Thursday, 21 June 2018

2018 FIFA World Cup Match 23: Argentina - Croatia (discussion)

Let's discuss here the performance of  Ravshan Irmatov in Argentina - Croatia. Good luck to the officiating team!
Match #23
Nizhny Novgorod, 21 June 2018 20:00 CET
Argentina - Croatia
Referee: Ravshan Irmatov (UZB)
Assistant Referee 1: Abduxamidullo Rasulov (UZB)
Assistant Referee 2: Jakhongir Saidov (UZB)
Fourth Official: Norbert Hauata (TAH)
Fifth Official: Bertrand Brial (NCL)
VAR: Felix Zwayer (GER)
AVAR1: Bastian Dankert (GER)
AVAR 2: Corey Rockwell (USA)
AVAR 3: Danny Makkelie (NED)

197 comments:

  1. 10th WC game for Irmatov and this is the first record we must underline. Big expectations this time, after a rather poor 2014 WC!
    We need to see again the talent who appearead suddenly in South Africa in 2010. Without the Uzbek, it didn't look like a WC, indeed starting from 2010 for me is something like an emblem of this tournament. :)

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    1. He is our pride of Asia, for sure :)

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    2. One of my favourite referees for sure. Something would be missing if he wasn't on the pitch.

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    3. I agree, I hope it will be a big tournament for him!

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    4. Not if he continues refereeing as he is. He needs to assert himself more. Simply reprimanding players is not good enough. He had a least 2 yellow cards which he didn't show . He needs to be careful otherwise he risks losing control

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  2. OT
    Some interesting statements by David Elleray, Technical Director of The IFAB. He was asked about the incidents occurred so far in the tournament.

    BRAZIL - SWITZERLAND
    "Brazilian anger is retrospective; there is no immediate reaction from the Brazilian defenders when the goal is scored. There is always some pushing and shoving in the penalty area and the referee's decision not to penalise the attacker is not a clear and obvious error."

    TUNISIA - ENGLAND
    The incident in the first half is more blatant than in the second half. Fifa said referees would be strong on clear holding in the penalty area, so it is not clear why the VAR did not recommend an on-field review, unless he felt that there were also offences by other England players."

    FRANCE - AUSTRALIA
    "The initial challenge by the Australia defender looks fair but close examination shows that the defender then lifts his leg to trip Griezmann. This is something the referee did not see and thus he made a clear error in not awarding a penalty kick. Correct VAR intervention."

    PERU - DENMARK
    Elleray: "This is a clear referee error and the VAR intervention allows fairness to prevail and the correct decision to be given, which directly affected the final result. VAR at its best."

    SOUTH KOREA - SWEDEN
    "This is a very clear missed penalty and it is somewhat surprising that the referee made such a clear error. This incident shows how VAR has brought greater fairness to the World Cup as this penalty directly affected the result of the match."

    EGYPT - RUSSIA
    The laws of the game clearly state that if holding starts outside the penalty area and continues into the penalty area it is a penalty kick. This was a good example of the VAR assisting the referee to make the correct decision."

    If you want to read more:
    https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44508993

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    1. Surprised about Tunisia - England comment from the technical director who should know that when simultaneous infringments occur, the more serious offence should be punished. Penalty kick.

      Very insightful though and would prefer FIFA and all confederations to be more transparent.

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    2. Ok, but that only counts for exactly simultaneous infringements. The offence of the English player might have happened slightly earlier - he does not comment on that.

      And yes, would be nice, if this or something similar were official FIFA statements.

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  3. How much attacks on the ankles are yet to come this WC?

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  4. Replies
    1. Missed two yellow cards

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    2. Indeed. Over-all, card policy this WC isn't as bad as 4 years ago. But this type of fouls are committed again and again...

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  5. Do referees have instructions not to punish with YC the stomps? >.<

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  6. Croatia and referees in black socks... Does it mean referees have just black?

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    1. Yes. Black shorts, black socks only.

