Brazil's Fred, bottom, raises his arms after a penalty was called against Croatia's Dejan Lovren, top, by referee Yuichi Nishimura, from Japan, during the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia in the opening game of the tournament at the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Thursday, June 12, 2014. Brazil was issued a penalty kick following the play leading to a goal by Neymar helping Brazil to a 3-1 victory. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) (The Associated Press)
TERESOPOLIS, Brazil – 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.
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