Tuesday, 22 March 2022

2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Referee appointments for UEFA Play-Offs (Semifinals)

The following officials have been appointed to handle the semifinals of UEFA play-offs for 2022 WC qualification. 

UEFA Playoffs for WC 2022

Pot A

24.03.22 20:45 CET
Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff (WAL) 
WALES - AUSTRIA 
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (POL)
Assistant Referee 1: Paweł Sokolnicki (POL)  
Assistant Referee 2: Tomasz Listkiewicz (POL) 
Fourth Official: Ovidiu Haţegan (ROU) 
Video Assistant Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski (POL) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Bartosz Frankowski (POL) 
FIFA Referee Assessor: Gianluca Rocchi (ITA) 
FIFA Match Commissioner: Eduard Dervishaj Nelaj (ESP)

Postponed game
SCOTLAND - UKRAINE

Pot B

Annulled game.
RUSSIA - POLAND

24.03.22 20:45 CET
Friends Arena, Solna (SWE) 
SWEDEN - CZECH REPUBLIC
Referee: Michael Oliver (ENG) 
Assistant Referee 1: Stuart Burt (ENG)
Assistant Referee 2: Simon Peter Bennett (ENG) 
Fourth Official: Artur Dias (POR) 
Video Assistant Referee: Christopher Kavanagh (ENG)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Craig Pawson (ENG)
FIFA Referee Assessor: Lutz-Michael Fröhlich (GER) Vítor Melo Pereira (POR)
FIFA Match Commissioner: Nils Fisketjonn (NOR)  

Pot C

24.03.22 20:45 CET
Stadio Renzo Barbera, Palermo (ITA) 
ITALY - NORTH MACEDONIA
Referee: Clément Turpin (FRA) 
Assistant Referee 1: Nicolas Danos (FRA) 
Assistant Referee 2: Cyril Gringore (FRA) 
Fourth Official: Benoît Bastien (FRA)
Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard (FRA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod (FRA)
FIFA Referee Assessor: Michael Riley (ENG) 
FIFA Match Commissioner: István Huszár (HUN)

24.03.22 20:45 CET
Estadio do Dragão, Porto (POR)
PORTUGAL - TURKEY
Referee: Daniel Siebert (GER)
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Seidel (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Rafael Foltyn (GER) 
Fourth Official: Sandro Schärer (SUI)
Video Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert (GER) 
FIFA Referee Assessor: Carlos Velasco Carballo (ESP) 
FIFA Match Commissioner: Mark Blackbourne (ENG)  
Posted by at
Labels: , ,

179 comments:

  1. Cassius22 March 2022 at 10:08

    a lot of trust, but also a big test for siebert. this could become a very hot game.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Euro Soccer Ref22 March 2022 at 10:14

    Quite unexpectedly, huge games for Oliver and Siebert! I think a standard game for Marciniak. Turpin in the less sonorous game (but in a game involving Italy, where you can either survive or lose due to pressure created by Italian media and too big attention paid to that by Rosetti).

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown22 March 2022 at 10:15

    Is there a rematch game or will it be just one game?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren22 March 2022 at 10:16

      These are semifinals in single ties, then winner of each path will meet for a final on 29 March.

      Delete
  4. MARIO22 March 2022 at 10:23

    I think that the hottest match is for Siebert: congratulation and good luck; the other appointments are expected. All 4th officials are elite, so no risk at all.
    Now I see Taylor, Makkelie and Orsato for the finals even if a spanish cannot be completely excluded

    ReplyDelete
  5. Chefren22 March 2022 at 10:24

    I must say that I expected the contrary about Pot C with Siebert in Italy and Turpin maybe in Portugal, but I can easily explain the choice by committee: the appointment for Italy - North Macedonia is again different from all the others, with a special focus by committee. They kept a big name even for the semifinal, not only the final (easy to guess that we will have Taylor).
    Also, I now understand why Turpin in CL got Bayern - Salzburg, exactly for this reason, that's of course mu idea, but that game was not for a big Elite like him. It was made by committee to avoid all possible troubles before this assignment.
    On a different note, excellent appointment for Siebert who has a full trust by committee and he will officiate a definitely hot game in Porto.
    Nice to read Oliver name as well, this is a very important signal for him, regarding the selection for WC. He will officiate SWE - CZE, in my opinion a very good choice, because it can be suitable to his style (no Italian / Spanish teams), a similar football to Premier League standards. Quite the same for Marciniak with the semifinal in Wales, good assignment, considering still his background (one could have had indeed doubts about his selection, but now it is confirmed he is in a good position in FIFA as well).
    So now Makkele, Taylor and Orsato are very likely names for the finals.

    ReplyDelete
  6. MARIO22 March 2022 at 10:26

    Have you also the appointment for the match of the other confederation ? Could you kindly post a complete picture for all the world ?

    ReplyDelete
  7. pirri22 March 2022 at 10:32

    Who will then be appointed for the finals?
    I guess Del Cerro Grande, Taylor and Makkelie

    ReplyDelete
  8. SJ22 March 2022 at 10:39

    Nations League play-offs, first leg:

    Moldova - Kazakhstan
    Referee: Tasos Sidiropoulos (GRE)
    Assistant referee 1: Polychronis Kostaras (GRE)
    Assistant referee 2: Lazaros Dimitriadis (GRE)
    Fourth official: Vassilis Fotias (GRE)
    Video Assistant Referee: Juan Martínez Munuera (ESP)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Agelos Evangelou (GRE)
    UEFA Referee Observer: Karel Vidlak (CZE)
    UEFA Delegate: Bakar Jordania (GEO)

    Estonia - Cyprus
    Referee: William Collum (SCO)
    Assistant referee 1: David McGeachie (SCO)
    Assistant referee 2: Francis Connor (SCO)
    Video Assistant Referee: Darren England (ENG)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Lee Betts (ENG)
    Fourth official: Nicholas Walsh (SCO)
    UEFA Referee Observer: Jouni Hyytiä (FIN)
    UEFA Delegate: Nicholas Walsh (SCO)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous22 March 2022 at 11:16

    Yay, I guessed C right :))

    Like Chefren mentioned, you can clearly see that these appointments were already made before the return games in round of 16 CL/EL/ECL.

