Thursday 13 June 2019

Claudia Umpiérrez (URU) to kick off 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup

Uruguay's Claudia Umpiérrez has been appointed by FIFA to officiate the opener of 2019 Women's World Cup, between France and South Korea, to be played in Paris on 7 June.

Match 1 (Paris)
7 June 2019, 21:00 CET
France - South Korea
Referee: Claudia Umpiérrez (URU)
Assistant Referee 1: Luciana Mascaraña (URU)
Assistant Referee 2: Monica Amboya (ECU)
Fourth Official: Melissa Borjas (HON)
Video Assistant Referee: Mauro Vigliano (ARG)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Jose Maria Sánchez Martínez (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Felisha Mariscal (USA)
Reserve Assistant Referee: Mariana de Almeida (ARG)

Match 2 (Reims)
8 June 2019, 21:00 CET
Norway - Nigeria
Referee: Kate Jacewicz (AUS)
Assistant Referee 1: Kathryn Nesbitt (USA)
Assistant Referee 2: Chantal Boudreau (CAN)
Fourth Official: Casey Relbelt (AUS)
Fifth Official: Maiko Hagio (JPN)
Video Assistant Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Mohammed Mohammed (UAE)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Sian Massey (ENG)

Match 3 (Rennes)
8 June 2019, 15:00 CET
Germany - China PR
Referee: Marie-Soleil Beaudoin (CAN)
Assistant Referee 1: Princess Brown (JAM)
Assistant Referee 2: Steohanie-Dale Yee Sing (JAM)
Fourth Official: Lucila Venegas (MEX)
Fifth Official: Mayte Chavez (MEX)
Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Sarah Jones (NZL)

Match 4 (Le Havre)
8 June 2019, 18:00 CET
Spain - South Africa
Referee: Maria Carvajal (CHI)
Assistant Referee 1: Leslie Vasquez (CHI)
Assistant Referee 2: Loreto Toloza (CHI)
Fourth Official: Laura Fortunato (ARG)
Fifth Official: Mary Blanco (COL)
Video Assistant Referee: Mauro Vigliano (ARG)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Tiago Martins (POR)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Mariana de Almeida (ARG)

Match 5 (Valenciennes)
9 June 2019, 13:00 CET
Australia - Italy
Referee: Melissa Borjas (HON)
Assistant Referee 1: Shirley Perello (HON)
Assistant Referee 2: Felisha Mariscal (USA)
Fourth Official: Ekaterina Koroleva (USA)
Fifth Official: Enedina Caudillo (MEX)
Video Assistant Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Jose Maria Sanchez (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Luciana Mascaraña (URU)

Match 6 (Grenoble)
9 June 2019, 15:30 CET
Brazil - Jamaica
Referee: Riem Hussein (GER)
Assistant Referee 1: Kylie Cockburn (SCO)
Assistant Referee 2:Mihaela Tepusa (ROU)
Fourth Official: Kateryna Monzul ( UKR )
Fifth Official: Petruta Iugulescu (ROU)
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert (GER )
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Sascha Stegemann (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Maryna Striletska (UKR)

Match 7 (Nice)
9 June 2019, 18:00 CET
England - Scotland
Referee: Jana Adámková (CZE)
Assistant Referee 1:Lucie Ratajova (CZE)
Assistant Referee 2: Maria Sukenikova (SVK)
Fourth Official: Anastasia Pustovoytova (RUS)
Fifth Official: Sanja Rodak (CRO)
Video Assistant Referee: Felix Zwayer (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Pawel Gil (POL)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2:Ekaterina Kurochkina (RUS)

Match 8 (Paris)
10 June 2019, 18:00 CET
Argentina - Japan
Referee: Stéphanie Frappart (FRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Manuela Nicolosi (FRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Michelle O'Neill (IRL)
Fourth Official: Anna-Marie Keighley (NZL)
Fifth Official: Sarah Jones (NZL)
Video Assistant Referee: Clément Turpin (FRA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Carlos del Cerro Grande (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Kathryn Nesbitt (USA)

Match 9 (Montpellier)
10 June 2019, 21:00 CET
Canada - Cameroon
Referee: Ri Hyang-ok (PRK)
Assistant Referee 1: Hong Kum-nyo (PRK)
Assistant Referee 2:Kim Kyoung-min (KOR)
Fourth Official: Qin Liang ( CHN)
Fifth Official: Lee Suel Gi (KOR)
Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Mohammed Mohammed (UAE)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2:Sian Massey (ENG)

Match 10 (Le Havre)
11 June 2019, 15:00 CET
New Zealand - Netherlands
Referee: Edina Alves Batista (BRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Neuza Back (BRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Tatiane Sacilotti (BRA)
Fourth Official: Maria Carvajal (CHI)
Fifth Official: Monica Amboya (ECU)
Video Assistant Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Tiago Martins (POR)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Felisha Mariscal (USA)

Match 11 (Reims)
11 June 2019, 21:00 CET
United States - Thailand
Referee: Laura Fortunato (ARG)
Assistant Referee 1: Mariana Almeida (ARG)
Assistant Referee 2: Mary Blanco (COL)
Fourth Official: Claudia Umpierrez (URU)
Fifth Official: Luciana Mascaraña (URU)
Video Assistant Referee: Mauro Vigliano (ARG)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Jose Maria Sanchez (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2:Sarah Jones (NZL)

Match 12 (Rennes)
11 June 2019, 18:00 CET
Chile - Sweden
Referee: Lucila Venegas (MEX)
Assistant Referee 1: Mayte Chavez (MEX)
Assistant Referee 2: Enedina Caudillo (MEX)
Fourth Official: Marie-Soleil Beaudoin (CAN)
Fifth Official: Princess Brown (JAM)
Video Assistant Referee: Christopher Beath (AUS)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Mohammed Mohammed (UAE)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2:Kylie Cockburn (SCO)

