Top controversies in 2014 World Cup

1. Brazil v Croatia: Neymar vs Modric

In a match which saw quite a few controversial moments, this was what started it all. Just before equalising for the Samba warriors in a splendid fashion, Neymar was guilty of deliberately elbowing Luka Modric for which the referee let him go easily as it was only a yellow card. While many commentators believed it should have been a red, Neymar later said there was no 'malice' in the elbow. It did change the result of the match though.

2. Mexico v Cameroon: Dos Santos vs Offside

Match two of the World Cup and of Group A, a tight affair that saw Mexico nick the win from Cameroon, was subject to equally suspect refereeing as well. .  Wilmar Roldan, the official from Colombia, had adjudicated that two of Giovanni Dos Santos’ strikes in the first half were offside but replays showed he was incorrect. While the first ruling was neck and neck, the second was inexcusable since it was flicked onto Dos Santos's path by a Cameroonian player. Gratefully for the Mexicans, a late Oribe Peralta goal saw Mexico the winners in spite of the poor refereeing.

3. Bosnia vs Nigeria: Did Dzeko score?

With Bosnia going down 2-1 to Argentina thanks to an own goal, it was redemption time against Nigeria. When Edin Dzeko put the ball in the back of the net in the 21st minute, he thought that his World Cup had kickstarted. However it was not to be since the linesman raised his flag albeit incorrectly for an offside. The Bosnians were further aggrieved when they felt a foul was not given in the build up to Nigeria's eventual winning goal just eight minutes later. Emir Spahic was left on the ground, as Emmanuel Emenike squared a ball for goalscorer Odemwingie. In spite of winning in their final match against Iran, Bosnia had to bow out in the group stages itself. 

4. Italy v Costa Rica: Chiellini vs Joel

The man in the midst of all the controversy now should not have even played the last world cup group stage game if Chilean referee, Enrique Osses had made the right call. Joel Campbell had fashionably dribbled past a few Italians and was in the box, preparing to shoot at goal. However it was not to be as Giorgio Chiellini cut across him, not only blocking the shot but also clearly fouling the Costa Rican striker. Amidst all the protests, the referee somehow managed to turn a blind eye to the sureshot penalty.

5. Netherlands v Brazil: Van Gaal vs Scolari

Two of the most high profile coaches had a go at each other in the World Cup. Netherlands boss, Louis van Gaal was clearly displeased at Brazil playing after them even though the Seleccao belonged to Group A. This was because the Group B winners had to place the Group A runners up and Group A winners the Group B runners up. 

6. Greece vs Ivory Coast: Samaras takes a tumble

In a winner takes all contest in the Group Stage, either of Greece or Ivory Coast could have progressed as the second best side after Colombia. While a draw would do for Ivory Coast, Greece needed to win. And win they did but laced with controversy. With Ivory Coast seeing off the encounter as 1-1 guaranteed of their progression, the referee Christian Lescano pointed to the spot at the death adjudging Giovani Sio to have pushed Georgios Samaras to the ground in the penalty box while replays showed that Samaras had toppled over after kicking the turf. Samaras stepped up and scored to end the hopes of the African nation.

7. Uruguay v Italy: Marchisio is sent marching

In a tense encounter in Group D, the so called Group of Death, where surprise candidates Costa Rica led the group with aplomb, Italy and Uruguay had to fight it out in the final group stage tie to guarantee second position. Whilst the Azzurri would be guaranteed progression if they finished with a draw, the Uruguayans simply had to win. They were helped in their cause by Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez, who sent off midfielder Claudio Marchisio. The Italian was given his marching order for a studs-up challenge on Egidio Arevalo's knee, which seemed very harsh. 

This is what defender, Giorgio Chiellini had to say after the match

8. Uruguay v Italy: Suarez bites again

In what came as THE shocking moment of this World Cup, Luis Suarez decided to do the unthinkable and take a piece of Giorgio Chiellini, literally that is. In what seemed to be a headbutt initially, it turned out to that Suarez had sunk his teeth into the Italian defender's shoulder. While the referee refused to send off Suarez even after Chiellini demonstrated the 'bite marks', Uruguay scored the deciding goal just minutes later and ran away to progression while the Azzurri went sent packing. 

What followed was a worldwide furore, with FIFA promising to take action after reviewing footage. This ultimately culminated in FIFA handing a 4 month ban to Suarez, from all footballing activities,including a 9 match ban from participating in internationals for Uruguay.