Croatia's Dejan Lovren blasts FIFA after loss to Brazil in World Cup

In the 2014 FIFA World Cup opener, Brazil's 3-1 win over Croatia was marred with some controversy. In the 69th minute, referee Yuichi Nishimura handed Croatia

Josh Sanchez | Jun 13, 2014

Croatia's Dejan Lovren blasts FIFA after loss to Brazil in World Cup /

In the 2014 FIFA World Cup opener, Brazil's 3-1 win over Croatia was marred with some controversy. In the 69th minute, referee Yuichi Nishimura handed Croatia defender Dejan Lovren a yellow card following a foul in the box.

In real time the foul looked questionable, but in slow motion it was confirmed that Brazilian forward Fred took an obvious flop. Neymar went on to convert the penalty kick attempt for the game-winning goal.

After the game, the controversial call did not sit well with the Croatian team and Lovren told the Agence France Presse that FIFA should just "give the World Cup to Brazil straight away."

"What can I say? I'm sad, I want to cry. Everyone saw that. It's a scandal for FIFA. They talk about respect, they have meetings before the World Cup, FIFA people talk to us, and in the end, what happens? It's better they give the World Cup to Brazil straight away," Lovren said.

WILSON: Referee overshadows Brazil's World Cup-opening victory

"I think we played well, and showed that we have the qualities to match Brazil, but not against 12 players. We now have to keep our heads up. I am sure than we can go through, but I still don't understand how the referee could have given that. We saw the pictures in the dressing room after the game and everyone is still asking themselves that question."

Lovren wasn't the only Croatian player to have an issue with the call.

Fellow defender Vedran Corluka shared his thoughts on the foul and echoed Lovren's comments that FIFA should just give Brazil the Cup.

"If this continues, I think no one should play against Brazil," Corluka told Yahoo Sports. "We can just give them the World Cup and everyone can go home. [Nishimura] shouldn't be allowed to referee another game."

Croatia's next outing in the World Cup will come on Wednesday, June 18, against Cameroon at Arena Amazônia in Manaus.

GALLERY: Best shots from Brazil vs. Croatia

Brazil vs. Croatia

Brazil's Luiz Gustavo, right, is challenged by Croatia's Ivan Rakitic during Brazil's 3-1 victory over Croatia in the opening game of the 2014 tournament, in the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Brazil's Marcelo, right, scores an own goal to give Croatia a 1-0 lead.

Julio Cesar (left) and Marcelo of Brazil watch as a deflected shot goes in.

Nikica Jelavic and Ivan Perisic of Croatia celebrate as Julio Cesar, David Luiz and Marcelo of Brazil watch a deflected shot cross the goal line.

Ivan Perisic of Croatia celebrates the first half goal.

This would be Croatia's only goal of the game.

Nikica Jelavic of Croatia celebrates after a first half goal.

Croatia players (from left Ivica Olic, Nikica Jelavic and Ivan Rakitic celebrate.

Sime Vrsaljko of Croatia shows his joy along with teammates after the first goal was scored in the 2014 World Cup.

Marcelo of Brazil falls after a challenge by Ivan Perisic of Croatia.

Neymar controls the ball as Ivan Rakitic (left) and Nikica Jelavic of Croatia give chase.

Neymar shoots and scores against Dejan Lovren of Croatia in the first half.

Brazil's Neymar scores his side's first goal.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Stipe Pletikosa of Croatia dives and fails to make a save on a shot by Neymar.

Neymar celebrates with Dani Alves and Fred after a goal in the first half.

Croatia's Vedran Corluka, left, clashes with Brazil's Hulk.

Brazil's Thiago Silva, left, and Croatia's Ivica Olic battle for the ball.

Referee Yuichi Nishimura from Japan called a questionable foul against Brazil's Fred, which led to Brazil's second score.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Neymar scores his second goal, this one from the penalty spot.

Croatia's Ivan Perisic, left, wins a header from Brazil's Fred.

Oscar of Brazil fights off Sime Vrsaljko of Croatia in the first half.

Oscar of Brazil is tripped up by Sime Vrsaljko of Croatia in the second half.

Neymar takes a shot during the first half.

Julio Cesar of Brazil tries to make a save in the first half.

Brazil's Marcelo eyes the ball during the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia.

Neymar and Vedran Corluka challenge for the ball.

A giant shirt "Castilho do Brasil Fan Club" is displayed during the opening game of the tournament.

Ivan Rakitic challenges Neymar.

Head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari of Brazil sits at the start of the opening game.

A general view at the start of the game.

Published Jun 13, 2014

JOSH SANCHEZ