Neymar struck twice as Brazil won the World Cup opener against Croatia 3-1.

Neymar, Brazil's Barcelona talisman, proved the key for the win in a sparkling - and controversial - match that may well set the tone for a World Cup of thrills and skills.

Each Brazil goal, two scored by Neymar - the second after a dubious penalty won by Fred - and a third by Oscar was greeted by a flurry of fireworks bursting across the Sao Paulo skyline.

Croatia had had the impertinence to take the game to the hosts - and score first courtesy of an own goal by Marcelo but the drive of Brazil not to fail on such an occasion proved decisive.

Croatia coach Niko Kovac said afterwards: "I don't think anybody, anywhere in the stadium, saw this as a penalty. If you continue like this you will have 100 penalties. I think 2.5billion people watching on TV saw this was not a penalty.

"This was ridiculous and if we continue in this way we will have a circus.

"Fred is an 85kg man and I don't believe he can be brought to the ground in such a manner.

"I cannot blame Fred at all - everyone tries it on. Like it or not, this is part and parcel of football. What I want is for referees to stick to the laws of the game and apply them equally to both teams."

Neymar admitted he had had a dream start to the World Cup.

The Barcelona forward said: "I think I am happier than I ever dreamt, to start with a victory in the World Cup such as this.

"The whole team deserves praise for being able to keep calm and turn things around."