World Cup Refereeing Questions

[TundraWolf]

On the game thread reflecting on Brazil v. Croatia, three of our regular, knowledgeable posters (Eve, '71 & PK cast aspersions on the Japanese referee who was accused of favouring Brazil. I am surprised that no one here commented on the long standing ties between Japan and Brazil.

Since 1908, a quarter of a million Japanese have immigrated to Brazil. Over the years they have become a visible aspect of the country's social fabric and integrated into every aspect of Brazilian society. A notable example to martial arts aficionados is Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which is dominated worldwide by the Gracie family of Brazil who borrowed extensively from the Japanese martial arts culture in perfecting their sport.

At present, as of 2000, there were between 1.4 and 1.5 million people of Japanese descent living in Brazil.

I am not saying there were ulterior motives in selecting the Japanese referee, but to conspiracy theorists there is definitely some fodder for discussion!

[wolves71]

Standard of the officials so far leaves a lot to be desired. Both games have had controversy in them. Two goals already disallowed for Mexico. I still can't believe the award of the Brazil penalty last night.