2014 World Cup: Brazil beats Croatia, 3-1

(Image credit: Victor Moriyama/Getty Images)

Hosts Brazil overcame a nervy beginning — replete with an own goal — to win its first game of the 2014 World Cup, with two goals from star Neymar and a third from Oscar.

Brazil needed a little help from the referee, who awarded a penalty for a blatant dive by Fred. Neymar scored the penalty to put Brazil up 2-1.

Overall, Brazil shows its strengths (the ability to hit the back of the net from range) as well as its weaknesses (a surprisingly vulnerable back four). While Brazilians should be happy with the victory, it was hardly the most dominant performance, with Croatia opening up Brazil's defense and getting some real chances toward the end.