WORLD CUP 2014: Brazil 3-1 Croatia

*  Brazil come from behind to win opener

*  Neymar second was disputed penalty

*  Marcelo own goal was first goal of tournament

Live Reporting
All times stated are UK
Recent live reporting posts
GOALDEN BOOT

Brazil 3-1 Croatia
Posted at 23:09

Two names on the golden boot list then after the first 90 minutes - and they're both Brazilian.

Check out the top scorers page. It will get much more colourful over the next few weeks.
Join the debate at #bbcworldcup
Posted at
Richard: Dubious penalty and obvious foul before third goal Brazil not convincing at all. Croatia deserved a point.

Sam: When this Brazil team meets someone like Germany, Argentina or Spain I think they could be in real trouble!

Ben Smith in Sao Paulo
Brazil 3-1 Croatia
Posted at
"That was a tremendous occasion to be part of. Were Brazil fortunate? Undoubtedly. Did this performance reveal flaws and fragilities? Certainly.
"But what matters is that Brazil won, that this World Cup has begun with a bang and that the poster boy of the tournament has delivered when the pressure was on. Croatia will rightly feel hard done by but this was Brazil's night."
MOTD COMING UP

Brazil 3-1 Croatia
Posted at
The BBC Two highlights of Brazil v Croatia are on at 23.20BST and Mark Chapman will be joined in the studio by Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy. Share your views on Neymar's eventful performance and your questions for the panel on the match using #bbcworldcup

Posted at
Chris, Glasgow: Great game ruined by a shocking decision. Brazil certain to win the Cup with decisions like that going in their favour. Will any other country be getting penalties that soft? Highly doubt it.

Brazil 3-1 Croatia
Posted at
"Unfortunately the referee probably made the headlines when we wanted to be talking about Neymar or Luka Modric instead. It was a good game of football, Croatia have shown they can hold their own against the good teams.
"They've been hard done by. The refereeing has cost them a point that they thoroughly deserved. I don't think Brazil have been that convincing. They are a good side but have had a little bit of, let's say good fortune, tonight."
HIGHLIGHTS

Brazil 3-1 Croatia
Posted at
Thanks to the wonders of technology, the highlights are already viewable at the top of the page.

Click on the highlights tab and view Neymar's goal among others. The third one will be with you soon enough...
Brazil 3-1 Croatia
Posted at 22:55

How many will he get in the tournament? How many will he get in his career? Neymar is on fire.
FULL-TIME

Brazil 3-1 Croatia
Posted at 22:55
Brazil get the job done. Croatia had them scared for a while but a brace from Neymar and then a third from Oscar have sealed the points.
Join the debate at #bbcworldcup

Posted at
Elijah: Oscar! Great goal. Great game tonight!

Ashley: Really feel Croatia deserve something out of this!

Adam: With refereeing so biased to the home country, might as well just give Brazil the World Cup now. Forgone conclusion.

Brazil 3-1 Croatia
Posted at 90 mins
Can Croatia sign a keeper on loan for the next game? Spain have got three good ones...

Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live summariser at the Arena De Sao Paulo
Brazil 3-1 Croatia

Posted at
"You have got to say the goalkeeping for Croatia has cost them. If they had a good one they would have got a result, but Stipe Pletikosa has been at fault for all three goals. Oscar's shot just goes past him so easily, he is flat on his heels. Croatia are throwing bodies forward now but that is how Brazil got their last goal."

Brazil 3-1 Croatia
Posted at 90 mins
Brazil are going to win the opening game then and keep the emotions sky high. It's harsh on Croatia though, who have played their part.

GOAL
Brazil 3-1 Croatia - Oscar
Posted at 90 mins
From one end to the other. Croatia came close with that low shot from range and Brazil come right down the other end to score a killer third. Oscar, who the Brazilian media wanted out, stabs home with a toe-poke from 22 yards.

GREAT SAVE!

Brazil 2-1 Croatia
Posted at 90 mins
Ivan Perisic takes aim from 20 yards - a skidder and a good save from Julio Cesar!

Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live summariser at the Arena De Sao Paulo
Brazil 2-1 Croatia
Posted at
"Since Brazil got that second goal they have come right off the pace. Over the course of the match they have had more of the ball and probably created more chances but Croatia have played well in this second half, you have to them credit. They have given it a good go and they should already have the equaliser. The decisions of the referee have cost them - especially on the penalty."

Brazil 2-1 Croatia
Posted at 88 mins
Chance! Luka Modric delivers a telling cross from the right and Vedran Corluka heads wide. Not a gimme, but a decent opening and he should have hit the target. Is that their last chance?
YELLOW CARD

Brazil 2-1 Croatia
Posted at 88 mins
Luiz Gustavo is booked for a cynical foul in midfield - and Neymar is replaced by Ramires. The Brazilian James Milner, he'll get five minutes to shut up shop.
FINAL FIVE

Brazil 2-1 Croatia
Posted at 85 mins
Into the last five minutes. Can Croatia poop the party?

Brazil 2-1 Croatia
Posted at
"I didn't think there was anything wrong with that - Julio Cesar just missed the ball, Olic simply headed it. Another decision that will be controversial."

____________________________________



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WORLD CUP 2014: Brazil 3-1 Croatia

*  Brazil come from behind to win opener

*  Neymar second was disputed penalty

*  Marcelo own goal was first goal of tournament

Live Reporting
All times stated are UK
Recent live reporting posts
GOALDEN BOOT

Brazil 3-1 Croatia
Posted at 23:09

Two names on the golden boot list then after the first 90 minutes - and they're both Brazilian.

Check out the top scorers page. It will get much more colourful over the next few weeks.
Join the debate at #bbcworldcup
Posted at
Richard: Dubious penalty and obvious foul before third goal Brazil not convincing at all. Croatia deserved a point.

Sam: When this Brazil team meets someone like Germany, Argentina or Spain I think they could be in real trouble!

Ben Smith in Sao Paulo
Brazil 3-1 Croatia
Posted at
"That was a tremendous occasion to be part of. Were Brazil fortunate? Undoubtedly. Did this performance reveal flaws and fragilities? Certainly.
"But what matters is that Brazil won, that this World Cup has begun with a bang and that the poster boy of the tournament has delivered when the pressure was on. Croatia will rightly feel hard done by but this was Brazil's night."
MOTD COMING UP

Brazil 3-1 Croatia
Posted at
The BBC Two highlights of Brazil v Croatia are on at 23.20BST and Mark Chapman will be joined in the studio by Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy. Share your views on Neymar's eventful performance and your questions for the panel on the match using #bbcworldcup

Posted at
Chris, Glasgow: Great game ruined by a shocking decision. Brazil certain to win the Cup with decisions like that going in their favour. Will any other country be getting penalties that soft? Highly doubt it.

Brazil 3-1 Croatia
Posted at
"Unfortunately the referee probably made the headlines when we wanted to be talking about Neymar or Luka Modric instead. It was a good game of football, Croatia have shown they can hold their own against the good teams.
"They've been hard done by. The refereeing has cost them a point that they thoroughly deserved. I don't think Brazil have been that convincing. They are a good side but have had a little bit of, let's say good fortune, tonight."
HIGHLIGHTS

Brazil 3-1 Croatia
Posted at
Thanks to the wonders of technology, the highlights are already viewable at the top of the page.

Click on the highlights tab and view Neymar's goal among others. The third one will be with you soon enough...
Brazil 3-1 Croatia
Posted at 22:55

How many will he get in the tournament? How many will he get in his career? Neymar is on fire.
FULL-TIME

Brazil 3-1 Croatia
Posted at 22:55
Brazil get the job done. Croatia had them scared for a while but a brace from Neymar and then a third from Oscar have sealed the points.
Join the debate at #bbcworldcup

Posted at
Elijah: Oscar! Great goal. Great game tonight!

