World Cup

[monks data]

Attendance: 62,103

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 12, 2014 at 9pm UK

Brazil
3-1
Croatia

Neymar (29', 71' pen.), Oscar (90+1')

FT(HT: 1-1)

Marcelo (11' og.)

Half-Time Report: Neymar levels scores for Brazil in World Cup opener

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 12 June 2014

Neymar levels things up for Brazil as they come from a goal down to go into half time of their World Cup opener against Croatia locked at 1-1.

Brazil were forced to come from behind to go into the break of the World Cup opener against Croatia all square at 1-1 this evening.

Neymar of Brazil celebrates scoring a first half goal with Marcelo and Hulk during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group A match between Brazil and Croatia at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014 © Getty Images

The first chance fell the way of the visitors as Ivan Perisic swung the ball in to Ivica Olic, who could only nod his effort wide having peeled away from Dani Alves.

Croatia wouldn't have to wait long for the opening goal of the tournament, however, as they took the lead in the 11th minute when Marcelo inadvertently turned Olic's low cross into his own net.

Marcelo and David Luiz of Brazil watch as a ball is deflected into the net in the first half during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group A match between Brazil and Croatia at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014 © Getty Images

The hosts began pushing for an equaliser in front of a stunned crowd, and they almost got one 10 minutes later when Paulinho stung the palms of Stipe Pletikosa from the edge of the box.

Neymar then went on a dazzling run down the line before pulling the ball back into a dangerous area inside the box. Darijo Srna managed to get it clear, but only as far as Oscar, whose powerful drive from range was pushed away by the keeper.

Hulk then had another sight of goal for Brazil, but he could only fire his shot high and wide from close range.

Neymar of Brazil shoots and scores against Dejan Lovren of Croatia in the first half during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group A match between Brazil and Croatia at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014 © Getty Images

The equaliser finally did come shortly before the half-hour mark as Neymar's low effort from 25 yards trickled just beyond the reach of the keeper and in off the post.

That was how it remained until the break as both sides went into the interval all square.