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    2. As it should be. Nothing more horrendous than those terrible silver colored shorts that the geniuses at Adidas issued to UCL Referee's a few years ago.

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    3. When the Referee's would sweat it gave the optical illusion that the referee had soiled himself

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  7. Very good onside from AR2 in 10'!

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  8. As many have pointed out: Two stomps on the feet, first Mandžukić than a revanche foul by Tagliafico. Both times only warnings. I find these unpunished rough fouls dreadful, but apprently, FIFA forbids cards for them.

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  9. Hand in the face and no YC. We already had some situations like this (Prijovic from Serbia, Pogna today), but with YC. Not convincing start from Irmatov for me.

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  10. It is weird to say FIFA forbid cards for stomps... Mascerano goong wild :)

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  11. It will be a very challenging game for Irmatov, so far he has decided to keep his cards. Well, nothing new... but I'm always disappointed when I see it.

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  12. Many problems for Irmatov, many protests and fouls borderline to YC.

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  13. I am afraid that this match will became one of the most challenging

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  14. The commentator just now mentioned that referee Irmatov is not really popular in Argentina because of events that happened in South Africa in 2010... Newspapers were all filled with Irmatov and generated huge amount of negative medial interest... So now we know why he was vetoed in 2014!

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  15. I still like what he is doing. Clear decisions, yet warnings and good communication. But he should not wait too long detting signs cause those 2 teams normally don't pay back trust.

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  16. Irmatov hasn't used YC so far. This could be a problem, the match will become challenging and challenging.

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  17. If a referee gives a penalty that is then cancelled by VAR (for example he whistles for handball but the replay shows the ball hit the player's chest), how does the game restart? Dropped ball in the penalty area would be interesting!

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  18. Now holding/tact.foul against Rebic 21.min !?? No replay so I am not sure. Anyone who saw that better? That YC and free kick would be mandatory...

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    1. I don't know.. It seems tactical foul, but they show no replay...

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  19. By the way... have an eye on Mandzukic"s ellbows when jumping high...he loves to use them unfairly. Not yet but you can bet on that.

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  20. 35 min no YC for Rebic cause foul by both players same time. Rebic was just more "successfull"
    This could be the most challenging game so far.

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  21. Replies
    1. Easily a RC, but probably not if you take into account how Irmatov has refereed the game so far. I agree with VAR that it’s not a clear and obvious error

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  22. YC for stamp on feet by Rebic. Well done! 40th min.

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  23. Sad to see that it is always allowed everything to coaches.
    See Sampaoli behavior. It would be easy to send off him, but nothing...

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  24. That’s a nasty stomp. Delibaretely too. No intention of playing the ball.

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  25. It was not stamp on feet. It was excessive force on an ankle, with out intention to play ball.

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  26. Rebic is on the edge of getting RC.

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  27. Rebic will have a 2YC in the second half with this conduct...

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  28. Orange card for me. Tendency red but:

    - first card in the game
    - ref perceived it and acted OK (yellow and warning)
    - context of the game favors yellow

    Irmatov not sanctioned two stemps in the start of the game, not the highest authority by players. Not good so far, the calmness between minutes 20-35 was not his merits.

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    1. and the next one in minute 45. Absolutely terrible to see so many studs offences slipping through Irmatow's eyes.

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  29. Now missed foul at all and at least YC. Incredible. Bad performance for my taste.

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  30. Fifth stomp that went unpunished. Not even a foul whistled for this one...

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    1. 47’ again clear YC for Argentina...for me many mistakes

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  31. Stomp on feet again by Meza 45 min. Mandatory free kick and YC. But: Nothing.

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  32. Again a stamp on the ankle... Foul detection is clearly something that has to be improved by Irmatov!

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  33. If VAR even checks for a possible RC, a missed foul is quite a big mistake...

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    Replies
    1. This was @43:55. It at least seemed as if a check happened, I am not completely sure.