Ashley: Really feel Croatia deserve something out of this!

Adam: With refereeing so biased to the home country, might as well just give Brazil the World Cup now. Forgone conclusion.

Brazil 3-1 Croatia
Posted at 90 mins
Can Croatia sign a keeper on loan for the next game? Spain have got three good ones...

Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live summariser at the Arena De Sao Paulo
Brazil 3-1 Croatia

Posted at
"You have got to say the goalkeeping for Croatia has cost them. If they had a good one they would have got a result, but Stipe Pletikosa has been at fault for all three goals. Oscar's shot just goes past him so easily, he is flat on his heels. Croatia are throwing bodies forward now but that is how Brazil got their last goal."

Brazil 3-1 Croatia
Posted at 90 mins
Brazil are going to win the opening game then and keep the emotions sky high. It's harsh on Croatia though, who have played their part.

GOAL
Brazil 3-1 Croatia - Oscar
Posted at 90 mins
From one end to the other. Croatia came close with that low shot from range and Brazil come right down the other end to score a killer third. Oscar, who the Brazilian media wanted out, stabs home with a toe-poke from 22 yards.

GREAT SAVE!

Brazil 2-1 Croatia
Posted at 90 mins
Ivan Perisic takes aim from 20 yards - a skidder and a good save from Julio Cesar!

Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live summariser at the Arena De Sao Paulo
Brazil 2-1 Croatia
Posted at
"Since Brazil got that second goal they have come right off the pace. Over the course of the match they have had more of the ball and probably created more chances but Croatia have played well in this second half, you have to them credit. They have given it a good go and they should already have the equaliser. The decisions of the referee have cost them - especially on the penalty."

Brazil 2-1 Croatia
Posted at 88 mins
Chance! Luka Modric delivers a telling cross from the right and Vedran Corluka heads wide. Not a gimme, but a decent opening and he should have hit the target. Is that their last chance?
YELLOW CARD

Brazil 2-1 Croatia
Posted at 88 mins
Luiz Gustavo is booked for a cynical foul in midfield - and Neymar is replaced by Ramires. The Brazilian James Milner, he'll get five minutes to shut up shop.
FINAL FIVE

Brazil 2-1 Croatia
Posted at 85 mins
Into the last five minutes. Can Croatia poop the party?

Brazil 2-1 Croatia
Posted at
"I didn't think there was anything wrong with that - Julio Cesar just missed the ball, Olic simply headed it. Another decision that will be controversial."
____________________________________

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LIVE W/CUP SCORES: Brazil 1-1 Croatia GOAL!!! The place erupts as Neymar fires in from 25 yards!

Summary

* Neymar levels seconds after being booked
 
* Marcelo own goal is first World Cup 2014 goal
 
* World Cup opens with ceremony in Sao Paulo

Live Reporting
By Tom Rostance
Get Involved
All times stated are UK
Recent live reporting posts
Join the debate at #bbcworldcup
Posted at

BBC Sport's Mark Chapman on Twitter: "In the MOTD production office with Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Thierry Henry. Some goals there."
You can watch highlights of Brazil v Croatia on Match of the Day on BBC Two at 23:20 BST tonight.

Brazil 1-1 Croatia
Posted at 39 mins
Both sides are putting in a serious shift. There will be some aching legs in the morning. Croatia now seeing plenty of the ball as they try and stretch the Brazil defence again.

Join the debate at #bbcworldcup
Posted at
Kenneth: And the golden boy responds...
Mus: Not Brazilian silk and smooth, that was grit and fight from Oscar to make that goal happen.
Quite Neymarkable

Brazil 1-1 Croatia
Posted at

It's not often the most-hyped player delivers when it matters. But Neymar did during the Confederations Cup last summer, and he's done it so far here too.

Ben Smith
BBC Sport
Brazil 1-1 Croatia
Posted at
"What an incredible moment that was. Fireworks are still going off all around Sao Paulo and I can see them out of the corner of the stadium across the city. The noise inside this stadium when that ball flicked off the post and into the net was hard to describe. The emotions are close to the surface in this game and that was clear by the celebrations, but Neymar has delivered a crucial goal."

Brazil 1-1 Croatia
Posted at 33 mins
Croatia aren't too disheartened and instantly win a corner. It's a cracker of a game and this Brazil team look vulnerable out wide.

Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live summariser at the Arena De Sao Paulo
Brazil 1-1 Croatia
Posted at
"Stipe Pletikosa took an eternity to hit the ground in the Croatia goal, he should have done much better. Neymar didn't catch it very well and you could see what he was going to do. The ball just rolled along the ground and nestled in the corner.

"The keeper went down in instalments, but Neymar doesn't care and Brazil don't care, it's 1-1. The first game is always difficult for the players, the worst thing happened to them with the own goal but that should relax them. Brazil should kick on but don't underestimate Croatia."

Phil Neville
BBC Sport at Arena De Sao Paulo
Brazil 1-1 Croatia
Posted at
"Neymar has just announced himself to the World Cup. There have been a lot of question marks about him since he moved to Europe. But he showed wonderful tenacity. It was Oscar who did all the donkey work. He rode two challenges in the build-up. It's a real test for Croatia now."

Brazil 1-1 Croatia
Posted at 32 mins
That's 32 goals for Brazil for Neymar - and he's only 22 still. What's the record? A fine first half hour of this World Cup. A month more of this please...

GOAL
Brazil 1-1 Croatia - Neymar
Posted at 29 mins

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL de Brazil!
The place erupts as Neymar fires in from 25 yards! It's fine play from Oscar, who beats two men in midfield and finds the number 10 in space. He advances a few yards before hitting in a left-footer which finds the base of the post and in. Superb.

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at 28 mins
This is a truly superb game, given the circumstances. Croatia pick their way through and Nikica Jelavic goes close with a back-post header.

Phil Neville
BBC Sport at Arena De Sao Paulo
Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at
"That was a little bit naughty from Neymar. He showed a bit of frustration. That was certainly no accident."
YELLOW CARD

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at 27 mins
First booking of the World Cup goes to - Neymar.

He sees Luka Modric coming and clatters him with his forearm. Nasty one. He could have maybe seen red there.

Join the debate at #bbcworldcup
Posted at
Brett: Well, this is what I call a GAME! Entertainment at its very best, with Brazil on the attack and Croatia countering quickly.

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at 26 mins
Thiago Silva has made 35 passes so far, Luka Modric has made the most for Croatia so far - with eight. He's completed every one though. I wouldn't recommend Croatia sit back and defend for the whole game...

Phil Neville
BBC Sport at Arena De Sao Paulo
Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at
"Croatia are being run ragged now. That was a great save by Stipe Pletikosa. Brazil have settled down after a frantic opening 15 minutes, but the one thing about this Croatia team is that they have so much experience. Their wide players are working so hard."

Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live summariser at the Arena De Sao Paulo

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at
"Brazil are starting to up to the tempo and they have got to if they want to get back into this game. That was a fantastic run from Neymar off the back of Ivan Rakitic to work the ball into the box. They are gradually working their way towards goal and their movement is much better. This is more like Brazil."
GREAT SAVE!

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at 23 mins
Fine save! Neymar shows his talent for the first time, beating Ivan Rakitic down the right before cutting the ball back. It's only half cleared and Oscar bends in a left-footer from 25 yards and Stipe Pletikosa flies to his right to turn away.

This is a fine opening quarter...
Dedication's what you need

Brazil 0-1 Croatia.

____________________________________



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LIVE W/CUP SCORES: Brazil 1-1 Croatia GOAL!!! The place erupts as Neymar fires in from 25 yards!

