Brazil referee headed to WCup loudly criticized

The Brazilian referee headed to the World Cup is being heavily criticized at home after a poor outing in a domestic league match.

Carlos Eugenio Simon is being accused by local media of missing several key calls in Vasco's 1-1 draw against Botafogo over the weekend, and both coaches are complaining about the referee's poor performance.

It was Simon's last match before traveling to South Africa to officiate matches at his second World Cup.

Simon was suspended last year by the Brazilian football confederation for a series of mistakes, the last one a missed call in a decisive league match which helped decide the title.

Simon's linesmen in Sunday's match were also criticized. They also will travel to officiate at the World Cup.