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  34. Maybe this ugly tackle wouldn't have happened if the first fouls would be sanctioned with YC.
    Another ugly foul in 45', at least a yellow missed.
    And another one in 45'+2...

    I really like Irmatov's general style, but not issuing cards.... puuuhh

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  35. Probably VAR also get crazy by seeing this. Makes their life not easier, they must also consider the missed stud fouls now when wondering whether to intervene or not in certain moments.

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  36. Looks like the Irmatov of 2014 has turned up here :(

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    1. Was he ever better? 2010: good but easy opening game, 2 further decent group stage games, good quarterfinal with almost no work to do, semifinal so-so; 2013 confed cup not good; 2014 not that good either. He is a big name, record holder of World Cup games, my big respect for him, but maybe a bit over-rated?

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    2. Definitely. First half was not convincing. Not an easy job for Zwayer, too.

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  37. Unbelievable the kind of physical play that is allowed here... 45‘+2 yet another scene that remains unpunished.

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    1. With a referee like Brych I think we would have seen already a RC.

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  38. How is it possible that no YC was awarded after the otherwise excellent advantage?
    I don't like the performance of Irmatov so far.

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  39. 46th min. Brutal foul midfield by ARG player. Then: Good advantage for Croatian attack. But after the advantage nothing. No booking. Inacceptable!

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  40. 45' They did VAR check, why Irmatov wasn't warned by Felix Zwayer to issue YC on this?

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  41. Hard to watch such a game where even ugly fouls aren't punished. I don't know how much of the fault lies by Irmatov or by his superiors, but this is dreadful.

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  42. Terrible match concerning disciplinary level for Irmatov. Only a single YC! He should change his "tactics" urgently.

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    1. Imagine Valentine Ivanov here. We would have, well 5-6 YCs and one red. 1 YC is not acceptable here. Irmatov is already on 8.0 level, he missed so many things.

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  43. I have enough of FIFA refereeing. Enough! Three clear sending-off offences not punished today (violent conduct in FRA-PER and two SFP in ARG-CRO). It's unacceptable what we see today. WC2014 again...

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  44. If it is the intention of Fifa to allow this kind of play - then we will see injuries, protests, agitation between players and so on.

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    1. Very poor message, moreover when it's not a normal competitions, we are in the World Cup ffs!!!!

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    2. We should not blame FIFA, I‘m sure this kind of play is not what they want to see. We have already seen adequate punishment for reckless stamps by many referees at this tournament. I think Irmatov missed those stamps - so, he is responsible for this kind of play.

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    3. No we have not. It's been overlooked time and time again game after game referee after referee.

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  45. 44min. 2nd deserved RC in this game, this time for ARG.
    Who is/was referee watched FIFA DVD's on every national referee meeting and such situations are example of clear RC for excessive force with a possibility of serious injury.
    I respect refs who avoid cards to establish authority,but you must establish authority by some other things(correct decisions, quick reactions,body language,spoke to players...) But ref must not tolerate 5-6 times get in face by players and too much stamps...

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  46. Can anybody with the appropriate knowledge tell me why the ankle stomping that was totally missed by Irmatov did not trigger an OFR? It could easily be a RC, the referee has clearly missed it and it is a blatant mistake which, at the very least, should result in a YC. In a previous match, a similar situation (illegal use of arms, missed by the referee but not clear if it was YC or RC) was reviewed and the referee decided YC, but a RC would not have been wrong. What is the difference between that match and today's?

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    1. It's FIFA. They love such play!

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    2. Maybe there are instructions to avoid bringing the referee in situations, where he gives YC after an OFR? Because this gives (maybe rightly) the impression that the VAR wanted a RC there.
      Then they maybe disliked the process in CRC-SRB...

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    3. Maybe, but then VAR stops being effective for RC situations. This might be another communication problem. FIFA should just state that the situation COULD BE a RC, there is some reason for it. Not that it will be or VAR wants it. If they were more transparent about the LotG and VAR, they could just say that for a RC there are different criteria: force, hitting point, etc, and that at least one of those criteria has been met in VARs opinion. If VAR and main referee have different criteria is not worse than an AR raising a flag for an offside for which the referee knows that a defender played the ball last. Authority remains on the main referee, that should be the clear message.

