Favorite Brazil’s HEXA mission launched with an impressive 3-1 win against Croatia in the opening match of FIFA 2014 World Cup at Arena de Sao Paulo Stadium. Stunned by an early suicide goal my Marcelo Brazil had to play out of their skin to outgun the resolute European opponent containing the early Croatian surge over the first 20 minutes.
11 minutes into the match otherwise reliable David Luis was slow in challenging the advancing Croats and a desperate Marcelo deflected the ball into own post past bewildered Cesar silencing their won fans. Once the initial storm of Croats were contained Brazil settled nerves trading the customary delicate short passes and pacing after moving ahead of their own half.
After few potential coordinated attacks Neymar scored the equalizer with a clever flick from a well-coordinated attack originated from own half 29th much to the relief of adoring Brazilians in the ground and millions of Brazilian fans all over the world.
Neymar also scored the winner from a penalty in the second half which also appeared a bit harsh. In the final analysis superior skills could bail out cup favorites in squeezing the much needed victory in the opening match.
Neymar was booked with the first yellow card of the tournament appeared a bit harsh in the first half. At the dying moment Oscar scored the third tapping in from a swift counter attack (3-1). A great solo effort.
Brazil could not produce their usual Joga Bonito all the way yet they maintained lion share of the possession and always threatened to score with quick well-knit movements and incisive runs with the ball by Oscar and Neymar. Crotia played well within their limit absorbing the floods of Brazilian forays flowing from all directions.
They executed the match plan well pushing back Brazil into their own half with lightening moves in the early stage of the game and should have been up by at least two goals by minutes of the game if not losing ideas at the final moments. A second goal of Croats within the first 20th quarter of the match could make it rather difficult for Brazil to recover. But that did not happen. As time ticked Brazil started growing and glowing gaining control of the match till Neymar could cap a well-knit move through the center.
The second half was pretty brisk with both teams playing scrappy football. The beauty of the game was compromised. Neither team could take control of the midfield. The attacks were attacks not properly coordinated. In one such attack when Oscar was shaping well into the heart of Croatian defense he fell on the ground from a feeble tackle and the Japanese Referee whistled for a spot kick. Brazils pin up boy Neymar’s strong penalty entered the net touching the fingertips of Stepie Pletikosa (2-1).
Brazil was put under pressure after conceding an early goal. Master Craftsman Luis Felipo Scolari wants his charge to play 7 games to touch the trophy. Although it is a long way to go yet, his team needs to improve a lot to go all the way. It is expected that the young team will grow from strength to strength with every passing match. The attacks need more punch; midfield requires holding the ball, defense requires tightening as it looked vulnerable down the left side. Neymar played his part with two goals and looking potent with the ball. Oscar and Fred worked hard. Brazil has to brush up quite a bit for stronger challenges.
Croatia though lost comfortably at the end had their moments too. They were not definitely disgraced. The penalty was a disputed one and another goal was disallowed. This Croatian team will be tough to beat by Mexico and Cameroon. With a little bit of luck it could be different for the Croats.
Over all it was a cracker of an opening match. Had all spices, controversial penalty, suicide goal and attacks and counter attacks. First goal of the tournament came from the boot of a Brazilian in his own goal .Pin up Brazil boy Neymar scored twice.
BDST: 0434 HRS, JUNE 13, 2014
