Tuesday 6 July 2021

UEFA EURO 2020 Match 49: Italy - Spain (discussion)

Felix Brych with his fifth game at EURO 2020: the semifinal between Italy and Spain at Wembley. Let's comment here his performance. 


Semifinal
London, 6 July 2021 21:00 CET
ITALY - SPAIN
Referee: Felix Brych (GER)
Assistant Referee 1: Mark Borsch (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Stefan Lupp (GER)
Fourth Official: Sergei Karasev (RUS)
Fifth Official: Igor Demeshko (RUS) Maksim Gavrilin (RUS)
Video Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1:Christian Dingert (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Christian Gittelmann (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 3: Bastian Dankert (GER)
UEFA Referee Observer: Hugh Dallas (SCO)
UEFA Delegate: Myrsini Psarropoulou (GRE)

195 comments:

  1. Maksim Gavrilin (Russia) is the 5th official

    ReplyDelete
  2. What we witness tonight will be the last international match of one of the great referees of our time, deserving that we analyse his performance with the objectivity and respect every referee deserves. Brych is not responsible for the only really poor and scandalous performance of a referee at this EURO, which is the bad management of Mr. Rosetti and the bad game he played with a great, great referee - IMO the best ref of this tournament, Mr. Cakir who deserved much more than he got. But that's not Brych's fault. So let's be fair and hope with him for a great match and a referee's performance giving him a great goodbye from international matches.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed, but why would this be his final match? He's only 45 and surely would be part of the next World Cup next year, no?

      Delete
    2. It was reported that he had planned to retire after this EURO, the same for Kuipers, we will see which decision he will take after today. It can be indeed his last international match, in case.

      Delete
  3. Good luck to Felix Brych in his fifth game which is a new record for a referee at EURO. Hopefully everything will be fine. Looking forward to seeing an excellent match by the teams and the refereeing crew.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good luck to the referee team!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Correct offside call by AR1 - delayed for VAR. Offside was clear, he had to wait more because the action was a bit longer.
    Now another correct call by the same AR as well.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I hope Brych will not give a wrong corner kick :-).

    ReplyDelete
  7. 17' missed maybe YC, but imo, it would have been too soft.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No YC for me, warning is enough

      Delete
    2. When you don't show this card, you shouldn't be too surprised when the game gradually inflames.

      Delete
    3. IMO YC on this case will be extremely soft and I fully agree with Brych's decision

      Delete
  8. I'm sorry, but this is the third game I've seen Brych not give an obvious YC going back to last year's CL. Very very surprising.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is not mandatory

      Delete
    2. That was no reason for a YC. He issues YC for that and it sets precedence for every similar very soft foul. I think some here would give half the players silly YC's. lol

      Delete
    3. Completely agree

      Delete
    4. Surprisingly, the 2020/21 Laws of the Game at https://resources.fifa.com/image/upload/ifab-laws-of-the-game-2020-21.pdf?cloudid=d6g1medsi8jrrd3e4imp don't address holding that much, but read this passage related to temporary dismissals from page 31: *Some competitions may find it valuable to use temporary dismissals only for
      cautions (YCs) for offences relating to ‘inappropriate’ behaviour, e.g.
      • Simulation
      • Deliberately delaying the opposing team’s restart of the match
      • Dissent or verbal comments or gestures
      • Stopping or interfering with a promising attack by holding, pulling, pushing
      or handball.
      So when the Spanish player is advancing on the Italian penalty box, and the Italian player pulls him down while holding onto him, how can there be any question that it is not a YC? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

      Delete
    5. Typical game where you keep your YCs tight in your pocket until players really dont leave you any choice anymore. Excellent performance so far by brych, very alert and you can practically feel the concentration and focus he has.

      Delete
    6. I see from Drew Smith's comment that the Spanish player (Olmo) regained his feet, but I think his play had already been impeded by the hold at that point.

