FIFA World Cup 2014 Opening Match: Brazil wins vs. Croatia

World Cup 2014 is welcomed with a firing performance from both teams. Brazil’s blazing fire burned Croatia with 3-1 victory. A growing tension covered the whole Arena Corinthians. Mix emotions filled the audience before a controversial referee’s decision in favor of the home team dropped the tournament deep into its first controversy. 

Croatia’s coach Niko Kovac fumed after the game and all but blamed the Japanese referee, Yuichi Nishimura who favored the hosts when he granted a penalty kick to Brazil that led to decisive goal.

Kovac was furious after the replay shows that Fred, the Brazilian forward, fell dramatically to the ground after a slight contact from the Croatian defender. He point out that he felt referees may be influenced by the kind of attention that the Brazil’s performance receive in the tournament will reverberate throughout the country.

Kovac said that probably playing in Brazil has something to do with it and he thinks Brazil doesn’t need any help from referees. He was very disappointed that he said the decision was ridiculous and if it continuous there might be 100 penalties in this World Cup.

What happened only added to early events that happened the same day with police using tear gas and rubber bullets on the mob rallying near the downtown subway station. Then the pressure in building the stadium that cost $400 million is one of the new buildings for the cup and workers had to hurry in finishing construction last Wednesday. 

During the opening a few chairs has been missing in some spots and fans had to sat on the concrete. The releasing of the dove doesn’t even go smoothly because one of the birds looked to immediately crash into the stands.

The Brazilian coach Luyiz Felipe Scolari has not shied from the expectation of a title but he will not mind the typical Brazilian requirement of winning with style. He added that he is only interested in results despite of what the other expectations from the fans.

So far, Scholari was pleased with the Thursday result. Brazil actually fell behind early when Marcelo hit the ball towards his own net in the 11^th minute after Ivica Olic sprinted down the left side and crossed a dangerous ball in front of the goal.

Most in the crowd of 62,103 stood in stunned silence, then began booing and whistling angrily after witnessing Brazil’s first own goal in World Cup history.