Summary

* Neymar levels seconds after being booked
 
* Marcelo own goal is first World Cup 2014 goal
 
* World Cup opens with ceremony in Sao Paulo

Live Reporting
By Tom Rostance
Get Involved
All times stated are UK
Recent live reporting posts
Join the debate at #bbcworldcup
Posted at

BBC Sport's Mark Chapman on Twitter: "In the MOTD production office with Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Thierry Henry. Some goals there."
You can watch highlights of Brazil v Croatia on Match of the Day on BBC Two at 23:20 BST tonight.

Brazil 1-1 Croatia
Posted at 39 mins
Both sides are putting in a serious shift. There will be some aching legs in the morning. Croatia now seeing plenty of the ball as they try and stretch the Brazil defence again.

Join the debate at #bbcworldcup
Posted at
Kenneth: And the golden boy responds...
Mus: Not Brazilian silk and smooth, that was grit and fight from Oscar to make that goal happen.
Quite Neymarkable

Brazil 1-1 Croatia
Posted at

It's not often the most-hyped player delivers when it matters. But Neymar did during the Confederations Cup last summer, and he's done it so far here too.

Ben Smith
BBC Sport
Brazil 1-1 Croatia
Posted at
"What an incredible moment that was. Fireworks are still going off all around Sao Paulo and I can see them out of the corner of the stadium across the city. The noise inside this stadium when that ball flicked off the post and into the net was hard to describe. The emotions are close to the surface in this game and that was clear by the celebrations, but Neymar has delivered a crucial goal."

Brazil 1-1 Croatia
Posted at 33 mins
Croatia aren't too disheartened and instantly win a corner. It's a cracker of a game and this Brazil team look vulnerable out wide.

Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live summariser at the Arena De Sao Paulo
Brazil 1-1 Croatia
Posted at
"Stipe Pletikosa took an eternity to hit the ground in the Croatia goal, he should have done much better. Neymar didn't catch it very well and you could see what he was going to do. The ball just rolled along the ground and nestled in the corner.

"The keeper went down in instalments, but Neymar doesn't care and Brazil don't care, it's 1-1. The first game is always difficult for the players, the worst thing happened to them with the own goal but that should relax them. Brazil should kick on but don't underestimate Croatia."

Phil Neville
BBC Sport at Arena De Sao Paulo
Brazil 1-1 Croatia
Posted at
"Neymar has just announced himself to the World Cup. There have been a lot of question marks about him since he moved to Europe. But he showed wonderful tenacity. It was Oscar who did all the donkey work. He rode two challenges in the build-up. It's a real test for Croatia now."

Brazil 1-1 Croatia
Posted at 32 mins
That's 32 goals for Brazil for Neymar - and he's only 22 still. What's the record? A fine first half hour of this World Cup. A month more of this please...

GOAL
Brazil 1-1 Croatia - Neymar
Posted at 29 mins

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL de Brazil!
The place erupts as Neymar fires in from 25 yards! It's fine play from Oscar, who beats two men in midfield and finds the number 10 in space. He advances a few yards before hitting in a left-footer which finds the base of the post and in. Superb.

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at 28 mins
This is a truly superb game, given the circumstances. Croatia pick their way through and Nikica Jelavic goes close with a back-post header.

Phil Neville
BBC Sport at Arena De Sao Paulo
Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at
"That was a little bit naughty from Neymar. He showed a bit of frustration. That was certainly no accident."
YELLOW CARD

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at 27 mins
First booking of the World Cup goes to - Neymar.

He sees Luka Modric coming and clatters him with his forearm. Nasty one. He could have maybe seen red there.

Join the debate at #bbcworldcup
Posted at
Brett: Well, this is what I call a GAME! Entertainment at its very best, with Brazil on the attack and Croatia countering quickly.

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at 26 mins
Thiago Silva has made 35 passes so far, Luka Modric has made the most for Croatia so far - with eight. He's completed every one though. I wouldn't recommend Croatia sit back and defend for the whole game...

Phil Neville
BBC Sport at Arena De Sao Paulo
Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at
"Croatia are being run ragged now. That was a great save by Stipe Pletikosa. Brazil have settled down after a frantic opening 15 minutes, but the one thing about this Croatia team is that they have so much experience. Their wide players are working so hard."

Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live summariser at the Arena De Sao Paulo

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at
"Brazil are starting to up to the tempo and they have got to if they want to get back into this game. That was a fantastic run from Neymar off the back of Ivan Rakitic to work the ball into the box. They are gradually working their way towards goal and their movement is much better. This is more like Brazil."
GREAT SAVE!

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at 23 mins
Fine save! Neymar shows his talent for the first time, beating Ivan Rakitic down the right before cutting the ball back. It's only half cleared and Oscar bends in a left-footer from 25 yards and Stipe Pletikosa flies to his right to turn away.

This is a fine opening quarter...
Dedication's what you need

Brazil 0-1 Croatia.
____________________________________

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BB PIN: 260158B5

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LIVE W/Cup SCORES: Brazil 0-1 Croatia 'Marcelo own goal is first World Cup 2014 goal'

Summary

 * Marcelo own goal is first World Cup 2014 goal

*  Neymar, Oscar and Luiz start for Brazil

*  First game of the 2014 World Cup

*  World Cup opens with ceremony in Sao Paulo
 
Live Reporting
By Tom Rostance
Get Involved
All times stated are UK
Recent live reporting posts
YELLOW CARD

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at 27 mins
First booking of the World Cup goes to - Neymar.

He sees Luka Modric coming and clatters him with his forearm. Nasty one. He could have maybe seen red there.

Join the debate at #bbcworldcup
Posted at
Brett: Well, this is what I call a GAME! Entertainment at its very best, with Brazil on the attack and Croatia countering quickly.

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at 26 mins
Thiago Silva has made 35 passes so far, Luka Modric has made the most for Croatia so far - with eight. He's completed every one though. I wouldn't recommend Croatia sit back and defend for the whole game...

Phil Neville
BBC Sport at Arena De Sao Paulo
Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at
"Croatia are being run ragged now. That was a great save by Stipe Pletikosa. Brazil have settled down after a frantic opening 15 minutes, but the one thing about this Croatia team is that they have so much experience. Their wide players are working so hard."

Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live summariser at the Arena De Sao Paulo

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at
"Brazil are starting to up to the tempo and they have got to if they want to get back into this game. That was a fantastic run from Neymar off the back of Ivan Rakitic to work the ball into the box. They are gradually working their way towards goal and their movement is much better. This is more like Brazil."
GREAT SAVE!

Brazil 0-1 Croatia

Posted at 23 mins

Fine save! Neymar shows his talent for the first time, beating Ivan Rakitic down the right before cutting the ball back. It's only half cleared and Oscar bends in a left-footer from 25 yards and Stipe Pletikosa flies to his right to turn away.

This is a fine opening quarter...
Dedication's what you need

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at

Brazil 0-1 Croatia

Posted at 22 mins

Better, that's better from Brazil. Paulinho of Tottenham leaves a few men in his wake before battering in a shot which Stipe Pletikosa punches clear.

Brazil now starting to find some space in between the Croatian lines.

Posted at 21:21
That's exactly who he plays like Chris. You've nailed it.

Posted at

Chris, Bolton: Glad to see Ivica Olic, aka the rich man's Paul Dickov, is still at it.

Brazil 0-1 Croatia

Posted at 20 mins
Patience is the key for Brazil now. Not easy in a partisan stadium at your own World Cup. Some of the players were nearly in tears during the anthem and I'm not sure they've regained their composure yet.

Brazil 0-1 Croatia

Posted at 17 mins

Stoke were close to signing Ivica Olic earlier this season. He has been a menace down the left wing, a real workhorse.

Posted at
Brad: Uhm, what? I can't seem to find that anywhere in the script!?