      Delete
    7. One Italian against the complete Spanisg deffence. So clearly no promising attack

      Delete
  9. Brych looks very alert so far in this big game. We should appreciate how consistently he has been able to handle so many big matches over the years.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great start from Brych - not giving soft fouls and especially that one for Dani Olmo and he got straight up and played on, Brych setting a good tone to the game

    ReplyDelete
  11. Apart from the possible YC you mentioned, very quite first 30 minutes of the game, just football. I think that Brych didn't want to book so early a player, nowadays SPA fouls are becoming a bit "subjective" if you understand what I mean. Should be analyzed the context as well... because by book this would have been yellow.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I think what Chefren mentions here is a good example for what sets excellent refs apart from merely good ones - if you play this match straight by the book, you will have three or four YCs before halftime, "painting yourself in a corner" for second half were it then becomes a card festival. Brych knows that and tries to keep YCs for the very last moment. Just now di Lorenzo got the very last warning, so you can expect a YC for whatever infringement happens next

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. +1 yes! Brych with full respect by players, perfect timing for warnings, very good communication, just two little mistakes in foul detection, good offside calls by team, in a very intensive game which is fully under Brych's control and still fair. Well done!

      Delete
  13. 35' possible YC for a late and reckless challenge, I think last warning by Brych, next will be card.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Agree. And you can see he is becoming a bit stronger with his warnings now. It may soon perhaps get to the point where the YC is needed.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I think this was an excellent example for the control brych has today. Other refs might have issued warnings after ten minutes, maybe a YC after twenty. In an so far very intense sf between Italy and Spain it takes him to 35 to issue a stark warning and players seem to accept him completely. So far...

    ReplyDelete
  16. I see an outstanding Brych today. Excellent foul detection and effective communication. Very well done! I expect a more challenging 2nd half and I hope Brych keep his great job

    ReplyDelete
  17. Barella now maybe first clear mistake by brych, seems he clearly played the ball first?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I thought so, too. And the Spanish player went down after feeling little contact to draw the foul call.

      Delete
    2. Yeah really looked like he just went down before he was actually touched.

      Delete
  18. Now an interesting foul whistled, player had played the ball by putting his foot between opponent's leg without contact, but after that, he slighty stepped on him (unavoidable contact). Whistling foul is supportable decision, but most people would have expected play on.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great Felix Brych so far! He is very concentrated and active. And also his AR with few good calls. In the tournament context, avoiding cards is expected...

    ReplyDelete
  20. Now 44' another possible YC according to Italian commentators, they still don't understand Brych approach! This was less YC in my opinion, than the previous one (17').

    ReplyDelete
  21. He missed a clear foul and stamp from Sergio Busquet on Emerson in a dangerous position

    ReplyDelete
  22. Commentator said, "That should really be a YC." I understand the idea of being lenient and saving your cards for when you really need them, but one can only bend the rules so far before it looks bad, imho.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Yes, reply shows nothing. As time passes in the 2nd half these passionate teams will likely push harder and take more chances, then Brych will be challenged.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was nothing, yes. In a tactical way, the whistle was very clever. Busquet's foul against Emerson a minute before was also nothing or soft and Brych knew that. So he decided to give the free kick tactically. But indeed, neither of them should have been a free kick.

      Delete
  24. Some players are starting to protest too much, I saw a player from Spain approaching Brych after final whistle, but then camera changed and I don't know what happened.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Italy No18 love complaining, but overall, excellent Brych so far and I am very happy to see his recovery!

      Delete
  25. Now not a good way to end a half, he should have allowed Spain's counter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don’t mind the decision by Brych. Time is up and there is no added time. Spain are in their own half and he’s whistling before the attacker beats the defender. No need to go out of his way to allow for that attack, time is up.

      Delete
    2. If yo look closely, Chiellini was about to win the ball there anyways and only stopped because he heard the whistle. No attacking chance there, nothing wrong with Brych’s choice.