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  47. Why do permanent verbal warnings when it has resulted in the most violent game of the World Cup so far? When we arrived to this point, there's nothing more deterrent than a disciplinary sanction.

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  48. I really do.not believe the comission wants THAT. When I see the bodylanguage of fouling players in this game - they never feel guilty or check what happened, they seem to KNOW that they do that from both sides without risk. So one could have the idea that there was some sort of spoken or unspoken contract like both teams saying: Come on, let us do that one in our style. Just an idea. Looks like.

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    1. Oliver Kahn just said about the brutal play in 1st half, in such a game that would be "normal".
      Wow! Biting Kahn back again. That style exactly destroys the technical elegant way of football we all love. If Irmatov continues in that way the outcome could be really a drama in what way ever.

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  49. Maybe Im not going to be objective because I support Croatia.
    Irmatov is completely off in this game,he is too lenient,atleast 3-4 challenges were awful,some of them borderline to red card(Rebic's also Im not gonna lie) and I dont know how that last foul wasnt given a YC.

    Challenging match,terrible tactic from Irmatov.

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  50. Refereeing does not have to play the biggest role in football. Try to see it from a holistic standpoint. So many people saying too many fouls with studs up. There were some, true, but the most serious ones were pusnihed. He booked Rebic properly and the only mistake is a missed YC after Meza's challenge on Vrsaljko. Other than that, so far so good in a challenging game. He cannot start handing out cards like crazy as though there were no tomorrow. Stakes are high, second half promises to be frenetic... if he overburdened players with cards in the first half, it would be total chaos in second half and then he would finish the match earlier because there were not enough players on the pitch. He pusnished what he had to (except for Meza's offence) and is controlling the match with his emphatic warnings. Remember common sense is part of the rules or at least it should be. He's in control. Less drama.

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    1. I can't believe you are serious.

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    2. Of course I am. Players are the protagonists. If you want a card festival or anything related, you have to go to a circus. Do you like ruined matches?? Don't you see the game is flowing and in absolute control? So why are you guys complaining and forging unnecessary drama?? It's totally worthless. Big difference between a good referee and a great one is common sense and understanding of the game. As long as he keeps on alert for serious offences, he'll succeed in the end. So far so good. Excellent control.

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    3. By giving a couple of YCs in a match like this in the first 15-20 mins, the players will adapt and play fair.

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    4. If that happened and given the way the match was going, there wouldn't be 22 players on the pitch at this moment. Don't you see the match is absolutely ok and flowing naturally? So where's the problem after all? Why is everything going so smoothly? If things get reallyyyyy virulent, then he must act. But his management in a quite tricky first half was good as you can see it now. Exciting match, two great teams. It's his tenth World Cup match, he knows the stuff and is doing well. Right man for a match of this caliber.

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    5. I agree with Steve, may<be for the first time

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    6. Sheriff, have you digested Ramos disaster yet? I see you haven't :) Anyway, there should be some good psychiatrists in Mexico. Go find them :)))

      Again, common sense and LOTG make a great referee. Irmatov is no Ramos, luckily.

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    7. "Anyway, there should be some good psychiatrists in Mexico. Go find them" - the final proof you are a troll and all your comments should be deleted immediately in the future.

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    8. Ray HD, cut the comedy! Did you read what that guy wrote? Can't you see who started hostilities? Instead of feeding senseless talk, try to learn something with Irmatov!

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    9. Apart from good positioning and entering penalty area when needed, there is nothing to learn from him today, unfortunately.

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    10. This referee was very poor tonight. Failure to show a couple of yellow cards at the beginning resulted in a number of nasty tackles which could have easily been avoided.

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    11. Cut the comedy, again. Lear how to control a super challenging match. This is tops in that regard.

