Croatia had a chance to defeat or tie 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil in the opening game of the tournament on Thursday, but a questionable penalty kick decision changed the game as the Brazilians finished with a 3-1 win.
With the score tied 1-1 in the 71st minute, Brazilian forward Fred fell in the penalty box despite minimal contact from a Croatian defender. The referee awarded Brazil a penalty kick, which Neymar converted for his second goal of the game.
via @PeteBlackburn
Croatian head coach Niko Kovac was very critical of the referee after the game, and called the penalty kick decision “ridiculous.”
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In fairness to Kovac, Brazil was quite fortunate to receive a penalty kick. Fred clearly dove, no doubt about it.
Croatia’s next game is June 18 against African nation Cameroon.