      Delete
    3. "No attacking chance there" are you sure? Please, you need to get your eyes checked.

      Delete
  26. Great performance in 1st half. IMO, he should add one minute to avoid unnecessary dissent.

    ReplyDelete
  27. IMO Brych is excellent, almost perfect so far. The match is under his full control. He achieved that by not issuing YC where possible but no mandatory. Brillant foul detection and communication when game gets heated a little. Next bigger foul will get a card and everyone will understand it.

    ReplyDelete
  28. @ Mikael W,

    I think that the people commenting till now have watched a different game? I am curios to know your opinion about the first half.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Outstanding performance by brych today. After a lot of criticism for this appointment, I think he delivered a great example of how you keep such an intense match under control without ever being in the spotlight. I see how "purists" would certainly like to see several clear YCs given here, but Brych has a consistent approach and sticks to it. Still, I think its a typical situation where it will take him no more than ten minutes into 2nd half to issue a YC as a signal to all players.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Very challenging 1H for Felix Brych! Much to discuss but overall, good work IMO.

    ReplyDelete
  31. For tactical fouls, FIFA'S LAWS OF THE GAME at https://resources.fifa.com/image/upload/ifab-laws-of-the-game-2020-21.pdf?cloudid=d6g1medsi8jrrd3e4imp on p. 110 say, "Cautions for unsporting behaviour
    There are different circumstances when a player must be cautioned for
    unsporting behaviour, including if a player:
    • attempts to deceive the referee, e.g. by feigning injury or pretending to have
    been fouled (simulation)
    • changes places with the goalkeeper during play or without the referee’s
    permission (see Law 3)
    • commits in a reckless manner a direct free kick offence
    • handles the ball to interfere with or stop a promising attack
    • commits any other offence which interferes with or stops a promising attack,
    except where the referee awards a penalty kick for an offence which was an
    attempt to play the ball."
    I understand Byrch's lenient approach, but when he doesn't give YCs for tactical fouls, it actually encourages more of them and perhaps creates trouble for himself later in the game. Let's see if that is true in the second half. Personally, I prefer Cakir's by the book approach and use him as a model for my own refereeing.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Missed offside by AR1 on 45'

    ReplyDelete
  33. I also want to point out, Brych’s positioning has been very good I think. He is very close to every big decision.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Perfect performance of Brych. Well done, great job by comitee.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Perfect first half. Stems the histrionics almost immediately and refraining from using the caution, a tactic that aids this. I’d like to see him sweep up play a little more, due to the possession play of Spain - he is tending to get in the way as Busquets in particular is pivoting and seeking to switch the play. Other than that 👌

    ReplyDelete
  36. I agree, very good performance by Brych with some minor mistakes. I think it was wise to go for warnings. Now, there was one strong warning against Italy and one against Spain. Both fouls were not 100% clear YC, so he wanted to have a clear YC as first YC. I am sure we will see a YC for the next one.
    Until now, he is in full control and players accept him. Indeed, there were minor protests but teams are Spain and Italy... ;-). You could see that they were chatting friendly with Brych after half time whistle. I hope he continues like that. It could be a challenging second half.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Convincing performance by Brych IMO. Lenient approach to foul recognition, but he was consistent in his line, no problems. He missed out some possible YCs on purpose, I think that it contributed to the match well, but at least one of them was very borderline.
    I was again impressed by his game management/feeling (e. g. game became heated -> harsher warnings) and his high level of acceptance.

    ReplyDelete
  38. All players know how Brych refs a match so there should be few complaints.

    May have been a couple of reasons for YCs, but none of them threatened injuries for plays fouled, and none of them interfered with real opportunities for goals.

    Like others have said, Bryce might need to send a message fairly early in the second half when fouls fouls will be more aggressive as time gets closer to 90 minutes.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Time is over.. YC, foul + protest. I think he was booked for protest, it wasn't the first one, otherwise Brych wouldn't have shown it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well Sergio Busquets really worked for it: if he just accepted the PK without complaining...

