Brazil win over Croata 1:0

The world champions were unconcerned by their unconvincing start to the defence of their crown, insisting that the three points were always going to be more important than the performance in their first game, Reuters reports.

Photo: Brazil win over Croata 1:0

Before the match, Parreira had repeated numerous times that the world would not see the best of his side, and their embarrassing array of talent, in their first outing, National Post reports.

It was not the most memorable of victories, but Brazil clinched all three Group F points with a truly memorable goal from Kaka a minute before halftime.

Kaka controlled a pass from Cafu and made space for himself by holding off a challenge from two defenders before lashing home an unstoppable left-foot curler from 25 metres that gave Croatia's impressive goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa no chance, EiTB reports.