    -Turpin: a not-so tight game in CL, followed by a low profile game in EL (probably a replacement) and no Italian teams involved.
    -Siebert: extremely low profile game in ECL
    -Oliver: low profile game in EL

    Marciniak was used in high profile games (also in the return leg), so he is an exception. However, his Semi is not a high profile game like in C.

    -Taylor: expected final in C – not used in CL; extremely low profile game in ECL
    -Orsato: expected final in B

    The names for the other Semi and Final (in June) in A are most likely be Makkelie /Vincic / a Spanish.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 March 2022 at 11:26

      Also sensible if Makkelie won't be appointed to final B, but to a match in A (in June), to keep him 'save' for a potential SF/F CL.

      Delete
  10. keyNote22 March 2022 at 12:08

    It is really interesting! Siebert was the referee in the last match of Turkey (Montenegro), now Siebert is the referee again. This shows that UEFA's referee option is very limited.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Chefren22 March 2022 at 12:30

    Knowing that Orsato will referee Poland's final, and Taylor very likely kept for Pot C final, we can easily guess the rest of choices with Makkelie and a Spanish referee in June games (semifinal and final of Pot A). These choices in case would indeed complete the narrow pool of the extremely trusted Elite (A++ Grade).
    At the same time, I think one can read this situation as another possible clue (of course, only speculation, but surely an argument) of Makkelie appointed for CL final, out from the spotlights for now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 March 2022 at 12:55

      I predict either Vincic or Hategan for the EL final :)) Depending on their performance in a QF CL. I think, Vincic is slightly ahead, based on this over-all performance this season. And he also was 4th official at least year's final.

      I remember that Mateu Lahoz was appointed to both a Semi and a Play-off Final in the season he was appointed to the CL final, however the play-offs were played in October/November. The CL final was far away at that time. Now, every small mistake or controversial decision can impact the further appointments in CL QF-SF-F.

      Delete
    2. Mikael W22 March 2022 at 14:05

      By the way, do you think it is 100% out of the question that Makkelie cannot referee a potential ITAPOR playoff final? I guess(?) that Makkelie's reputation in Italy is good, and he apologised to Portugal after their game in Belgrade, and the assistant in question will not work on the game (because he is out of the Makkelie trio).

      I ask this specially because - I have sth like Mateu's famous ITASWE in mind - this game could likely be beyond very challenging to officiate. In which case, and I don't want to write too harshly against my compatriots, Makkelie can be the only option in my opinion, with Orsato and Mateu out for obvious reasons.

      Also the realisation that if Taylor had decided for exactly the same penalty c. OFR in ITASUI but against Italy, not for them, he would 100% be OUT from their matches, is a bit uncomfortable, for me at least.

      Delete
    3. Philipp S22 March 2022 at 14:49

      There will be also some inter-confederational play-offs to be appointed in June, where 1 or 2 top UEFA referees could work - and maybe rather those, who were left out of the UEFA play-offs.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous23 March 2022 at 03:39

      Lots of stakes are involved in those play-offs and traditionally FIFA appointed top referees.

      Delete
    5. Autor24 March 2022 at 16:31

      @Mikael W - Makkelie committed a horrible error in SER v POR denying an obvious goal by Ronaldo in the stoppage time making Portugal not advance directly to WC2022.

      Delete
  12. Chefren22 March 2022 at 14:15

    Interesting remarks about observers, almost all of them are head of domestic top leagues: Fröhlich (replaced by Melo Pereira), Rocchi, Riley and Velasco. The latter left his role in Spain a few time ago to become UEFA committee member, but you can still consider him as the most important observer from Spain inside UEFA.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous22 March 2022 at 18:09

    Huge game on the cards for Siebert. He has to be fully prepared for high tensions, all the more so Turkey are much better under the new coach.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Refsav22 March 2022 at 21:52

    Burt back with Oliver

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jackson23 March 2022 at 03:27

      I noticed that as well. Good to see Oliver and his team get one of these playoff matches.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous23 March 2022 at 03:37

      For some reason, this appointment makes me think that FIFA is looking to select both Taylor and Oliver for the World Cup, due in part to the unlucky situation of Cakir and Karasev.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous23 March 2022 at 16:16

      Also, maybe a compensation for England refereeing missing WC2018. The are rumours that the unexpected absence of Cakir and Karasev will give FIFA a good reason to select more than one European referee from the same country.

      Delete
  15. Anonymous23 March 2022 at 09:26

    Hategan can be dissapointed. The others 4th officials are all lower Elite.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Quilava24 March 2022 at 19:00

    Referees in AFC WCQ matches today:

    Korea Republic-Iran: Christopher Beath (AUS)
    Lebanon-Syria: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (QAT)
    Iraq-United Arab Emirates: Ma Ning (CHN)
    ---
    Australia-Japan: Nawaf Shukralla (BHR)
    Vietnam-Oman: Hanna Hattab (SYR)
    China-Saudi Arabia: Mohammed Abdulla Mohamed (UAE)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mikael W24 March 2022 at 20:31

      Thanks Quilava. I reported a couple of matches on the Nations League post if people are interested.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 17:02

      Do you know the refs for the next AFC matchday?

