World Cup 2014: Brazil v Croatia – in pictures

Who says Brazilian's aren't up for the World Cup? These ones certainly are. The tournament finally kicks off today with Brazil, on home soil, taking on Croatia at the Corinthians Arena in São Paulo. It promises to be a belter. Photograph: IVAN ALVARADO/REUTERS

First things first, the opening ceremony Photograph: Tom Jenkins

... during which American singer Jennifer Lopez performs with some other people, one of whom is apparently called Pitbull Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP

Time for a quick selfie Photograph: Tom Jenkins

This chap might be able to help out with the white face-paint, but the chances of him having green, yellow and blue are slim Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The teams finally come out for a kick-about and there's bad news for the hosts already ... Brazil's forward Neymar twists his foot and then limps around rather awkwardly Photograph: FRANCOIS XAVIER MARIT/AFP/Getty Images

That'll be music to the ears of these Croatian fans Photograph: Kevin Cox/Getty Images

Luckily for these supporters, it appears as if Neymar is okay to start Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Wonder if our photographer Tom Jenkins is among this motley crew? He'll do well to get a decent pic of the teams lining up, if he is Photograph: PEDRO UGARTE/AFP/Getty Images

Out come the teams Photograph: Tom Jenkins

... and the flags Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Here are the Seleção – the chosen 11. They are (not in order): Julio Cesar, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo, Luiz Gustavo, Paulinho, Oscar, Neymar, Hulk, Fred. Photograph: PAULO WHITAKER/REUTERS

Wow. David Luiz and Julio Cesar are really getting into the national anthem Photograph: Christopher Lee/Getty Images

Now for some action. Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Boom. We're underway and right from the get-go Croatia are hustling Brazil. Here, Croatia's Gonzalo Jara clatters into David Luiz Photograph: Ivan Sekretarev/AP

David Luiz gets up highest for an aerial ball Photograph: DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP/Getty Images

In the eighth minute, the entire stadium is shocked when Croatia take the lead. Brazil's defender Marcelo could do little but turn the teasing low cross into his own net Photograph: PEDRO UGARTE/AFP/Getty Images

Marcelo didn't have time to see or think; the real blame lies with the defenders in front of him who all failed to clear the danger Photograph: ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images

Ivica Olic and Nikica Jelavic of Croatia celebrate an unexpected goal. But, it must be said, the Croats have really taken the game to Brazil in the early stages of this match Photograph: Kevin Cox/Getty Images

Brazil's forward Neymar takes another awkward tumble, this time during the match Photograph: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images

What a pulsating first half this has been. Here, Neymar lets fly as Brazil go hunting for an equaliser, but he can't find the net Photograph: TOLGA BOZOGLU/EPA

Neymar of Brazil is shown a yellow card by referee Yuichi Nishimura for having flung an arm into the face of Luka Modric. The Croatians want a red but that would be harsh Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Tom Jenkins

In the 28th minute, Neymar lets fly from the edge of the D ... his shot is tame but its superbly placed and goes into the net off the base of the far post Photograph: FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images

Ecstasy for Brazil Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Just look at how relieved they all look Photograph: FRANCOIS XAVIER MARIT/AFP/Getty Images

Vanishing spray marks the line where the Croatian wall must stand at a free-kick Photograph: Pool/Getty Images

In the second half, the sun sets rapidly and creates a beautiful backdrop to the action Photograph: Warren Little/Getty Images

Paulinho is brought down as Croatia clamp down on the hosts Photograph: Tom Jenkins

In the 71st minute, Brazil's Fred goes down in the box under a soft challenge from Dejan Lovren. He claims he was tugged and the referee agrees with him. It looks like a dodgy decision Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Neymar steps up and smashes the penalty to Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa's right. The keeper gets both hands to it but somehow fails to keep it out. Photograph: Tom Jenkins

In the 90th minute, Brazil's Oscar wraps up victory when he races away and pokes an unexpectedly early shot into the near corner. Again, the keeper should have reached it ... that's game over Photograph: PEDRO UGARTE/AFP/Getty Images

Luiz goes berserk Photograph: Ivan Sekretarev/AP

Brazil may have won but boy have they been lucky Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Brazil coach Felipe Scolari doesn't seem to care. Photograph: Carl Recine/Action Images

Joy for the home fans, most of whom seem to be snapping photographs of the victorious team. Final score: 3-1
Photograph: Tom Jenkins