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    12. Fellow bloggers (Ray, Soham, Chefren, ect) who are not simply trolls. My sincere apologies for taking the bait from troll. As many would say, I needed to and need to stop feeding the troll.

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    13. Sheriff, get over it and learn something with Irmatov. Seriously.

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    14. BALANCED and INTELLIGENT card management in the most challenging match of the tournament thus far. Another thing for you to pay attention to. Ian Miller, that's quite the opposite. If he had showed those cards, second half would have been ruined, players would be even more nervous asking for more cards. The way the match is going and flowing shows Irmatov was spot on! What an exciting match that would have turned into a depressing affair with less experienced and less competent refs.

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    15. I think Steve Smith is from England and loves Premier League astonished refereeing...it’s quite obvious ;)

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    16. Benoit, come off it ;) There are great blunders in Premier League (there were a lot this season) and I'm the first one to recognise that. But what does that have to do with what we saw tonight from Irmatov? It was tops. Extremely difficult match with feisty and virulent players, brilliantly managed by Irmatov.

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  51. Ugliest half and worst ref at this WC so far for me. Allowing this aggresive style from the start ruined the game, players seem to be more interested hitting their oponents rather than actually playing. I cannot understand how can FIFA appoint for such a big game a ref who uses to whistle Neftchi Fergana or Sogdiana Jizzax.

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    1. This is his 10th World Cup for him... Whoever might be your favourite ref is definitely not as experienced!

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    2. 10th WC, wow, he looks good for someone who should be 80 yrs old

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  52. Irmatov is always the same, flat, without fancy. It seems to me that he has little enthusiasm. He didn't grow up. It's like 8 years ago, always the same. Even his hairdresser is always the same. I don't see him for the final.

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    1. How can the hairdresser part be applicable in a discussion in refereeing?? That's a laughable thing to say!

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  53. The yellow given imo should have been red. The missed one in my opinion is a high yellow. I really like Irmatov, I liked his approach and thought it was similar to the approach of Faghani. (Not to give cheap fouls and let the boys play physical football). But the players in Faghanis game accepted it and played football. In this game, the players are taking advantage of it and for sure Irmatov has missed a lot.

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  54. OK, correct YC for Mercado on 50'.

    Let's go, Ravshan!

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  55. Dinally yellow shown to Argentinian player.

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  56. Wow, what a foul. Swung his leg on almost knee so that he would hit the player, even though he tried to jump over the challenge. Relieved he gave YC.

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  57. I think nobody mentioned it yet but Rebic was already sent off by Irmatov in 2014 against Mexico. That was in the final stages of the game.

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    Replies
    1. Yep, a challenge with the studs, close to the recent one but a little upper and frontal.

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  58. OMG. This remembers me to Karius.

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  59. OMG what was that? What a mistake by the goalkeeper... Now I expect an even tougher game and even more physical play. Irmatov has to be alert!

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    Replies
    1. Where is Dybala? He could bring some new ideas and make things easier for Messi...

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  60. In terms of level of football and quality of players, let me say again, this World Cup seems to be the worst ever...

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    1. I must disagree. I think it is much better then 2010 South Africa

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    2. That was most boring group stage football i have ever seen

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    3. Considering how few goals we have seen and how they got scored - own goals, errors, deflections, set pieces, I'm inclined to agree with Chefren.
      2010 wasn't that good, but at least I have some positive memories.

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    4. Well that is mater of taste for everyone. Per example, i really enjoy watching this match unlike most people here:D

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    5. Agree, Filip. This was an exciting match and Irmatov played a big part in that.

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    6. Definitely and the game was exciting after the break.

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  61. I am just wondering what had happened if "good old" Lopez-Nieto would have been in charge of the match. A colourful card-massacre.

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  62. YC for Mandzukic seems a bit like a joke compared to other fouls, but I hope he remembered the stomp from the 1st half and therefore gave it for the sum of fouls.

