Brazil opened its World Cup campaign on home soil as Neymar scored twice in a 3-1 win over Croatia in Sao Paulo on Friday morning.

A shot from outside the box and a dubious penalty saw Neymar clinch a brace before Oscar hit a glorious 90th-minute breakaway goal to wrap up a win in a boisterous Arena Corinthians.

But Brazil was pegged back early by Croatia, as the opening goal of the World Cup came off the wrong boot – Brazilian defender Marcelo poking a cross into his own net.

Neymar showed stunning footwork later in the first half to smash the ball low past Croatian keeper Stipe Pletikosa from outside the box.

Controversy struck in the 71st minute as Fred went down very easily under pressure from Dejan Lovren, with Croatia protesting vehemently as replays showed the Brazilian striker fell to the ground after minimal contact.

But Neymar, who is expected to carry the burden of Brazil’s expectations throughout the World Cup, stepped up to sidefoot the spot-kick home.

Croatia had the ball in the back of the net 10 minutes later, but it was disallowed after a Ivica Olic foul on keeper Julio Cesar.

Star midfielder Luka Modric forced a fine save from Julio Cesar two minutes later with a low rasping drive

A mad scramble in the 90th minute then saw Ivan Perisic force another save from Julio Cesar, before Brazil broke superbly for Oscar to fire home a glorious finish off the outside of his boot.

More to follow.