      Delete
  40. Good YC 50', excellent card management by Brych

    ReplyDelete
  41. Yes. Now he must show that the warnings are over. Good YC.

    ReplyDelete
  42. First YC early in 2nd half; right on schedule. The message has been sent.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Now we can see that his lenient approach paid off. Great game and players don't complain after every soft touch

    ReplyDelete
  44. Not much I can say for that challenge in the 69’: it should have been a yellow card.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Gary Lineker: ”Love how the referees in this tournament have allowed the game to flow. They’re not giving free kicks every few seconds for the slightest contact like we see in the Premier League. The game is so much better for it.”

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And many people think, British referees would be the most lenient in the world...

      Delete
  46. This should be a new discussion post on this page. Jonas Eriksson basically said what we all know here but the public basically doesn't know. Translate it to your prefered language to read:

    https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/vAEvGB/skitig-politisk-och-falsk-varld

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eriksoon knows it all. Very well said.

      Delete
    2. First sentence: "Jonas Eriksson, 47, is pissed off."

      Delete
  47. 'only' 73 comments in Semi final match means that Brych has done an excellent job so far.
    10+ minutes to go.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. now it looks like it's 40 min to go :)

      Delete
  48. I agree... his best in a while. Game is enjoyable to watch, it flows, not many stoppages and the players are allowed to PLAY.

    Now we are tied. It could be a long evening!

    ReplyDelete
  49. phantastic match, phantastic referee

    ReplyDelete
  50. After the yellow card issued, all second half has been pure football so far,without any single polemic!
    That should be always...

    ReplyDelete
  51. Ita 5 entering the field with a bracelet, small moment of unawareness there

    ReplyDelete
  52. 87’ another potential yellow card here.

    We talk about the 50’ yellow card as a good tactical choice by Brych, but looking at the game as a whole, i have to be a bit critical about it because is the only inconsistency in an otherwise lenient approach.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alternatively, he could have decided to also sanction some other moments in this second half, like 69’ and 87’.

      Delete
  53. This missed YC the first and so far only substantial mistake. Brych brilliant so far. We will miss his natural authority and sensitive feeling for Match management.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brilliant?? Super easy match and there are at least two YCs missed.

      Delete
    2. Easy match? Really Funny! High-intensive SF…

      Delete
  54. Possible missed offside by AR2

    ReplyDelete
  55. Textbook decision on Chiellini.

    ReplyDelete
  56. No handball PK, no intention, perfect decision to play on.

    ReplyDelete
  57. For final, who does everyone think it will be: Kuipers or Cakir?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It should be Çakir, but it will be Kuipers, I think.

      Delete
    2. With the comitte. Never know. Vincic and Rapallini I think that are still in London.

      Delete
    3. Looks like Felix Brych is available on Sunday at 21:00 …

      Delete
    4. It's surely gonna be Kuipers with either Vincic or Karasev. ALthough I'm hearing rumours (emphasis on rumours!!) that it might be a different 'famous' referee as 4th official. We'll see...But Kuipers appointment is all but certain.

      Delete
    5. Kaisi, and why not Copa America? And the Wimbledon final, who knows.. it is not too far. And let's not forget we're talking about a referee who should be home based on performances.

      Delete
    6. Kuipers with FO Vincic. Ceferin's order.

      Delete
  58. It is unbelievable but Cakir, the best referee of the tournament, was sent home.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Outstanding performance so far by Brych. If it is true that it is his last game, I will miss him. Excellent referee, one of the best I've ever seen.

    ReplyDelete
  60. How does Brych's style compare to Kuipers? Does Kuipers have a similar high line?

    ReplyDelete
  61. "Outsanding performance" is laying it on thick. Surprisingly easy game but there are at least two YCs missed.

