Soccer/Football

In the end Brazil committed 31 fouls, with the match containing a record 54 in total. Yet there were only three yellow cards, and none before the 64th minute. The referee allowed many, many more questionable challenges to go unpunished.

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FIFA has wanted referees to ensure games in this World Cup are allowed to flow, for attacking players to be able to find a rhythm and exert an influence on proceedings. By and large that has happened, enabling Rodriguez and Neymar to express themselves in the eye-catching ways they have done.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2119853-neymar-the-casualty-as-weak-refereeing-mars-brazils-brutal-win-over-colombia

In all corners, there was praise for Webb’s correct assessment of a number of difficult decisions, not least the penalty he denied Brazil striker Hulk, having correctly judged that the player had controlled the ball with his upper arm.

Webb’s general approach to the game was also remarked upon, with most pointing out that he was reluctant to issue cards, and thereby allowed the game to flow freely.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2675460/Howard-Webb-star-Germany-press-applaud-Super-Referee.html