Saturday, 12 August 2023

2023 FIFA Women's WC - Quarterfinals - Discussion

Discussion about quarterfinals at 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. 


Match 57 (Wellington)
11 August 2023, 03:00 CET
SPAIN - NETHERLANDS
Referee: Stéphanie Frappart (FRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Manuela Nicolosi (FRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Elodie Coppola (FRA)
Fourth Official: Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi (ITA)
Reserve AR : Francesca Di Monte (ITA)
Video Assistant Referee: Tatiana Guzman (NCA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Ella De Vries (BEL)
SBVAR : Abdulla Al Marri (QAT)
SBAVAR : Adil Zourak (MAR)

Match 58 (Auckland)
11 August 2023, 09:30 CET
JAPAN - SWEDEN
Referee: Esther Staubli (SUI)
Assistant Referee 1: Katrin Rafalski (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Susanne Kueng (SUI)
Fourth Official: Katia Garcia (MEX)
Reserve AR : Karen Diaz Medina (MEX)
Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Drew Fischer (CAN)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Neuza Back (BRA)
SBVAR : Salomé Di Iorio (ARG)
SBAVAR : Daiane Muniz (BRA)

Match 59 (Brisbane)
12 August 2023, 09:00 CET
AUSTRALIA - FRANCE
Referee: Maria Carvajal (CHI)
Assistant Referee 1: Leslie Vasquez (CHI) 
Assistant Referee 2: Monica Amboya (ECU) 
Fourth Official: Laura Fortunao (ARG)
Reserve AR : Daiana Milone  (ARG)
Video Assistant Referee: Nicolas Gallo (COL)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Juan Soto (VEN)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Mariana De Almeida (ARG) 
SBVAR : Juan Martinez Munuera (ESP)
SBAVAR : Alejandro José Hernandez Hernandez (ESP)

Match 60 (Sydney)
12 August 2023, 12:30 CET
ENGLAND - COLOMBIA 
Referee: Ekaterina Koroleva (USA) 
Assistant Referee 1: Kathryn Nesbitt (USA) 
Assistant Referee 2: Felisha Mariscal (USA) 
Fourth Official: Oh Hyeonjeon (KOR)
Reserve AR : Ramina Tsoi (KGZ) 
Video Assistant Referee: Carol Anne Chenard (CAN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Armando Villarreal (USA) 
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Chantal Boudreau (CAN) 
SBVAR : Muhammad Taqi (SIN) 
SBAVAR : Pol van Boekel (NED) 

139 comments:

  1. Thoughts on Staubli’s penalty to Sweden in JPN-SWE?
    There is contact with the hand, and the hand is somewhat out from the body. Nevertheless, for me, I am not convinced it makes the body “unnaturally bigger”, given the player is coming down from a jump. It seems to me we’re holding players to an impossible standard if that is considered a ‘clear and obvious’ error not to whistle it.

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  2. I agree with @eliott, Staubli‘s performances have been absolutely incredible. She has everything that matters to whistle a Final at WC.. hopefully FIFA sees that quality and appoints a ref based on his consistent performances and not his confederation..

    Still, Yamashita stays in pole position because of Japan‘s lost. And Penso as well

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  3. I think Final is Alves or Yamashita

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    Replies
    1. Yes,these seem to be the names, but do you think that both are referees with quality?

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    2. don‘t know about the quality of alves. her assistants are on top level but her‘s is not at a WC final leve at all..

      yamashita is playing by fifa‘s guidelines but not really a fan of her passive referee style and not showing clear cards.

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    3. her assistants are on top level

      Nope. Check out mistake by AR2 at end of 1half at Korea - Morroco (45min).

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  4. If ENG play semifinal, then the British referees are probably out. so is probably Olofsson now that SWE made the top 4. Most likely Collina will appoint one UEFA referee for semi. Monzul for ESP-SWE?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If Colombia were to win, then Alves has to get ESP-SWE, no? Unless you just hold Alves for the final in the hopes that Colombia loses its semi.

      I really think you need to see who wins tonight before you can figure out which semifinal Monzul gets. It could be either one depending upon results.

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    2. If UEFA referees can referee UEFA countries vs countries from other confederations then CONMEBOL referees should be able to referee CONMEBOL countries vs countries from other confederations.

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    3. And they can. Sometimes. In extreme circumstances. See Pitana.

