Top 6 controversial moments in the World Cup so far
Sixty-four games played, 145 goals scored and countless tears shed at what has generally been considered the most exciting World Cup in recent memory.
Yet the World Cup 2014 has not been without its fair share of controversies.
Just today, the Netherlands' Arjen Robben has been accused of diving to gain a penalty in Netherland's last 16 game against Mexico on Monday morning (June 30).
We bring you six of the most controversial moments which got tongues wagging both online and offline.
#6: Protests here, there and everywhere
Even before a ball was kicked, the World Cup was rocked by protests against the excessive amount spent to hold the football extravaganza.
Even the beloved national team was not spared as protestors let their feelings known by jeering, kicking and punching the team bus as it arrived at their training base in Terespolis in May to make their final preparations for the World Cup.
#5: Fred lets the beat drop
Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura faced a barrage of criticism as he awarded what many considered a controversial penalty to the Brazilians during the tournament's first match.
Fortunately for Brazilian striker Fred, the referee felt that his imitation of a rock was enough to warrant a penalty.
Unfortunately for the referee, he was roundly criticised and has yet to officiate another World Cup game.
#4: Giovani Dos Santos's two disallowed goals
Mexican striker Giovani dos Santos was denied not once, but twice by wrong offside decisions which robbed him of a precious World Cup goal.
The first was in the 11th minute and then again in the 28th minute.
Poor Dos Santos.
Well he did get his World Cup goal eventually in the second round but unfortunately it came during their loss to the Netherlands in the round of 16.
#3: Pepe's head-to-head
Two goals down and the last thing you need is for your central defender to get himself sent off for the stupidest of reasons.
Unfortunately for Portugal, Pepe did not get that memo and in the 37th minute of the Group G match between Germany and Portugal, decided that he just had to use his head against Thomas Muller.
Portugal eventually lost that match 4-0 and failed to qualify for the second round.
#2: Arjen Robben executes a perfect swan dive
With the game looking like it might have to go into extra time, Netherlands attacked in search of a goal that would win them the game.
Arjen Robben stepped up to save the day, by tripping on the foot of Mexican captain Rafael Marquez.
From the resulting penalty, Netherlands went ahead by one goal and of course clinched the match.
Mexico's coach, Miguel Herrera, had a stinging parting shot for the referee: “Although the first goal was down to our mistake, we had the chance to reconsider during the break before extra time, but at the end when the referee invents a penalty you go out of the World Cup."
#1: Luis Suarez takes a bite out of Giorgio Chiellini
The bite which launched a thousand puns and caused Suarez to be banned from all football activity for four months has to take number one spot in any World Cup 2014 controversy list.
And so it has.
Uruguay of course qualified for the last 16 but they were soundly beaten by a James Rodriguez-inspired Colombia.
There you have it, our top six most controversial moments of the World Cup so far.
Tell us what you think, but if the Suarez moment is not your number one then we're looking at you funny.
Sources: Metro, YouTube
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