Drinking is good but not for officials

The first two matches of Brazil 2014 were Brazil-Croatia and Mexico-Cameroon.  Both had horrifically bad officiating. 

Croatia came out with an aggressive lineup and it paid off.   Eleven minutes in, Marcelo misplayed a low cross into an own-goal, Croatia went up 1-0, and the stadium fell silent.  Neymar equalized at 29' on a shot the Croatian keeper probably should have saved.  After the break, interestingly, the Croats had quality possession; they looked a threat to score, and, at the very least, they were not going to go quietly.  The game-changing event was Yuichi Nishimura's decision to award a penalty for an imaginary foul on Fred in the box.  That penalty call was, to borrow from Didier Drogba, a "total f*cking disgrace."  Neymar (barely) converted the penalty and Oscar added a goal in injury time (which, incidentally, was the direct result of an uncalled foul on a Croatian player).  Brazil played poorly -- Dani Alves was near-embarrassing --  but still won 3-1 on the back of atrocious refereeing.  If Brazil continues to play this way, they will not win the Cup.

As a USMNT fan I (of course) dislike Mexico.  But for them two (!) legitimate goals against Cameroon were negated as offside.  Perhaps the insanely driving rain blinded the officials.  But both goals were clearly good.  Mexico (rightfully) went on to win 1-0, although Cameroon was utterly terrible.  Terrible.  Given the reputable clubs many of their players play for, it was surprising how bad Cameroon were.  I hope Ghana plays as poorly.

Spain-Netherlands up next.  Here's hoping the officiating improves.

FF