      But it shouldn't happen as a matter of course. There are more UEFA referees and more UEFA teams. It's a simple math problem that dictaces using UEFA referees in some circumstances. Also, the dirty little secret is that some federations (Argentina men, US women being the most obvious) simply would seem to prefer a UEFA referee when they are playing a UEFA team.

      The same just can't be said for CONMEBOL. It's too small of a confederation plus you can make arrangements to avoid it.

      If Alves was by far the best referee in the tournament and needed to do the Final... okay, yes. Give her the final even if Colombia makes it. But I don't think anyone believes that is true. So if she has to work a semi or final and Colombia qualifies, of course you give her the other semifinal to make things clean. It's common sense.

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  5. Is Foster an option for ESP-SWE?

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  6. Good performance by Staubli in my books and I think she should be the main contender for the final based on performance. She showed today a very alert management of the game, is very fit, able to read the game, let it flow but she steps in when necessairy. We can surely discuss the handball call (but I think expected decision at this tournament is penalty) and probably also the penalty for Japan, but overall Staubli shows top level refereeing and is on her own level so far in this WC. Something that is also to be taken into account is her ability to fluently explain a decision after VAR intervention. This could be important for the image of (women's) refereeing if there should be a VAR intervention in the final.
    SO fingers crossed that today wasn't her last game...

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    Replies
    1. fingers crossed!!! would love to see her in the final!

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    2. Me too. Staubli is a great referee with two top AR.

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    3. so far, she is very consistent. reliable calls and great acceptance by players and coaches. pretty sure this wasn't her last match in this competition...

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  7. I will say it again karboubi for the final

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  8. Esther Staubli, Japan - Sweden:

    48' Penalty for handball after OFR
    https://streamable.com/viauh0
    Having already talked about the technical decision, it is interesting to discuss about the announcement, why in some cases we have the details while in others not?
    I think one reason can be that here Staubli had Irrati as VAR and maybe he reported this as explanation for inviting the Swiss to OFR.
    Nevertheless one thing is clear for me, on a hand we have referees in trouble even having to say two or three words, while in other circumstances we have detailed explanations. That's a too evident difference, if you ask me, and generally I don't see this as good things, because it shows to people (but yes, mostly experts) not all referees / VAR are at a same level of knowledge.

    74' Penalty whistled and confirmed by VAR
    https://streamable.com/jshkeo
    Absolutely Irrati style, didn't have the evidence of a clear and obvious mistake and he supported because there can be indeed the contact from behind. With the criteria used by other VARs at this tournament, most of them would have intervened, asessing it as inexistent contact, or even "normal contact"... as we heard very often in recent times. In my opinion, a penalty that you whistle live, but then replay maybe indeed show it is soft and questionable. At least in this case, differently from previous game, we can understand the choices made by both referee and VAR. Finally, about the double touch, I think indeed it is possible she didn't notice it immediately, or rather she wanted to be sure about the fact that keeper hadn't touched it. One can't exclude VAR intervention. But please notice how much tricky is such infringment, it seems always hidden to the eyes of officials...

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    Replies
    1. Collina made it quite clear (pre-tournament) that referees would be able to use own wording to explain decisions after OFR. Some are (quite clearly) better communicators than others.

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    2. When a defender is behind a runner, almost ANY contact with the feet is enough for an offence as it almost always causes a misstep. That said, I've been clipped (accidentally by players) and all times but once I was able to remain on my feet...

      Gotta love the confusion from the announcer after the penalty taker (Japan) plays the ball a 2nd time after ball strikes crossbar. I'm guessing there had to be confirmation (likely from AR) that keeper did not touch ball.

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  9. After Guzman spoiled herself, I’m sure committee will rethinking again about potential all female crew on the final, they still have Irrati!. With this situation I’m not surprise if Irrati will work behind the monitor on the final with others female crew as assistants for him.

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    Replies
    1. +1 and on top of that, Irrati already achieved everything he could. There are more capable VAR’s than “just” Irrati.

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    2. Orsato and Irrati are already pencilled for the euro 2024 final, aren’t they ;-)

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    3. I’m anonimos the one who blame Mexican referee for his comment to Guzman and I’m anonimos who made comment if the one who deserve on the final is Chenard and/or Guzman, but who know this would be happened. I think you’re too serious taking my comment personally, let see what will happened on the final, at the very least Guzman already going home and the most possible female VMOs on the final is Chenard at the moment or CONMEBOL female VMOs whose iinm never made serious mistake but I’m in doubt too with their “quality”. This is not about gender but the quality, even if not Irrati, we can still said that Gallo after WC22 still very good VMO.

