Mumbai: Netherlands’ supreme show against the defending champions Spain has pleased one and all (barring Spain supporters) across the world. But the early days of the footballing extravaganza are facing a lot of criticism. While protests, clashes and lethargy towards stadium work put the authorities in spot before the World Cup 2014 was made open, the Marcelo own goal, referee goof-ups and opening ceremony have made for a shocking start to the FIFA World Cup 2014.
Opening ceremony:
With the International stars Pitbull and Jenifer Lopez performing at the opening ceremony of FIFA World Cup 2014, it was tipped for a sensational beginning. But the expectations soon turned into nightmare as the poor sound system tunred the possible gala event into a boring function. Quite expectedly, the lacklustre start drew a lot of stir on social media as twitter was jammed in with sarcastic comments.
The #OpeningCeremony cost $9 million. Still they couldn't afford to put the batteries into the microphones. #BrazilvsCroatia #FootBallFever
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) June 12, 2014So if I go by Sony Six visuals and sounds it appears Pit Bull is commentating.
— GabbbarSingh (@GabbbarSingh) June 12, 2014John Abraham:
He is a well-known footballing enthusiast and to be fair to him, he looks serious when he says so. But watching/hearing John Abraham discuss football before the kick-off to the Brazil vs Croatia game was disappointing and generated ‘why he of all the people’ feeling amongst many.
Gaurav Kapoor and John Abraham would make a hell of a defensive pairing. By the looks of it, no one would want to come near them #CafeRio
— Akshay Appu (@akshayappu) June 13, 2014John Abraham as football pundit explains a lot why we are sulking at 154th rank. #India #FifaWorldCup #Brasil2014 #caferio #BRAvsCRO
— varun chaiwallah (@varun_sharma07) June 13, 2014He not only looked out of place with hardly any insights on the game but it also became clear very early that the idea of pairing him up with Peter Crouch and Mikaël Silvestre was misplaced.
Referee goof-ups:
FIFA is backing Yuichi Nishimura who awarded a controversial penalty to Brazil against Croatia. Nishimura is widely criticised for his decision-making skills on the field. The decision not only was ill-judged but it also led Brazil to score a much-needed second goal and take decisive lead at the crucial stage of the match. If the goof-up in the opening game was not enough, Wilmar Roldan’s, (referee during Cameroon vs Mexico game) offside calls robbed Mexico off two goals which looked completely legitimate.
Marcelo shocker:
While Brazil beat Croatia in the opening game of World Cup 2014, Marcelo’s own goal put the hosts under pressure.
Brazils’s coach Luiz Felipe Scolari admitted before the tournament got underway that his team’s defence is a concern for him. Marcelo’s goal must have multiplied his concerns.
