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Brazil 3-1 Croatia

So the World cup is properly underway and match 1 is done. After a truly dull opening ceremony (which surely will have reassured the Brazilian population that not too much money or effort was spent on it!), we got into the most rousing of anthems I've seen on a footy pitch. No Hodgson-style directive needed for their players sing along - those Brazilians gave it some welly, with Julio Cesar bringing himself (and, yes I admit it, me) to tears. Such emotion; refreshing to see.

The game started interestingly enough, with Croatia, and Olic in particular looking menacing. It seemed as if the pressure was telling on Brazil, or perhaps they were struggling to see through those tears. Anyways, it all progressed like a game of World Cup bingo.

Shock goal for underdogs...check
Own goal...check
Odd haircuts...check
Goalkeeping howler...check
Dodgy pen...check
Sublime toe-poked goal...check.

Olic's tricks turned form menacing to self-defeating, as he started turning more and more into trouble. Neymar started to look like the hero he will need to be, and Oscar proved that the 3 month rest he granted himself at Chelsea (by just not trying at all Feb-May) was well worth it. He looked a real menace.

The dive by Fred for the penalty was a bit pathetic, but I think Brazil were likely to overpower a tiring Croatia in any case. For me though, I feel BVrazil will really struggle against a classy team like Germany, Spain, Argentina or even the likes of Belgium or Holland - because they look just so vulnerable down the flanks.

So a good first match. 4 goals chalked up and the hosts winning always helps the general buzz. A quick shout out to Canavaro's immense eyebrows (seeming wild yet simultaneously groomed). More during the games tonight.

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