Football in Croatia

SPLIT - The best Yugoslav goalkeeper of all time Vladimir Beara died at the age of 86 in Split, Croatia.

Beara passed away on Sunday to Monday night at his home in Split, reads the release issued by the Croatian football club Hajduk, adding that Beara had suffered a series of strokes over the past several years.

Brazil's poster boy Neymar scored twice and the outstanding Oscar added a late third as the hosts came from behind to beat Croatia 3-1 in a thrilling World Cup opening match Brazil's poster boy Neymar scored twice and the outstanding Oscar added a late third as the hosts came from behind to beat Croatia 3-1 in a thrilling World Cup opening match on June 12.

Host nation Brazil kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 3:1 win over Croatia in Sao Paulo.

Despite the scoreline, things went far from smoothly for Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team, who fell behind after an own goal by Marcelo in the 11th minute. The Croatians played a very strong first half an hour, pressuring their opponent and organizing quick counter attacks.

Croatia looks to make its mark at World Cup

Croatian footballer to miss World Cup over fascist greeting

LAUSANNE -- The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has confirmed a sanction imposed by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) against Josip Šimunić.

Thus the Croatian national football team player's suspension remains in place, and he will miss the 2014 FIFA World Cup.