The Brazilians surrendered an early own goal before Neymar answered with a first-half equalizer, and a dive in the box from striker Fred led to the go-ahead goal in the second half on a Neymar penalty kick.
Oscar then added some security in extra time, and Brazil is back on track at the head of Group A.
It didn't seem that way early, though, as Croatia set the early pace, earning several chances but failing to capitalize. It appeared the Croatians ran out of gas late, and they certainly didn't get the benefit of the referee's whistle.
If Croatia is not very good, Brazil must not be that good either.
Brazil isn’t really that good. Not compared to past teams, at the very least. Still quite dangerous, and I certainly wouldn’t see them in my part of the draw if I could help it, but not the unbeatable giants they’re made out to be. Undisciplined defense and an offense that goes through a single choke point in Neymar. They’ve got skill, individually, but not a particularly good team.