Kicking off a tournament on home soil, a financial commitment a significant minority of the population remains decidedly unhappy about, was ...
Kicking off a tournament on home soil, a financial commitment a significant minority of the population remains decidedly unhappy about, was always going to be an intriguing test for Luiz Felipe Scolari's side.
Would they rise to the occasion, or find themselves stifled by the vast weight of expectation?
Would they rise to the occasion, or find themselves stifled by the vast weight of expectation?
Initially it appeared to be the former, despite a rousing (partly a cappella) rendition of the national anthem before kick-off.
Marcelo's 11th-minute own goal was a fair reflection of a jittery start for the hosts, one they took nearly 20 minutes to cancel out as Neymar's scuffed shot slipped inside Stipe Pletikosa's far post.
Marcelo's 11th-minute own goal was a fair reflection of a jittery start for the hosts, one they took nearly 20 minutes to cancel out as Neymar's scuffed shot slipped inside Stipe Pletikosa's far post.
Then came the game's decisive, and most controversial, moment.
Brazil's lead striker Fred—about as influential as the 60,000 fans in the stands up until that point—felt an arm on his shoulder and went down in the box, convincing referee Yuichi Nishimura that a penalty was warranted.
Brazil's lead striker Fred—about as influential as the 60,000 fans in the stands up until that point—felt an arm on his shoulder and went down in the box, convincing referee Yuichi Nishimura that a penalty was warranted.
Croatia complained bitterly, but the decision had been made.
Neymar just about grabbed his second goal from the spot to decisively turn the game, as a thrilling opening game was tarnished in the eyes of many.
Neymar just about grabbed his second goal from the spot to decisively turn the game, as a thrilling opening game was tarnished in the eyes of many.
Oscar, who was undoubtedly the game's most influential player, then sealed the victory with a prodded finish late on.
Two draws are now likely to send the hosts through, although, without the same pressure to perform, they may play with more freedom and inflict some real damage on their other group opponents.
Two draws are now likely to send the hosts through, although, without the same pressure to perform, they may play with more freedom and inflict some real damage on their other group opponents.
Neutral fans will certainly want to see more from Scolari's side in games to come—and might keep an eye on the officiating.
For now, however, the tournament we've all been waiting for is now underway, and Brazil are off the mark.
1. Notes from Day 1
Are Brazil actually that good?
Ninety minutes under perhaps the most intense pressure any of them will experience (well, unless they reach the final, of course) might not be the best circumstances in which to judge this Brazil side, but it certainly seems to lack the cutting edge of victorious Selecao teams past.
It is solid at the back, sure, but further forward it is hard to argue that the attacking trio of Neymar, Fred and Hulk is anywhere near as good as the World Cup-winning attack of 2002: Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
If such high-caliber players are needed to win these tournaments, then they could be in trouble.
If such high-caliber players are needed to win these tournaments, then they could be in trouble.
Functional in midfield, Scolari's side were pushed hard by a Croatia side that needed a play-off to even qualify for this tournament.
The coach will no doubt say that the result is all that matters from the first game, but the performances will have to improve before the team faces another side with serious title aspirations.
The coach will no doubt say that the result is all that matters from the first game, but the performances will have to improve before the team faces another side with serious title aspirations.
First day of matches, first day of protests...
Before the opening ceremony or the opening kick-off, the streets of Sao Paulo were filled with protesters angrily making their point about this tournament, which comes at vast cost to the Brazilian economy and its population.
Riot police ensured the protests were kept away from the stadium during the day's festivities, as fireworks went off around the city whenever Brazil scored a goal.
Riot police ensured the protests were kept away from the stadium during the day's festivities, as fireworks went off around the city whenever Brazil scored a goal.
Such expressions of joy were reported in other cities, yet there were also reports of further rioting.
In Rio de Janeiro, meanwhile, television studios were targeted by protesters on the street, keen to make their point in the most visible way possible. Such events could be just a taste of things to come.
In Rio de Janeiro, meanwhile, television studios were targeted by protesters on the street, keen to make their point in the most visible way possible. Such events could be just a taste of things to come.
2. Quote of the Day
If that's a penalty, we don't need to play football anymore. Let's play basketball instead. It's a shame.
- Croatia manager Niko Kovac (per the BBC's Ben Smith)
You have to sympathise with Kovac, as he saw a memorable result snatched away from his determined and effective side.
He must now rouse his players in time to get positive results against Cameroon and Mexico, if they are to have any chance of progression.
He must now rouse his players in time to get positive results against Cameroon and Mexico, if they are to have any chance of progression.
5. Good day for...
The tournament organisers (and FIFA). It is an obvious statement but it remains true nonetheless: The tournament will be more successful, and run more smoothly, the better the hosts fare and the longer they participate.
Victories will keep up the passionate support within Brazil and prevent some torn observers from swelling the number of those in cities around the country protesting vociferously against the costly hosting of the tournament.
Similarly, organisers and FIFA will be delighted that the opening game went off without a significant hitch.
(Some floodlights at the ground briefly went out during the first half, but it did not significantly affect matters.)
(Some floodlights at the ground briefly went out during the first half, but it did not significantly affect matters.)
One game down, 63 to go.
6. Bad day for...
The referees.
The conspiracy theorists will have a field day with Nishimura's decision, reading much more into it than simply a bad misjudgment at an inopportune time.
The officials for subsequent Brazil matches will be watched closely for similar "home calls."
The conspiracy theorists will have a field day with Nishimura's decision, reading much more into it than simply a bad misjudgment at an inopportune time.
The officials for subsequent Brazil matches will be watched closely for similar "home calls."
Picture Credit: Dailymail Football
Culled from Bleacher Report