World Cup Live Blog: Brazil Wins Opener 3-1 Over Croatia

Neymar scored twice, including a controversial penalty.

ByABC News
June 12, 2014, 3:44 PM
Brazil's Neymar, right, celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia, the opening game of the tournament, in the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 12, 2014.
Brazil's Neymar, right, celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia, the opening game of the tournament, in the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 12, 2014.
Thanassis Stavrakis/AP Photo

— -- The 2014 World Cup officially kicked off today.

After months of build up, hosts and heavy favorites Brazil face Croatia in Sao Paulo.

Get to Know Brazilian Star Neymar

2014 FIFA World Cup TV Schedule

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Brazil is seeking to win a sixth World Cup title, having last hosted in 1950 when it lost to Uruguay in the final.

The World Cup will feature 32 nations -- placed in eight groups with four teams apiece -- and a total of 64 games. Defending champion Spain will have to contend with the likes of Brazil, Germany, Argentina and Italy if it wants to retain its title.

The United States has qualified for its seventh straight World Cup and will be looking to get out of a very tough group that features Germany, Portugal and Ghana.

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