Game Changer: Japanese ref riles Croatia with soft Brazil penalty

Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura endeared himself to Brazil fans with a contentious penalty award in the World Cup opener on Thursday, as Neymar put away the spot kick to give his side a 2-1 lead......

Talking point: Blundering referee puts officiating under scanner

Brazil lit up the World Cup with a controversy-ridden 3-1 opening win against Croatia on Thursday. Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura wrongly awarded a soft penalty to Brazil, which brought the......

World Cup chit-chat: Brazil's Fred denies diving claims to win penalty

Brazil striker Fred has denied accusations he cheated to win a crucial penalty in the 3-1 opening World Cup win over Croatia and said contact from a defender was enough to "knock me off the ball......

Player of the day: Hero Neymar comes to Brazil's aid

A lot was expected from Brazil forward Neymar and boy, he matched expectations and how! The 22-year-old came up with a man-of-the-match performance to rescue the hosts after an early blunder.......

Neymar double gives jittery Brazil winning start

Brazil's poster boy Neymar scored twice and the outstanding Oscar added a late third as the hosts came from behind for a dramatic 3-1 victory over Croatia in a thrilling World......