Neymar leads Brazil to 3-1 win over Croatia

Neymar gave Brazil a winning start to its home World Cup, scoring twice to lead the host nation to an unconvincing 3-1 victory over Croatia in the opening game on Thursday. In his 50th match with Brazil, the 22-year-old forward scored a goal in each half to help the hosts survive an early scare and escape a disappointing debut in front of a packed Itaquerao Stadium. Brazil had a disastrous start when defender Marcelo found his own net while trying to clear a low cross by Ivica Olic in the 11th minute, but Neymar then showed why the nation's high hopes are all pinned on him. He equalized in the 29th minute, clearing a defender in midfield before making a run toward the edge of the area and...