Just so Chelsea fans know, when opposition fans chant "It's just like watching Brazil" at you next season, it's NOT a compliment.
A direct free kick (same applies to a penalty) is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following seven offences in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force:
⢠kicks or attempts to kick an opponent
⢠trips or attempts to trip an opponent
⢠jumps at an opponent
⢠charges an opponent
⢠strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
⢠pushes an opponent
⢠tackles an opponent

The rules are in favour of the cheats
We all say "great tackle, he won the ball" but just because you win the ball, it doesn't mean a foul cant be given.
Anyway, the Croatian defender practically man handled Fred and pushed him to the ground. This is football, not UFC.
(BTW I've picked Brazil to win the tournament)![]()
Of course the refs are causing this by enforcing rules that have been introduced to protect forwards and goalkeepers. Let's not blame the refs when it is the rule makers who are responsible.
The referees have to take some blame as they don't enforce the rules correctly, not claiming they should 100% (as thats unrealistic) and its a difficult job, but the rules clearly state a foul can be given without a player going to ground, but the reason players go to ground easy, are two reasons
1. They are cheats and know the rules are in their favour.
2. They know the Referee is unlikely to award a foul unless they go to ground.
So the Referees have to take part of the blame.