Ben Smith

Brazil 0-1 Croatia

Posted at

"Fascinating opening period of this game and the Arena de Sao Paulo is still struggling to come to terms with that own goal. Brazil just haven't got going as yet, they haven't started with the speed and intensity that we saw last summer. Croatia have been largely ignored in the build-up to this match, not a single question was asked about them in the Brazil press conference, but at the moment, they are carrying the greater threat."

Brazil 0-1 Croatia

Posted at 15 mins

Oscar puts in a belter of a cross from out wide but Fred can't connect. This is already one of the better opening games in a major tournament...

Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live summariser at the Arena De Sao Paulo
Brazil 0-1 Croatia

Posted at

"Ivica Olic has been willing to run in to all that space on the left wing, he hits a low ball into the area, Nikica Jelavic misses it and it hits Marcelo on the left toe. Nothing in the Brazil game plan is working so far.

"Croatia's game plan meanwhile is working, with the 4-5-1 they are quite willing to bring Brazil on and it has worked for them on the counter attack. And you have to say they are very happy with the pace Brazil are playing so far. There is no penetration and they need now to raise the tempo."

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at 14 mins
Croatia have had 24% of possession so far. Keeping it is not what it used to be. Just ask Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at 12 mins

The hosts have never lost their opening game. Yet.

Brazil look a mess at the back. But there's still nearly 80 minutes left...
GOAL

Brazil 0-1 Croatia - Marcelo OG
Posted at 11 mins
Brazil 0-0 Croatia

Posted at 9 mins

Brazil win a corner, the referee interrupts it to stop some pushing between David Luiz and Nikica Jelavic, and the Croatians clear their lines. Busy start, Croatia looking very strong.

Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live summariser at the Arena De Sao Paulo
Brazil 0-0 Croatia

Posted at
"It was a wonderful cross from Ivan Perisic on the right and Ivica Olic does everything right but hit the target. He heads it into the ground which you want him to do but his hands go up on his head as he knows it was a glorious chance."

____________________________________



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LIVE W/Cup SCORES: Brazil 0-1 Croatia 'Marcelo own goal is first World Cup 2014 goal'

Summary

 * Marcelo own goal is first World Cup 2014 goal

*  Neymar, Oscar and Luiz start for Brazil

*  First game of the 2014 World Cup

*  World Cup opens with ceremony in Sao Paulo
 
Live Reporting
By Tom Rostance
Get Involved
All times stated are UK
Recent live reporting posts
YELLOW CARD

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at 27 mins
First booking of the World Cup goes to - Neymar.

He sees Luka Modric coming and clatters him with his forearm. Nasty one. He could have maybe seen red there.

Join the debate at #bbcworldcup
Posted at
Brett: Well, this is what I call a GAME! Entertainment at its very best, with Brazil on the attack and Croatia countering quickly.

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at 26 mins
Thiago Silva has made 35 passes so far, Luka Modric has made the most for Croatia so far - with eight. He's completed every one though. I wouldn't recommend Croatia sit back and defend for the whole game...

Phil Neville
BBC Sport at Arena De Sao Paulo
Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at
"Croatia are being run ragged now. That was a great save by Stipe Pletikosa. Brazil have settled down after a frantic opening 15 minutes, but the one thing about this Croatia team is that they have so much experience. Their wide players are working so hard."

Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live summariser at the Arena De Sao Paulo

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at
"Brazil are starting to up to the tempo and they have got to if they want to get back into this game. That was a fantastic run from Neymar off the back of Ivan Rakitic to work the ball into the box. They are gradually working their way towards goal and their movement is much better. This is more like Brazil."
GREAT SAVE!

Brazil 0-1 Croatia

Posted at 23 mins

Fine save! Neymar shows his talent for the first time, beating Ivan Rakitic down the right before cutting the ball back. It's only half cleared and Oscar bends in a left-footer from 25 yards and Stipe Pletikosa flies to his right to turn away.

This is a fine opening quarter...
Dedication's what you need

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at

Brazil 0-1 Croatia

Posted at 22 mins

Better, that's better from Brazil. Paulinho of Tottenham leaves a few men in his wake before battering in a shot which Stipe Pletikosa punches clear.

Brazil now starting to find some space in between the Croatian lines.

Posted at 21:21
That's exactly who he plays like Chris. You've nailed it.

Posted at

Chris, Bolton: Glad to see Ivica Olic, aka the rich man's Paul Dickov, is still at it.

Brazil 0-1 Croatia

Posted at 20 mins
Patience is the key for Brazil now. Not easy in a partisan stadium at your own World Cup. Some of the players were nearly in tears during the anthem and I'm not sure they've regained their composure yet.

Brazil 0-1 Croatia

Posted at 17 mins

Stoke were close to signing Ivica Olic earlier this season. He has been a menace down the left wing, a real workhorse.

Posted at
Brad: Uhm, what? I can't seem to find that anywhere in the script!?

Ben Smith

Brazil 0-1 Croatia

Posted at

"Fascinating opening period of this game and the Arena de Sao Paulo is still struggling to come to terms with that own goal. Brazil just haven't got going as yet, they haven't started with the speed and intensity that we saw last summer. Croatia have been largely ignored in the build-up to this match, not a single question was asked about them in the Brazil press conference, but at the moment, they are carrying the greater threat."

Brazil 0-1 Croatia

Posted at 15 mins

Oscar puts in a belter of a cross from out wide but Fred can't connect. This is already one of the better opening games in a major tournament...

Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live summariser at the Arena De Sao Paulo
Brazil 0-1 Croatia

Posted at

"Ivica Olic has been willing to run in to all that space on the left wing, he hits a low ball into the area, Nikica Jelavic misses it and it hits Marcelo on the left toe. Nothing in the Brazil game plan is working so far.

"Croatia's game plan meanwhile is working, with the 4-5-1 they are quite willing to bring Brazil on and it has worked for them on the counter attack. And you have to say they are very happy with the pace Brazil are playing so far. There is no penetration and they need now to raise the tempo."

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at 14 mins
Croatia have had 24% of possession so far. Keeping it is not what it used to be. Just ask Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Brazil 0-1 Croatia
Posted at 12 mins

The hosts have never lost their opening game. Yet.

Brazil look a mess at the back. But there's still nearly 80 minutes left...
GOAL

Brazil 0-1 Croatia - Marcelo OG
Posted at 11 mins
Brazil 0-0 Croatia

Posted at 9 mins

Brazil win a corner, the referee interrupts it to stop some pushing between David Luiz and Nikica Jelavic, and the Croatians clear their lines. Busy start, Croatia looking very strong.

Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live summariser at the Arena De Sao Paulo
Brazil 0-0 Croatia

Posted at
"It was a wonderful cross from Ivan Perisic on the right and Ivica Olic does everything right but hit the target. He heads it into the ground which you want him to do but his hands go up on his head as he knows it was a glorious chance."
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SPORTS Simmering tension threatens to sully Brazil extravaganza

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Simmering civil tension and the stench of corruption threatens to sully Brazil's global soccer party when the World Cup kicks off on Thursday against a backdrop of protests, unrest and alleged political graft.

What was to be a soccer celebration is in danger of being hijacked by off-field issues as a growing furore surrounding FIFA over alleged vote-buying for the 2022 World Cup stews and anger over domestic political corruption broils throughout Brazil.

The gloom is a far cry from what was envisioned when Brazil was selected as host nation in 2007. But if any country can perform a feat of spiritual alchemy using soccer as its tool, Brazil can.

And for all the FIFA and protest dramas, billions of people around the world will tune in as eagerly as ever once the action begins.

The home of what Pele termed "the beautiful game" is likely to respond like few others could, if its yellow-shirted heroes can carry all before them.

A joyous festival of soccer would indeed be testament to the power of soccer if the sport shrugs off the unseemly smog enveloping the lead-up to this tournament.

Brazil will be confident of providing the perfect fillip when they open the World Cup with a Group A clash against Croatia in Sao Paulo on Thursday.

