Tuesday 26 June 2018

2018 FIFA World Cup Match 39: Nigeria - Argentina (discussion)

Let's discuss here the performance of  Cüneyt Çakır in Nigeria - Argentina. Good luck to the officiating team! 
Match #39
Saint Petersburg, 26 June 2018 20:00 CET
Nigeria - Argentina
Referee: Cüneyt Çakır (TUR)
Assistant Referee 1: Bahattin Duran (TUR)
Assistant Referee 2: Tarik Ongun (TUR)
Fourth Official: Björn Kuipers (NED)
Fifth Official: Sander van Roekel (NED)
VAR: Daniele Orsato (ITA)
AVAR1: Pawel Gil (POL)
AVAR 2: Pawel Sokolnicki (POL)
AVAR 3: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)

192 comments:

  1. That's a sharp looking Lotto brand referee kit. Is that what is used in the Turkish League's?

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    1. Isn't it a great kit?

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    2. Certainly better than the rubbish Adidas issued to the referee's at this World Cup. But then again, no referee kits will ever be better or more eye catching than those worn in USA 1994.

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    3. The 2016 Adidas kit is pretty good in quality terms.

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  2. Çakir and Kuipers. Hugh expectations. Hugh stakes. Both compete for the final. One of them will get it (no screw up in the way there)...

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  3. Typical Cakir. 7th min calm but intense warning instead of possible YC after foul Obi Mikel ag. Messi

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    1. It is rather Wc 2018 disciplinary standars. Not Cakir'S Personal initiative as far as I understood from the tournament in general.

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    2. Even in CL that is his typical style. Like Kuipers, too. But if needed, he can change that completely.

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  4. 32' correct YC by Cakir, SPA, no DOGSO. Very firm and determined.
    A very good impression so far from the Turkish, who looks to be the old one we know.

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    1. Old Cakir is back Chefren. The good old Cakir is here. Walking towards the final.

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  5. Replies
    1. Sheriff you are just disgusting 😂😂😂

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    2. I wasn't sure if you spoke Hindi or Punjabi. So I to do both. Thanks Google Translate! :D

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    3. Hindi is my 3rd language so I know it well... Punjabi I don't know :D

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  6. 32'
    I am okay with only Yellow.
    2nd Nigerian defender closing down on the play and close enough to be considered part of the play.

    If that 2nd Nigerian player was further away. No doubt that the color would have been different.

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  7. Clear YC Balogun after foul ag DiMaria in front of box. Can be happy one more defender besides him otherwise would have been RC.

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  8. Cakir giving warnings again. Match is heating up step ny step.

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  9. Seeing that possible foul on Victor Moses in the 37th minute which happened very near to AR1. I am reminded that so far I've seen very few AR's assist their center referee by calling fouls for them when they happen directly in front of them.

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  10. 44' : Was that a foul or just accidental?

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  11. To me it’s a missed IFK inside penalty area at 45’. Rojo takes the bal first but it’s a dangerous play

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    1. If was contact it’s can’t be IFK

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    2. The contact happen only after Rojo takes the ball

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    3. It’s doesn’t matter

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    4. I think it would be harsh because the ball is argentinian player's playing distance but the nigerian attacker is stepping towards his proximity

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  12. 44 min. Dangerous play ARG in their box. Very high leg. Must be Indirect free kick 6m distance. Missed by Cakir. First mistake.

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    1. It seemed dangerous play to me as well... Probably Cakir judged it as accidental!

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  13. And now (45+2) missed YC for Mercado

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    1. I thought a YC would be appropriate there too but no YC is okay as per guidelines!

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    2. I agree. It is not mandatory

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    3. As per WC guidelines, it’s not mandatory. It would have been a clear yellow in Italy

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    4. This is truly comical to me. Matches are lo linger being officated based on The Laws of the Game. We're now officiating based on Guidelines. Really?

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  14. 1st half Cakir clear, respected and absolutely sovereign. Only one mistake. He repeatedly cooled down the players successfully. Very well done!

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    1. Agree, a very good Cakir. Players respect him.

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  15. Has a replay of the Argentinian goal been shown from the offside camera angle??

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    1. ye it seems it was one of those camera

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    2. I'm really interested to see how tight onside that was??

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    3. He was well onside, from what i saw

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    4. Yes Soham, he was well onside. I’d say by three meters!

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  16. If this is PK, then Brych should be already home!

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    1. Cakir has been horribly mobbed... Sorry that's poor control!

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    2. Yes but absolutely correct non-intervention as never a 100% clear and obvious error!

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    3. Simply incredible what is PK for one ref, and foul from attacker for the other. And for VAR, too. Remember also what was not whistled for Kane against Tunisia. Clear wrestling.

