After World Cup's reining champs Spain's shocking early exit, England too are following the same path as Italy loss to Costa Rica ended England's slimmer hopes of making the round of 16 are over.
It all ended on a happy note for Brazil and for their fans. To put it differently, they sealed it with a kiss.
Goalkeeper Cesar played a crucial part in Brazil's win. Brazil had to survive a few nervous moments seconds before Oscar's goal but Cesar pulled off a save to make sure that Croatia did not pull off an upset.
It was no surprise that Marcelo was a relived man as referee blew the whistle. While Brazil sealed a comfortable win, Marcelo's own goal in the earlier stages of the game put Brazil under pressure.
In the closing moments of the match, Oscar put his name of the scoreboard as he netted a well-deserved goal in the 91st minute to seal Brazil's 3-1 win over Croatia.
The fashion extravaganza was at its peak during the opening game in Sao Paulo. The winged fan was one such flagbearer.
Brazilian fans did not waste a moment to start celebrating as Neymar scored Brazil's and his second goal of the match.
Neymar who scored the first goal for Brazil cashed in on the penalty kick in the 71st minute and put Brazil in the lead.
Croatian defender Dejan Lovren brought down Brazilian striker Fred inside the penalty box to give away penalty.
While some supporters chose to shout to express happiness post Neymar's first goal, others opted to dance their way through the celebrations.
As soon as the homecrowd's favourite Neymar scored the equaliser, the tense Brazilain fans erupted with joy.
The young Brazilian sensation will be homecrowd's absolute favourite. While Neymar has not been in the news for al the right reasons in relation with his controversial Barcelona switch, there are not many who doubt his footballing skills.
Some were even sought to crying as Croatia took a lead out of nowhere.
Brazilians fans who expected a sensational beginning were shocked to witness an own goal from Marcelo. Some of them were even clueless to say what they felt.
Marcelo had a horror of a start as he scored an own goal in the 11th minute to give Croatia an expected lead in the the opening game of World Cup.
While Brazil continues to be marred by protests, that did not affect the enthusiastic Brazil fans as they cheered the hometeam in the opening game against Croatia.
Cyril Praud, a physical therapist for the French team, catches a fan storming the pitch at the end of a training session at the Santa Cruz Stadium, Brazil on Friday. France will play in group E of the 2014 Brazil World Cup.
Chile's Jean Beausejour, (second from left), celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's third goal during the group B World Cup soccer match against Australia.
A football fan poses for a photo as he watches the live broadcast of the World Cup match between Chile and Australia, inside the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro.
The unicorns are on Chile's side. Who's side are you on?
Flames and smoke columns, due to wildfires, can be seen in the La Roza rural area, near Cangas de Onis, Spain. (Photo: AFP)
A disappointed Spanish team walks back to the bench.
Netherlands' Wesley Sneijder, trips over Spain's Sergio Busquets leg as he tussles for the ball.
Spain's Andres Iniesta, is a one man army as he fights for the ball during the group B World Cup soccer match between Spain and the Netherlands.
Is it a bird, is he a superman? No, he is the Dutchman Robin Van Persie flying in the air to score one of the most breathtaking goal in FIFA World Cup 2014.
In this combination of photos a Dutch fan, left, celebrates a goal scored by the Netherlands, while a Spanish soccer fan is shocked as she watches Netherlands defeat Spain during a World Cup soccer match Friday.
Thousands of people gather in downtown Rome to watch on a giant screen the group D World Cup soccer match between England and Italy.
This match is a repeat of quarter-final clash at the 2012 European Championship, where Italy outplayed England before prevailing on penalties. Seen here: Mario Balotelli reacts after being fouled during the match.
England and Italy players contest a high ball during the match.
This match was the most crucial game of the group after Costa Rica created upset by defeating Uruguay in the first fixture in group D. Seen here: Italy's Mario Balotelli challenges England's Gary Cahill.
Italy's injured goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon celebrates with teammates after Italy's Mario Balotelli scored his side's 2nd goal during the match.
Italians had the major possession in the match as they controlled when England attacked and created more chances but Sirigu did well in the Italian goal to deny England any more goals. Seen here: Fans rejoice as Italy defeat England.
A Italian soccer fan watches a live broadcast of the World Cup inside the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro.
Italy kicked off their World Cup 2014 campaign in style by beating England 2-1. Seen here: Goalie Gianluigi Buffon and coach Cesare Prandelli celebrate with the team after they win the match.
The World Cup predicting Camel Shaheen picks Portugal as the likely winner against Germany in the match that takes place today.
Our animal friends are not too far behind on the football madness. Seen here, a dog accompanying his master to a World Cup mach viewing party, dressed up in a team colour.
Honduras' goalkeeper Noel Valladares kneels on the pitch after France's Karim Benzema scored his side's 3rd goal.
Honduras' Maynor Figueroa (3) tries to block the ball during the group E World Cup soccer match between France and Honduras .
A protest was held yesterday demanding better public services and protesting the money Brazil spent on the international football tournament.
Cops break up a protest by farmers unions at Benz Circle, opposing the verdict of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal in Vijayawada on Tuesday. - DC
The debate 'whether Messi is better than Maradona' will continue for ages to come. But to Messi's credit, he has arrived on the World Cup scene with a gem of a goal during Argentina' opening game against Argentina Vs Bosnia And Herzegovina.
Looks like God was on Argentina's side.
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his first goal this World Cup (and second goal of his team) during the group F World Cup soccer match against Bosnia. Photo: AP
Although Ronaldo's anger after Portugal were denied a penalty was justified, not was the display his side put up in a game that was perceived to be nailbiting.
While Germany looked balanced in their attack, Portugal were disorganised in their performance on the field. With Germany scoring early goals, Portugals' temperament was severely tested. And Pepe's headbutt to Mueller was enough to showcase how bad
Germany hammered Portugal 4-0 as Thomas Mueller scored his and World Cup 2014's first hat-trick. The trio of goals also placed at the top of the list of leading goal scorers of the Brazil edition of footballing feast.
This guy is so good... he can catch the ball with his eyes closed! Seriously!
Brazilian fans were probably wondering if the ball could ever slip past Guillermo Ochoa hands.
Either Brazil didn't play well, or Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa is one hell of a goal keeper.
FIFA World Cup 2014: Live the footballing extravaganza