      Delete
  17. Flip24 March 2022 at 19:32

    Following the dreadful events in his home country, Ukrainian FIFA referee Denys Shurman (UEFA 2nd) and his family flew to Germany.
    UEFA asked DFB to integrate Shurman in local refereeing - so in cooperation with Hamburg's football association (HFV), DFB makes it possible for him to continue refereeing in Germany: he will officiate matches in Hamburg's local competitions and in "Regionalliga North" (4th divison).
    Great sign and all the best for all the Ukrainian migrants who can pursue their passion throughout welcoming Europe!

    https://www.hfv.de/ukrainischer-fifa-schiedsrichter-pfeift-in-hamburg/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous24 March 2022 at 21:52

      Although for different reasons, Cakir should also move to another country to continue refereeing :)

      Delete
  18. Dominik M.24 March 2022 at 21:03

    11' in SWE-CZE - Goal disallowed, very soft (rather wrong) foul given by Oliver. Quite a long VAR check; I think Oliver blew the whistle before the ball went in, so VAR can't intervene... :/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim Milton24 March 2022 at 21:21

      Offense foul whisteled too early. Same mistake like Salzburg-Bayern (Muller)

      Delete
  19. Anonymous24 March 2022 at 21:23

    Actually... in my opinion this is a nonsense... the referee cut out VAR

    ReplyDelete
  20. Ugur B24 March 2022 at 21:33

    Perfect Siebert and his crew in first half.Very correct 2 YC at 34 min.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Quilava24 March 2022 at 21:34

      I agree, solid performance for now.

      Delete
    2. Kaer24 March 2022 at 22:16

      70' Missed YC for Yilmaz dive

      Delete
    3. Kaer24 March 2022 at 22:28

      82' correct VAR intervention, PK Turkey

      Delete
  21. Chefren24 March 2022 at 21:34

    Easy first half for Turpin, nothing to report unless a penalty appeal for handball in 37' was correctly solved as play on. Game can now become even more challenging with Italy looking desperately for a goal and North Macedonia showing a good defending.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anonymous24 March 2022 at 21:36

    Easy first half in Italy. Nothing to say, but Turpin decided to whistle a lot of soft contacts to avoid problems, not the most beautiful thing to see.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ref24 March 2022 at 21:48

      I’m quite surprised by the fact that Turpin is often seen on this blog as a referee who whistles every minor contact, resulting in boring matchs because the game is often stopped.
      For example on this 1st half he whistled 13 fouls, i.e. 1 foul every 4 minute, I don’t think that it is accurate to say that he whistles everything.
      BTW in France he’s often seen as a « Champions League » referee who lets the game flow as much as possible (for example Lyon-PSG or Monaco-Lyon in March/April 2021).

      Delete
    2. Anonymous24 March 2022 at 21:54

      If you see the "fouls" he whistled at 23' or 37', you can understand what I mean.

      Delete
  23. Ex Eng Ref24 March 2022 at 21:47

    Good, open game in Cardiff, Marciniak with very little to do. Good YC for blatant off the ball clothes line, well punished by Bale's fk.

    ReplyDelete
  24. anty7524 March 2022 at 22:21

    Penalty shout for Wales after Bale's free kick struck the hand of Austrian player. Was it enough?

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous24 March 2022 at 22:28

    Excellent foul selection by Turpin in the second half, very bad displacement

    ReplyDelete
  26. smala01724 March 2022 at 22:32

    I’m not sure I agree with the penalty in Porto. It can be given, but I don’t see it as clear and obvious; there just isn’t enough force in the contact. If the Turkish player didn’t go down like he’d been shot, would the recommendation have been given there? I doubt it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous24 March 2022 at 22:34

      I had the same impression Smala017. I don't know if the contact is too high for the Turkish player go down as he went. I'm still on doubts.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous24 March 2022 at 22:35

      Exactly, the fall was most certainly not caused by the contact. The attacker himself decided to go down after he felt the contact. I completely agree with you.

      Delete
    3. Dominik M.24 March 2022 at 22:38

      I see where you are coming from because that was my first reaction as well. The attacker definitely exagerated but the contact is quite clear though. I think the outrage would have been extremely high, especially in Turkey, if this wasn't given.

      But the penalty was missed so no one will talk about it after the match either way ;)

      Delete
    4. Sossiko25 March 2022 at 00:34

      @smala031 This position is a penalty all over the world.

      Delete
  27. Chefren24 March 2022 at 22:39

    Turpin with an expected level second half. A correct YC to report, no issues. The game has been under a full control, shocking times for Italy, congratulations to North Macedonia: a small country but big passion. This is football.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Ecosse24 March 2022 at 22:40

    Scotland v Poland friendly. Last minute penalty given by Hennesey. Was unfortunately clear simulation

    ReplyDelete
  29. matei1424 March 2022 at 22:44

    I liked a lot how Turpin managed the additional minutes. It was the perfect approach.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Anonymous24 March 2022 at 22:45

    32 shots against 4, what a fantastic sport football is! Good performance by Turpin in an easy match, with some problems in moving

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anonymous24 March 2022 at 22:47

    The disallowed Czech goal by Oliver could very well turn out to be very decisive!

    ReplyDelete
  32. iamdiogorocha24 March 2022 at 22:56

    So.. all of us were expecting Anthony Taylor for Portugal - Italy but 😅.. Will it really be Taylor for Portugal x Macedonia too? Cuz Orsato can't, because is Italian, and Makkelie because Serbia, i think we gonna have a Del Cerro Grande or Istvan Kovács

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren24 March 2022 at 22:58

      The referees have been already planned for the finals, I'm quite sure. No changes, but surely committee never expected to see Taylor in charge of Portugal - North Macedonia!

      Delete
    2. matei1424 March 2022 at 22:58

      The appointments are made in advance. We should see Taylor.

      Delete
    3. Refsav25 March 2022 at 00:23

      Guys remember FIFA appoint the final referees not UEFA

      Delete
    4. Chefren25 March 2022 at 05:31

      The appointments are made by UEFA committee, then FIFA just approve them.

