Dejan Lovren: 'World Cup should be handed to Brazil'

Dejan Lovren has declared that the World Cup should be handed to Brazil after Croatia were left questioning a controversial refereeing decision on the opening day of the tournament.

The Southampton defender was adjudged to have fouled Fred inside the box in the second half, despite replays revealing there was little contact between the two players, and the penalty changed the game as Neymar scored his second to help the hosts secure a 3-1 win.

Lovren admits that he was left feeling distraught after the game, and claimed that the officials were too eager to hand Brazil the advantage.

"I'm so sad I want to cry. Everyone has seen it, it's a scandal for FIFA," L'Equipe quoted the 24-year-old as saying.

"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."

Croatia will look to recover from the defeat when they take on Cameroon next Wednesday.