EXORCISE THE GHOSTS OF 1950

The hosts are favorites to clinch a record-extending sixth World Cup crown come the July 13 final at Rio's Maracana stadium, and certainly it would be a triumph to finally exorcise the ghosts of 1950.

Sixty-four years ago the tournament was held with a round robin format and the Brazilians needed a draw to win the title in front of 200,000 fans at the Maracana.

However, they were beaten 2-1 by Uruguay in a national tragedy known as "the Maracanazo".

While there will be some 100,000 fewer people in the rebuilt Maracana for the 2014 tournament, expectation will be no less weighty.

That does not bother their wily coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who led Brazil to their fifth triumph 12 years ago.

"Every day I am more and more certain we are going to win the World Cup," he said, allowing no room for failure.

"I know we must respect other teams but generally speaking we are better. Be with us during the World Cup: participate, jump up and down, get into the spirit.

"We want you to help us particularly when we are in trouble because that is when you can make the difference."

LUKEWARM WORLD CUP CAMPAIGNS

Brazil have their script - one involving locals suspending their anger at the eye-watering cost of the tournament held with a backdrop of rising inflation, urban gridlock and soaring crime - but there are no shortage of other teams and players lining up to take their place in the pantheon of soccer giants.

Argentina's Lionel Messi tops the list.

Considered by most to be the world's best footballer, the Barcelona phenomenon has never hit the heights at a World Cup.

Unless he does, as the likes of Pele, Johan Cruyff and Diego Maradona have before him, there would always be a hint of a question mark over a career in which in every other way has touched the stars.

At the age of 26, a veteran already of two lukewarm World Cup campaigns, Messi has never really been embraced by Argentine fans. It doesn't help that he was brought up in Spain after local clubs allowed him to slip through their fingers.

But a triumphant World Cup in their biggest rival's backyard could elevate the 5ft 7in forward, four times World Player of the Year, to the level of the similarly diminutive but much-revered World Cup-winning Maradona in his homeland.

But Argentina are much more than Messi, who will have great support from the other three members of the "Fantastic Quartet" Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria.

"We're more together than ever because of the dream we all have," skipper Messi said after Argentina breezed past Slovenia in their final World Cup warmup.

FORMIDABLE GERMANS

The formidable Germans have their minds set on a slice of history for themselves. No non-South American team has triumphed in these parts, but Joachim Loew's stylish squad have observers lining up to say that spell is ready to be broken.

Without a major title since the 1996 European Championship, it has been quite a while between drinks for a nation used to toasting tournament winners, but with creative dynamo Mario Goetze at the heart of their machine, the wait may be about to end.

Another European powerhouse is not ready to relinquish its grip on the World Cup, however, and champions Spain will also be a formidable force.

Vicente del Bosque led La Roja to victory in Johannesburg four years ago and to the European title in 2012, and his side is still packed with some of the best passers in the game.

Some critics argue that the heart of that team is over the hill but there is new blood in the shape of Diego Costa, the Brazil-born striker whose call-up by Spain has been a dagger blow to the host nation.

Brazil's coach Scolari said Costa was "turning his back on the dream of millions" in choosing Spain over his homeland, but the Atletico Madrid forward could instead be embracing World Cup glory if Del Bosque can work his magic one more time.

Three more former winners will fight it out in Group D as one of Italy, England and surprise 2010 semi-finalists Uruguay will be going home early.

Uruguay, more specifically the hand of striker Luis Suarez, prevented Ghana becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals four years ago in South Africa.

The Black Stars are back again but, along with the other four African representatives, they will have to punch above their weight to shatter that toughened-glass ceiling.

(Editing by Ken Ferris)

____________________________________



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PHOTO OF THE DAY: Reminisce Playing Lotto

Reminisce forecasting 3 direct.

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READ Don Jazzy’s Lovely Birthday Message To D’banj

Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo popularly known as D'banj is a year older today and birthday wishes are already pouring in from all corners.



One of the well-wishers is his former Mo' Hits partner, Don Jazzy. The prolific music producer went on Twitter to send a shout out to the celebrant.

____________________________________



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READ Don Jazzy’s Lovely Birthday Message To D’banj

Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo popularly known as D'banj is a year older today and birthday wishes are already pouring in from all corners.

One of the well-wishers is his former Mo' Hits partner, Don Jazzy. The prolific music producer went on Twitter to send a shout out to the celebrant.
____________________________________

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SPORTS Simmering tension threatens to sully Brazil extravaganza

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Simmering civil tension and the stench of corruption threatens to sully Brazil's global soccer party when the World Cup kicks off on Thursday against a backdrop of protests, unrest and alleged political graft.

What was to be a soccer celebration is in danger of being hijacked by off-field issues as a growing furore surrounding FIFA over alleged vote-buying for the 2022 World Cup stews and anger over domestic political corruption broils throughout Brazil.

The gloom is a far cry from what was envisioned when Brazil was selected as host nation in 2007. But if any country can perform a feat of spiritual alchemy using soccer as its tool, Brazil can.

And for all the FIFA and protest dramas, billions of people around the world will tune in as eagerly as ever once the action begins.

The home of what Pele termed "the beautiful game" is likely to respond like few others could, if its yellow-shirted heroes can carry all before them.

A joyous festival of soccer would indeed be testament to the power of soccer if the sport shrugs off the unseemly smog enveloping the lead-up to this tournament.

Brazil will be confident of providing the perfect fillip when they open the World Cup with a Group A clash against Croatia in Sao Paulo on Thursday.

EXORCISE THE GHOSTS OF 1950

The hosts are favorites to clinch a record-extending sixth World Cup crown come the July 13 final at Rio's Maracana stadium, and certainly it would be a triumph to finally exorcise the ghosts of 1950.

Sixty-four years ago the tournament was held with a round robin format and the Brazilians needed a draw to win the title in front of 200,000 fans at the Maracana.

However, they were beaten 2-1 by Uruguay in a national tragedy known as "the Maracanazo".

While there will be some 100,000 fewer people in the rebuilt Maracana for the 2014 tournament, expectation will be no less weighty.

That does not bother their wily coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who led Brazil to their fifth triumph 12 years ago.

"Every day I am more and more certain we are going to win the World Cup," he said, allowing no room for failure.

"I know we must respect other teams but generally speaking we are better. Be with us during the World Cup: participate, jump up and down, get into the spirit.

"We want you to help us particularly when we are in trouble because that is when you can make the difference."

LUKEWARM WORLD CUP CAMPAIGNS

Brazil have their script - one involving locals suspending their anger at the eye-watering cost of the tournament held with a backdrop of rising inflation, urban gridlock and soaring crime - but there are no shortage of other teams and players lining up to take their place in the pantheon of soccer giants.

Argentina's Lionel Messi tops the list.

Considered by most to be the world's best footballer, the Barcelona phenomenon has never hit the heights at a World Cup.

Unless he does, as the likes of Pele, Johan Cruyff and Diego Maradona have before him, there would always be a hint of a question mark over a career in which in every other way has touched the stars.

At the age of 26, a veteran already of two lukewarm World Cup campaigns, Messi has never really been embraced by Argentine fans. It doesn't help that he was brought up in Spain after local clubs allowed him to slip through their fingers.

But a triumphant World Cup in their biggest rival's backyard could elevate the 5ft 7in forward, four times World Player of the Year, to the level of the similarly diminutive but much-revered World Cup-winning Maradona in his homeland.

But Argentina are much more than Messi, who will have great support from the other three members of the "Fantastic Quartet" Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria.

"We're more together than ever because of the dream we all have," skipper Messi said after Argentina breezed past Slovenia in their final World Cup warmup.

FORMIDABLE GERMANS

The formidable Germans have their minds set on a slice of history for themselves. No non-South American team has triumphed in these parts, but Joachim Loew's stylish squad have observers lining up to say that spell is ready to be broken.