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  63. 65 min. Vida played the ball. Last ball contact Perez. So no corner. Well done by AR.

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  64. One more YC. He seem to understand...

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  65. Replies
    1. Maybe I was too early... Another YC missed in 69‘ for my taste.

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    2. And another. Rakitic and Masherano had to be booked.

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  66. Mascherano and Rakitić lucky not to see YCs. Vrsaljko booked instead.

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  67. 70th min. No YC for simulation CRO.

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  68. Leo Messi cant get YC obviously :(

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  69. This no caution policy is ridiculous. Messi's reaction at 73'is a definite yellow.

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  70. Crosscheck Ottamendi against Rakitic. Is this still football? At least dark YC, may be RC.

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  71. I'm just not impressed by Irmatov today

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  72. Messi reaction was a clear YC. We must blame FIFA for that, not referees. It is the same FIFA that wants to allow everything.
    Shocking.

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    Replies
    1. Irmatov is being more lineant than other refs let's just be honest here!

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    2. I am sure you are right. Even Brych or Cakir or Ricci try the soft way first, but then act consequently and clear.

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    3. Let me say that it is much easier to blame FIFA for a weak performance than blaming the referee himself. He is responsible for the game and he should know what to do. Even if there was a directive by FIFA saying that the referees should be managers, this does not mean that they have to keep the cards in the pocket for everything. I‘m sure Brych would not have hesitated to be stricter and probably he will show that tomorrow if it‘s necessary.
      Now a mass confrontation. Let’s be honest - this is the result of the leniency in the first half.

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    4. LOL Irmatov is to blame for the fact that Argentinians can't keep his cool? OMG. Again, LEARN how to control a quite demanding match, preserving the game. Brych would have ruined the most exciting match of the tournament.

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    5. You have personal agenda against Brych?? How is Brych's name even coming here??

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    6. Soham, simple. Read Ref_1707's comment :)

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  73. This is really a basic mistake. Messi plays on, not really fair, but okay - but than Irmatov stops the game. Makes some kind of sense. Players are angry, walk towards each other, and Irmatov just runs away to the injured player! That player has been there for a minute. Call for help, and stay with the players. If something in your back happens, you've got a big problem.

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  74. Tactical foul after 2nd try successfull. No YC. Ridiculous!

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  75. 2:0 The first big favourite's fall? Nextone maybe Saturday ...

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  76. If this match ends with 4 YCs and Mascherano and Rakitić uncarded, it would be utterly ridiculous. Sorry.

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  77. Modrić probably save the day for Irmatov.

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  78. This confrontation was just the consequence of such disciplinary control. I'm really sorry to say that, but players feel they can do everything.

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    Replies
    1. This is was only because of the result of the game and frustration by Argentinians, nothing else

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  79. Mass confrontation, Irmatov isolates and issues YC for Otamendi.

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  80. Not really. When Argentinians loose they get even more aggressive. Remember WC 2006 Germany...

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  81. by far worst officiating Ive seen in quite some time.

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  82. For me this was VC from Otamendi. A clear deliberate action.

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  83. Shooting is a players face from 30 cm distance after the whistle isn’t a red card for VAR? Clear red.

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  84. Not fair to other teams and future opponents of CRO and ARG not to giving cards. Its gift for them.

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    Replies
    1. So true...Is this fair for Island and Nigeria? Not at all.

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  85. Another Argentinian stamp and YC. Frustration.

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  86. 11 YCs now. The logical outcome of much too long laissez-fair instead of taking control of the game and it's rules. Irmatov should be sent home.

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    1. 11? Did I miss something?

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    2. I guess, Andrasch watches ZDF where the commentator mentioned that number. ;-)

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    3. Don't believe Bela... ;)

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    4. Philipp, you should never, never believe him. Just don‘t :-)

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    5. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  87. Now I understand why Argentina vetoed Irmatov in 2014. He really brings bad luck to them. :)

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  88. Bold prediction: Faghani to have the final?