Match 13 (Nice)
12 June 2019, 21:00 CET
France - Norway
Referee: Bibiana Steinhaus (GER)
Assistant Referee 1: Katrin Rafalski (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Chrysoula Kourompylia (GRE)
Fourth Official: Riem Hussein (GER)
Fifth Official: Lisa Rashid (ENG)
Video Assistant Referee: Felix Zwayer (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Sascha Stegemann (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2:Chantal Boudreau (CAN)

Match 14 (Grenoble)
12 June 2019, 15:00 CET
Nigeria - South Korea
Referee: Anastasia Pustovoitova (RUS)
Assistant Referee 1: Ekaterina Kurochkina (RUS)
Assistant Referee 2: Petruta Claudia Iugulescu (ROU)
Fourth Official: Ekaterina Koroleva (USA)
Fifth Official: Julia Magnusson (SWE)
Video Assistant Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Leslie Vazquez (CHI)

Match 15 (Valenciennes)
12 June 2019, 18:00 CET
Germany - Spain
Referee: Kateryna Monzul (UKR)
Assistant Referee 1: Maryna Striletska (UKR)
Assistant Referee 2: Oleksandra Ardasheva (UKR)
Fourth Official: Sandra Braz (POR)
Fifth Official: Mihaela Tepusa (ROU)
Video Assistant Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Pawel Gil (POL)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Michelle O'Neill (IRL)

Match 16 (Paris)
13 June 2019, 21:00 CET
South Africa - China 
Referee: Katalin Kulcsar (HUN)
Assistant Referee 1: Katalin Torok (HUN)
Assistant Referee 2: Sanja Rodak (CRO)
Fourth Official: Jana Adamkova (CZE)
Fifth Official: Stephanie-Dale Yee Sing (JAM)
Video Assistant Referee: Christopher Beath (AUS)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Mohammed Mohammed (UAE)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2:Manuela Nicolosi (FRA)

Match 17 (Montpellier)
13 June 2019, 18:00 CET
Australia - Brazil
Referee: Esther Staubli (SUI)
Assistant Referee 1: Sian Massey (ENG)
Assistant Referee 2: Susanne Kung (SUI)
Fourth Official: Stephanie Frappart (FRA)
Fifth Official: Lidwine Rakotozafinoro (MAD)
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Sascha Stegemann (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Lucie Ratajova (CZE)

Match 18 (Reims)
14 June 2019, 18:00 CET
Jamaica - Italy
Refereee: Anna-Marie Keighley (NZL)
Assistant Referee 1: Sarah Jones (NZL)
Assistant Referee 2: Maria Salamasina (SAM)
Fourth Official: Claudio Umpiérrez (URU)
Fifth Officil: Monica Amboya (ECU)
Video Assistant Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Paweł Gil (POL)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Chrysoula Kourompylia (GRE)

Match 19 (Le Havre)
14 June 2019, 21:00 CET
England - Argentina
Referee: Liang Qin (CHN)
Assistant Referee 1: Yan Fang (CHN)
Assistant Referee 2: Kyoung Min Kim (KOR)
Fourth Official: Hyang Ok Ri (PRK)
Fifth Official: Kum Hyo Hong (PRK)
Video Assistant Referee: Felix Zwayer (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Sascha Stegemann (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Katrin Rafalski (GER)

Match 20 (Rennes)
14 June 2019, 15:00 CET
Japan - Scotland
Referee: Lidya Tafesse Abebe (ETH)
Assistant Referee 1: Mary Njoroge (KEN)
Assistant Referee 2: Queency Victoire (MRI)
Fourth Official: Gladys Lengwe (ZAM)
Fifth Official: Princesss Brown (JAM)
Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Drew Fischer (CAN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Oleksandra Ardaševa (UKR)

187 comments:

  1. Some upsetting news about Carol Anne Chenard, who was one of the referees that was in line to potentially get the WWC opener.

    https://montrealgazette.com/sports/soccer/canadian-referee-carol-anne-chenard-diagnosed-with-breast-cancer-and-is-out-of-world-cup/wcm/7195c93b-ed38-492e-b57a-b3060c6b3334

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    1. This is one of the worst news ever. Wish her a speedy recovery

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    2. Very shocking. I'm really touched by this news, luckily I read: "the breast cancer was diagnosed quite early, so we are very, very, very confident that she will recover soon and she will be with us in the near future again."
      That's what we as blog strongly hope!

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    3. That's the moment when you realize that life can hit you hard at any f***ing time. :( I'm wishing her all the best and all the strength to overcome that illness and I hope that she will recover as soon as possible!

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    4. So will she be replaced by another "deserving" CONCACAF referee to be with her assigned AR's? Or maybe by a "deserving" referee from another country to work with her AR's? Or will FIFA just move forward with 1 less main referee?

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    5. As there are only 8 CONCACAF ARs, I could imagine that one referee (Beaudoin?) was only planned as reserve/4th official and will now be used also as main referee (with Chenard's planned ARs).

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    6. My best wishes to Carol Anne; this is her most important match to manage. She will win and come back !!!!! Best wishes

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  2. There is an article on fifa web page that sais that Carol Anne Chenard and Yongmei Cui will miss the world cup for health reasons. The first one for already mentioned breast cancer and Cui due to heart problems. I wish them both full.and quick recovery.

    https://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/news/two-referees-selected-for-the-fifa-womens-world-cup-france-2019-pull-out

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    1. There is also an answer on replacement:

      The two officials will not be replaced. Chenard’s two assistant referees, Chantal Boudreau and Kathryn Nesbitt, will be in France and will feature regularly in matches.

