Brazil vs Croatia Review

The 2014 World Cup got under way today with the hosts Brazil taking on Croatia in São Paulo.
The match got off to a nervy start for the hosts as Marcelo knocked the the ball into his own net after just 10 minutes, but it was smooth sailing after that.

Marcelo's own goal

Brazil seemed to settle into a rhythm after that and dominated possession. Oscar dominated on the ball and was Brazil's most dangerous player going forward. His pass to Neymar in the center of the field leveled the game in the 29th minute.

Neymar Levels

The two teams entered half time tied at one but Brazil was clearly the more dominant team. The hosts came out on the front foot in the second half and continued to apply the pressure on Croatia. Fred seemed to go down pretty easily to win a penalty kick. Neymar slotted home to give Brazil their first lead of the match.

Fred's Dive

Neymar Converts

Brazil continued to dominate the rest of the match before Oscar got a well deserved goal in stoppage time to wrap up an important three points for the hosts.

Oscar Slots Home

Notes:
Man of the Match: Oscar
The Chelsea midfielder was the best player in the match by far, creating a majority of Brazil's best chances on the day. Oscar was good in the build up, controlled play and took his chance when he had one to close out an important win for the hosts.

Other takeaways:
Neymar took some pressure off of himself by netting two goals. Neymar may not have been great all day but he took his chances when he found them. He got a silly yellow card for a high challenge on Luka Modrić

Stipe Pletikosa, Luka Modrić, and Ivan Rakitić were especially disappointing on the day. Pletikosa let in two goals that he could, and perhaps should, have saved. He guessed correctly on Neymar's penalty but couldn't keep it out. Modrić and Rakitić did not play up to their capabilities. The duo failed to control possession and create the chances to Croats would have needed.
Vedran Ćorluka and Dejan Lovren both picked up yellow cards in the match. The central defense pairing will have to be careful in their next two matches as missing a game could be disastrous for Croatia.

Whats next:
Brazil take on Mexico on June 17 at 3 pm EST in Fortaleza.
Croatia will look to rebound against Cameroon on June 18 at 6 pm EST in Manaus