With 2014 World Cup kicking off during the last week of school, students have their own predictions on the outcomes of the first game between Brazil and Croatia.

“Between Brazil and Croatia, I think I want Brazil to win because all the hype surrounding them has got to be for some reason,” said sophomore Eric Ocampo.

“I only hope that Brazil doesn’t get too cocky and make mistakes that could cost them this game,” said senior Jesus Nunez.
Less than 15 minutes into the game, Brazilian defender Marcelo Vieira shocked fans by accidently scoring on his own team, a mistake that threatened to cost them the game early on.

“Brazil will move on from a mistake that could have happened to anyone and win the game for their people,” said junior Gerardo Olvera after the self- inflicted goal.

And eventually Brazil evened the score by the end of the 30-minute mark of the first half with a goal by forward Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior that barely slipped through the fingers of Croatian goalie Stipe Pletikosa

In the second quarter, Neymar scored a penalty goal by slipping through the hands of Pletikosa yet again.

Junior Jeremy Garcia said, “It was amazing how [the ball] barely slid in for Neymar twice within 20 minutes.”

Brazil topped off the score 3-1 during the injury time set aside at the end of the game, with a goal by Oscar dos Santos Emboaba.

With the first stage of the World Cup started, even more teams will have compete over the next two weeks in order to earn a spot in the single elimination bracket.

After waiting four years for the tournament to begin, students are more than excited to see who will be crowned champions on the July 13.

“It will be one of the best World Cups with multiple football stars in their prime, such as Ronaldo,Messi, Benzema, Rooney, but we will also be able to see new stars rise,” said junior Larry Flores.