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    4. Can you name VMO that already have their style except Irrati and Kwiatkowski, 2 best VMO in the world, so why not use the best of the best if you can do that.

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  10. lets see who will be sent home after quarter-finals. for semis and further, pretty much we can exclude every referee from CAF. american refs and edina batista in the lead for one of the four remaining matches. depending on australia, maybe bronze-medal match for two of the "home-refs"? uefa: monzul and staubli, the last one safe pair of hands. have hardly ever seen so many convincing performances in a row.

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  11. When we are talking about the best ref for the final of this WC, the final ref should be one of the following 3 IMO Staubli, Penso or Carvajal. Batista and Yamashita would only get it because of their names, but we all saw with Frappart tonight what a mess that becomes. My personal pick would definetely be Staubli, who has shown last years and also this WC that shes solid. A Pity shes from UEFA again but she has been the best this WC. However when we are looking outside of UEFA Penso and (pending her performance tomorrow) Carvajal have impressed me the most. Lets see. The only thing I hope is that we dont see Batista, Yamashita or Monzul again. We dont need other "Frappart appointments "

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    Replies
    1. Staubli did a good game overall but have huge misstakes Japan penalty is never a penalty instead a yellow card for diving. Then She didnt stop play in a throw in when swedens goal keeper was injured right before Japan goal. At last 10 min additional time where did she find that. Maybe 4-5 minutes had been more games with more stops that had 4-5 minutes additional time

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  12. I can’t get over Esther Staubli highlights 🔥✊🏾

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  13. When this WC is over please could anybody give stats how many games that did not have a VAR intervention? Without VAR there would have been chaos. So many times simple and clear decisions were missed and had to be watched on the VAR screen by the referee.

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  14. It appears that, except Frappart, only neutral referees have been retained for the last 8 matches.

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    Replies
    1. You think Yamashita has been sent home?

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    2. I fear shes not. Would be well deserved if she was IMO.

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    3. But she isn't from a neutral country though considering Japan played yesterday. So there would be two non-neutral referees for the last eight games

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  15. There was a very interesting situation in the 8th minute of Australia-France. A very clear hold by an Australian defender which would have surely been DOGSO if called. Instead, the French attacker stays on her feet and eventually gets the shot off, but not before two defenders come back to close down her angle.

    I'm really interested in this. I think the hold denied an obvious goal scoring opportunity - the half-chance of a shot afterwards was certainly not one. But Soto did not recommend a review. (Carvajal didn't even signal advantage actually, which was wrong - the hold was super blatant).

    Of note: the Australian defender, #14, who committed this hold was the same player who was sent off for a DOGSO hold in the Round of 16 at the last WWC.

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    Replies
    1. And even if one can be okay with not whistling because of the shot taken, it is clearly an advantage and therefore a YC should have been issued at least.

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    2. A more than interesting situation in terms of expected outcome: if you let it go, then the attacker ends up with such a half-chance, as smala pointed out. However, if you whistle a foul with the player clearly going for a shot, you risk denying the attacking side a possible goal, because you never know what can happen. Playing on in this specific situation seems correct to me in the end, but the eventual outcome certainly doesn't seem fair to the attacking side.

      Lastly, I agree with Cassius: a YC was certainly missed, as it was an advantage played in reality.

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  16. 83' Even though it was offside, I think it could've been a yellow card for a reckless challenge by Foord

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    Replies
    1. I agree, a late and pretty reckless tackle by her. I definitely expected a card there.

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  17. Staubli did a good game overall but have huge misstakes Japan penalty is never a penalty instead a yellow card for diving. Then She didnt stop play in a throw in when swedens goal keeper was injured right before Japan goal. At last 10 min additional time where did she find that. Maybe 4-5 minutes had been more games with more stops that had 4-5 minutes additional time

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  18. 91' First YC of the game, #19 AUS Gorry with a reckless challenge, fully correct

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  19. That corner call atrocious

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    Replies
    1. Correctly disallowed goal afterwards though. Clear pull by Renard, well spotted by Carvajal

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    2. And again at 104'. Carvajal's relative unfamiliarity with her "new" AR2 showing here.

