez, rapper Pitbull and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte, presented the official World Cup song "We are one" and got the fans on their feet.

The Selecao are on a mission to live up to the immense pressure. Star striker Neymar said before the game: "Our fans can feel safe: 23 warriors will tear themselves apart for the Selecao and want to win the title."

The Croatians weren't intimidated, and coach Niko Kovac didn't want want to hear anything about defensive tactics: "We aren't going to park the bus in front of goal. We want to attack and take our chances. I promise you that." It was clear from the beginning of the match that he kept his promise.

While the Brazilians were planning on an opening match victory and dreaming of their sixth World Cup title, the Croatians were hoping to be the shock outsiders.

Marcelo surprisingly put the Croatians ahead in the 11th minute. The Brazilian defender, fresh off his Champions League victory with Real Madrid, redirected Ivica Olic's driving cross past goalkeeper Julio Cesar and into his own net.

Marcelo's mishap may have put the hosts down 1-0, but the more than 61,000 fans in the stadium only cheered louder.

After the early goal, the Croatians came under more and more pressure. Early on in the match Brazil's superstar Neymar was holding back, but after falling behind, he turned on the magic and found the equalizer in the 29th minute.

Referee Yuichi Nishimura assessed the scene and awarded a penalty. A highly controversial decision. After Dejan Lovren's harmless contact with Fred, the Japanese official pointed to the penalty spot, to the horror of the Croatians.

Croatia's goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa guessed the right corner, but he couldn't stop Neymark's penalty. Brazil went ahead 2-1.

In extra time Oscar made it 3-1 - the final score of this turbulent opening match. Above all, Brazilian fans all around the country have Neymar to thank for preventing an anti-climactic start to the World Cup for the hosts.