      Delete
    5. Refsav25 March 2022 at 09:17

      I apologise, is this just for the playoffs or the World Cup itself too?

      Delete
    6. Chefren25 March 2022 at 11:17

      Just for the qualification games. At World Cup, it is FIFA.

      Delete
  33. Wally24 March 2022 at 22:58

    Perfect Marciniak today in Cardiff!!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Ex Eng Ref24 March 2022 at 23:00

    Do Macedonia not deserve as good as Italy?

    ReplyDelete
  35. kosino9424 March 2022 at 23:12

    Hope we will not see Oliver in Qatar… He disallowed regular Czech goal and now missed red card for Swedish player…

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chiagozie24 March 2022 at 23:19

      Overreaction at its finest!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous24 March 2022 at 23:29

      Also not impressed by Oliver performance tonight. Time management in extra time was inadequate, but most important the incorrect and early whistle before Czech goal. Defender stumbled because he stepped on attacker’s foot, but Var was left without a chance to correct. More can be expected from an elite referee…

      Delete
  36. usaref25 March 2022 at 00:57

    Any video of the potential Czech goal?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown25 March 2022 at 08:35

      Iv seen it on sky sports and it looks a very soft decision,dnt think VAR would have asked for a OFR though

      Delete
  37. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 07:59

    Early shout: Orsato to officiate WC final 2022 :))

    Of course, in case of no crucial mistakes... I know its too speculate, but IMO he will be the main candidate before the tournement has started.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 09:07

      IMO impossible another Italian referee in the final; besides, Collina (like Rosetti) chooses more based on his preferences than on the performance on the field, and Orsato has never been among his favorites.

      Delete
  38. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 08:40

    I don’t think so... another italian referee for the final?

    ReplyDelete
  39. Refsav25 March 2022 at 09:20

    Why not Oliver for the final? I don’t think people realise just how much of a talent he is unless you’re from Britain. The most consistent referee in the last 3 years in England. Howard Webb also officiated his World Cup final at 37, why not Oliver? And Oliver is far more experienced at 37 than Webb was when he was at that age.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. kosino9425 March 2022 at 09:41

      @Refsav: If Oliver will get the WC final after his yesterday's performance, it will be a bad joke...

      Delete
    2. TF25 March 2022 at 10:03

      @kosino94 I presume you support Czech? He wasn't as bad as what you are suggesting in this and earlier posts. You will see plenty worse performances than that over the season.

      But to reply to the original post, he has 0.01% chance for the WC Final. It's not even certain he will be selected to go to the tournament.

      Delete
    3. kosino9425 March 2022 at 10:29

      @TF: I have no problem with all the yellow cards (except the one for Karlström, it was more red card than yellow) and his management, I still think he is a solid referee, but the disallowed goal is a crucial mistake in my opinion.

      Yes, I am from the Czech Republic, despite this fact I hope I can be objective in the case of referee evaluation and Oliver's last performance too.

      Delete
    4. TF25 March 2022 at 10:40

      Yep, he needs to learn to wait before whistling for fouls in attacking situations. There was a similar example in the Salzburg-Bayern match where it was an extremely soft foul. That's twice in a month that's happened which is concerning.

      I'm fairly sure VAR would have allowed the goal last night if they were able to - I have only seen 2 different camera angles and couldn't see an obvious foul, but maybe there was one angle that proved otherwise.

      Delete
  40. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 09:42

    I know it is very very early to speculate and we also don't know whether it will be an UEFA referee, or not. I already suggested Orsato's name because Italy is out and Orsato has a CL-final experience. This could be an unwritten rule if you analyze the experience of other final refs this century. And he's Italian which - like it or not - could be a small advantage.

    Mateu also has a CL final experience but we don't know which Spanish ref will be selected. A third possible name would be the person who gets the CL final this year.

    @Refsav: we first have to wait if Oliver will be selected.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 09:56

    Orsato's main disadvantage is his fitness... he will be 47 and since 2-3 years he has quite struggling with fitness conditions...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. kosino9425 March 2022 at 10:45

      That is true, we saw some Orsato's fitness problems in last Euro Quartefinal. Anyway, it is too premature to speculate abou WC Final referee, we don't even know, which names will be selected...

      Delete
    2. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 11:08

      We dont know what Will happen in the next 10 months so far too early to speculate. However if the WCF was now and someone from UEFA would have to be selected Makkelie and Taylor imo would be miles ahead of Orsato who is still good but definetely not the best UEFA has to offer now

      Delete
    3. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 11:22

      I like to make early predictions, but agree... In this case a bit too early :))

      Delete
    4. Mohamed rabie25 March 2022 at 15:32

      Wcfinal 2022 candidates for the final in my opinion from 3 confederations : asia : Alireza faghani iran / Europe : orsato - Taylor - makkelie / concacaf : Cesar ramos Mexico

      Delete
  42. Mathias Roels25 March 2022 at 11:34

    World Cup qualifier match between Uruguay and Peru (1-0)

    Peru seems or makes the 1-1 but the ref and the VAR do not award the goal.

    https://twitter.com/i/status/1507173049153597441

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elliot25 March 2022 at 11:42

      Don't think the evidence is sufficient enough to award the goal here if that's the best angle we have

      Delete
    2. TF25 March 2022 at 11:46

      Seems strange to not have goal-line technology for a match of such importance? We obviously need the side-on angle to be sure - but we cannot be 100% sure from the angle shown.

      Delete
    3. Dominik M.25 March 2022 at 12:18

      CONMEBOL uploaded the VAR communication on YouTube as always - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW1AEy-I1n0

      Correct decision to not give the goal in my opinion.