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  20. Well 100' was quite interesting. Was that her finding a foul knowing they screwed up the corner kick?

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    Replies
    1. It was a clear foul by Renard.

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    2. Sensational decision. Clear pull down by the back of the jersey from Renard, really hard to spot even with replays. Terrific by Carvajal to spot that. She also delayed the whistle long enough to allow VAR to check.

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    3. Fully agree, smala, excellent spot by Carvajal there. And it seems she saved the day with this spot on decision.

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    4. Same as Staubli in Group Match - she gave a corner kick instead of goal kick and then she whistled foul - 2 players of the same team crashed, I think that VAR told her that the corner kick was wrong and didn’t want to risk a goal here

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  21. 100' Ball out, yes or no? Difficult to see for AR2, probably off. Then perfectly seen that 3FRA pulls her opponent's jersey down.

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    Replies
    1. It was very obvious but due to bad positioning of AR2 not spotted correctly. Few minutes after also did not signal corner kick and gave a false goal kick for Australia.

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  22. Why are the assistant referees on the wrong sides?

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  23. 112' Possible penalty for France, I think correct by VAR to support no penalty decision but it is very similar to the one given by Staubli yesterday

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    Replies
    1. I agree, very similar. I think it is better in both cases to call no foul. But it is interesting because this one was slightly more than the one yesterday, otherwise almost exactly similar.

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    2. I tend to agree with you regarding possible VAR intervention: from my "European" standpoint, it doesn't seem to be "clear and obvious" enough, and it certainly wasn't a missed incident also.

      However, we've seen VAR interventions in similar situations before, which highlights a problem in consistency with VAR application, and not just during this tournament.

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  24. Great performance for Carvajal and the team.

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    Replies
    1. Penso and Carvajal are both doing very well but I can't help but wonder about their AR2s.

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    2. Maybe Nesbitt to Penso?

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    3. Penso and Carvajal doing well

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  25. Tips
    SF: Monzul and Penso
    3rd place: Mukansanga
    F: Alves

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    Replies
    1. SF: Monzul, Beaudoin
      3rd: Fortunato
      Final: Yamashita

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  26. Foul detection looking very poor so far

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    Replies
    1. Colombia playing very cynical, seems Koroleva was not that well prepared

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  27. 23' Missed foul followed by a long delay to stop for a blow in the head area.
    24' Foul given when ball played...

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  28. Some interesting key match incidents in yesterday's Nice - Lille

    28' - PAI kicking
    https://streamable.com/ro5s46

    45+3' - reckless vs SFP/VC
    https://streamable.com/n67vu9

    66' - PAI handball
    https://streamable.com/u6jf38

    78' - defensive FK vs SPA/DOGSO
    https://streamable.com/98vvfk

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for sharing! For the incident at 28', it appears that the attacker hangs his leg out a bit, which results in contact on his foot. In my mind, the attacker is attempting to deceive the referee. In your opinion, would it be harsh to caution the attacker?

      What are your thoughts on the incident that occurred in additional time at the end of the first half?

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    2. 1) YC for simulation is an option but imo the optimal decision is play-on.

      2) According to current guidelines, it is important that the player was looking at the ball only, therefore a YC is the correct outcome (although the force is very high).

      3) Rather accidental handball and commonsensical play-on but what about the LotG?

      4) Missed VAR intervention. Clearly a foul by defending player in a DOGSO scenario.

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    3. 3.)My preference is to allow play to continue. When the defender goes to ground, both arms are away from the body. I think that you can justify the position of the arms given the action by the defender.

      I personally struggle with deciding "when the position of their hand/arm is not a consequence of, or justifiable by, the player's body movement for that specific situation".

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    4. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Euro Soccer Ref.

      Delete
  29. I really hate the no SPA card around 34' to COL. But it's hard to say it doesn't match up with how that's been handled all tournament.

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    Replies
    1. I agree, a more than clear YC missed for my taste. Nothing new at this tournament, unfortunately.

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  30. Impressive athletic performance by the Koroleva, excellent position in the 1-1 goal

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    Replies
    1. Ah you like the Nijhuis/Gil kind of performance. As long as she sprints shes fine? Imo her foul detection is really weak. Should be her last game tonight

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    2. But did I mention technique? don't you understand that I commented on athleticism and positioning? is that difficult to understand?

