The wait is over for supporters of Brazil and Croatia as the teams embark on their World Cup adventures

And the World Cup holders start brightly with Ronaldinho predictably at the centre of their build-up play

But with 15 minutes gone, Brazil have little to show for their efforts bar a couple of long-range Roberto Carlos strikes

Although they are creating little up front themselves, the Croatian defence continues to repel the Brazilian attacks

And whenever Ronaldinho goes near the ball, he is immediately surrounded by a plethora of Croatian players

But with half-time approaching Kaka collects a pass from Cafu before firing Brazil in front with a stunning 25-yard strike

The midfielder wheels away in delight after deservedly giving the five-times World Champions the lead

Croatia take the game to Brazil more in the second half and striker Dado Prso forces a save out of Dida

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira tries to inject some urgency into Brazil's lacklustre display, swapping Ronaldo for Robinho

The Croatia fans sense they may be able to get something from the game and turn up the volume inside the stadium

One fan gets a little over-excited and manages to streak onto the pitch and show his appreciation to Prso

But the fans fail to lift their side and Niko Kranjcar' heads over the bar late on to sum up a frustrating evening for Croatia

For the Brazilians, the party has started - and ticketless fans were among 500,000 watching on a large screen in Berlin