    ReplyDelete
  62. First serious error.. It was a free kick and YC for Garcia

    ReplyDelete
  63. Replies
    1. Absolutely. There's no way you can't see such obvious holding. Crucial mistake.

      Delete
    2. And of couse VAR should have intervened.

      Delete
  64. PK missed... foul on Eric garcia. Big, big mistake.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Very clear holding in the box, as isolated incident would have been 100% clear penalty. But in the context of the game...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can you link a video of this incident?

      Delete
    2. you are surely not wrong to give a penalty here. However if you do so, you will be murdered by every major newspaper tmrw for deciding the SF. In my view you don't whistle penalties in overtime in a SF unless you 100% have to do so. That's not the case here...

      Delete
    3. The gist is... it is 100% penalty. What is about context or being a SF? Laws of the game are not be applied in a EURO SF? It is obvious. And VAR is sleeping.

      Delete
    4. I'm curious to see a few replays as we saw only how it ended.

      Delete
    5. Agree with pele23. You don't want to decide a EURO SF with a penalty (which theoretically is more correct) in a situation where the ball isn't even near...

      Delete
    6. İt was clear a penalty and he didn't give it. This was a small thanks fır his appointment.

      Delete
    7. I have not seen the video yet, but I very much disagree with your philosophy, pele23. Fear of newspapers should not influence a referee’s decisions.

      Delete
    8. Player held was in no position to play the ball.

      Delete
    9. There is absolutely no way you can say it is not a PK. Holding is not allowed in football. If it happens inside the box, PK. It is crystal clear. Brych jus didn't have the courage to give it but it is 100% penalty. And Garcia complained about it.

      Delete
    10. Brych surely didn't see it, there were many players inside the box, this action was absolutely "hidden". Stuff for VAR, we can discuss only about VAR.

      Delete
    11. Chefre, if he didn't see it, he should have seen it (blatant holding). Otherwise no referees would ever commit any mistake. And games could be only officiated by VARs.

      Delete
  66. I think Spain won't let the blatant holding on Garcia go unnoticed. Obvious penalty kick. It could have been a game changer. We'll see.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, on the field they let it go unnoticed. I think, not even Garcia showed a single sign of complaint.
      Probably we would not discuss it without the director choosing exactly that replay.

      Delete
    2. He did complain. It is a crucial mistake indeed. Holding is more than obvious.

      Delete
    3. @ Philipp S It's exactly what i think

      Delete
  67. Even though England has more talent than I can remember them having in a long time, I thought it would be a tough game for them if they played Italy in the final. Now, I'm thinking Spain would be an even tougher game for them.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Match is getting much tougher to officiate. Brych has a great dealnof experience in situations like this.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Sorry Unknown, but from your comments here and under other topics, it is clear that you are trolling. No aim to give objective arguments, trying to scandalize everything. You should stop with that. If you have arguments, write them down. If not, let it be.

    Yes, there was some holding but not enough for a penalty. Not even the Spanish players were complaining, it would have been at least surprising to give a penalty for that. And I don't think it was a blatant holding. In German TV, it was not even mentioned. I was surprised about the YC not given in 87' but Brych shows only the absolutely necessary YCs for match control. Players accept that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ref 1707, I think that you are trolling now. The penalty is blatant and is a MAJOR mistake and the players DO COMPLAIN a lot but what else can they do? They are playing a semifinal of EC. And the acceptance of Brych is only here on the site. The players actually are disgusted by him and it is obvios.

      Delete
    2. Yes, I do have arguments. Eric Garcia is held inside the box. And some people here agree with me, including Chefren. So the roll and the blind fan here is you. You should know Brych almost never ends a match without a big mistake. It is happening again. And I'm not making up anything. You can't deny that blatant holding on Garcia. It did happen.