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    4. Soham, where did you read that VAR intervene only when it is 100% clear and obvious error?

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    5. That's the protocal, my friend... If Orsato's perception would be that it's a clear mistake only then he will recommend an OFR to Cakir!

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    6. This game is a molten lava in your hand. this is not even a mob.

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    7. I think the body of the player conceals the holding infringment. Cakir's position is more than fine and decisively calls the PK.

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  17. By The Laws of the Game. Penalty!

    But where is the "consistency" at this World Cup?
    How many similar if not worse cases of this have we seen go uncalled?

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    1. It’s PK. Cakir clearly saw Mascherano’s left hand on the Nigerian player. VAR could not intervene here

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    2. I agree that's a PK.

      But as I said above. Where is the consistency on these type of plays? The only consistency I see is referee's consistently begging players to not wrestle on each and every set piece. But then never following though on their empty threats. If I am not mistaken. So far only 3 PK's have been whistled for this. Even though each and every set piece has defenders wrestling down attacking players. Consistency, where is it?

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  18. This is definitevely a soft penalty.
    In a match like this, you have to be 150% sure of the penalty...

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    1. Well he was 150% sure...just it was a soft one. Never a mistake.
      So now the game will be very heated!

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    2. Not at all. Clear holding and bringing him down!

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    3. I agree, NEVER a mistake but, to me, a penalty can’t be soft in such a game...

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  19. Wow. Surprise. PK for NIG quickly decided by Cakir after holding in the box. No VAR intervention. For me correct.

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    1. Correct what? VAR not intervention or PK?

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    2. Agree, even though the penalty is too soft IMO

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  20. Penalty given by Cakir - very debatable call. No OFR recommended by Orsato. This could have effects on further appointments for Cakir!

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    1. VAR couldn’t absolutely intervene here. There is a contact

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    2. Why should Orsato's call affect Cakir's appointments in any way??

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    3. I‘m referring to the penalty call. Very soft call for me. If Argentina was eliminated, there would be a big discussion - not something good for a referee.

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    4. If Argentina gets out of WC, the last man to blame is the ref...

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    5. Marco, you know how it is working nowadays. The penalty call was definitely soft, somehow supportable, but it will cause discussion in case of an elimination.

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    6. But the VAR? Argentina didn't get clear PK against Iceland, and now VAR didn't intervene, too. It is so soft call, very debatable, and also very important.

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    7. Come on, Teo. There’s no way VARcould intervene here. I don’t even think it’s a so soft call. Left hand is always holding NIG players shirt

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    8. But it should against Iceland. It was 100% PK.

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    9. @Ref_1707 if Busacca and the committee are not able to support a referee, they have to change work.

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    10. The call was not at all consistent with what has been allowed all tournament long. Only two other referee's have blown for these type of PK's. The Referee Committee preaches consistency among it's referee's. Yet in these type of incidents, there has been zero consistency. Either call all wrestling in the box or call none and let it all go.

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    11. I agree with the lack of consistency. But, to me, the bigger error is Brych’s not this penalty

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  21. Really soft PK, but, as it wasn't a 'clear and obvious error', therefore I think VAR reacted correctly. Holding existed...

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  22. Cakir was grossly mobbed by players for about 1 minute after the penalty award!

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    1. I don't see this heavy mobbing. This was nothing like that what Caceres faced yesterday. I think there was another conflict generating the confrontation after the first protests.

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    2. Whatever might be the conflict Cakir was heavily mobbed and came out quite well from it!

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    3. Come on. The normal discussion but nothing serious. that is normal and Cskir is way too cool and experienced to let him influence in any way.

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    4. Please, Soham, stop approving everything what Cakir do. He is not doing good job from 40th minute.

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    5. Where do you find me approving him?? He is overall steady but not a very polished stuff... The typical Cakir these days! There is nothing to approve or deny here!

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  23. The penalty that Liga referees never called to Mascherano.

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    1. The penalty that only two other referee's (Ricci & Roldan) have whistled for in all if the matches played so far. Pay no attention to the fact that attacking players have been literally wrestled to the ground time after time on set pieces. Where is the consistency?

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  24. Well Brych should be smiling right now :D

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    1. different approach on holding in the penalty area :D

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    2. Absolutely zero consistency in regards to these type of plays. Attacking players get wrestled down on each and every set piece. Yet if I'm not wrong, only 3 PK's have been whistled. (Ricci, Roldan, and Cakir). The rest warn, beg, plead players to be nice. Yet none follow through.

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    3. Brych must be rather worried more about his lack of a 2nd Group stage game!

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    4. I am afraid that is true. The ref of the year 2017. That would be nothing but a scandal. But we all do not know if Brych himself wants to continue after what happened in darknet.

