Trending World Cup News Monday

While the Spurs may have cut the grudge-match NBA Finals short yesterday, defeating the Heat 104 to 87, the 2014 FIFA World Cup is just getting started. Group play is underway, with Groups G and H getting their first group games in over the next two days. Thus far, the tournament has spawned surprises both on and off the field, this Trending News Monday we’re bringing out some of the most mentionable moments of the World Cup so far.

BRAZIL’S QUESTIONABLE CALL

Before the World Cup began Thursday with the Brazil vs. Croatia match, the refs were already under scrutiny. Ref’s inexperience—especially with such high profile matches and players—had skeptics wondering if the refs would be able to make the right calls at the right time. Those fears came to life in the first game of the World Cup when Brazil and Croatia were tied 1-1. Coming into the World Cup, no team was looking to underestimate host, Brazil, which has won the most World Cups out of any nation. Croatia proved more-than-worthy competitors, keeping up with Brazil; however, as a result of a questionable call in the second half, Brazil took the lead.

Eight yards from the goal, Croatia’s defender Dejan Lovren was penalized for dragging down Brazil’s Striker Fred with two hands. Fred seemed to have exaggerated the contact, but he was awarded the free kick anyway. Croatia was not able to score, and a Brazil goal in stoppage-time put the host nation up 3-1, giving Brazil the first three points of the World Cup.

For more on the dramatic controversial call in the Brazil vs. Croatia game, click here.

SWITZERLAND’S LATE GOAL

As the final minutes of the Switzerland vs. Ecuador match expired, and the refs added three minutes of stoppage-time, it appeared that fans would witness the first draw of the 2014 World Cup. However, in the 93rd minute, Ecuador made a last-ditch effort to win the game; after a great defensive effort, Switzerland regained possession and made their way down field where Haris Seferovic placed a perfect ball in the net, putting Switzerland up 2-1. Thirty seconds later, Switzerland took the three points thanks to the dramatic late goal.

For more on the Switzerland vs. Ecuador match, click here.

CROATIA’S PRESS BOYCOTT

After Croatia’s aforementioned controversial loss to Brazil, the team went back to their hotels, presumably to relax and prepare for their next match (June 18, against Cameroon); however, after paparazzi snapped photos of the team skinny-dipping in their hotel pool and media outlets printed them, Croatia’s coach, Niko Kovac, announced the team is boycotting the press.

“I can’t force them to be at your disposal after what you’ve done to them and their families,” Kovac told reporters. “How would you feel if someone took naked pictures of you?”

While the media attention certainly distracted both the media and the team away from the sport, perhaps the boycott will help Croatia concentrate on their upcoming match, which is a must-win if they want to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Cover Photo Source: AGIF / Shutterstock.com

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]http://testspace.thesanjosegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Cassandra-Bremer-Our-Space-Photo.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Cassandra is a Content Manager and Developer at SJG. She earned her BA from Fontbonne University in 2011. Outside the office, she enjoys an active, healthy and well-rounded lifestyle including reading, writing, running, golfing, watching films, listening to music, taking photographs, and consuming media and social media.[/author_info] [/author]