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    Replies
    1. Perhaps he could be a candidate if Ricci and Pitana are unavailable due a south american team.

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    2. UEFA names are also candidates as always!

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    3. I guess Pitana will be a candidate, If you know what I mean...

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    4. That's not really a bold prediction anymore. It was between Irmatov and him as the best ref in asia and Irmatov has just played himself right out of contention.

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  89. Oh COME ON!

    Fifa doesn’t want this!
    In the other matches it didn’t happen...
    Simply Irmatov doesn’t know what refereeing means!!!

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  90. Nestor Pitana must be smirking in a corner :D

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    1. Looks like it's between Pitana, Faghani, maybe Ricci if Brazil falters, and a lot of the UEFA refs (Kuipers, Cakir, Brych, maybe Skomina, etc)

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    2. You simply can't compare these two matches. Pitana's match was from different galaxy compared to Irmatov's

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  91. In my view, the weakest performance so far. This dirty play was a result of the lenient first half. Match control was not given, at least not at every time. I‘m sure Irmatov will get a second chance, but after a performance like this he should not be a candidate for the final - just my opinion.

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  92. At the beginning of my referee career many years ago, a mentor said: ”most spectators find it entertaining when referees allow borderline tackles and some even enjoy illegal tackles. But. Football is entartaining thanks to speed and technically skilled players. Stopping them illegaly lowers the entertainment value. Never forget protecting the skilled players.” I still try to follow that advice.

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  93. Following today's result, tomorrow Conger will have a more than decisive game, also for Argentina, in his hands. For sure, the appointment of the OFC crew becomes very, very important.

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  94. IMO Irmatov don't deserve second game. This was simply the worst performance so far. He made so many mistakes:
    detecting fouls bad, card management bad, player management bad, acceptance bad. he was really, really bad tonight.

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  95. Very disappointing from Irmatov. Question for Chefren or Soham. Will he get a chance at another group stage match? If he gets one and improves, will he go further?

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  96. Eduardo Iturralde González, on COPE: "VAR, 10 points on penalties, but 0 in red cards."

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  97. I know that i will be most hated man here probably after saying this. But i must say, although i would also like a couple of more cards were given, in my taste this was quite good performance by Irmatov. A game that was edgy from the start, Irmatov took very risky aproach of not issuing cards but still managed to make things not to go over the top. It was tense all time but nothing big happened in terms of losing control of the game. Only confrotation that happened near the end of the game was result of frustration of Argentinian players becuse of the result of the game. So considering the importance of the game and heated mentality of both teams, in my opinion this was quite good performance by Irmatov

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    1. I agree with you, you're not mistake hunter as some people here. Good Irmatov IMO, story about missed cards becomes boring.

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    2. Totally agreed, Filip. Some here seem to like to level criticism at some referees just for the fun of it or because they like some drama-filled evenings. We should criticize referees when their decisions influence negatively the outcome of the matches, especially when VAR system is in place and can right the wrongs. That was far, too far from happening today. Irmatov did very well in what was possibly the trickiest duel yet (even more challenging than POR-MOR, which is not easy).

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    3. To be honest, Irmarov did miss some cards, disciplinary control was weak, but overall control, IMO very good. 8/10 referees would end this match with at least 3,4 red cards. I agree, card is a card, not showing one is mistake, no doubt, but except disciplinary control, I think Irmatov wqs good. He will surley get second match, probably next one will be in KO faze.

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  98. 7 YCs and at least no major injury or crucial mistakes. That's the good site. I wonder how many cards we would have had with a more strict line: A dozen? How many Reds? Doesn't matter now.

    But: I hope whoever is in charge of referees takes this for what it was: A warning shot that too much leniency does not improve the game, quite the opposite.

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  99. I agree with Filip Vickovic. No crucial mistake, good performance from ARs. Irmatov was able to manage the match until the end, also using few cards. Probably he could show much YCs, but in this case we would have had 4/5 RCs.

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