World Cup Group A - Brazil, Cameroon, Croatia, Mexico

[Yossarian]

Referee has given everything Brazil's way - natch- but you'd expect him to be a bit more subtle about it.

Japanese. FIFA's policy of appointing weak officials continues.

 

[Nezza]

When I was growing up, Brazil was everyone's second team and we all hated Argentina. At this rate I think roles could easily be reversed.

 

[milo]

Feel really sorry for Croatia tonight, they deserved better than this.

Wonder what's in it for the ref - a new house? Car?

I think that Croatia are worth a point from this game.

I think that it is ineptitude rather than corruption. I just think that ref has bottled it.

 

[scaramanga]

That's not a foul either. This is bull****.

 

[Kingdawson]

What is this bizarre match officiating?

 

[Robbo]

I'd say that's a legitimate challenge with the keeper, but refs will always blow the whistle for that I suppose.

 

[stinkfoot]

What a crock this game has turned into.

Please let Croatia score at least one more. [-o<

 

[Nezza]

This is as bad as Korea in 2002.

 

[milo]

That's not a foul either. This is bull****.

Where's Neymar (GG poster, not Brazilian footballer)? I'd be interested in his views on the refereeing tonight. He frequently has a different view on these things to most on here and it would be interesting to hear the other side of the argument (if that is what he thinks).

 

[Yossarian]

Given the febrile political atmosphere in Brazil, they have to succeed in this tournament.

Expect a repeat of South Korea in 2002, from the officials, if Brazil need some help.

 

[SoundAndVision]

ref is bent

 

[Robbo]

I think that Croatia are worth a point from this game.

I think that it is ineptitude rather than corruption. I just think that ref has bottled it.

Yeah probably. Fifa should know better than to let **** referees take charge of such big matches though.

World cup referees should always be selected on merit. There are plenty of good referees from Europe's top leagues with experience from big games.

 

[Modric THFC]

What is this bizarre match officiating?

What do you expect? the country will go into full protest mode at the cost of the world cup if Brazil go out early.

 

[milo]

ref is bent

I disagree. I think that it is a combination of international tournaments being reffed differently to the English game and him making some poor decisions under pressure.

 

[Jordinho]

Feel really sorry for Croatia tonight, they deserved better than this.

Wonder what's in it for the ref - a new house? Car?

Not being lynched when he tries to leave the stadium? Kidding aside, the pressure on refs in Brazil games is going to be immense.

 

[SteveAWOL]

First thing this world cup has done is remind me just how much I dislike Neymar. He's a divey, cheatey little ****er - wouldn't be out of place in the Argentina or Chelsea teams.

So much for Neymar taking Pele' criticism on board. He's certainly not in the same class as Il Fenomeno and never will be as respected it he doesn't learn to stay on his feet.

 

[Yiddo]

Olic seems like a right prick.

Oscar 3-1

 

[Robbo]

Game over. I did have 3-1 in my world cup predictor though, so it's not all bad I guess!

Cheeky goal that.

 

[milo]

So much for Neymar taking Pele' criticism on board. He's certainly not in the same class as Il Fenomeno and never will be as respected it he doesn't learn to stay on his feet.

He's got a **** haircut too

 

[Robbo]

Not being lynched when he tries to leave the stadium? Kidding aside, the pressure on refs in Brazil games is going to be immense.

Which is no surprise for anyone, and why there should have been an experienced, English/German/Italian referee for this game.