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  3. France - South Korea

    Referee: Claudia UMPIERREZ (URU)
    Assistant Referee 1: Luciana MASCARANA (URU)
    Assistant Referee 2: Monica AMBOYA (ECU)
    Fourth Official: Melissa BORJAS (HON)
    Video Assistant Referee: Mauro VIGLIANO (ARG)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez (ESP)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Felisha Mariscal (USA)

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    Replies
    1. Reserve Assistant Referee: Mariana de Almeida (ARG)

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    2. Where can I find full appointments?

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    3. So far only the first one has been published. I think tomorrow (06/06) we will have the appointments for Saturday.

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  4. Germany - China

    Referee: Marie-Soleil Beaudoin (CAN)
    Assistant Referee 1: Princess Brown (JAM)
    Assistant Referee 2: Steohanie-Dale Yee Sing (JAM)
    Fourth Official: Lucila Venegas (MEX)
    Fifth Official: Mayte Chavez (MEX)
    Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Sarah Jones (NZL)

    Spain - South Africa

    Referee: Maria Carvajal (CHI)
    Assistant Referee 1: Leslie Vasquez (CHI)
    Assistant Referee 2: Loreto Toloza (CHI)
    Fourth Official: Laura Fortunato (ARG)
    Fifth Official: Mary Blanco (COL)
    Video Assistant Referee: Mauro Vigiano (ARG)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Tiago Martins (POR)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Mariana de Almeida (ARG)

    Norway - Nigeria

    Referee: Kate Jacewicz (AUS)
    Assistant Referee 1: Kathryn Nesbitt (USA)
    Assistant Referee 2: Chantal Boudreau (CAN)
    Fourth Official: Casey Relbelt (AUS)
    Fifth Official: Maiko Hagio (JPN)
    Video Assistant Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Mohammed Mohammed (UAE)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Lucie Ratajova (CZE)

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    1. It's ridiculous how the FIFA Ref Comm freely mix matches referee trios in women's competitions. Something that could easily lead to mistakes and a dysfunctional operation by the trio. You would never see this type of mix match with men's referee trios in men's competitions.

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    2. I guess in Women's FIFA competition is not that easy to form a proper trio like in men's UEFA competitions we are used to.

      Unfortunately this has 2002 vibes, at least I expected some 'confederation uniformity', but maybe e.g. it's better for Jacewicz to have a full English-speaking crew appointing her with American and Canadian ARs instead of Korean or Japanese ARs.

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    3. I am happy to see that there is somebody else on this blog that remembers the 2002 World Cup. It was a refereeing disaster! If I am not wrong, it was the last time the FIFA Ref Comm used mixed trios.

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  5. First VAR intervention at Women's World Cup: disallowed goal for offside. Very tight.

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  6. Very tight indeed. Two inches offside

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  7. One technical mistake by Claudia today. That s if the new law changes are in play. A ball touched her and gave possession to Korea who went on a dangerous counter attack

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  8. Missed YC at 80' for a stamp, otherwise good!

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  9. OT:
    Other than the keeper now only being required to have 1 foot on the goal line at the time the ball is kicked. Are there any other changes that IFAB made i regards to penalty kicks for 2019/2020?

    I am hearing about a certain specific change from fellow referee's. But it's a change that I haven't seen written about elsewhere.

    Thanks in advance for any and all info.

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  10. Thank you AHMED ADERDOUR it is a big help, you can continue to post full appointments there, very appreciated. Meanwhile, I delete your previous comments!

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  11. Correct YC by Marie-Soleil Beaudoin in 12'.

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    Replies
    1. With tendency towards SFP...
      But YC ist acceptable

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  12. Who is your referee analyst for the TV broadcaster that you're watching. I dare to say, that the US Spanish language TV broadcaster has a better Referee Analyst than yours. Lol ;)

    3 Time World Cup Referee: Marco Antonio Rodriguez (MEX)

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  13. The only very small detail that I noticed is that on one occasion she prevented Spain from executing a "quick kick". She stepped in a forced Spain to execute a "ceremonial restart". As referee's we shouldn't further punish the fouled team by taking away their opportunity to a quick restart. Very minor detail. But as you say, she has indeed been "solid".

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  14. Correct PK call. South African player enlarges herself.

    Funny thing is that Marco Antonio Rodriguez (MEX) the referee analyst here. Says "penalty" verbally on the broadcast even before Carvajal had the opportunity to blow her whistle. The man was a great referee and he still has it ;)

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  15. Correct penalty by Maria Carvajal to Spain (clear deliberate handball, unnatural arm position). A few minutes before that, a silent check for another possible penalty, referee was supported there, not a clear mistake. Overall a good impression by the referee from Chile.

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  16. Excellent offside call right now by AR1 disallowing 2-1 by Spain.
    Not easy, well seen. Very good performance so far.

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  17. 74th minute
    Goal correctly disallowed for offside. Great eye by AR1

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  18. Replies
    1. Sorry Maria and Mauro, that is anything but a penalty. Wrong decision decides the match

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    2. Care to elaborate on why you feel why it was wrong?

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  19. PK, 2nd Caution, Red Card

    She planted her studs in the thigh of the Spanish player

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  20. Does anyone think that referees are stricter on the women's side and that YC would perhaps not always be given on the men's side? Women sometimes don't play as physical as men, so the referee might be stricter because otherwise they wouldn't be blowing their whistles that much. I say this as both a women's and men's referee. Of course, it's possible that I'm just being sexist ; )

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    1. I don't know what you are saying but that should be Red. Just like Mike Dean gave Jamie Vardy once in EPl

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    2. Here's video:

      https://streamable.com/3twjh

      This isn't planting the studs into the thigh of the opponent. This is clearing a ball, starting to fall backward, and then the opponent running into the foot.

