

Star striker Neymar, 22, who is carrying the burden of his country's expectations, nearly broke down during the national anthem.

But two hours later, the only tears Brazilians were shedding were of joy. After seven years of waiting and a record $11.5 billion worth of preparing, the country got the party started. And it did so on its own terms, outplaying Croatia 3-1 on a pair of goals from Neymar.

Fans began arriving by the thousands more than six hours before kickoff - and the majority without tickets, just wanting to be near the first World Cup in Brazil in 64 years. The fans did not quiet down - nor did many sit - until Croatia took a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute on a Brazil own-goal.

Ivica Olic sent a cross in from the left wing for Nikica Jelavic, who deflected it just enough to send the ball into the path of Marcelo, who kicked it into the net.

Jelavic, a surprise starter, nearly doubled Croatia's lead in the 28th minute, but Brazilian keeper Julio Cesar - who plays in MLS for Toronto FC - made a leaping two-handed save on his header at the back post.

Perhaps Brazil took that as a warning, because it immediately counterattacked to tie the score.

Important goal

The sequence began with Chelsea midfielder Oscar winning control just inside the Croatian half and sending the ball forward for Neymar. After a lengthy run up the middle won him space, Neymar pulled up about 25 yards from the net for a low left-footed shot that nicked the right post and rolled in.


The teams were equal on the scoreboard at the half, but they weren't equal on the field, with Brazil outshooting Croatia 10-3 in the first 45 minutes and building an even more commanding margin in shots on goal with seven to one for Croatia.

Only the stout play of keeper Stripe Pletikosa kept Croatia in the game.

Neymar got the best of Pletikosa again in the 71st minute, scoring on a penalty kick.

Disputed penalty

Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura awarded the penalty when Croatia's Dejan Lovren pulled a Brazilian player down in the box. Neymar shutter-stepped, then paused, approaching the ball before sending a right-footed rocket toward the top left corner. Pletikosa guessed right and leaped that way, but the shot was too strong, bouncing off his hands and into the netting.

"We better give it up now and go home," Croatian coach Niko Kovac said. "We talk about respect; Croatia didn't get any. No one in the stadium or 2 billion people watching at home could think that was a penalty."

"Millions didn't see a penalty?" Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said. "Well, the referee did. I watched it 10 times. For me, it was a penalty."

Croatia had one last chance to spoil Brazil's special night, but Ivan Perisic's apparent game-tying goal in the final minutes was waved off by Nishimura. Neymar then walked to the sidelines, his work done.

Moments later, Oscar clinched the win in stoppage time. And the fireworks erupted.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.