World Cup 2014: James Rodriguez criticises referee's performance after Colombia defeat to Brazil in quarter-final
The Colombia playmaker questioned the performance of referee Carlos Velasco Carballo after he was subjected to several physical challenges during the game
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.James Rodriguez has criticised the performance of referee Carlos Velasco Carballo after Colombia were knocked out of the World Cup quarter-finals by Brazil.
The 22-year-old was again the star of the show scoring his sixth goal of the tournament with a penalty, but he could not save Colombia from crashing out of the World Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Brazil.
It was clear from the beginning that Brazil had a plan to nullify the threat of Rodriguez and the playmaker found himself on the end of a number of strong challenges, most frequently coming from Brazil midfielder Fernandinho, who escaped a booking despite committing four fouls.
Carballo dished out only four yellow cards in the entire match, despite there being 54 fouls in the game - the highest in the tournament so far - and the 43-year-old was widely criticised for failing to take control of the game.
Rodriguez was one of those carded for a foul on Hulk - his first of the night - and the Monaco playmaker was far from happy with the Spaniard's performance, claiming he had an influence on the game.
"Carlos Velasco Carballo didn't help a lot," said Rodriguez.
"I think the referee influenced the game a lot, but that is how it is and we need to look forward.
"We are sad because we wanted to go further in the World Cup. That is what hurts most, but Brazil are a good team."
Colombia coach Jose Pekerman refused to hit out at the referee, claiming that the competitive nature of the match was nothing out of the norm.
"It was a match in which there was balance and very good players on both sides and when that happens, it produces friction due to competitiveness because each player wants to win their individual battle," he said.
"The tension was very high. Brazil needed to win and we always aspired to win so there was a lot of intensity."
Brazil face Germany in the World Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments