FIFA World Cup 2014: Neymar Shines as Brazil Emerge Victorious in Opening Fixture [PHOTOS]

Neymar hogged the limelight after his brace helped Brazil register a 3-1 win over Croatia in the 2014 World Cup's opening fixture at Arena Corinthians Stadium in Sao Paulo.

It wasn't all cakes and candies for the hosts, as they had to toil against Croatia, who took an early lead via an own goal from left back Marcelo. Olic charged from the left flank and sent a low cross into the box that went past Nikica Jelavic and David Luiz before finally finding Marcelo, who directed the ball into his own net.

However, the five times World Cup champions did not give up as they kept huffing and puffing at the Croatian defence till it finally gave away at the half hour mark. Neymar was off course in the thick of action, as he manoeuvred past the opponent's defence before firing a low effort that was just out of the reach of a diving Pletikosa.

After a period of fruitless midfield battles, Brazil were awarded a penalty in the 69^th after Dejan Lovren brought down Fred in the box. Neymar stepped and again just managed to find the nets, despite Pletikosa getting two hands on the ball.

Finally midfield maestro Oscar sealed the game by adding a third in the dying minutes of the game. The Chelsea man broke away from the Croatian defence before casually poking the ball past Pletikosa.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who was very happy with the opening day win, praised the performances of Neymar.

"The only thing we want is that Neymar is happy playing ball. He's a special player. He (Neymar) doesn't need all of you (the media) to demand that he become the best player in the world. His responsibility is to play for Brazil, and that's what he did today," Scolari said.

The 65-year-old Brazilian says that he was especially pleased to see Brazil's determination to make a comeback after conceding the early goal.

"Our players were excellent, they showed determination to be able to come from behind. They were fantastic," Scolari said.

Check out these photos capturing the best moments of the game: