Thursday's World Cup opener between Brazil and Croatia had plenty of excitement, and a little controversy.
With the match tied at one in the 72nd minute, Fred made a move for the ball in the Croatia penalty area. Dejan Lovren appeared to not make much contact with Fred, but Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura awarded Brazil a questionable penalty that Neymar converted in the 71st minute, giving the host nation 2-1 up in what turned into a 3-1 victory over Croatia.
What did you think of the controversial call? Vote here to weigh in!
There was plenty of reaction from the interwebs:
Watch the actual call:
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That call was _____________.
- SportsNation (@SportsNation) June 12, 2014
Worst. Call. Ever.
- Wayne Drehs (@espnWD) June 12, 2014
As I read somewhere this week, imagine the flopping in the NBA if a foul in the lane was worth 25 points.
- Wayne Drehs (@espnWD) June 12, 2014
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Awful. Awful. Awful. Love how Ian Darke says, controversy.
- Pedro Gomez (@pedrogomezESPN) June 12, 2014
So, what would reaction here be if US had been on same receiving end as Croatia a while ago? Methinks Blue, Red states would finally agree.
- Pedro Gomez (@pedrogomezESPN) June 12, 2014
Behold, the Prophet Hernanes...
- Gabriele Marcotti (@Marcotti) June 12, 2014
The host nation are allowed one shocking decision. Brazil have used it early.
- Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 12, 2014
Soooooo that happened. #BRAvsCRO
- ESPN The Magazine (@ESPNMag) June 12, 2014
Nishimura's performance will only increase the discussion about some of Blatter's recent calls. Some sympathy for him though...
- Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) June 12, 2014
... the Fred dive is basically impossible to properly judge in normal time.
- Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) June 12, 2014
Hate to say this but that's a terrible call
- Osi Umenyiora (@OsiUmenyiora) June 12, 2014
That looked like a dive.
- Fernando Duarte (@Fernando_Duarte) June 12, 2014
That is a dismal, hilarious dive. Fred clearly a graduate of the Dwyane Wade School of Acting.
- James Tyler (@JamesTylerESPN) June 12, 2014
NOT a penalty
- Simon Le Bon (@SimonJCLeBON) June 12, 2014
A backwards dive is NOT a penalty.
- Simon Le Bon (@SimonJCLeBON) June 12, 2014
And then, Neymar gets his chance for Brazil:
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And there was much rejoicing! In Brazil ...
DILMA CAM pic.twitter.com/NnWMuvBDCE
- James Tyler (@JamesTylerESPN) June 12, 2014
2-1 Brazil place is going nuts https://t.co/ON2aLWEGmc
- Mike Mazzeo (@MazzESPN) June 12, 2014
Pletikosa is Croatian for Barbosa
- Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) June 12, 2014
It's a tight call for Brazil's man of the match between Neymar and the Referee.
- Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 12, 2014
Neymar was satisfied with the win ...
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But Croatia coach Niko Kovac was not.
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