      I struggle to find this a penalty kick, but I can understand the argument that the defender has to be more careful about clearing the ball (though, I don't know how she'd clear it without kicking it...)

      I struggle far more trying to figure out how this is a caution to the defender.

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    3. Well, if it is a foul, there are good arguments for calling it reckless (or even SFP).
      But I also rather agree with your assessment, that it was legal play by the defender. Quite unusual to see a penalty for something like that.
      At least, I don't see how it is a clear and obvious mistake. And Carvajal seemed to have a good view on it, therefore hardly a missed incident.

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  21. That should be SFP. What do you guys think

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    Replies
    1. Upon seeing the replay. Marco Antonio Rodriguez (MEX) said "penalty and red card". So yeah it very well could have be a straight red card

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  22. The reckless and irresponsible style of play by the South African player led to that. A style of play that I see is common among most CAF teams and all age levels.

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    1. Indeed, South Africa played roughly all game long and they paid that with this penalty. In first half there was a terrible off-the-ball incident caused by a very rude movement which would have resulted in a possible SFP if referee had assessed it as foul.

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    2. This comment is quite reckless and irresponsible. That was a foul that can occur in any team and all ages

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    3. To clarify that my answer was related only about this game, first sentence of the comment by Sheriff.

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    4. I am not basing my comment on that one foul. I am basing it of an entire body of work.

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    5. Chefren I wasn't referring to you. I was referring to sheriff

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    6. If it makes you feel any better. I have the same opinion of Caribbean teams here in CONCACAF.

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    7. No need it doesn't help. When you explained yourself above I understood. African teams are very physical I thought you said that based only on that foul incident

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    8. Physical play is one thing. And there are physical teams throughout the world. I'm talking more about careless and reckless style of play. But I honestly don't think that the South African women were acting maliciously. They're possibly just very inexperienced. But certain actions endanger the safety of their opponents.

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  23. With her studs up following through on the kick, is it her momentum that takes her into the Spanish player, or is it the Spanish player's momentum that takes her into the studs? That would be the deciding factor for me. On the reply, it looks like the South African player was actually falling backwards. But I would have to see it again in slow motion to be really be able to tell.

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  24. Now South Africa Gk made penalty against a teammate :) Well, I'm really sorry because basically the African team had even the chance to win, but they paid for blatant errors, missing in experience and carefulness.

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    1. Yes. This is thier very first world cup

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  25. Football is actually at forefront of all sports with VAR, as it is using real time instant replay without stopping the action, whereas other sports use it while play is stopped.

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    1. And in those other sports at times they still can't get it right Lol

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    2. Well said. You don't need to adopt other sports style of play.

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    3. What I would like world football to adopt from those other sports is the level of transparency that those other sports have in regards to their officials and the calls made by those officials.

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    4. We don't see that happening anytime soon. They are so secretive with thier referees

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  26. Spain v Germany should be a good game. Germany needs to step up it's play somewhat if it wants to win the cup.

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  27. See you gentlemen in about 50 minutes.

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  28. First YC by Jacewicz - maybe a bit harsh but OK. Reckless arm. Replay was not clear, it looked more careless, but I can be wrong.

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  29. Gol by Norway after a touch by arm by a player from Nigeria. Of course advantage in any case, but if deliberate then I think after the goal scored referee could have issued YC (failed attempt to DOGSO). However, nobody will care about that. I think it was not intentional.
    Another note, it seems as Sian Massey is in VAR room, and not Lucie Ratajova.

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    Replies
    1. I also noticed the change in the VAR room.

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  30. Second yellow card of the game given after attacking free kick.

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  31. 9' in AUS - ITA: offside flag by AR2 to disallow a goal scored by Italy. Very good application of delayed flag for VAR analysis.
    The review is very long.

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    Replies
    1. Assistant referee's decision confirmed. Excellent call there.

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    2. Review was too long for an offside. It needs to be much faster. Interestingly the pictures of the VAR room seemed to show them reviewing the potential foul on ITA as the goal was scored.

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    3. When situations are so tight, the analysis of position is very long, it is the same here in Italy, I was told that this depends on the software, they can't do quicker than that.

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    4. Thanks for explanation. Hopefully the software improves in future to help the VAR team.

      Good penalty in 22' for AUS. Ref doing well, good acceptance from players so far.

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    5. Maybe it is also a reason, that the offside VARs (i.e. the female AR specialists) don't have much experience in that role.

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  32. Penalty to Australia, brave call by Melissa Borjas for a clear holding.

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  33. I don't understand why there was only 2 minutes added on. VAR check took at least 2 minutes if not more and there was an injury that took another 2 minutes. Plus a penalty in there as well.

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  34. Italy are delaying every free kick by standing in front of the ball. They've now been warned multiple times by the referee. But when will the yellow card come out?

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  35. In 49' an interesting situation, I think a possible RC for SFP, but at least YC missed by Borjas, she didn't whistle at all for a clear foul. Player from Italy was injured. Due to the flow of play, it was howevwer difficult to catch the foul live.

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    Replies
    1. Looked like a clear yellow missed to me.

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  36. 68' VAR check for a possible penalty for deliberate handball.
    Play was allowed to continue.
    A few later, clear YC correctly issued by Borjas.

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  37. VAR check for possible handball. VAR delayed for awhile but did not call OFR.

