World Cup Day 1

In case you have been living under a rock for the past few months, the FIFA World Cup began today with a match between the host country, Brazil, and the quiet, but formidable, opponent, Croatia.  A star-studded roster on one side with Brazil, with guys like Neymar, Hulk, Oscar, David Luiz, and Thiago Silva.  On the other side, only one really well known player in Luka Modrić of Real Madrid.  Going in to the match, Brazil was the heavy favorite; they were expected to win by multiple scores.

However, in the early stages it was Croatia putting pressure on the all-world back line of Brazil.  After multiple plays down the left side, a ball played into the middle was deflected into the net by Marcelo of Brazil for an own-goal.  Given 50 or 6000 guesses I would not have gotten to that as the first goal of the match.  However, after grabbing the lead early on, the tide began to turn in favor of the Brazilians.  The attack picked up some pace and, after a scramble at mid-field, Neymar had a free run to about 24 yards out.  A low, slow-roller came off the foot of the Brazilian and barely beat the keeper to level the score.  

After that score, it was mostly Brazil's game.  The referee was allowing Marcelo to dive all over the pitch and get calls, and even awarded a penalty kick after striker Fred flopped like Shane Battier trying to get a charge call.  Neymar finished the PK even though the keeper got both hands on the ball.  With the score now at 2-1, the Brazilians began to move with more confidence.  The beautiful skill and style of the likes of Oscar and Brazilian substitute Bernard began to show through.  Finally, on a beautiful run by Oscar, a ball to the near post, and jubilation in the home country, Brazil lead 3-1.

That is how it would finish, and with controversy surrounding some of the calls in this game, including Floppy Fred and a disallowed goal by the Croatians after a questionable foul on Julio Cesar, some die-hard fans of the game were left questioning the validity of this victory.  However, none of that matters now, because the Brazilians are on to face Mexico on the 17th; and the question remains-who will stop this young, electric, and talented squad?