      Delete
    3. 3303, some folks here are so obsessed with praising Brych they simply try to rewrite reality. It is unfortunate for the referee but yeah, missed PK for holding on Garcia. Brych just wasn't brave enough to award Spain that clear PK:

      Delete
    4. I think,that hasn't saw it.So IMO,yes it was a mistake but more a mistake of the VAR

      Delete
    5. I think,that he hasn't saw it.So IMO,yes it was a mistake but more a mistake of the VAR

      Delete
  70. Unknown always trolls, sadly he woke up after 90 minutes because before that, this thread had great quality...

    Nobody can expect of a ref to go through 120 minutes without mistakes. However I doubt even spanish media will make a fuzz out of a maybe-maybe not penalty.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You canmot be taken seriously. Let's stick to facts. Stop covering it up. Talk about blatant holding on Garcia. What do you have to say about that?

      Delete
  71. Looks like Brych blind fans have to "swallow" a crucial mistake. It is what it is. You can't go around such obvious PK.

    ReplyDelete
  72. I didn't see the holding, but the English commentators didn't mention it and I think not calling it is in keeping with Brych's style, and I wouldn't have called it either if it had no bearing on play or no advantage was gained because too far away from the ball.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn't see it live and in the replay we saw only the last moments with the two players falling so nothing conclusive.

      Delete
  73. Brych is a good referee and he will be remembered as such. Unfortunately, we will also remember him as the referee that made some crucial decisions wrong and missed PKs.
    I wish him all the best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What? He has definitely not more missed PKs and wrong crucial decisions that others.

      Delete
    2. I am not comparing his achievements with any other referee, just stating the facts. And again, I wish him all the best.

      Delete
  74. Onto the penalties...

    ReplyDelete
  75. Sorry, I just can‘t stand people like unknown that think their personal opinion counts for everyone. Some people say this is a penalty, some not. But to call the people that defend Brych‘s decision (with valuable arguments!) blind or trying to „swallow a clear mistake“ is just unfair and wrong towards other commenters.

    ReplyDelete
  76. I know why there are 200+ comments under each comment section: Because their is the one and only "Unknown" who writes the same message twenty times, trying to provoke people. Maybe we can distribute 10 points for each comment without insulting people or referees.

    Speaking about the match, we can complain about UEFA (and there are strong arguments to do that) but they got what they wanted. A well led match that was not easy to handle. Good match control and acceptance, we can argue about one or two cards.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now, let's stick to facts. What about the holding on Garcia? Your thoughts? Sorry, but you can't go around that. Stop making comments on commentators.

      Delete
  77. What an actor Jordi Alba is.... Unbelievable

    ReplyDelete
  78. IMO very good display by Brych. The match was quite challenging (especially in terms of dynamics) and his approach was quite risky, but paid off as the match became very interesting. Good foul recognition throughout the match, not without mistakes, but very solid.
    Tactically, his choice of sanctions was very good and calmed down the match down, whenever it was needed.
    Supportable not to whistle a penalty for holding in ET.
    I would like to highlight the good performances of the ARs who were (very) challenged as well.

    ReplyDelete
  79. On the first kick, it looked like Unai Simon had one foot in front of the line and the other possibly behind the line, not in line with it…. I’d like to see the replay again but a huge mistake by Fritz potentially.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should reread Law 14, superstar:

      “ When the ball is kicked, the defending goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot touching, or in line with, the goal line.”

      Delete
    2. Doesn't matter, I think. The feet mustn't be in front of the line. That seems to be the approach by UEFA.

      Delete
    3. Flip, I refer you also to my above comment… Law 14 is very clear on this point.

      Delete
    4. smala017, you are correct in terms of wording of LotG. But, and I think UEFA applies that, we have to think about the sense of Law 14. The goalkeeper should not have an advantage because he leaves the line too early. In this case, it is easier to save a penalty kick because of the smaller distance to the player. However, if the foot is even behind the line, there is no advantage for the goalkeeper. So, there should not be a problem.