      Delete
    4. Philipp S25 March 2022 at 12:31

      If I understood correctly, the AR thought it was a goal. So then, the referee should have awarded the goal and waited, whether the VAR thinks, it clearly wasn't a goal.
      In unclear situations, the perception of the on-field officials has to count, so it's important that they take a decision before the VAR check.

      Delete
    5. CWY219025 March 2022 at 15:17

      I don't think people realize how expensive goal line technology is to install and maintain calibration on. There's a reason it's only used in the richest of leagues in the world and at the biggest tournaments in the world. World Cup qualifiers are played in hundreds of stadiums throughout the world. It's completely unrealistic to think that go on technology could be used on World Cup qualifiers.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 17:07

      CONMEBOL only has 10 national teams that play each other, so it would be much easier than other confederations to have GLT at their stadiums.

      Delete
  43. Chefren25 March 2022 at 12:16

    Here the incident in Sweden - Czech Republic:
    https://streamable.com/jx0mp9
    it was followed by a long VAR check (about 2 minutes, not included in the video), despite of reporting GOAL CHECK it was impossible to check this goal, the whistle came absolutely before.
    Significant mistake, maybe not a crucial one because you can have small arguments to support, but rather wrong decision.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Philipp S25 March 2022 at 12:28

      IMO, the climbing foul by CZE#4 on SWE#3 is not a clear error, so VAR should not intervene in any case.
      However two points for improvement
      1) The referee shouldn't whistle before the goal
      2) The VAR should realize faster, that the referee whistled before the goal

      Delete
    2. Holly25 March 2022 at 12:43

      Big big big mistake for Oliver.

      Delete
    3. Holly25 March 2022 at 12:46

      With this mistake, Oliver, he closed the door for Qatar.

      Delete
    4. Chiagozie25 March 2022 at 16:48

      Well as Phillip said the referee should have waited but I think it’s difficult to wait in such situations because it wasn’t a clear scoring opportunity and it was from a set piece, if you look at the incident the area was crowded and no idea that a goal could have been scored from there, but he should have waited, but I don’t think the decision would have changed. The mistake might not be calling a foul there but rather not waiting.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 17:09

      Wait and see is the golden rule for everything in VAR times.

      Delete
    6. Chiagozie25 March 2022 at 17:41

      Another thing that was missed in the incident is that play was restarted with an indirect free kick indicated by Oliver’s raised arm after the VAR check.

      Delete
    7. Chefren25 March 2022 at 22:25

      Yes, unknown reason because there wasn't any offside or other reasons for indirect.
      Game had to be resumed with the (direct) free kick originally whistled by Oliver, because it couldn't be changed by VAR.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 23:02

      I personally think this is a foul and as such there's no reason for Oliver to have a slower whistle a foul is a foul and should be called right away if he calls it after the goal is scored it causes more outrage

      Delete
  44. Chefren25 March 2022 at 12:35

    Portugal - Turkey

    70'
    https://streamable.com/cvqnyw
    possible YC for simulation, referee manages the situation with a warning, he seems to be aware that player tried to win the whistle
    https://streamable.com/cvqnyw

    82'
    https://streamable.com/87risw
    Penalty after OFR: the contact existed, it was clear, and referee missed it. I can't blame VAR for intervening, but at the same time I want to say that maybe some people can have doubts about the intensity of the contact. This is a very similar incident to Inter - Juventus in serie A, when Mariani was called by VAR Guida to see something like this that had been missed on the pitch. Some people can disagree, but there aren't criteria to say that it was a wrong call. I just want to underline the behavior after the incident by Turkish player, I think that acting in that way, he contributed to ask for a detailed VAR check, in case of no protest maybe the outcome would have been different (but I can't be sure about that). After all, an expected decision was taken, in my opinion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mikael W25 March 2022 at 19:30

      Agree with your assessments Chefren. I watched the whole game (would add for KMIs: correct play on, no handling, at 23'; and Moutinho's caution as reckless vs. SFP), and saw the usual very good performance by Siebert.

      Besides one scene - I think it was 59', in being too anxious to avoid a DtR 9.15m caution he denied a quick freekick by blowing up before the fouled team could take it - in always (ALWAYS!) eliciting the perfect response from each incident in terms of whistle tone, gestures, manner and sanctions et al, his style is simply a pleasure to watch. :)

      Delete
    2. Sossiko26 March 2022 at 15:26

      @Chefren and @Mikael I agree with your thoughts. Also, I think there was a net foul before Portugal's 3rd goal.

      Delete
  45. John M25 March 2022 at 13:37

    Oliver is good in his domestic league. His decision making is better because he's relaxed. He knows the players.
    Outside his comfort zone, European football, he's tight and uncertain. He has NOT been able to overcome this barrier to better confidence.
    What is telling is the stakes in the game. Crucial european games are too much for him (Juventus-Real Madrid 3-4 years ago).
    He's not ready for these top games in Europe. How many NON European Referees do well in CRUCIAL fixtures involving European teams.
    Very few. US,English referees have to have a strong personality to offset the limited experience with highly charged emotional TOP teams.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JR26 March 2022 at 02:24

      not completely sure about that. He was a rising star till the juventus - madrid match. I think he did really well in this match, even if he should have not awarded this last penalty (for his own career). But after that point he seemed to has lost confidence for his matches.

      Delete
    2. John M27 March 2022 at 17:03

      Thank you for insight. Yes it seems to have taken him aback on his confidence. Having several players all barking at you can shake your resolve IF you ARE NOT ABSOLUTELY sure your call is right at that moment. Colina that I can remember NEVER showed body language, facial or with his eyes ANY doubt that HIS call wasn't RIGHT. That only comes from your INSIDES.

