Published September 11, 2015
Brazil striker Fred says he was clearly fouled in the move that led to a controversial penalty in favor of the hosts in the opening match of the World Cup.
Speaking publicly for the first time after Brazil's 3-1 win on Thursday in Sao Paulo, Fred said in a video released by the Brazilian football federation that "it was a clear penalty."
He said in Friday's video that "there was a charge" by the Croatian defender on his shoulder, and that kept him from having a chance to score.
Television replays show there was minimal contact by the defender before Fred fell, but Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura gave the penalty and Neymar converted the 71st-minute penalty to give Brazil a 2-1 lead.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/brazil-striker-fred-says-it-was-a-clear-penalty-on-him-in-opener-against-croatia