Without a major title since the 1996 European Championship, it has been quite a while between drinks for a nation used to toasting tournament winners, but with creative dynamo Mario Goetze at the heart of their machine, the wait may be about to end.

Another European powerhouse is not ready to relinquish its grip on the World Cup, however, and champions Spain will also be a formidable force.

Vicente del Bosque led La Roja to victory in Johannesburg four years ago and to the European title in 2012, and his side is still packed with some of the best passers in the game.

Some critics argue that the heart of that team is over the hill but there is new blood in the shape of Diego Costa, the Brazil-born striker whose call-up by Spain has been a dagger blow to the host nation.

Brazil's coach Scolari said Costa was "turning his back on the dream of millions" in choosing Spain over his homeland, but the Atletico Madrid forward could instead be embracing World Cup glory if Del Bosque can work his magic one more time.

Three more former winners will fight it out in Group D as one of Italy, England and surprise 2010 semi-finalists Uruguay will be going home early.

Uruguay, more specifically the hand of striker Luis Suarez, prevented Ghana becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals four years ago in South Africa.

The Black Stars are back again but, along with the other four African representatives, they will have to punch above their weight to shatter that toughened-glass ceiling.

(Editing by Ken Ferris)
____________________________________

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PHOTO OF THE DAY: Reminisce Playing Lotto

Reminisce forecasting 3 direct.
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DOWNLOAD VIDEO: Flavour, Illbliss, Waje & Bez – Fly With The Eagles

Official Fly With The Eagles video featuring Flavour, Illbliss, Waje & Bez. Fly With The Eagles is the official Guinness Nigeria worldcup theme song, press play & Share your thoughts!!



DOWNLOAD VIDEO »

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BRAZIL 2014 WORLDCUP OPENNING CEREMONY BEGINS: J Lo slam the stage with astonishing green fashion wears

J. Lo performing live and direct in Brazi.l

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SPORTS Rising costs force review of Tokyo 2020 venue plans

TOKYO (Reuters) - Rising labor and construction costs are forcing a review of Tokyo's venue plans for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games and could lead to a scaling back of facilities, Japanese officials said on Wednesday.

The review will include all 10 venues that Tokyo plans to build for the sporting extravaganza the city won the right to host last September on the strength of its financial clout and pledges to keep most competition sites close together.

"There is no choice but to review the plans within the scope of our commitments to the International Olympic Committee (IOC)," Hakubun Shimomura, education and sports minister, told reporters on Wednesday.

Construction and labor costs have been pushed higher around Japan by the country's expanding economy and rebuilding efforts after the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which devastated a wide swathe of the northeastern coastline.

Questions have also been raised about the cost of maintaining the venues after the Olympics and how useful they will be to Tokyo citizens, both points that Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe raised in proposing the review on Tuesday.

The original Olympics proposal, which budgeted some 153.8 billion yen ($1.5 billion) for venues, did not take into account the impact of the Japanese consumption tax hike that took place in April and did not predict the sharp rise in construction costs, a Tokyo government official said.

"We still don't know what venues will be involved or what the scale of the revisions might be," he added.

"As to whether the venues will be smaller or not, the rising costs are a worry, so the review will have to be centered on keeping the budget in check."

Following the review, a revised plan will be submitted to the IOC in February 2015.

SCALED BACK

Tokyo won a decisive victory over rivals Istanbul and Madrid to become the first Asian city to host the Summer Games for the second time with its slick presentation and $4 billion war chest.

The official said it was far too early to say whether the original budget would be sufficient but that final calculations for a number of expenses, including tests on the reclaimed land being used for several venues, still needed to be made.

The review will not include the new main stadium, which has been slammed for being too large for its site and too expensive to maintain after the Games, since it is being paid for by the national government and not Tokyo.

Plans for the stadium, which was designed by London-based architect Zaha Hadid, who designed the aquatics center for the 2012 London Olympics, have already been scaled back due to rising costs.

Bids for work to demolish the current National Stadium, built for the 1964 Olympics, had fallen through and may lead to a slight delay in construction, said an official at the Japan Sport Council, which is in charge of the arena.

"But delays will be quite minimal, not even a month or two," she added.

($1 = 102.28 yen)

(Reporting by Elaine Lies; Editing by John O'Brien)

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TRANSFER MARKET: Chelsea sign Fabregas from Barcelona

Chelsea have signed former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona on a five-year deal.

The Spaniard, 27, spent three years at Barca and joins the Blues after Arsenal turned down a first option to buy him.
Fabregas joins for an undisclosed fee and said Chelsea matched his football ambitions, adding he had "unfinished business" in the Premier League.

"I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice," he said.
While the fee for the move is unknown, the Spanish club were happy for Fabregas to leave for a fee in the region of £30m.

His arrival comes 10 days after England midfielder Frank Lampard announced he would end his 13-year stay at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is also keen to finalise the transfer of his Spain team-mate Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid, as he bids to improve on his side's third-place finish in 2013-14, four points behind champions Manchester City.

"They have an amazing squad of players and an incredible manager. I am fully committed to this team and I can't wait to start playing," added Fabregas, who has 89 caps for Spain.

Fabregas, who scored 50 times in 305 games for Arsenal during his previous spell in England, will wear the number-four shirt and join Ramires, Nemanja Matic and John Obi Mikel as central midfield options for Mourinho.

He scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for Barcelona, but it failed to earn him a regular midfield role at the Nou Camp, with the trio of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets viewed as the club's main central combination.

Still Arsenal's youngest ever player at just 16 years and 177 days, it was expected they would bid for their former charge - an FA Cup winner with the club in 2005.

But with Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, Mikel Arteta and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all able to fulfil central roles, Gunners' manager Arsene Wenger chose to to sign the man he made captain in 2008.

"Yes, everyone knows that Arsenal had the first option to sign me," added Fabregas, who said it was "extremely important" the move was completed before the World Cup finals.

"They decided not to take this option and therefore it wasn't meant to be. I wish them well in the future."

Chelsea look set to lose defender David Luiz to Paris St-Germain after a deal was agreed for the Brazilian, but goalkeeper Petr Cech welcomed the signing of Fabregas.

"Obviously he's a great player, with a lot of experience of playing in England and the Premier League so it's a great addition to the team," said Cech.

Barcelona schooled Fabregas in their La Masia academy from the age of 10 and thanked him for "his professionalism and dedication during his years at the club".

He could feature in Spain's World Cup Group B opener against Netherlands on Friday.

____________________________________



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SPORTS Rising costs force review of Tokyo 2020 venue plans

TOKYO (Reuters) - Rising labor and construction costs are forcing a review of Tokyo's venue plans for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games and could lead to a scaling back of facilities, Japanese officials said on Wednesday.

The review will include all 10 venues that Tokyo plans to build for the sporting extravaganza the city won the right to host last September on the strength of its financial clout and pledges to keep most competition sites close together.

"There is no choice but to review the plans within the scope of our commitments to the International Olympic Committee (IOC)," Hakubun Shimomura, education and sports minister, told reporters on Wednesday.

Construction and labor costs have been pushed higher around Japan by the country's expanding economy and rebuilding efforts after the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which devastated a wide swathe of the northeastern coastline.

Questions have also been raised about the cost of maintaining the venues after the Olympics and how useful they will be to Tokyo citizens, both points that Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe raised in proposing the review on Tuesday.

The original Olympics proposal, which budgeted some 153.8 billion yen ($1.5 billion) for venues, did not take into account the impact of the Japanese consumption tax hike that took place in April and did not predict the sharp rise in construction costs, a Tokyo government official said.

"We still don't know what venues will be involved or what the scale of the revisions might be," he added.

