The Shoes That Won Last Night: World Cup Opener

June 12
Image via USA Today

Let the celebrations begin. For the next month, the top soccer teams in the world will participate in the 2014 FIFA World Cup from Brazil. Today, the action got underway with an opener between Brazil and Croatia. Despite a controversial call that lead to a penalty from Neymar and allowed Brazil to take the lead, the match delivered with all the excitement and adrenaline one could hope for. After an early mistake leading to Marcelo scoring an own goal, Brazil bounced back thanks to some fantastic offense from Neymar and Oscar. Neymar scored twice at 29' and the penalty at 71' to put Brazil ahead before Oscar finished it off to give them the 3-1 win. Up next in the tournament, Mexico and Cameroon meet today at noon in Group A, while Spain vs. Netherlands and Chile vs. Australia will represent Group B.

On the NBA hardwood, things continue to fall apart for the Miami Heat. Last night, they dropped their second home game in a row to the Spurs, falling 107-86 and now facing elimination as they drop to a 1-3 series deficit. The deep San Antonio roster continues to be a problem for Miami, who just don't have enough star caliber players to handle their versatile opponents. LeBron James had a great game with 28 points and 8 rebounds, but the Spurs were able to balance their attack with efficient performances from Kawhi Leonard, Tim Duncan, Patty Mills, and Tony Parker. On Sunday, Game 5 tips off from San Antonio, where the Heat will be fighting for their lives in hopes of completing the three-peat that they recently seemed so close to.

Riley Jones is a freelance writer from Charlottesville, VA and a contributor to Sneaker Report. With an unshakable affinity for basketball and all things pop culture, he can be found on Twitter @rchrstphr.

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Martin Kaymer
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Martin Kaymer Starts out Strong in the adidas Gripmore

Shoe: adidas adicross gripmore
Player: Martin Kaymer
Game: San Antonio vs. Miami
Key Stat: -5 today

$150

Martin Kaymer
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LeBron James
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LeBron Shows Miami Pride in the Zoom Soldier VII

Shoe: Nike Zoom Soldier VII
Player: LeBron James
Game: San Antonio vs. Miami
Key Stat: 28 points, 8 rebounds

$110

LeBron James
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LeBron James
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Kawhi Leonard
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Kawhi Leonard Leads Spurs in the XX8 SE

Shoe: Air Jordan XX8 SE
Player: Kawhi Leonard
Game: San Antonio vs. Miami
Key Stat: 20 points, 14 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks

$150

Kawhi Leonard
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Jhoulys Chacin
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Jhoulys Chacin Keeps Braves Silent in the NB 4040v2

Shoe: New Balance Low-Cut 4040v2
Player: Jhoulys Chacin
Game: Colorado vs. Atlanta
Key Stat: 7 IP, 0 ER

$100

Jhoulys Chacin
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Dwyane Wade
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Dwyane Wade Goes From Gold to Grey in the WOW Encore 2

Shoe: Li-Ning Way of Wade Encore 2
Player: Dwyane Wade
Game: Miami vs. San Antonio
Key Stat: 10 points

Coming soon

Dwyane Wade
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Tim Duncan
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Duncan Blacks Out in the adidas Crazyquick

Shoe: adidas adipure Crazyquick
Player: Tim Duncan
Game: San Antonio vs. Miami
Key Stat: 10 points, 11 rebounds

$140

Tim Duncan
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Tim Duncan
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Ray Allen
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Ray Allen Breaks out the Jordan Jumpman Team 1 PE

Shoe: Jordan Jumpman Team 1 PE
Player: Ray Allen
Game: San Antonio vs. Miami
Key Stat: 10 points, 11 rebounds

$130

Ray Allen
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Neymar
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Neymar Kicks Off 2014 World Cup in the Hypervenom Phantom

Shoe: Nike Hypervenom Phantom FG
Player: Neymar
Game: Brazil vs. Croatia
Key Stat: Goal at 29', penalty at 71'

$225

Neymar
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1.

Neymar
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Riley Jones is a freelance writer from Charlottesville, VA and a contributor to Sneaker Report. With an unshakable affinity for basketball and all things pop culture, he can be found on Twitter @rchrstphr.

RELATED: The Shoes That Won Last Night: NBA Finals Practice
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