      Delete
  46. Mikael W25 March 2022 at 14:18

    I can report a very good performance with a faultless (yes, faultless!) approach to disciplinary measures by Mario Escobar in the Mexico vs. United States tie. After strong performances at the Club WC, AFCON and in the biggest WCQ game in CONCACAF region, I think we can say that the Guatemalan is a shoe-in for Qatar.

    Clips:

    58', 63', 89' - potential SYCs for Mexico no.4
    https://streamff.com/v/5f0003

    70' - potential penalty to Mexico (tripping)
    https://streamff.com/v/f47cab

    90' - caution for simulation to Mexico no.15; no penalty
    https://streamff.com/v/257567

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CWY219025 March 2022 at 15:09

      It simply did not feel like a concacaf officiating performance. Did it really just take Brian Hall stepping down to make referees realize they're allowed to use their cards?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 15:32

      @ CWY2190, now the next who should step down is the UEFA Referees Committee... The biggest problem there is that it is not quite clear who is running the show: the committee or UEFA itself, using the committee's members as muppets. Some of the ideas there (like trying to ignore the impeding fouls and not issuing cards after blatant 10-seconds-holdings) are so idiotic that I can't believe that referees deprive themselves from their tools of controlling the game.

      By the way, in that line of thinking, some referees like Orsato, Kruzliak or Kovacs deserve even more credit that they stick to the true values and laws of refereeing, and do not allow to be manipulated by highly controversial instructions.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 16:02

      @ Anonymous
      I saw Kruzliak lately and he even issued cards for careless fouls. That's the other way around and totally not in line with LOTG.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 16:59

      Speaking of Escobar, he and one USA referee are guaranteed their WC spots. Ramos, Martinez and Barton are competing for the other two Concacaf spots. Martinez was called to an OFR after his yellow card in Crc-Can, but stood by his original decision. Later on, he sent off the same player with a second yellow card. If someone has clips for those two situations, please post them for discussion.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 17:26

      @Unknown - As someone has already mentioned, Euro Soccer Ref if I am not wrong, you obviously has some personal agenda for promoting a refereeing without using of cards. I can only guess what your purpose may be but it is already quite annoying that you are attacking absolutely any blogger who oppose this ridiculous trend. I strongly recommend the Admins to pay some attention to your comments because I really think that they harm the constructive dialogue inside the blog.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 18:49

      And what do we do with the bloggers who aggressively attack Uefa’s referee committee? And users who attack other bloggers who have a different view on refereeing than their’s?
      Because that’s what you are doing Anonymous 15:32/17:26.
      A constructive dialogue offers space for different ideas. You simply seem to refuse to accept opinions which support this committee’s policy, a policy which consists of using personality, feeling the game and sanctioning appropriate to the particular game handled.
      The last time I checked we didn’t live in Pyongyang, anybody can express their opinion on refereeing and there’s no need whatsoever for the admins to act against comments like the one by Unknown 16:02.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 19:56

      So, according to you Chefren, we can freely critisize non-european referees and committees and even mock at them, like at B. Hall, but impossible to say something negative about Rosetti and co? Actually this brings even more questions about the neutrality of this blog.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 23:13

      Why do you bring in Chefren? He hasn’t even commented in this thread yet.

      Delete
    9. Andrasch Neunert25 March 2022 at 23:16

      Cesar Ramos is not the only mexican candidate whom we could see in Qatar, Guerrero is a strong alternative, so lets wait and see. Elfath is sure in Qatar. So... Guerrero or/and C Ramos, Elfath, Escobar, Martinez or/ and Barton.

      Delete
    10. Anonymous26 March 2022 at 04:56

      Guerrero is a VAR candidate, not on the pre-selected list of Concacaf referees. In prior WC cycles, only pre-selected referees were considered in the last 12 months preceding the WC.

      Delete
  47. Philipp S25 March 2022 at 18:33

    DR Congo - Morocco: Penalty for MAR (54') for a handball and 2YC against COD (85') for a late challenge, both decisions correctly taken by referee Victor Gomes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Philipp S25 March 2022 at 18:42

      VARs in that game were Letexier and Millot (FRA).
      For CMR-ALG the Hernandez and Munuera (ESP) are helping referee Bondo (BOT).
      (Not sure, whether we had that info already)

      Delete
    2. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 18:51

      Both big decisions taken live by Gomes without VAR help. He confirmed once again that he is currently top African referee.

      Delete
    3. Philipp S25 March 2022 at 20:50

      VARs in EGY-SEN: di Bello and Valeri (Referee: Ngambo)

      Delete
    4. Andrasch Neunert25 March 2022 at 23:09

      Gomes really impressed me with his performance today, not the 1st time. Safe bet for Qatar.

      Delete
  48. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 19:01

    Tessema with a red card DOGSO in Mali-Tunisia.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Quilava25 March 2022 at 19:10

      I'm not 100% sure if there was a contact that made Tunisian player to trip. If there was, 100% correct RC, crystal clear DOGSO situation.

      Delete
    2. Chefren25 March 2022 at 22:21

      Video:
      https://streamja.com/29qpp
      Impossible to be sure about the contact, indeed, possible careless action. Once whistled, DOGSO looks correct decision.

      Delete
    3. John M25 March 2022 at 22:41

      Thank you for clip.
      Wow...never saw a striker with open field and seeing only keeper in front of him, run then slow down as if to wait for defender to run up his back. This is an old trick. Felled like a ton of bricks from slight if that, foot touch. You never chase a striker with ball from behind. Old trick will come into play.

      Delete
    4. Andrasch Neunert25 March 2022 at 23:11

      Tessema's body language a bit strange, BUT he did a really good job again.

      Delete
  49. Chiagozie25 March 2022 at 19:37

    Joshua Bondo is one Dramatic referee😂😂😂

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Quilava25 March 2022 at 19:46

      That YC to Slimani for dissent was kinda funny but he could (and should) have avoided it by calling the foul earlier.