      But indeed, you have a point here. IFAB should clarify that.

      Delete
    5. Sure, the LOTG is clear - at that point, I think, what matters is the interpretation UEFA gave to the teams before the tournament.
      On principle, I agree with you. But I find that since the rewrite of 2015-16 (or whenever it was), IFAB prefers adjusting the interpretation of the text to what they intend, even if it goes against the letter of the Law. IMO, that's wrong, and I prefer a textualist approach - but that's not how the LOTG are seen these days, I think. So yeah, I'd agree with you - but I suspect IFAB would say 'the text is wrong'.

      Delete
    6. Well, if this was UEFA's decision, then I strongly condemn that. Their job is to interpret and enforce the Laws of the Game, not write their own. The IFAB must be the boss; the federations cannot decide they want to use their own version of the LOTG.

      As for the idea that the IFAB *actually* wants it called some way other than what the LOTG state, and simply wrote the law wrong by mistake, I find this idea completely nonsensical. The IFAB has had years to correct this wording if it was not what they wanted.

      The bottom line is, the LOTG objectively state that the goalkeeper must have a foot on or in line with the goal line at the moment of the kick. To decide not to enforce it (in such a crucial moment of the match/tournament!) should be a huge scandal, and it's a disservice to lower-level referees all around the world who are not privy to these secret and unsanctioned modifications to the rules.

      Delete
  80. I think Brych did just fine. Perhaps not PERFECT but when is it ever really so? Let the players decide it now.... with PK's. Not a referee decided outcome.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's not about deciding the outcome of the match. It is about applying the laws of the game. One could argue it is not an obvious foul, so the ref should not step in. I would totally agree with that in that scenario. Problem is the holding is obvious and quite blatant. In no circumstance play on is supportable according to LoTG.

      Delete
    2. The problem with these dituations is that you dont see the full scene. Im quite sure if we see the whole situion withun thr box you will also find a foul the other way round ;)

      Delete
    3. But it is, isn't it? Ref gives a PK, or a RC, or some decision that leads to a scoring event, it now is the only topic of discussion... period. This was a wonderful game... and the players "played" the final outcome themselves in the end. I understand your argument, I just prefer this outcome to a deciding event by a referee.

      Delete
    4. Replay is crystal clear. Garcia goes after the ball and is held. I don't see any fould from any Italian player. Classic PK.

      Delete
    5. From any Spanish player, rather.

      Delete
    6. Even if it is is clear holding (still haven't seen the replay) it was off ball and I don't want the match decided by such a penalty even if it is a 'clear' penalty by the book.
      This decision making btw is why Kuipers and Brych (and Cakir) have whistled Championchip finals and refs like Hategan (who is a classic by the book ref) doesn't.

      Delete
    7. Hategan is younger than them.

      Delete
  81. Good job by Brych. I respect him more after tonight.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Very good perf by Brych's team for this SF. Good appointment!

    ReplyDelete
  83. I agree with former FIFA ref Mark Halsey who called it "Another outstanding performance by Felix Brych".

    ReplyDelete
  84. Perfect Brych. Have a good night, passionate officiating fans. See you tomorrow 21:00 cet. Cheers.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Was ITA-ESP his last international match??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe he will be appointed also... for the final! Who knows what Ceferin, ermg Rosetti, could do.

      Delete
  86. Outstanding performance by Brych in maybe his last international match. He has found the ideal managenment for such a challenging intense match... high bar for cards... no VAR again. Players have decided the match not the ref. Very well done.

    ReplyDelete
  87. Great job by Brych, always a pleasure.

    ReplyDelete
  88. Let's hope Makkelie does as well and we have another entertaining game tomorrow. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  89. Great job by Brych. Maybe two YC suring the 1st half were missed by overall an very good performance

    ReplyDelete
  90. I am stunned that anyone can say that 98' is anything close to a penalty in ANY game (besides ET of a EURO SF). Moreno impedes Di Lorenzo (!), whom just wants to run backwards and can't, and then Garcia runs into the Italian defender. Never, ever a penalty!