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  25. Players are well aware that cautions are not forthcoming for “trivial” offences such as dissent, delaying the restart and time wasting. Every penalty kick we are seeing the same reaction, over zealous questioning of decisions, kicking the ball from the penalty mark, intentionally re entering the penalty area to delay the kick. It’s farcical and as I’ve said before, an absolutely terrible image for the game.

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  26. 55 min.mandat.YC Tagliafico after his ellbow hitting NIG player.
    Missed by Cakir!

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  27. Cakir not as consistent as 1st half. He seems to be losing his line a bit...

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    1. Perhaps losing his line, but he will not lose control tonight. I think he knows exactly what to do. And the match is more difficult in 2nd half.

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    2. Typical Cakir of these days... Not very polished stuff but overall very steady and in control... Completely satisfactory in the bigger picture!

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    3. I think this is one of the hardest game until now. His first match also hard in terms of man management.

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  28. 9 refs and no one see lots of blood on his face...5mins

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  29. No way it’s a PK. Hope he won’t assign it

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    1. Correct to avoid the PK. But let me say that I’m really hating the way players ask for VAR intervention

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    2. Agree: totally unacceptable!!!

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  30. Replies
    1. Thanks, Mr.Cakir for not giving this penalty. Not a punishable handball - no need for an OFR. Yesterday, Cáceres should have done the same.

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  31. Seems to be good decision by Cakir. No PK for NIG after VAR.

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  32. I liked so much that Cakir explained very clearly to Nigeria's players the reasons of his choice, but players were too aggressive and Cakir had to book at least one of them. It was mobbing against the referee.

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  33. There it is again, the most over used and non respected hand gesture of this tournament. "Calm down, calm down". Geez!

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    1. Indeed, it doesn't work. Referees try to use it, but...players have different ideas.

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    2. In Italy VAR reduced protests by players. At this WC we are watching too many players mobbing refs. And refs not Booking them

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    3. How many times have we seen players make the VAR gesture or point to the screen at midfield? And yet none of them have been cautioned. Even though FIFA itself said that these type of dissent would bring cautions. I say it again, "where is the consitency?"

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  34. Ahaaaa, what now??? VAR only intervene when 100% mistake??? YOU NOW SAW THAT IT IS NOT THE CASE!
    This is never penalty!

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    1. Cakir clearly missed the situation so the review was called for!

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    2. Oh don't tell me! Read your previous posts!

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    3. Teo, it was yesterday in Portugal v Iran however. Again I say, "where is the consistency?"

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    4. IMO Cakir saw the situation, but after VAR informed him he wanted to be sure about his decision. For me this is a logical procedure.

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    5. And moreover I said about perception... If Orsato thinks it's a 100% penalty, Orsato can intervene... Plus if Cakir himself asks for a review, there should be an OFR as well... I think VAR protocols aren't really clear to you!

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    6. I always wrote: VAR should invite the ref every time when is very suspicious. The ref himself should MAKE THE FINAL DECISION! I liked that the VAR called this time Cakir, even though this was NEVER A PENALTY. VAR had to do that many times before.

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    7. If any referee thinks it’s 100% PK, he had better read LoTG

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    8. @Teo Unfortuantely we may feel that is the right thing to do but I that isn't the protocol... So unless the VAR is 100% sure he won't intervene... Then VAR suggests an OFR but we have seen referees rejecting them so that's another problem!

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  35. Handball ARG? For me too soft for PK but Cakir rewatches. And says no. For me both decisions supportable but in doubt I folloe Cakir here.

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    1. It’s not a question of soft call: this is never penalty.
      Cause before the arm, the ball hits the head, since the player intentionnis to play the ball with his head...

      This is almost a Ruler in evaluating handballs...

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  36. Yesterday 2 handball penaltys which reinvent the LOTG but this one is no penalty... Is there an uniform line or something similiar in what referees + VAR are doing? Acceptable decision by Cakir, for me also no deliberate handball actually, but please compare this situation with the two yesterday...

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    1. Ok, but we must also say that regarding handballs, consistency is a dream and we will never find a compromise...

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    2. Football becomes so awful by the VAR. In every single situation a lot of players are complaining and claiming a review. Much more complaining than before.

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  37. Was this lay that different from yesterday's in Portugal v Iran? Lets's be honest gentlemen. :)

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    1. The only difference is that POR defender didn’t send the ball on his arm

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    2. Mascheranos face 1/4 covered in blood for 15mins??

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    3. For me it was correct decision today fron Cakir, the one of Caceres was wrong IMO.

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    4. I said yesterday - never penalty. Cakir wouldn't give it, I am sure.

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  38. And Cakir still calm and clear. Admirable!

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  39. Mascherano’s protests and Cakir’s (non) reaction are awful...