      Delete
    2. Andrasch Neunert25 March 2022 at 23:10

      +1

      Delete
    3. Mohamed rabie26 March 2022 at 09:33

      No

      Delete
    4. Euro Soccer Ref26 March 2022 at 11:35

      A pity because Bondo is surely among the best CAF referees.

      Delete
  50. Goran.md25 March 2022 at 20:12

    Ger Lat u21 penalty given and saved by gk
    I would say soft but not wrong
    https://streamja.com/0j07W

    ReplyDelete
  51. Anonymous25 March 2022 at 20:17

    Completely agree with you - maybe a little bit soft but never wrong. Coaches in these situations say that it is a personal mistake by the defender - his hands have no work there. :)

    ReplyDelete
  52. Rui Almeida26 March 2022 at 08:10

    Good morning, Chefren.
    Who do you thing will tomorrow be confirmed for both WC European play-off finals (POR-MKD and POL-SWE)?…

    ReplyDelete
  53. Rui Almeida26 March 2022 at 08:10

    think*

    ReplyDelete
  54. Rui Almeida26 March 2022 at 08:12

    My bet: Taylor in Porto and Makkelie in Chorzow…

    ReplyDelete
  55. Mikael W26 March 2022 at 08:22

    What do you think about this penalty appeal (handling) in Marciniak's Wales vs. Austria game?

    https://streamja.com/M4vOq

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Philipp S26 March 2022 at 09:46

      Arm moves slightly away from the body, when the ball comes. So I would say, it is even both: deliberate and unnaturally bigger body.
      Apparently not obvious though, because we only discuss it now. ;)

      Delete
    2. Chefren26 March 2022 at 10:08

      For Italian criteria, 100% VAR intervention.

      Delete
    3. Euro Soccer Ref26 March 2022 at 11:33

      Penalty for me, too. But I guess Marciniak saw that as playing the ball with shoulder/legal part of hand and this replay is not conclusive enough to prove otherwise.

      Delete
    4. Philipp S26 March 2022 at 13:57

      Yes, good point. One would hope, that VAR had better angles available, but if not, the point of contact is indeed not clear enough for an intervention only by this replay.

      Delete
  56. Holly26 March 2022 at 09:03

    Penalty. Intentional hand movement.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Mohamed rabie26 March 2022 at 09:32

    Not penalty

    ReplyDelete
  58. Anonymous26 March 2022 at 09:53

    When officials appointments for finals?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren26 March 2022 at 10:06

      Tomorrow, 10:00 am. As always for UEFA two days before the games.

      Delete
  59. OFC26 March 2022 at 10:31

    Semi-finals
    Solomon Islands : Papua New Guinea
    Mohammed Abdulla MOHAMMED (UAE) - Referee
    Folio MOEAKI (TGA) - 1st Assistant referee
    Bertrand BRIAL (NCL) - 2nd Assistant referee
    Khamis AL MARRI (QAT) - Video assistant referee
    Mohammed AL SHAMMARI (QAT) - AVAR

    New Zealand : Tahiti
    Abdulrahman AL JASSIM (QAT) - Referee
    Tevita MAKASINI (TGA) - 1st Assistant referee
    Taleb Salem AL MARRI (QAT) - 2nd Assistant referee
    Salman FALAHI (QAT) - Video assistant referee
    Abdulhadi AL RUAILE (QAT) - AVAR

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous26 March 2022 at 18:43

      Fourth officials are Qatari or OFC referees?

      Delete
    2. Philipp S26 March 2022 at 23:39

      For SOL-PNG, the 4th official is from OFC: Mederic Lacour (NCL)

      Delete
    3. Philipp S27 March 2022 at 11:49

      For NZL-TAH also Lacour.

      Delete
  60. Promo26 March 2022 at 10:40

    Anyway Italy is out, so Rosetti can took more refree what he want from Italy to show his political depth and patriotism.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous26 March 2022 at 12:02

      So you think that Orsato don’t deserve his appointments? Guida don’t deserve to be first and being elite? Massa don’t deserve to be elette? Ok I get it... what about Collum élite for example and recently Meler? 4 elite from Spain and Deutschland just a little more or no?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous26 March 2022 at 12:13

      Actually Orsato, Taylor and Makkelie are the biggest, this is a fact... so any discussion about Rosetti’s patriotism is out of the place. If I take a look to Massa and Guida... they are showing some good performances...
      So I'm really bored with these talk about Rosetti and I'm not Italian but we have to be honest.

      Delete
    3. Promo26 March 2022 at 18:52

      I don’t have any complain on Orsato, best in 2020. But some distribution in CL or EL was pathetic and biased IMO.

      Delete
  61. Mikael W26 March 2022 at 12:00

    Some short highlights of the Costa Rica vs. Canada game handled by Said Martínez [VAR: Monroy (MEX)] in the CONCACAF zone. Link:

    https://send.cm/d/9g5y

    Key Match Incidents:

    01:35 • after OFR, caution to Canada no.14 (challenge) upheld; reckless vs. SFP incident

    05:50 • second YC to Canada no.14 (aggressive behaviour) + YC to Costa Rica no.11 (challenge, simulation (injury) or AB (?))