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  38. Melissa Borjas is very strict with cards.

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    Replies
    1. Well, now while I was writing possible second YC (77'), it was not given, player had been booked one minute before...

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    2. That'll be her last chance I think. Anything else and she's probably gone.

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  39. This is a very challenging game for CONCACAF trio, now correctly disallowed goal by AR1, however I think a few seconds ago another offside call by the same AR was maybe wrong.

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  40. I would love to know the foul count at the end of this game. So many whistles. Probably one of the most stop/start games I've seen in a long time.

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    Replies
    1. Fouls: 39 (20-19)
      Offsides: 12 (4-8)

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    2. Thanks Chefren. As I suspected. Very stop/start.

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  41. A certain attitude by Australian players to win easy penalties by falling down too easily in these last minutes of the game, Melissa Borjas was not deceived. Not enough maybe for a simulation but classic situations in which a player tries to get whistle by using contact with opponent.

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  42. I know this has been raised before but this match, Australia v Italy has really highlighted the dangers of the delayed flag procedure for offsides in the VAR era. There were so many in this match that not only made situations dangerous for players but there were also delayed restarts where it would be better to play on or play advantage.
    I think the ARs in this game maybe took the instruction too literally as they delayed for every offside, not just close ones. There were several unecessary delays for clear cut offsides.

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    Replies
    1. Good observation, indeed there were situations in which offside was very clear. I think both assistant referees did that just to avoid mistakes in any case, but can we really blame them? A mistake without the chance to be corrected can be crucial.

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    2. Agree Chefren.

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    3. I don't blame them at all but I think it is something that needs to be revisited. In the interest of player safety at the very least.

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  43. Jamaica #18 appears to be wearing earrings. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot! Does FIFA choose not to enforce its laws, i.e. no jewelry for players or officials?

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    Replies
    1. Look carefully. They're small square bits of tape. Possibly over a large earring hole or something.

      Delete
  44. Didn't much like Adamkova today. She allows and overly physical atyle of match to develop because of her unwillingness to call fouls that she deems minor or non existent. Too often she was signaling or telling players to "get up".

    After Scotland was able to cut the lead to 2-1 late in the match. She failed to realize that the Scottish players were going to go into the net to retrieve the ball as they were a goal behind and wanted play to restart quickly. Sure enough 2 Scottish players go into the net and have a minor tussle with an English player who is holding on to the ball. Adamkova finally arrives, but instead of securing the ball and her taking it back to midfield. She allows the English player to continue holding the ball as that player yells, "it's our ball, it's our ball".

    I don't know about any of you here. But that is not how I've been instructed to handle those situations.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Predictions MD2
    NGA-KOR: Braz (POR), Rashid (ENG), Iugulescu (ROU), Adamnkova (CZE) - Martins (POR), Valeri (ITA), Ratajova (CZE)
    FRA-NOR: Steinhaus, Rafalski (both GER), Kourompylia (GRE), Lengwe (ZAM) - Zwayer, Dankert (both GER), Kwimbira (MWI)
    GER-ESP: Monzul, Ardasheva, Striletska (all UKR), Pustovoytova (RUS) - Gil (POL), Irrati (ITA), Magnusson (SWE)
    RSA-CHN: Koroleva (USA), Teshirogi (JPN), Lee (KOR), Borjas (HON) - Fischer (CAN), Turpin (FRA), Perello (HON)
    AUS-BRA: Staubli, Kung (both SUI), Massey (ENG), Keighley (NZL) - Makkelie (NED), Mohammed (UAE), Salamasina (SAM)
    JAM-ITA: Mukansanga (RWA), Rakotozafinoro (MAD), Victoire (MRI), Umpierrez (URU) - Martins (POR), Sanchez (ESP), Amboya (ECU)
    JPN-SCO: Lengwe (ZAM), Kwimbira (MWI), Njoroge (KEN), Abebe (ETH) - Mohamed (UAE), Stegemann (GER), Mascarana (URU)
    ENG-ARG: Qin, Fang (both CHN), Hong (PRK), Reibelt - Beath (both AUS), Dankert (GER), Boudreau (CAN)
    NED-CMR: Yamashita, Bozono, Hagio (all JPN), Jacewicz (AUS) - Dankert (GER), del Cerro Grande (ESP), Nesbitt (USA)
    CAN-NZL: Kulcsar, Török (both HUN), Magnusson (SWE), Frappart (FRA) - Gil (POL), Vigliano (ARG), Nicolosi (FRA)
    USA-CHI: Pustovoytova, Kurochkina (both RUS), Rodak (CRO), Qin (CHN) - Irrati (ITA), Mohammed (UAE), Fang (CHN)
    SWE-THA: Keighley, Jones (both NZL), Salamasina (SAM), Reibelt (AUS) - Makkelie (NED), Martins (POR), Hong (PRK)

    ReplyDelete
  46. There should be a special attention toward illegal use of arms in this tournament, right now a correct YC by Frappart for this reason, the second YC fo the game. Previous one had been a correct decision as well.
    Not so challenging first half, expected level for the French. Game was not so nice to be watched.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Technically this was a very poor game by both teams.
      In second half just another YC and nothing more.

      Delete
  47. 38th minute
    Caution shown to Cameroonian player. Based on the type of foul. The height of where impact was made. And the fact that it was studs into mid/high shin area. Could have very easily been a Red Card

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ri was in my opinion still OK in first half but not full expected level. The incident you mentioned is a reson (possible RC) and she also missed a pair of fouls here and there. Overall, not big troubles, but the performance sounds less good than it could have been with more attention by referee.