"As to whether the venues will be smaller or not, the rising costs are a worry, so the review will have to be centered on keeping the budget in check."

Following the review, a revised plan will be submitted to the IOC in February 2015.

SCALED BACK

Tokyo won a decisive victory over rivals Istanbul and Madrid to become the first Asian city to host the Summer Games for the second time with its slick presentation and $4 billion war chest.

The official said it was far too early to say whether the original budget would be sufficient but that final calculations for a number of expenses, including tests on the reclaimed land being used for several venues, still needed to be made.

The review will not include the new main stadium, which has been slammed for being too large for its site and too expensive to maintain after the Games, since it is being paid for by the national government and not Tokyo.

Plans for the stadium, which was designed by London-based architect Zaha Hadid, who designed the aquatics center for the 2012 London Olympics, have already been scaled back due to rising costs.

Bids for work to demolish the current National Stadium, built for the 1964 Olympics, had fallen through and may lead to a slight delay in construction, said an official at the Japan Sport Council, which is in charge of the arena.

"But delays will be quite minimal, not even a month or two," she added.

($1 = 102.28 yen)

(Reporting by Elaine Lies; Editing by John O'Brien)

____________________________________

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BRAZIL 2014 WORLDCUP OPENNING CEREMONY BEGINS: J Lo slam the stage with astonishing green fashion wears

J. Lo performing live and direct in Brazi.l
____________________________________

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TRANSFER MARKET: Chelsea sign Fabregas from Barcelona

Chelsea have signed former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona on a five-year deal.

The Spaniard, 27, spent three years at Barca and joins the Blues after Arsenal turned down a first option to buy him.
Fabregas joins for an undisclosed fee and said Chelsea matched his football ambitions, adding he had "unfinished business" in the Premier League.

"I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice," he said.
While the fee for the move is unknown, the Spanish club were happy for Fabregas to leave for a fee in the region of £30m.

His arrival comes 10 days after England midfielder Frank Lampard announced he would end his 13-year stay at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is also keen to finalise the transfer of his Spain team-mate Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid, as he bids to improve on his side's third-place finish in 2013-14, four points behind champions Manchester City.

"They have an amazing squad of players and an incredible manager. I am fully committed to this team and I can't wait to start playing," added Fabregas, who has 89 caps for Spain.

Fabregas, who scored 50 times in 305 games for Arsenal during his previous spell in England, will wear the number-four shirt and join Ramires, Nemanja Matic and John Obi Mikel as central midfield options for Mourinho.

He scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for Barcelona, but it failed to earn him a regular midfield role at the Nou Camp, with the trio of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets viewed as the club's main central combination.

Still Arsenal's youngest ever player at just 16 years and 177 days, it was expected they would bid for their former charge - an FA Cup winner with the club in 2005.

But with Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, Mikel Arteta and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all able to fulfil central roles, Gunners' manager Arsene Wenger chose to to sign the man he made captain in 2008.

"Yes, everyone knows that Arsenal had the first option to sign me," added Fabregas, who said it was "extremely important" the move was completed before the World Cup finals.

"They decided not to take this option and therefore it wasn't meant to be. I wish them well in the future."

Chelsea look set to lose defender David Luiz to Paris St-Germain after a deal was agreed for the Brazilian, but goalkeeper Petr Cech welcomed the signing of Fabregas.

"Obviously he's a great player, with a lot of experience of playing in England and the Premier League so it's a great addition to the team," said Cech.

Barcelona schooled Fabregas in their La Masia academy from the age of 10 and thanked him for "his professionalism and dedication during his years at the club".

He could feature in Spain's World Cup Group B opener against Netherlands on Friday.
____________________________________

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DOWNLOAD VIDEO: Flavour, Illbliss, Waje & Bez – Fly With The Eagles

Official Fly With The Eagles video featuring Flavour, Illbliss, Waje & Bez. Fly With The Eagles is the official Guinness Nigeria worldcup theme song, press play & Share your thoughts!!

DOWNLOAD VIDEO »
http://wadupnaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Guinness-Official-Fly-With-The-Eagles-TVCWadupnaija.com_.mp4

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DOWNLOAD VIDEO: Seyi Shay – Murda ft. Patoranking, Shaydee

J-Management releases the video for Seyi Shay's "Murda" which features Patoranking  and Shaydee.



The neat visuals is directed by Meji Alabi for JM Films.



Watch, enjoy and tell us if the video has that spark.



DOWNLOAD VIDEO »

http://maxi.tooxclusive.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Seyi-Shay-Murda_tooXclusive.com_.mp4?0ca309



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DOWNLOAD VIDEO: Seyi Shay – Murda ft. Patoranking, Shaydee

J-Management releases the video for Seyi Shay's "Murda" which features Patoranking  and Shaydee.

The neat visuals is directed by Meji Alabi for JM Films.

Watch, enjoy and tell us if the video has that spark.

DOWNLOAD VIDEO »
http://maxi.tooxclusive.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Seyi-Shay-Murda_tooXclusive.com_.mp4?0ca309

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SPORTS: Players set for Pinehurst's devilish greens at U.S. Open

PINEHURST North Carolina (Reuters) - Pinehurst's No. 2 Course is an aesthetic delight for this week's U.S. Open after its recent 'old school' restoration but its notorious turtle-back greens will continue to frustrate the players.

While the par-70 layout has been creatively restored to the initial specifications of its Scotland-born designer Donald Ross, recapturing its look from the 1930s and 1940s, approach shots will be as daunting as ever due to the domed greens.

"It's really a week where its teeth will show, I think it will be kind of a survival week," 2012 U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson told reporters at Pinehurst Resort on Wednesday.

"The character of the golf course and what makes it tough is still the same. It's the greens. On some of the holes you're not trying to hit the green. On 15, the par-three, a lot of guys will try to just hit it just short of the green.

"There will be some unique shots. You'll see a lot of different plays off the tee, a lot of different shots into the greens. I certainly see this course as hard as anything I've played in a U.S. Open."

Simpson, who clinched his only major title in the 2012 U.S. Open held at the Olympic Club outside San Francisco, knows Pinehurst as well as anyone else in the field, having grown up in nearby Raleigh.

He estimates that he has competed on the No. 2 Course at least 10 times in tournaments and he drove down to Pinehurst every weekend to play golf once he got his driver's license.

"I love Donald Ross, I love Pinehurst," smiled the 28-year-old American, who now lives in nearby Charlotte. "I'm excited the week is here and ready to tee it up tomorrow."

FRUSTRATING WEEK

Australian world number seven Jason Day, who has recorded two runner-up spots in just three career starts at the U.S. Open, has also prepared himself for a challenging, and in all likelihood a frustrating, week on Pinehurst's greens.

"The turtle-back greens are obviously difficult," said the 25-year-old from Queensland, who won his second PGA Tour title at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in February before being sidelined for six weeks with a thumb injury.

"It can be very frustrating to play these greens because you can go from one side of the green to the other side pretty quick. You can rack up a big number very fast.

"Even if you do leave yourself in a pretty easy spot to get up-and-down, it's still difficult, because the grass is different from the grass that you get at normal U.S. Opens. Every chip shot you have is back into the grain."

Traditionally, U.S. Opens have placed a premium on accuracy off the tee, due to narrow fairways flanked by thick rough, and the ability to scramble pars on lightning-fast greens.

Pinehurst this week, however, will be very different with the No. 2 Course offering up wide fairways that are becoming brown on the edges and no rough of the grass variety after a year-long renovation by architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.

The native sandy waste areas so prevalent at Pinehurst more than 70 years ago are now back but the infamous upturned-saucer greens will continue to repel approach shots that might stay on the putting surfaces at many other courses.

"In the 72 holes I'm hopefully going to play here, I might go at (attack) five pins, if they're pins that are accessible, pins you feel confident that you can get to," said double major winner Rory McIlroy, the 2011 U.S. Open champion.