    I don't see the same masterclass as some other users, but Brych certainly fulfilled the brief and refereed the very challenging match well. Full technical analysis tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. +1. Looking forward to the analysis post!

      Delete
    2. Clip of the 98' incident:

      https://streamable.com/ple59k


      > To respond to the comments above - this has nothing to do with big picture refereeing, not being enough for a big game because it is off the ball or anything - it would be simply totally wrong to call a penalty in this situation!

      You can very visibly see fanboyism on both sides of the divide (I simply cannot understand either; I love refereeing because I am NOT a fan, I want the 'refereeing spirit' to be the winner!).

      But to repeatedly pick out this situation, just in order to somehow discredit a referee, is just pathetic.

      Delete
    3. Thank you, Mikael. You can see that it is 1) not a foul and 2) that the player is not even complaining. Maybe some commentators can concentrate on talking about the match objectively and fairly now. As I said, one can argue about one or two cards but the overall impression by Brych was very good. UEFA got what they wanted.
      I am sure Makkelie will do well tomorrow too.

      Delete
    4. @Mikael W

      This position is a penalty and is now hotly debated in Spain.

      Delete
    5. Thank you very much for the clip.
      After viewing it I totally agree with you.

      Delete
    6. Don't you think it gets boring? 28 comments insulting, provoking and writing the same content. I normally don't answer anymore if I know there is a troll but in my view, there is no space for saying some commentators are "blind" and something like that. Can't wait for the comments tomorrow...

      Delete
    7. Yes, I agree. Can you imagine if Brych awarded a PK there and Spain had scored and went on to win?? It would have been all everyone talked about. Of course it's debated in Spain... they lost! But it simply wasn't a PK and I am so happy he didn't award it. Fantastic game and the result was for anyone to take.

      Delete
    8. I forgot to specify that my reply was to Mikael W. I totally agree with him and Ref_1707 that it waasn't a penalty.

      Delete
  91. Oh come on, that's nothing. I just looked at it again, they both fall on the free kick. Nobody wants a penalty. It just doesn't fit anything. Everything that looks like a 911 comes through slow motion. There weren't any protests in the game either, they didn't want anything. Then it couldn't have been that bad.

    ReplyDelete
  92. Just for fun and I do wonder sometimes that if the Dutch Team played Germany in the Final who do you think would have refered the Final taking into consideration that UEFAs top 3 Referees Kuipers, Brych and Makkelie would have been all out?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cakir and possibly Rapallini a semifinals maybe again after the name just Orsato. There are a lot of candidates there.

      Delete
    2. I feel Anthony Taylor would have been the one!! But I don’t. Think anyone can be appointed to a European Championship final without having officiated the Champions League Final that is for Sure!

      Delete
    3. But that would definitely have been UEFAs worst nightmare because the Semi Final also and they really don’t trust a lot of refs at the moment

      Delete
    4. UEFAs top 3 Referees are not Kuipers, Brych and Makkelie. They are shadies. Also Vincic

      Delete
  93. Today's game, and the refereeing, is a perfect illustration of why I use "controlling the game is paramount". A potentially tense and angry game was played in a good atmosphere and without dirty fouls. Just what we want. Except for Brych fans and Brych haters, nobody has reason to discuss the performance, except to say that the game was under control and the referee managed the players very well.

    As so often, too many blog postings amount to debating individual decisions, and to 'count mistakes', or argue whether a decision was not 100% in line with the text of the LOTG. Let's focus on the overall picture! Brych was not good in BEL-POR, but today he showed why he has been at the top for so long! We should be happy!

    ReplyDelete
  94. Easy match was for Ref. No critical position in the match, so ref. Was Very chance. Also, in Karasev OR Hategan officated easily.

    ReplyDelete