FIFA World Cup: Keep Brazil tackling in check, Germany urge referees

Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger said the referee must pay close attention to tough-tackling Brazil in tomorrow's World Cup semi-final to ensure fouls do not go unchecked

Santo Andre: Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger said the referee must pay close attention to tough-tackling Brazil in tomorrow's World Cup semi-final to ensure fouls do not go unchecked.


Bastian Schweinsteiger. Pic/AFP

Colombia striker James Rodriguez, in particular, was dealt some rough treatment in Brazil's 2-1 victory. Only two Brazil players — Silva and goalkeeper Julio Cesar, who conceded a penalty — were booked by Spanish referee Carlos Velasco Carballo despite the Selecao's 31 fouls against Colombia.

"I am all for hard, clean challenges, but there were one or two tackles which were over the limit," said Schweinsteiger.

"The Brazilians here aren't the magicians of old, the team has changed and so has their playing style. Hard challenges are definitely are part of their game, it's something we have to be careful of and the referee too."

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