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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

Joe Krishnan
Saturday 05 July 2014 16:26 BST
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Referee Carlos Velasco Carballo separates Colombia's James Rodriguez and Paulinho of Brazil
Referee Carlos Velasco Carballo separates Colombia's James Rodriguez and Paulinho of Brazil

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.

Spanish referee Carlos Velasco Carballo was heavily criticised for his performance in the match between Brazil and Colombia

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.

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