    ReplyDelete
  62. Chefren26 March 2022 at 12:03

    I made a poll about the 8 referees to be expected on next CL's quarterfinals games and these are the results of the votes on the blog:

    Clément Turpin (FRA)
    289

    Daniele Orsato (ITA)
    270

    Danny Makkelie (NED)
    261

    Anthony Taylor (ENG)
    235

    Daniel Siebert (GER)
    233

    Ovidiu Hațegan (ROU)
    229

    Slavko Vinčić (SVN)
    214

    Szymon Marciniak (POL)
    213

    Antonio Mateu Lahoz (ESP)
    163

    Carlos del Cerro Grande (ESP)
    122

    Michael Oliver (ENG)
    113

    Cüneyt Çakır (TUR)
    95

    Jesús Gil Manzano (ESP)
    73

    István Kovács (ROU)
    58

    Srđan Jovanović (SRB)
    57

    Felix Zwayer (GER)
    52

    Artur Dias (POR)
    44

    Davide Massa (ITA)
    28

    Sandro Schärer (SUI)
    24

    Sergei Karasev (RUS)
    22

    William Collum (SCO)
    21

    Deniz Aytekin (GER)
    21

    Benoît Bastien (FRA)
    19

    Halil Umut Meler (TUR)
    18

    Orel Grinfeeld (ISR)
    18

    Ivan Kružliak (SVK)
    15

    Serdar Gözübüyük (NED)
    15

    François Letexier (FRA)
    13

    José María Sánchez Martínez (ESP)
    12

    Tobias Stieler (GER)
    8

    Anastasios Sidiropoulos (GRE)
    6

    Aleksei Kulbakov (BLR)
    4

    No big surprises, as the very big names are all with many votes, to follow we can say that there is a small preference for Mateu regarding the Spanish duel, but the difference with Del Cerro is not significant. One could have expected more votes for Oliver, given his current management by committee with very important assignments, but according to these results it is still clear that Taylor is considered by many people by far ahead. Cakir with 95 votes is surely the referee that will not appear, with most of preferences from our readers, and I agree on that. Finally, quite interesting to read Siebert's name immediately after the "big four" and before Vincic and Hategan, who are very close in terms of public reputation. To follow, Marciniak.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous26 March 2022 at 13:36

      I think it is very missleading to ask people who they "expect" to be the referee in QF of the CL and then to conclude that people "prefer" or "rate" one referee over another. The question suggest more to predict the committe's appointments not to rate referees personally.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous26 March 2022 at 14:03

      True, I was a bit surprised to see Orsato and Makkelie ending very high in the poll. Tbh I hope both will be saved for SF-F.

      Turpin is an easy first choice in the QF. Hopefully a more challenging game for him.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous26 March 2022 at 14:46

      If Orsato and Makkelie are ‘saved’, it will be sth like this in QF:

      1. Turpin
      2. Vincic
      3. Marciniak
      4. Siebert
      5. A Spanish ref
      6. Taylor
      7. Jovanovic
      8. Hategan / Kovacs (I think both are equally good atm)

      Delete
    4. petschovschi26 March 2022 at 17:59

      @chefren, just a remark

      Difference between Taylor (235) and Hategan (229) is smaller than difference between Hategan (229) and Vincic (214). In reality, Taylor, Siebert and Hategan are ahead of Vincic and Marciniak (who are almost equal, 214 v. 213).

      If you want to be honest when you read some results ...

      Delete
    5. Peter26 March 2022 at 18:07

      As for Oliver, I think that some readers do not see him in the quarter-finals because Bayern-Villarreal would be the only option for him (and Taylor). Since Oliver just handled Bayern in the round of sixteen whereas Taylor was not considered in the Champions League at the same time, the latter might be the "wiser" appointment for some of them.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous26 March 2022 at 20:04

      Good point, petschovschi!

      Delete
    7. Peter27 March 2022 at 09:15

      @petschovschi: Both Marciniak and Vincic had two matches each in the round of sixteen. This might be the reason why some readers do not expect (one of) them in the quarter-finals again. The ranking can therefore not be regarded as an indicator of how we would order them but rather as an attempt to guess possible candidates for (exclusively) the next round. Some of us might assume to see Marciniak and/or Vincic directly in the semi-finals.

      Delete
  63. Chefren26 March 2022 at 13:01

    Just as remark, the game between the losing teams of semifinal C (TUR - ITA) is officially treated as friendly. Indeed I couldn't find any info on the official Qualifiers schedule, I thought it was a game of the path, but indeed without any meaning (no sense for a third place) this was impossible.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Anonymous26 March 2022 at 15:48

    which elite referee should not be an elite referee?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Holly26 March 2022 at 16:18

      Collum, Aytekin, Stiler, Sidiropoulos, Dias, Kružliak, Martinez, Gozubujuk, Meler,Grinfeld.

      Delete
    2. Holly26 March 2022 at 16:19

      Kulbakou

      Delete
    3. Anonymous26 March 2022 at 17:24

      Id add every italian Elite except Orsato to this huge list...

      Delete
    4. Anonymous26 March 2022 at 17:51

      I do not agree meler.

      Delete
  65. Turkish ref26 March 2022 at 19:19

    Cüneyt Çakır may return to European matches as Turkish Football Federation Arbitration Board reinstates dismissed referees and observers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous26 March 2022 at 19:23

      Big news! Is it confirmed? Do you have a link?

      Delete
    2. Turkish ref26 March 2022 at 19:27

      https://www.tff.org/default.aspx?pageID=247&ftxtID=37326

      Delete
  66. Alba Torrens26 March 2022 at 21:00

    In Turkey, the decision was overturned. Cüneyt Çakır and other referees will continue to matches. I think the fact that he will take part in the world cup has influenced this decision. What I'm wondering is, will a match be given to the cakir in the remaining weeks? After all, the one match was taken from him. What do you think the UEFA refereeing committee prepared for his career?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sossiko27 March 2022 at 17:38

      I think this decision is symbolic. The Turkish Referee Committee Will not give them a match until the end of the season, and then the category Will be demoted.

      Delete
  67. Kogeki27 March 2022 at 09:47

    New adidas referee uniforms are used in Japan, and a lot of referees dropped his vanishing spray during the game. I think there is a problem with the elastic part of the referee shorts.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Promo27 March 2022 at 11:08

    Dias and Grinfeld.
    They both are good but still not in CL-16.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for writing a comment on our blog!

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)