      Delete
    2. She seemed nervous and uncertain early on in the half. She wasn't her usual calm and collected self. We all know that she's massively experienced. Maybe just first game jitters got to her.

      Delete
    3. Second half was better in my opinion for Asian trio. A YC for reckless use of arm, as we already saw in some previous games (I think this can be a specific instruction by Collina to all referees). However, also this game, definitely nothing special.

      Delete
  48. So dar, women show more personality than men ( Under 20 world cup )

    ReplyDelete
  49. Australia - Brazil

    Referee: Esther STAUBLI (SUI)
    Assistant Referee 1: Sian MASSEY (ENG)
    Assistant Referee 2: Susanne Küng (SUI)
    Fourth Official: Stéphanie FRAPPART (FRA)
    Fifth Official:
    Video Assistant Referee: Bastian DANKERT (GER)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1:
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2:

    South Africa - China

    Referee: Katalin KULCSAR (HUN)
    Assistant Referee 1: Katalin TOROK (HUN)
    Assistant Referee 2: Sanja RODAK (CRO)
    Fourth Official: Jana ADAMKOVA (CZE)
    Fifth Official:
    Video Assistant Referee: Christopher BEATH (AUS)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1:
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2:

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 17 matches, no CAF officials at all, not even as fourth or AVAR, if I'm not wrong. Definitely strange. Maybe Italy - Jamaica will be the right name? In case, Philipp S. would be right there :)

      Delete
    2. Also Fischer is still missing completely.
      5 UEFA referees (+10 ARs, 4 4ths and 4 VARs) for the 5 first matches on MD2...

      Delete
  50. Chile - Sweden suspended for heavy rain, to be honest I saw worse weather conditions and games were allowed to go on, but I like this decision because first thing is to assure players safety.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Commentator on my broadcast said it was because of the lightning and thunder not just the rain.

      Delete
  51. Correct offside call by AR1 in USA - Thailand to disallow 1-0.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very true. Not on the initial cross but on the second US touch (header) once the Thai GK was off her line. Excellent concentration and focus by AR1

      Delete
  52. Didn't see it on the original play, but in the replay the U.S. player slides studs up after getting the ball first into the ankle of the Thai player. Yellow card was warranted in my opinion.

    ReplyDelete
  53. 23': no penalty, silent check by VAR, I agree that this is not a clear and obvious mistake.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. As most on here like to and tend to say, "not enough there". I'll add that the US player embellished and made a meal of what little there was there.

      Delete
  54. 45'+2 another borderline situation in penalty area, this time I think more penalty than the previous one (23'). Maybe Laura Fortunato relying too much on VAR instead of taking clear decisions, but still OK so far.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Weak performance so far, rather indecisive. This scene - IMHO - was a rather clear penalty. OFR was neeeded.

      Delete
    2. Clear penalty that one.

      Delete
  55. What a complete and utter lack of common sense and situational awareness. The match is 12-0 and in their vast wisdom decide to add 3 minutes?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Because of that it became 13-0. You know people are betting on certain results and the only right thing for a referee is to add the time that's needed so they won't get in those troubles.

      Delete
    2. Why is it "right"? And who is going to get in trouble? I don't understand your comment Victor.

      Delete
    3. I don't understand your comment, Sheriff. The LotG do not state and have never stated that additional time can be not given just because of a huge result in the game. Hwo knows, maybe that one goal scored in additional time will decide which team qualifies for play-off. If the laws state that additional time must be added, it must be added despite of what the result is. Strange opinion here by you, Sheriff.

      Delete
    4. Quite strange coming from one who vastly hoods on to the laws of the game. She must be professional and add the necessary time. With your statement I can say you won't give a clear penalty because the team is leading 13- 0. It doesn't matter what the score is she must do the right thing simple

      Delete
    5. Yeah, I totally agree Chiagozie.

      Delete
    6. Quite strange coming from one who vastly hoods on to the laws of the game. She must be professional and add the necessary time. With your statement I can say you won't give a clear penalty because the team is leading 13- 0. It doesn't matter what the score is she must do the right thing simple

      Delete
  56. RANKING OF PORTUGUESE REFEREES

    1. Jorge Sousa, 8.944

    2. João Pinheiro, 8.912

    3. Rui Costa 8.824

    4. Nuno Almeida, 8.820

    5. Tiago Martins, 8.815

    6. Artur Soares Dias, 8.811

    7. Luís Godinho, 8.790

    8. Manuel Mota, 8.785

    9. André Narciso, 8.762

    10. Cláudio Pereira, 8.758

    11. Manuel Oliveira, 8.756

    12. Hugo Miguel, 8.751

    13. Fábio Veríssimo, 8.731

    14. Hélder Malheiro, 8.730

    15. António Nobre, 8.712

    16. Carlos Xistra, 8.705

    17. Rui Oliveira, 8.700

    18. Vítor Ferreira, 8.696

    19. João Capela, 8.687

    20. João Malheiro Pinto, 8.663

    ReplyDelete
  57. Which is the consequence of this ranking ? Demotion for the latest spots ?

