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The opening match of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil saw the host nation secure a 3-1 victory against Croatia, but the match was marred by a controversial refereeing decision.
Despite providing an expected result, the key talking point from the match was the decision to award a penalty that broke the 1-1 deadlock in the 70th minute, gifting Brazil the momentum that carried them home.
As the ball entered Brazil’s box Dejan Lovren was called for a foul on Fred after the Brazilian star went to ground. A replay of the incident clearly showed that contact between the two players was minimal.
Speaking after the match, Croatian coach Niko Kovac was furious with the decision.
“If anybody saw that was a penalty, let them raise their hand. I cannot raise my hand. I didn’t see it,” Kovac stated.
“If you continue in this vein then there will be 100 penalties during this World Cup.”
Although clearly frustrated, Kovac had no ill words towards Fred.
“I cannot blame Fred because everybody tries to do that. This is part of the sport whether you like it or not. This is part and parcel of football.
“What I want is for the referees to stick to the laws of the game, applying them equally to both teams. The referee was well placed, he was not unsighted, he saw everything and he took that decision.”
Refereeing decisions will never come under more scrutiny than at an event such as the World Cup, calling into question, once again, the decision to keep video intervention out of the sport.
Socceroos fans will never forget the decision that cost them potential progression past Italy to the final eight at the 2006 World Cup.
It is now Croatia’s turn to sit and wonder what might have been, following what can only be described as one the most brutal realities in football.
With Brazil strong favourites to progress through the group stages, Croatia will need to brush the incident aside as quickly as they can and focus on their upcoming matches against Mexico and Cameroon.
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