How Twitter reacted to the World Cup opener

Brazil's Neymar, left, scores his side's second goal from the penalty spot. Photo / AP

The 2014 FIFA World Cup opened in Sao Paulo today with hosts Brazil taking on Croatia.

We picked out the best tweets to recap the action.

The home side were buzzing (this time without vuvuzelas) after a very emotional and rousing rendition of the Brazil national anthem.

Had goosebumps listening to the Brazilian anthem. Not quite the Haka but not far off. Bring it on.

That stadium looks a bit like @WestpacStadium #yellow #WC2014

Three white doves were released to officially open the tournament. According to reports only one made it out of the stadium.

(Bad news for world peace: two of the doves appear to have crashed into the stands)

The Arena de Sao Paulo is drenched in sunshine as kick-off approaches. pic.twitter.com/gCCglnfAc1

Someone at Sky TV might want to check the 'Book of flags'.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm sure these are the flags of Algeria and Argentina?? pic.twitter.com/to7Lwne8UQ

Croatia took a shock 1-0 lead after Brazilian defender Marcelo bundled the ball back into his own net.

Photo / AP

Script torn up, shredded and thrown out the window. And then burnt.

Just like we predicted, a Brazilian scored the first goal in the World Cup

Posterboy Neymar, the Sonny Bill of Brazil, scored the equaliser for the home side. Cue fireworks.

Photo / AP

Fireworks going off all across the Sao Paulo skyline after Neymar equaliser

Neymar with the early candidate for most spectacular underwhelming mishit of the tournament.

New technology on show in the opener failed to impress viewers.

REVEALED: Marcelo's own-goal DID cross the line! Good spot from ITV. pic.twitter.com/Su0VRyLVAB

Beautiful straight line painted by the referee with the vanishing spray (ridiculous)

I like this vanishing spray FIFA are using for this World Cup. Would it work on Sepp Blatter?

HALFTIME: BRAZIL 1 CROATIA 1

Not for the first time, a Twitter user had to deal with mistaken identity on a global scale.

To all those hurling abuse at me for scoring an own goal, please re-direct your anger to @12MarceloV. Thank you

The second half didn't have as much drama as the first....

How do I end up watching Friends during the #WorldCup debut game?

How to get your "Brazilian Name" Take the 1st letter of your 1st name. Take the rest of your 1st name. Take no letters from your last name.

...until Brazil got a dodgy penalty in the 70 minute when Fred hit the deck in the box.

The first voluntary simulation plunge of the World Cup...

Damn these guys are good actors!

Photo / AP

POLL: Was Yuichi Nishimura right to award Brazil that penalty? RT for No. Fav for Yes. #WorldCup #BRAvsCRO pic.twitter.com/hNoVxTyaRc

Was it a penalty? That's an overwhelming NO from Twitter.

FULLTIME: BRAZIL 3 CROATIA 1