    ReplyDelete
  58. Japan - Scotland

    Referee: Lidya Tafesse Abebe (ETH)
    Assistant Referee 1: Mary Njoroge (KEN)
    Assistant Referee 2: Queency Victoire (MRI)
    Fourth Official: Gladys Lengwe (ZAM)
    Fifth Official: Princesss Brown (JAM)
    Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Drew Fischer (CAN)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Oleksandra Ardaševa (UKR)

    ReplyDelete
  59. Jamaica - Italy

    Refereee: Anna-Marie Keighley (NZL)
    Assistant Referee 1: Sarah Jones (NZL)
    Assistant Referee 2: Maria Salamasina (SAM)
    Fourth Official: Claudio Umpiérrez (URU)
    Fifth Officil: Monica Amboya (ECU)
    Video Assistant Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Paweł Gil (POL)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Chrysoula Kourompylia (GRE)

    England - China

    Referee: Liang Qin (CHN)
    Assistant Referee 1: Yan Fang (CHN)
    Assistant Referee 2: Kyoung Min Kim (KOR)
    Fourth Official: Hyang Ok Ri (PRK)
    Fifth Official: Kum Hyo Hong (PRK)
    Video Assistant Referee: Felix Zwayer (GER)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Sascha Stegemann (GER)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Katrin Rafalski (GER)

    ReplyDelete
  60. Any info about Pustovoitova game?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Scrappy affair, quite a lot of fouls. I would have preferred picking one or two players out and giving a card in the first half to put a stop to it.

      3 YCs: Pretty obvious dive, reckless arm use and a very nasty late stamp.

      The big talking point was the 1-0 by Nigeria. Long ball from the midfield, Korean defender tries to clear, but mishits it towards her own goal. Nigerian attacker comes close with an outstretched hand, ball ends up in the back of the net. The following 3 minute wait brought no OFR.

      The decision has been heavily criticized on TV, but as no replay for me prooved that there was indeed a touch by the Nigerian player, not having an OFR is supportable. Of course, the entire scene isn't gonna help and there will be even more discussions...

      Also, only two minutes of added time in the first half, should have been at least four.

      So overall, I was not very convinced by the performance, although it wasn't bad. Slightly below expected level.

      Delete
    2. Thank you so much! I will check highlights soon!

      Delete
    3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XQGawByKgE
      Very interesting, if there is a touch, handball would be a very deliberate one, but indeed there isn't any proof there, so for this reason VAR supported referee. The behavior of Nigerian player stays as very unsporting, but as long as you can't be sure that ball was touched....

      Delete
  61. Big miss by Monzul and AR1: YC for stamp was mandatory here (28').

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now (49') offside by AR1_ wrong. It was a head by defender, missed cooperation referee - AR1. I think Monzul should have spotted that. In case of goal, VAR would have intervened. This was a mandatory teamwork because referee could see.

      Delete
  62. Replies
    1. Never seen Monzul so bad as today, such a lot of mistakes.......

      Delete
    2. Are we thinking DOGSO there?

      Delete
    3. 100% foul on the goalkeeper missed in the 84th minute.

      Delete
  63. Just wondering that myself. Couldn't see in the replay.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Let's see whether Bibiana will issue a RC for SFP now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YC... as it happened in Spain- South Africa (first ball, then opponent).

      Delete
    2. No RC (YC only), but penalty.

      Delete
    3. I think that hitting ball at first is used as argument for YC instead of possible RC, but this can't be always true. When the challenge is so dangerous for opponent's safety, like this one... RC is justified, despite of having clearly hit the ball before.

      Delete
    4. I must say it was a pretty blatant mistake by Bibiana not to spot this huge penalty. It was very obvious, she should have seen that.

      Delete
    5. I don't think so. It looked like she was playing the ball and nobody complained. Not easy to see in my opinion.

      Delete
    6. The French player actually goes into the challenge 2 footed first, so for me it should have been a foul for Norway

      Delete
    7. Clear penalty....good Steinhaus today, good VAR in this game.

      Delete
    8. It's a clear penalty to me too. The defender touches the ball slightly but it doesn't matter. The attacker didn't hit her and the foot came from the side, no studs. Defender made the error. Never take a risk like that with an opponent near.

      Delete
    9. I think the contact also wasn't with full force or connection which is why I would say yellow is ok.

      Delete
    10. Her not whistling that PK herself without VAR help is unacceptable. Unlike the Spain - South Africa incident. Steinhaus had a great angle and a clear line of sight to the play. That ever so slight touch on the ball does not make it okay for the Norway player to stamp her studs into the French players knee.

      Delete
  65. For me the best game in the tournament so far with a very good referee and VAR.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I disagree. IMHO, I've always thought that she was overrated. For some time now she's been on a downward slide. Other UEFA referee's have definitely surpassed her in regards to quality performances.

      Delete
    2. I have to be honest, I really cannot understand the purpose of comments in this format.
      I'll quote your comment.

      I disagree [you haven't illustrated why you thought the performance was not "very good", replying to the initial comment]. IMHO, I've always thought that she was overrated [why? which matches did she fail in? what can she improve on?]. For some time now she's been on a downward slide [again, no data to support your hypothesis. when did this start? what started going wrong in her matches?]. Other UEFA referee's have definitely surpassed her in regards to quality performances [who?].

      Conclusion: your comment has no value, and formulates part of a wider approach to act as an agitator on the blog, not trying to increase the level of debate, but instead to suffocate it.

      Delete
    3. Great comment, Mikael W! Steinhaus was really good yesterday, for me one of the best performances so far.

      Delete
    4. Mikael you need not worry with sheriff as long as you are not praising one of Concafa referee you are in the wrong. Babiana steinhaus have been the best referee for years now both officially and unofficially and with his remark that other UEFA ref has surpassed her. Thats a lie it's just she has officiated everything to officiate having officiated the world cup final in 2011. A massive achievement to still appear at the world cup

      Delete
    5. Thank you, Mikael! I generally really enjoy reading your contributions here at the blog, but this one really stood out to me. To be honest, as a frequent reader, I have been getting increasingly tired of how some users (yes, I am talking about you Sheriff), constantly sours the debate climate in close to every post. IMO, it has gone over the top, and it is absolutely fair to call it trolling. I fear that these contentless and constantly negative posts actually contribute to keeping the analytic posts away from the blog.

