It's finally here! The countdown to Brazil 2014 is over and the opening game is tantalisingly close. A grandiose ceremony depicting the nature, diversity and football history of this mystical South American country has come to a close and we are now approximately one hour away from the Group A opener between hosts, Brazil and Croatia at Arena de Sao Paulo (also known as the Arena Corinthians).

World Cup / Group Stage

Neo Química Arena / 12.06.2014

Brazil

Completed

Croatia

Neymar(29', 71' PEN)
Oscar(90+1')

Marcelo(11' O.G)

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Live Updates

ByThe Editorial Team

Updated 12/06/2014 at 22:12 GMT

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Highlights

RATINGS: BRAZIL: Cesar 6, Alves 6, Silva 6, Luiz 6, Marcelo 5, Paulinho 6, Gustavo 6, Hulk 5, Oscar 8, Neymar 9, Fred 5. Subs: Hernanes 5, Bernard 5, Ramires n/a. /// CROATIA: Pletikosa 6, Srna 6, Corluka 6, Lovren 7, Vrsaijko 5, Kovacic 6, Olic 6, Modric 6, Rakitic 6, Perisic 7, Jelavic 6. Subs: Brozovic 6, Rebic n/a.

MOTM - Neymar (Brazil): The Barcelona forward is Brazil's great hope and once again he stepped up to the plate and delivered. Two crucial goals and some lovely touches mean he is up and running as one of the stars of this year's tournament.

90+4'

FT: Brazil 3-1 Croatia. A Neymar double and a late effort from Oscar seal victory after Marcelo's own goal.

90+3'

Croatia's spirit has gone and Brazil are just breaking at will now.

90+2'

That goal will seal the points for Brazil but the talking point will be that penalty.

90+1'

GOAL! Brazil seal victory as Oscar breaks clear and smashes home a toe-poke at the near post from the edge of the box. Cue huge celebrations!!!!

90'

CHANCE! Great save by Cesar as Perisic lets fly from distance. Brazil hanging on.

89'

Modric teases a cross in for Corluka who can't get a good enough header on it. Time running out for Croatia.

89'

BRAZIL sub: Neymar replaced by Chelsea's Ramires.

88'

Gustavo booked for denying Croatia the break.

87'

Can Brazil hold on for what would be a massive, but somewhat controversial win?

86'

Modric lets fly from distance and Cesar does well to get down and beat it to safety.

85'

Perisic flicks the corner on but there's no-one to convert at the back post. Brazil living dangerously.

84'

Corner to Croatia. They are turning the screw.

83'

GOAL RULED OUT FOR CROATIA. Olic went up for an aerial challenge with Julio Cesar and the ball dropped for the visitors who put the ball in the net, but the whistle had already gone for a foul. Unlucky.

82'

The hosts are dropping deeper, allowing Croatia the ball. It's a dangerous game to play...

80'

Croatia feeling hard done by here - can they use their frustration in the right way and get a deserved draw?

79'

Neymar is flying at the moment and wins his team another corner.

78'

CROATIA sub: Ante Rebic on for Jelavic.

77'

BRAZIL CHANCE! Oscar with more great play as the Chelsea man crosses for Luiz who contrives to head over with the goal gaping. Neymark was lurking ready for a chance of the hat-trick and was probably in a better position.

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