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    3. Comment Pita Falta only athleticism. No technique.

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  31. Koroleva taking the easy fouls this half. Glad to see the adjustment.

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  32. 61' The alertness to head impacts and potential head injuries varies greatly by country and official. English officials generally very good, and Lahoz comes to mind as exceptional too. Some however are bordering on woeful, the importance of player safety is being ignored too much in this game, the team need to be more aware and alert

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  33. Fifa softened their stance on dissent from 4 years ago I see...

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  34. Koroleva missed two clear fouls (IMO) around 20' and 23' but seemed to tighten her foul selection and did quite well for the final hour.

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    Replies
    1. IIRC, there was a step on foot by Bronze around 69', missed by Koroleva, but I agree that her performance was indeed better in the 2H. Still, I didn't like her dealing with apparent dissent by Colombia coach in the additional time, she appeared to have ignored it completely.

      Generally, a decent performance for me, but her foul detection in the 1H leaves a lot to be desired.

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    2. The foot step was a tough one. Looked like Bronze stumbled and stepped on the foot outside of where Katja would be looking.

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  35. After this match in your opinion who is USA No.1, Penso or Koroleva (inc. Nesbitt factor)?

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    Replies
    1. Penso all day long. Korelevas WC as main ref should be over after today. Can see her be 4th official though

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  36. SF prediction
    SPA-SWE: Alves, Back, Moreira (all BRA), Yamashita (JPN) - Muniz (BRA), Gallo (COL), Perello (HON)
    AUS-ENG: Penso, Mayo (both USA), Rensch (SUR), Mukansanga (RWA) - Fischer (CAN), Villareal (USA), de Almeida (ARG)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Congratulations Philipp S the prediction is correct 👏👏
      What about the prediction of the final and 3rd place ?

      Delete
  37. My prediction
    ESPSWE Monzul
    ENGAUS Alves

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  38. Nesbitt...she cannot end here.

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    Replies
    1. I agree. For me best AR at WC. Top fitness, clear signals and correct decision.

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    2. Guess what it will end here most likely because Koreleva isnt the best ref of this WC. At least not top 3. The only way it wont end is when Nesbitt takes the place of Rensch in Pensos team IMO.

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  39. My prediction:
    SPA-SWE: Monzul/4th: Foster/ VAR: Van Boekel
    AUS-ENG: Staubli/4th: Penso/ VAR: Fritz

    3RD PLACE
    Mukansanga
    FINAL
    Alves

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    Replies
    1. Semi final 2 referee of UEFA I don't think

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  40. With FRA out, I would not be surprised to see FIFA use their golden girl Frappart in SF.

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  41. My wish:

    SF: Penso
    Alves (or Yamashita)

    3rd: Mukasanga or Fortunato

    Final: Staubli

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  42. I think the last three important games (SF + F) will get this pool: Monzul, Yamashita, Alves, Penso, Carvajal, Staubli. Maybe a surprise with Foster or a referee without (1/16, 1/8): Fortunato, Beaudoin, Garcia.
    My prediction:
    ESP-SWE: Monzul
    AUS-ENG: Staubli
    3rd Place: Mukansanga, Garcia or Fortunato
    FINAL: Yamashita or Alves

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  43. Espanha x Suécia Koloreva
    Austrália x Inglaterra Yamashita

    3 lugar Fortunato
    Final Edina Alves

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  44. SF Monzul and Alves
    3rd Mukansanga
    F Yamashita

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  45. My predictions

    Semifinal
    ESP-SWE: Monzul
    AUS-ENG: Penso
    Final (if)
    ESP-ENG: Yamashita
    ESP-AUS: Staubli
    SWE-ENG: Yamashita
    SWE-AUS: Staubli

    3rd place:
    If not AUS: Jacewicz
    If AUS: Alves

    I think we can remember past final, Collina never dissapointed us, the situation of Alves is not same with Pitana, she is not big name and I remember someone said how much we can trust her? With Yamashita attended Men’s WC even only act as FO it’s make a different with Alves. If AUS on the final, you can only break confederation rules with the best one, so I bet Staubli will get the final if AUS on the final.

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  46. I can only imagine Seneme reading and laughing at all the comments that don't put Alves in the final.

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  47. OT:

    Wow,what are your thoughts on no penalty call in Everon vs Fulham?