      My hope is that contentless and souring posts will be harder moderated, to keep a certain (human) level to the interactions in the debate here.

      Lastly, I want to thank you for your constant contributions here Mikael, I really enjoy reading your excellent reports and analyses. I genuinely hope that you continue to make your contributions here, they are really appriciated.

      Delete
  66. Andy Madley and Peter Bankes have been promoted to Select Group 1 and therefore become regular PL referees from now on.

    Your thoughts?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When should we expect the official info about referee changes in Primera División, Serie A and Bundesliga?

      Delete
    2. LaLiga: Last week of June.

      Delete
    3. Both deserved IMO, however Madley in particular should have been promoted 2 seasons earlier. No demotions despite Mason and Hooper having dreadful seasons in particular, so I would have liked to have seen Robinson and R Jones promoted too as they are far better referees than Hooper and Mason.

      Delete
  67. 26' penalty to Brazil by Staubli, correct decision. VAR confirmed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren the VAR missed a clear handball of the Brasil striker just before the PK was awarded. On German TV they showed the handball and it was clear. Unfortunately the VAR missed this incident which has a big impact on the score.

      Delete
    2. I didn't watch this handball, I wait for some videos.

      Delete
    3. If there was a handling by Brasil prior to the PK call. It goes against the spirit of the game and the new interpretation of handling. Not to mention that it would have shown inconsistency. As earlier in the match handling was called in a similar incident.

      Delete
  68. Extremely challenging first 25 mins for Esther Staubli. Tough challenges, penalty situations. I think supportable decision to give penalty for Brasil. I think the first yellow was a litte bit harsh, but I can see the reason why Staubli gave it.

    ReplyDelete
  69. 63' Missed YC for holding in SPA?

    ReplyDelete
  70. Now a very, very interesting decision about offside and I'm waiting for VAR.
    For me not punishable offside. I think Staubli will be called to rewatch the incident and then goal will be allowed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just as you expected Chefren. :) Good decision in the end.

      Delete
  71. So your conclusion is that the second defender who was hindered by the in offside standing attacker (physical contact), had not an impact for her to play or having the opportunity to play the ball? With other words, if the attacker was not there, wouldn't she had the chance to arrive to the ball and defend it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In my opinion there wasn't any influence by player in offside who challenged another defender but the latter was far from the ball. Without this situation, the same things would have happened regarding the goal scored. It looks quite clear to me. However, I want to underline a fact: as I noticed also in some reviews made in serie A and also in FIFA tournaments, very often referee from the pitch talks and share opinions with VAR. The latter shouldn't intervene in the decision making but my idea is that most of the times they explain their point of view and referee from the pitch is convinced. This shouldn't happen, I know that this is difficult, but from the room they should be more "neutral" as possible, just saying (if we want to make an example for this situation), there is a possible offside, please analyze whether in you opinion is punishable or not. That's all. I don't like that referee and VAR act like a team, they should be on two different levels, despite of the fact that VAR must help referee, in case of clear mistakes.

      Delete
    2. Why does the Brasilian player play the ball in that manner? Could it possibly be because she is well aware of the fact that the Aussie player is behind her? The position of the Aussie (clearly offside) player directly influences how the Brasilian player reacts to that play. And that to me is enough to call the offside.

      Delete
    3. With this argument Sheriff this is also offside to you. And any case where there is a deliberate play with an opponent near without breaking any of the law 11 statements.
      https://vimeo.com/254343152

      Delete
    4. The two incidents are not the same. Apples and oranges TBH. So no I would not judge both in the same manner.

      Delete
  72. interfering with an opponent by:

    preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or

    challenging an opponent for the ball or

    clearly attempting to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent or

    making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Remove the Aussie player (who is clearly offside) and the Brasilian does not play the ball in that manner.

      Delete
  73. There didn't see to be enough contact for second yellow card on Brazil. And third yellow didn't seem to even be close to being warranted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Earlier in the match there was an exact same play where an Aussie player slips and completely takes out a Brasilian player. Staubli didn't even whistle for a foul. But in this case it's a foul and a caution. Disciplinary line?

      Delete
  74. In my opinion, one of the most important things that helps referees is watching good referees. When a referee makes a decision that seems completely unwarranted, perhaps it indicates that they don't watch as many matches as others do.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Replies
    1. Clear PK missed.

      Delete
    2. I'm okay with Staubli missing it. It's one of those "blind side" of the referee incidents. As the holding starts before the referee begins to turn her attention towards the penalty as she's following the ball that is crossed. But for VAR not to intervene is unacceptable. The Aussie player clearly wrestles the Brasilian player to the ground. It reminds me of Switzerland v Serbia with Brych. The fact that another Brasilian player was able to head the ball IMO should not influence whether a PK is called or not. As the foul occurred in the general vicinity of where the ball was going to end up. And the Brasilian player was unfairly kept from making a play on the ball.

      Delete
  76. Good expected performance and level by Katalin Kulcsar in a rather uneventful match.

    ReplyDelete
  77. OT: The communication system are hideously huge. It's 2019 and they still haven't managed to create communication systems that won't cover a referees entire arms. Looks like they are carrying bags on their arms. The sleeves are too short.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They do exist. I've used some that when worn under the uniform are very inconspicuous.

      Delete
  78. This really is similar to the offside situation. The defender clearly only plays the ball because an attacker is near. But the attacker has not commited an offence. The defender can not complain to the ref. https://vimeo.com/254343152

    ReplyDelete
  79. Excuse me, but where i can find information about referees appointments on Japan J League1?

    ReplyDelete