5 controversial refereeing decisions at the 2014 World Cup, Neymar escapes red card

Many goalkeepers have impressed at the 2014 World Cup. For example, Jasper Cillessen (Netherlands) to Keylor Navas (Costa Rica).

Despite the emergence of a formidable goalkeeper at the 2014 World Cup, this edition in Brazil has also become an event for a rain of goals. A total of 171 goals were created or an average of 2.67 goals per game.

But this 20th edition of the World Cup, is not a good achievement for the referees to the linesman. A number of controversial decisions emerged in several matches at the 2014 World Cup.

This controversial decision is certainly very detrimental to those who receive punishment. Even this controversial decision is still worth remembering to this day.

Here are 5 controversial decisions that occurred at the 2014 World Cup which took place in Brazil.

1. Neymar’s Yellow Card Against Croatia

Brazil won 3-1 over Croatia in the opening match of the tournament. But the victory was colored by a controversial moment from the field court.

In the 27th minute, Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura gave Neymar a yellow card. Neymar clearly used his elbow to aim at Luka Modric’s face.

However, Yuichi Nishimura only gave him a yellow card instead of a red card in this opening match. Football pundits including Alan Shearer said Nishimura should have given a red card.

2. Georgios Samaras penalty against Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast’s group stage clash against Greece took place in the final match of Group C. Up to 90 minutes, the position was still tied at 1-1 and if it didn’t change then Ivory Coast advanced to the last 16.

But in the 91st minute, Greece got a penalty. Georgios Samaras who became the executor managed to enter the ball and change the position to 2-1.

This victory made Greece, who accompanied Colombia to the last 16. However, from replays, the contact between Giovanni Sio and Samaras was minimal.

3. Manuel Neuer’s knee to Gonzalo Higuain’s face

Manuel Neuer shone at the 2014 World Cup in the role of sweeper or false five. But he was very lucky to stay on the pitch during the final when he went out of his way and hit Gonzalo Higuain.

The German goalkeeper punched the ball away from the net. But at the same time Neuer’s knee hit Gonzalo Higuain’s face.

Manuel Neuer should have gotten a yellow card for his dangerous game. But referee Nicola Rizzoli ruled that Neuer was the one who had been fouled and awarded Germany a free-kick.

4. Thiago Silva Yellow Card in Third Place Playoff

Thiago Silva did not play as Brazil were thrashed 7-1 by Germany in the semifinals. He was absent due to a yellow card accumulation penalty.

The Paris Saint-Germain star returns to play in the race for third place against the Netherlands. He only needed three minutes to commit a foul to Arjen Robben in the penalty box.

Referee Djamel Haimoudi did award a penalty but only gave Silva a yellow card. Even though at that time Silva was the last person to stop Arjen Robben’s movement to score.

5. Blaise Matuidi’s Horror Tackle to Ogenyi Onazi

In the last 16 match, France’s Blaise Matuidi made a horror tackle to Nigeria’s Ogenyi Onazi. As a result, the Lazio star had to undergo surgery because his tendon was torn.

American referee Mark Geiger only considered the offense worthy of a yellow card. Then the absence of Onazi certainly spoils Nigeria’s chances of advancing to the quarterfinals.

Geiger was also accused of supporting Les Blues when he did not punish Olivier Giroud for his elbow on Jon Obi Mikel. Nor did he award a penalty when Patrice Evra fouled Peter Odemwingie.