It has definitely been a thrilling World Cup that has come with more action and more goals than its predecessor. Technology has also entered the fields with the use of Goal-Line technology, a series of cameras positioned at the goal that allow accurate judging of whether a shot can be considered a goal or not. However, it still looks like the referees need help (technological or otherwise) in making accurate calls during the game, for a lot of players and teams have been victimised by bad decisions on behalf of the referee. Here are the top five –
5. When Dos Santos was denied two goals – June 13, 2014
In his team’s very first match against Cameroon, Mexican forward Dos Santos shot two goals that were harshly dismissed as offside. The one at the 12th minute assisted by Marquez was definitely not an offside and the second one at the 30th minute looked more like an own-goal by the Cameroonians, assisted by Dos Santos. It was a ridiculous decision on behalf of the Columbian referee. It was a sweet moment when Peralta scored the goal that won them the match at the 61st minute.
4. When Suarez’s bite went unnoticed – June 24, 2014
In the day and age of advance technology, it is ridiculous that an instant replay wasn’t used to penalise the Uruguay forward for sinking his teeth into Italy’s Chiellini in the 7th minute of the game. It looked like the Italian defender had shoved his shoulder into Suarez’s face which makes it a foul on his behalf. However, replays and Chiellini’s explosive response show that Suarez had indeed bitten a player for the third time in football history. He was let off easy on the field without even a yellow card.
3. When Brazil Received an Undeserved Penalty - June 12, 2014
Japanese coach Nishimura awarded Brazil a penalty when the forward, Fred, dove into the penalty box without actual contact from the Croatians. It was taken by Neymar who scored a beautiful goal and sealed Brazil's victory in the World Cup opener.
4. When Greece Slid Through on Undeserved Penalty – June 24, 2014
Full time through this match and Greece and Ivory Coast were both tied 1-1, with goals scored by Andreas Samaras of Greece and Bony Wilifried of Cote d’Ivore. During the first minute of the stoppage time, a slight unintentional foul on Samaras by Sio, and the referees were quick to award the Greek a penalty. Samaris took the shot and scored for his team, leading to the elimination of the Ivory Coast from the Group Stage.
5. Dzeko’s Goal Being Ruled Out as an Offside – June 21st, 2014
The Bosnian finds a way to pick the through-ball and rushed towards the goal, shooting it past Enyeama’s usually quick reflexes. It is very unfortunate that it was ruled off as an offside, because the replays pretty much showed it to be a legitimate goal. The match ended as the first draw of the World Cup but it shouldn't have been so and Bosnia might have contended.
Dzeko's apparent offside: