Neymar Double Sees Brazil Win World Cup Opener Against Croatia

The world have been talking about both Neymar and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil for what seems like forever. Tonight, on the opening day of the tournament, the world got a taste of both Neymar's abilities and the biggest stage of them all. Croatia were supposed to lay down and let Brazil walk over them, or so you'd think given the pre-match talk of Brazil beating them. However, they came out ready to fight for their World Cup lives, sadly it wasn't enough as they fell to a 3-1 loss.

Croatia took an early lead through a Brazil own goal, but Brazil quickly tied the game through a Neymar goal. A dubious penalty was awarded in the second half, and Neymar converted it, to ensure he had a debut double for his first World Cup appearance. Brazil were far from their best, but they got the job done, and as many will say, that's what champions need to do.

Neymar has laid the gauntlet out for other superstars, showing that he can indeed deliver on the biggest stage, but can the others? Oscar, who's fearing for his club future at Chelsea, fired the third and final goal for Brazil, and alongside Neymar, he was a fundamental reason that Brazil were able to win.

There's a lot of time to see what Neymar, and Brazil can do, but it appears the future's bright for the player and his country. If Croatia can bounce back from this defeat, they could still make the next round, and nobody would want to face them after their excellent showing.