FIFA World Cup 2014 began with a major shock to fans and players alike, as Brazil defeated Croatia 3-1. The first goal of the game stunned viewers as Brazilian defender Marcelo Vieira scored an own goal through his team’s net just 11 minutes into the game. Croatia’s low cross was accidently kicked by Marcelo past Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar, giving Croatia the lead.
22-year-old Brazilian fan favorite Neymar equalized the game in the 29th minute with a powerful low shot off the post. With the game tied 1-1 in the second half, Croatian player Dejan Lovren received a yellow card for a committing a foul dive on Brazilian forward Frederico Chaves Guedes. The dive was ruled as a penalty by Japanese referee, Yuichi Nishimura. The legitimacy of the call was questionable to many, including Croatia’s head coach Niko Kovac, who was visibly enraged by the referee’s decision. Kovac spoke out after the loss:
“If that’s how we start the World Cup, we’d better give it up now and go home. We talk about respect, that wasn’t respect, Croatia didn’t get any. If that’s a penalty, we don’t need to play football anymore. Let’s play basketball instead. It’s a shame,” via the Yorkshire Post.
Brazil head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari also gave his opinion on the controversial call:
“For me it was a penalty, there are things that everyone interprets differently. It is the interpretation of the referee. I have seen it repeated 10 times on TV,” via Sportal.com.
With the penalty shot by Neymar in the 71st minute, Brazil gained the lead and momentum. Brazilian playmaker Oscar was able to defeat the discouraged Croatian defense for Brazil’s third and final goal in the match. The game, though controversial, was a dramatic and exhilarating start to World Cup 2014.
