GROUP A: Brazil, Cameroon, Croatia, Mexico

Brazil 3-Croatia 1:  Brazil got off to a shaky start by giving up an early own goal, which never happened to them before in a World Cup.

A questionable call late in the game gave Brazil, in the opinion of many, and undeserved penalty shot.  Althought out shot by Brazil, Croatia played well enough to have earned a tie, possibly a win.  

Referees are instructed not to make any game changing calls unless it is a flagrent foul.

The teams went into the break level after that well-played first half. Even as the pace of play slowed, perhaps because for Croatia a tie under these circumstances would have been nearly as good as a victory.

The penalty kick call, however, spoiled the back-and-forth action and will go down as infamous in Croatia. Fred fell in a heap after being grabbed just slightly on the shoulder.
 

Brazil 0-Mexico 0:  Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa gave a definite “Man of the Match” performance against Brazil,making six saves that preserved a draw in Fortaleza. 
Ochoa was passed over twice as starting Mexico goalkeeper in 2006 and 2010.

After the match, he commented,  “I never dreamt of playing a game like this,” said Ochoa, who called it the most important performance of his career. “There are nights when you get out there and the ball seems to hit you even if you close your eyes. There are games like that.”