Argentina football legend, Diego Maradona, has hinted that the referees are favoring World Cup hosts Brazil.

Brazil received a controversial penalty in Brazil’s opener and the Japanese referee was massively criticised by Croatian players and coach, Nico Kovac, after the game.

Maradona has now hit out at Brazil, saying Thiago Silva should have been sent off for his foul on Javier Hernandez last night.

"That leaves one to wonder if Brazil want to get better that it would do so thanks to the referee more than their own doing,” he told Venezuelan TV channel Telesur. 

The 1986 world champion also said the Selecao are relying too much on their wonder-kid Neymar, who failed to repeat his two goals from the opening match.

"If they want to be one of the favourites, then Brazil need to drastically improve themselves," he added.

"I recognised that Mexico can play at the same level as Brazil because other than Neymar, Brazil do not know how to attack.”

Do you think the referees have been favouring Brazil? Have your say in the comment section below.