"With the way these greens are, the green complexes, anything in the middle of the green is a really good shot. And you've more chance of making a two-putt from there than if you go off the side of these greens.

"With all of these runoffs and all of these little swales and hollows off the greens and tight lies, you've got so many different ways to play. You're going to have to be really creative around these greens."

The U.S. Open starts on Thursday.

(Reporting by Mark Lamport-Stokes; Editing by Frank Pingue)

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SPORTS Olympic champ Van Dyken posts picture of herself smiling after injury

(Reuters) - Olympic swimming champion Amy Van Dyken said on Tuesday she was "doing great" and posted a photo to social media showing her smiling in the hospital four days after severing her spine in a quad-bike accident.



"Doing great today," she said on Twitter. "Making progress. First day I sat up. Thank you all for the thoughts and prayers."



Her family said Van Dyken crashed her all-terrain vehicle on Friday night and was airlifted to a hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona, where emergency surgery was performed on her spine.



A photo posted to Instagram showed Van Dyken smiling in a blue hospital gown, with two cuts on her chin, and balloons and stuffed toys next to her bed that were sent by well-wishers.



Her room was the most decorated in the intensive care unit, she tweeted from her account, @amyvandyken.



A second photograph - of her apparently being helped to sit up in bed by two nurses - was also published on the social media network, but later appeared to have been taken down.



The 41-year-old Van Dyken is one of the most decorated Olympic swimmers of all time, winning a total of six gold medals at the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta and the 2000 Games in Sydney.



Her family said her spinal cord was completely severed at the T11 vertebrae, but that a broken vertebrae stopped within millimeters of rupturing her aorta, and that she did not suffer any head trauma. Her husband, former Denver Broncos punter Tom Rouen, was with her when the accident happened.



(Reporting by Daniel Wallis; Editing by Peter Cooney)





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GOLF SPORTS: Scott still puzzled by his poor U.S. Open record

PINEHURST North Carolina (Reuters) - Adam Scott has been a perennial contender in major championships over the past three years but, for reasons which he finds difficult to explain, he has mainly struggled at the U.S. Open.

One of the best ball-strikers in the game and blessed with a swing envied by many of his peers, Scott has all the credentials to shine in the year's second major which traditionally puts a premium on 'percentage' golf.

Yet, the 33-year-old has failed to make much of an impact at the U.S. Open, missing the cut six times in 12 starts with a best finish of joint 15th at the Olympic Club outside San Francisco in 2012.

"Certainly I haven't had the best record at the U.S. Open, and it's hard to put a finger on a lot of it," Scott told reporters on Wednesday.

"I've talked to you all about 10 years of playing pretty average, by my own expectations in majors, and tried to improve that the last few years. I've done a good job, but maybe not quite as good at the U.S. Open.

"However, I felt, at Olympic, I played very well the last 60 holes or so, after a really bad start on Thursday. And the confidence grew last year."

Scott's recent record in the other three majors has been impressive with seven top-10s in 13 starts, including his breakthrough victory at the 2013 Masters where he became the first Australian to claim the prized green jacket.

"Maybe it's coincidence that I haven't had my best stuff at a U.S. Open," he said. "But I certainly feel like where my game's at now, and the past few years, I should be able to compete here (at Pinehurst).

"I'm trying to build a game that can play anywhere. So this would be a good week for me to kind of turn the corner and get in contention. I think this course sets up well to me."

UNIQUE GREENS

Pinehurst's fabled No. 2 Course, with its unique turtle-back greens which so often repel approach shots that might stay on the putting surfaces at many other courses, places a premium on a stellar short game.

Scott won his 11th PGA Tour title at the Crowne Plaza Invitational last month and was delighted to do so on a classic layout that does not favour long hitters.

"Winning at Colonial was a big feather in my cap," said Scott, who will be competing in his first major as world number one.

"It's a much smaller golf course than we normally play on Tour and to scale back and be precise off the tee with some irons and precise into the greens with wedges ... people say great wedge players win there.

"I'd like to put my name in that category, as well. That's been a lot of hard work on my shorter clubs over the last couple of years to get there. I'm trying to build a game that can compete at any event."

One factor in Scott's favour this week is that Pinehurst, with its sandy waste areas off the fairways and heavily contoured greens, reminds him of the famed Sand Belt golf courses in his native Australia.

"Absolutely," he smiled. "Certain bits of it, the edges of the fairway are a little bare, and that's fine, because the fairways are very generous. The proportions are all right.

"And then the waste areas and some of the green surrounds are similar to Sand Belt golf. But it also reminds us of a lot of other parts of the world, as well, I think."

Scott will tee off in Thursday's opening round in the company of fellow Masters champions Bubba Watson and Charl Schwartzel.

(Reporting by Mark Lamport-Stokes; Editing by Julian Linden)

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GOLF SPORTS: Scott still puzzled by his poor U.S. Open record

PINEHURST North Carolina (Reuters) - Adam Scott has been a perennial contender in major championships over the past three years but, for reasons which he finds difficult to explain, he has mainly struggled at the U.S. Open.

One of the best ball-strikers in the game and blessed with a swing envied by many of his peers, Scott has all the credentials to shine in the year's second major which traditionally puts a premium on 'percentage' golf.

Yet, the 33-year-old has failed to make much of an impact at the U.S. Open, missing the cut six times in 12 starts with a best finish of joint 15th at the Olympic Club outside San Francisco in 2012.

"Certainly I haven't had the best record at the U.S. Open, and it's hard to put a finger on a lot of it," Scott told reporters on Wednesday.

"I've talked to you all about 10 years of playing pretty average, by my own expectations in majors, and tried to improve that the last few years. I've done a good job, but maybe not quite as good at the U.S. Open.

"However, I felt, at Olympic, I played very well the last 60 holes or so, after a really bad start on Thursday. And the confidence grew last year."

Scott's recent record in the other three majors has been impressive with seven top-10s in 13 starts, including his breakthrough victory at the 2013 Masters where he became the first Australian to claim the prized green jacket.

"Maybe it's coincidence that I haven't had my best stuff at a U.S. Open," he said. "But I certainly feel like where my game's at now, and the past few years, I should be able to compete here (at Pinehurst).

"I'm trying to build a game that can play anywhere. So this would be a good week for me to kind of turn the corner and get in contention. I think this course sets up well to me."

UNIQUE GREENS

Pinehurst's fabled No. 2 Course, with its unique turtle-back greens which so often repel approach shots that might stay on the putting surfaces at many other courses, places a premium on a stellar short game.

Scott won his 11th PGA Tour title at the Crowne Plaza Invitational last month and was delighted to do so on a classic layout that does not favour long hitters.

"Winning at Colonial was a big feather in my cap," said Scott, who will be competing in his first major as world number one.

"It's a much smaller golf course than we normally play on Tour and to scale back and be precise off the tee with some irons and precise into the greens with wedges ... people say great wedge players win there.

"I'd like to put my name in that category, as well. That's been a lot of hard work on my shorter clubs over the last couple of years to get there. I'm trying to build a game that can compete at any event."

One factor in Scott's favour this week is that Pinehurst, with its sandy waste areas off the fairways and heavily contoured greens, reminds him of the famed Sand Belt golf courses in his native Australia.

"Absolutely," he smiled. "Certain bits of it, the edges of the fairway are a little bare, and that's fine, because the fairways are very generous. The proportions are all right.

"And then the waste areas and some of the green surrounds are similar to Sand Belt golf. But it also reminds us of a lot of other parts of the world, as well, I think."

Scott will tee off in Thursday's opening round in the company of fellow Masters champions Bubba Watson and Charl Schwartzel.

(Reporting by Mark Lamport-Stokes; Editing by Julian Linden)

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