Neymar gives Brazil 2-1 lead with PK goal (GIF)

Brazil and Croatia were locked at one goal a piece entering the second half of play in the World Cup opener, and Croatia was holding strong with a solid wide attack. However, that all changed in the 69th minute when the Japanese official showed Croatia defender Dejan Lovren a yellow card on a horrendous call.

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There was no foul committed during the play — which was an obvious flop by Fred — and that was confirmed on the replay, but the referee showed Lovren the yelow and awarded a penalty kick for Brazil.

Neymar lined up for the penalty attempt for the host nation and he put the ball in the back of the net to give Brazil a 2-1 lead.

The goal was no sure thing, however.

Croatia goalie Stipe Pletikosa guessed right on the Neymar penalty attempt and he got a solid hand on the ball. Unfortunately for Brazil, the ball carried on and deflected into the net for Neymar’s second goal of the game.

It was a crushing blow for Croatia, who were beginning to get more and more frustrated.

Here is a GIF of the controversial call inside of the box that led to Neymar’s penalty attempt:

And here is Neymar’s goal to give the host nation the lead: