Croatia defender, Dejan Lovren, has struck out at the referees after questionable calls were decisive in Brazil's 3-1 victory over the Blazers in the World Cup opener Thursday.

Though the teams were level 1-1 at halftime, Brazil took a second-half lead on a penalty call on Lovren, after the defender seemed to pull down Fred in the box.

The call was heavily scrutinised and Lovren openly criticized the referee for his soft decision.

"We talk about respect – the FIFA people spoke to us about it – and what happens? It is better the cup is given immediately to Brazil," Lovren told the press.

"I think we played a good game and had the quality to compete with Brazil but not against 12 men.

"We looked at the pictures in the dressing room and everyone is still asking questions."

The Japanese referee, Yuichi Nishimura, made a few decisions that were called into question, including a yellow card on Neymar for hitting Luka Modric in the first half, which many thought could have elicited a red.

Neymar went on to level the score immediately after the decision in the first half. 

When the game was still 2-1 for Brazil the referee made another questionable call in favor of Brazil goalkeeper, Julio Cesar, and stopped a play which seem to end with the equalizer.

How big of an impact did Nishimura have on the match? Have your say in the comments section below.