SAO PAULO (AP) -- Organizers may as well give the World Cup to Brazil right now, according to Croatias Dejan Lovren, after the defender found himself at the center of a penalty controversy in his teams 3-1 defeat to the host nation Thursday. Brazil striker Fred went down in the penalty area under slight contact from Lovren in the 71st minute, allowing Neymar to convert a spot kick that gave Brazil a decisive 2-1 lead in Thursdays tournament opener. Lovren said referee Yuichi Nishimuras decision was a big shame and that if it is like this, then we can give the World Cup directly to Brazil. Of course I am angry. I want to cry now but what can you do? he told reporters. If you look at the game I think you saw everything. So I dont need to explain. Criticism of Nishimuras penalty award was shared by Croatia coach Niko Kovac, whose team continues its Group A campaign against Cameroon on Wednesday. It was a wrong decision by the referee, Kovac said. I think that the whole world saw the big mistake. Midfielder Ivan Rakitic added: This was a great game by both teams and its a pity it was spoiled by a bad referee decision. Other Croatia players said they were pleased with their performance while expressing anger about the officiating. Defender Vedran Corluka described the penalty as embarrassing. I think that when it was 1-1 in the second half we were quite in control of the game and after he gave the penalty it changed the game, Corluka told The Associated Press. I congratulate Brazil, but I dont think they deserved to win today. ---- Follow Heller on Twitter (at)aronhellerap
Posted on: Fri, 13 Jun 2014 14:41:08 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015