    Imo,clear penalt, not given to FUL,around 90thish minute.

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    Replies
    1. 87:50 with the replay at 90:05 on the global feed.

      Delete
  48. Let me emphasize that so far in the knock-out rounds, there are not many CONMEBOL referees appointed:
    - Alves (R16)
    - Carvajal (QF)

    Just two. Compare this to the Men’s World Cup, it were 5 (!!) in the R16-QF’s rounds (and zero in the SF-F). The difference is interesting, given most of the CONMEBOL teams are out of competition and Seneme is considered powerful…

    So, this is either 1) a lack of quality of CONMEBOL officials, or 2) they ‘more or less’ have been promised the final (under the condition that Colombia would be out). I can easily hear the Ref Com making arguments: “Alright CONMEBOL, you get the final. But as a consolidation, the other confederations will get some more games.”

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    Replies
    1. Additionally, Concacaf had 3 KO-appointments so far. They are 1 appointment ahead of Conmebol. That is quite telling.

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    2. But CONMEBOL isn't bigger than CONCACAF in women's football in general, if we e.g. look at success at previous World Cups (USA > BRA, CAN > every other South American team), but also at referee appointments (e.g. 4 CONCACAF vs 3 CONMEBOL KO stage games in 2019).

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    3. And this is before we account for the fact that a country that has probably been producing very good female refs for a while (USA) have been blocked from most matches outside the R16 and maybe one of the QF for basically this century.

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  49. The mentioned situation from Australia - France, minute 8':
    https://streamable.com/z30mhq
    Simply said, very often being fair doesn't help referee in detecting even a clear foul. This holding was definitely enough to be punished.
    Nevertheless, to me not a clear DOGSO, RC would have been supported by VAR, but I think here expected decision YC for SPA, even stopping video at the moment of the holding you can't be sure player will run alone to the goal.
    So, player had to fall down to get this foul whistled... correct by VAR to support the decision because, as said, no clear DOGSO for me.

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    Replies
    1. 100': wrong corner kick decision, AR rather passive, she missed the ball out before.
      https://streamable.com/ybg1qx
      Luckily Carvajal called that clear foul, most of the times such actions in penalty area are allowed, VAR doesn't intervene, so it was really "saving" a crucial mistake (in case, not in the control of VAR...) by Chilean referee, who did very well.

      104': AR2 still unsure about what to signal after a challenge close to her
      https://streamable.com/r37gki

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    2. SCANDAL, scandal no penalty to France in the second time of prolongation (113temps). collaboration of the home country?…

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    3. 113' Penalty appeal, referee plays on, VAR silent.
      https://streamable.com/wntdq7
      It is indeed similar to the one occurred in Staubli game, but in this case no whistle by Chilean referee who had visual control and made gestures. Correct by VAR to support, not a clear and obvious mistake, but a situation in which a penalty is rather expected call (without watching the close detail) and in case you can't blame referee.
      Very strong and communicative gesture to resume play after the OK by VAR, this is typical from South American referee to enforce their decisions and I really love that... something very rare in UEFA.

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    4. For me that's a clear and obvious careless trip.

      But I also wouldn't want to be the VAR to sent that down on ET of a World Cup QF.

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    5. Min 113: IMO play on is more than supportable

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  50. Candidates for final: Carvajal, Staubli, Penso,

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  51. My prediction

    Spa-Swe: Monzul(UKR) - 4th:Foster(WAL) - Var:Irrati(ITA)

    Aus-Eng:Penso (EE.UU) -4th:Fortunato(ARG) - Var:Soto (VEN)

    Nathryn Nesbitt(EE.UU) replaces Rensch(SUR) In AUS -ENG

    3r position - Mukasanga(RWA) -4th:Carvajal(CHI) - Var:Villareal (EE.UU)

    Final - Yamashita (JAP) - Alves Batista (BRA) -Var:Chenard(CAN)

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    Replies
    1. I'd feel a little bad for Rensch because she hasn't really had a howler but are you really going to give Penso a SF and leave perhaps the best AR at the tournament on the sideline?

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    2. If it were to play out like this, Rensch would maybe join Mukansanga’s team in the third place game as compensation

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  52. Severe troubles for Koroleva in foul detection, indeed, some missed fouls were too evident to play on. Still rare to see such challenges going unpunished at this level. Not the best technical performance.

