Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has insisted that his side deserved their penalty during their 3-1 win over Croatia in the opening match of the World Cup.

The hosts' second goal came courtesy of a contentious Neymar spot kick after Dejan Lovren was adjudged to have brought down Fred in the box, but Scolari was quick to defend referee Yuichi Nishimura's decision.

"Thousands didn't see the penalty? The referee saw it and he is the one that decides. We also think it was a penalty," he told reporters. "I watched it 10 times and, for me, it was a penalty."

Brazil were forced to come from behind against the Croatians, with Marcelo putting through his own net early on before a Neymar brace and a late strike from Oscar sealed three points for Scolari's side.