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    1. Yes. He should have booked Mascherano

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    2. It is not esy to brandish the f.. 2nd yellow card according to the guidelines. It think this part of it is a little bit annoying.

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  40. Mascherrano is going to hound, yell at, stalk, and chase Cakir for the rest of the game. Because he knows very well that the genius guidelines prevent Cakir fro showing him a much deserved 2nd caution and sending him off

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    1. You're right, would have been his second. He would have really deserved it.

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  41. Good performance by Cakir in a very challenging game, I would say.

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    1. i completely agree. One of the hardest games of the whole WC and he performed really well

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    2. He is always great.
      The yellow card after the advantage is a good one. These situations are always missed by other referees.

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    3. Good performance. Lack of YCs but we know these are the guidlines that I really don’t like.

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    4. *some of the other referees

      Don’t be exagerated...;)

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    5. Good, with many mistakes :-)
      When it is not good - one should say it. He was good in first 40 minutes, no more.
      What I find strange, rather unbelievable: Mascherano with flood on his face, bleeding al the way, running besides Cakir and talking to him (protesting), and Cakir doesn't see that amount of blood on his face...

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  42. Interesting situation. I think that before ARG 2-1 there was a penalty appeal without a stoppage in between. What if VAR had issued a review, and the penalty would have been a stonewall one?

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    1. VAR wouldn’t have intervened

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    2. Of course he should not have, then. But haven't the "pending VAR review" notification been shown already during play earlier in this world cup? I.e. before you know ARG will score as next stoppage...

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  43. Only 4 min.add.time? Should be more.

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  44. 4 minutes is too short. It should be 5 or 6.

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  45. Argentinas manager should have been ejected a long time ago.

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  46. YC for messi for delaying. Correct again.

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  47. I am very happy that Messi is in 1/8 finals.

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  48. Everything fine at the end - noone will care about the soft penalty call. To be honest, I am not a fan of Cakir, but it was a very convincing performance. I expect a game in R16 and - in case of a solid performance - a SF for him.

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    1. I think we will see him in QF ;)

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    2. We will see who is right :-)

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    3. I think at this point he's probably the frontrunner for the final. Faghani is up tomorrow though, we'll see if he can match Çakir.

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  49. One thing is for sure: Cakir is a very convincing candidate for possible HF or FIN after this very challenging game and his very good performance - highly respected by players of both sides as you could see in the end. Big compliment from my side.

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    1. Higlhy respected?
      Did you see the match?
      Bah...

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    2. He was everything, but not respected.

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    3. The level of "respect" that Mascherano was directing at Cakir all game long was certainly admirable. ;)

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  50. Solid performance by Çakir but not the most polished... But as always no problems whatsoever in the bigger picture... I predict a Quarter-final match next for Cakir! Well done overall!

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  51. Sometimes there are special LOTG in UEFA and FIFA football. How can Mascherano plays for more than 20min with a lot of blood in his face? How can Mascherano critize the referee for a lot of times, sometimes like Ballack, and nothing happens? How can there only be 4:25 additional time? How can there be a different assessment of the handball situations yesterday and tonight?

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    1. I thought added time was not adequate!

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    2. No opinions on the other issues Gitzlo brought up?

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  52. Argentina winning The game puts Çakır in contention for the final with today’s performance. Unless Argentina is in the final. Otherwise with a tie the RC will have supported his pk decision because they have been critized a lot for such decisions but he will not be in contention for the final. He would still get a knock out game.

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    1. I don't think there is any problem with Cakir's call and it's completely supportable irrespective of the final result?

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    2. Rizzoli had Nigeria vs Argentina in the group stage 2014 and then Argentina again in the final.

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    3. The problem isn't with Cakir's call. It's with numerous similar incidents that have gone uncalled. That's where the problem lies. Consistency!

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  53. Argentina -France
    Top clash for some top referee.

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    1. If they want to keep the confed neutrality, what about Geiger or Gassama?

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    2. The only worry I have about Geiger there is how his R16 Game with France in 2014 went. But yeah, him, Gassama, Shukralla, maybe Faghani all have to be candidates for this game, with the another one of those getting Uruguay-Portugal (probably not Geiger for that game)

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    3. Don’t we forget that a R16 like Germany-Brazil is likely to happen too!

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  54. Cakir put himself into final favourites.

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  55. Excellent Cakir. Superb.

    The best performance of the tournament on the most challenging match. The penalty is an excellent call and he correctly rejected NGA's penalty appeal.

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    1. There were lots of small things so I won't go with superb or excellent but surely very good... 8.3/8.4 will be my mark!

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  56. What about dissent management?

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    1. Unfortunately I think FIFA is rather pleased with his dissent (non-)management in this game.

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