I understand what you're saying but I disagree. Brazil fouled, fouled and then fouled some more. But it can only come as a surprise to someone who hasn't watched this Brazilian side in the Confederations Cup - we were leaders in number of fouls in that competition as well. That's part of how FelipĆ£o makes them play, and personally I'm not a fan of it either. However, I disagree that the referee favoured Brazil; for while it is true that Brazil fouled more, I think Colombia's fouls were generally more violent. Even James Rodriguez himself (perhaps out of frustration) could have been sent off. Saw a deserved yellow and then committed quite a strong foul a few minutes later. Fernandinho should have seen a yellow card in the first half for persistent fouling, but I can't remember any one particular foul that I'd think could have seen red with a harsher referee.
Purely as a neutral, it seemed that the ref let both sides get away with far too much, but to me it looked like Brazil got away with excessive fouling on James (that's what it says on the back of his shirt
), and their play in general was over physical which Colombia then responded to.
Noticeable as well was the way the ref allowed Brazil players to encroach over the white line he drew every single time.
Having said that, I think Brazil were the better side and deserved to go through.
Logged