    20' Missed foul
    https://streamable.com/q84kc7

    23' - 24' Missed foul and wrong free kick a few later. Also, missing alertness in head possible injury, but once you don't see the foul... that's just a consequence. She didn't see at all.
    https://streamable.com/tvkr8b

    35' Possible YC for SPA, but also LoR
    https://streamable.com/n80np8
    The replay shows how much unfair is Colombian action, only for the kind of foul, clear lack of respect in UEFA, she deserved the card.

    1-1 Positioning - Entering penalty area when needed
    https://streamable.com/jho40w
    Good movements by referee in this case, she didn't hesitate to get closer to action, without thinking about a possible "dead" action.

    69' Missed foul and YC for SPA
    https://streamable.com/uuz29y
    This one very clear as well, but situations in first half were definitely easier to spot, while low contacts, if you are not close, can be more a trouble.

    For what I could see from both (as said, I hadn't watched too much of Koroleva in group stage), Penso, at least at this tournament, seems to be better referee. But I think US assignments are over...

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    Replies
    1. Re: 69', sorry I meant "missed C for reckless" of course ;)

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  53. I don't think that US-assignments are over - there's a big opportunity for Tori Penso to be in the middle of the final. As someone wrote before - Collina will not take risks with a referee who isn't reliable enough. Alves and Yamashita aren't.
    The second possibility is Staubli, the best ref of the tournament.

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    Replies
    1. And add to that the power US have in FIFA (see Faghani case, Geiger or Elfath appointments, etc.)

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    2. Faghani case? What do you mean?

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  54. If Collina had looked at the performances this tournament, he would have seen disappointing performances by Monzul and Frappart (Monzul obviously better, but still a lot of comments about her performances on this blog). These 2 refs share the fact that they have previously been the referee for a WC final, and are therefore less motivated to perform well. In the men’s World Cup, we usually see a referee who won’t be present at the next edition, why is this not the case for the Women’s World Cup? I am 100% sure that we wouldn’t have had the Frappart disaster yesterday had Umpierrez (for example) been the final referee in the previous edition. In 2019 we had Steinhaus and Monzul, this year we have Frappart and Monzul, I would advise the committee to ensure that in 2027, we don’t have 2 refs who already officiated the final - it reduces motivation and it increases unfair appointments, as it is understandably difficult to send home a referee with such an amount of experience

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    1. It is patently absurd to think these officials will slack off during a world cup match because they have previously worked a World Cup final. These are among the top officials in the world working on the biggest stage there is. I’m fine with you not liking Frappart. She’s not perfect. But you don’t get to where these people are by not trying. Even the referees you don’t like are trying to be the best, whether they had some help getting an assignment or not. No one wants to be the official who got in the center and pooped the bed. I still obsess over mistakes in matches I worked 25 years ago.

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    2. Monzul in 2019 quarterfinal France vs USA was an incredibly well officiated match

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    3. I agree with 2:41, in 2019 there was nothing wrong with those who already officiated the final. However, with the increasing quality of women’s officials, I think it is time to appoint referees the same way it happens at the men’s World Cup, so being awarded the final is a reward for your career (and not a midway highlight). In regard to the comment by 2:02, I cannot be convinced that someone with such experience, both in men’s and women’s football, would perform so badly in both Women’s Euro and Women’s World Cup if it wasn’t due to a motivational factor. I don’t dislike Frappart, I dislike her recent performances in women’s football and the appointments she’s getting in spite of these performances. She’s had a great career so far, but I’m convinced she would perform better if getting the final was still a goal she had to pursue

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  55. OT: Arab Club Champions Cup final today
    Al Hilal (KSA) - Al Nassr (KSA): Redouane Jiyed, Lahcen Azgaou, Mustapha Akerkad (all MAR), Mahmoud El Banna (EGY) - Samir Guezzaz (MAR), Mokrane Gourari (ALG)
    Three RCs against Al Nassr (one player, one substitute and the coach).

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    1. I would like to add that he head some bright moments and some not so bright moments.

      But one thing that he was very bad was time added on..

      First in regular time,5 minutes...

      Too little,I expected atleast,atleast I repeat 10 minutes and when he showed 5 I was laughing.
      Then in OT just 2 minutes,and we had players timewasting,simulating and some other stuff.

      Very bad in that aspect.

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  56. OT: Are there any foreign referee assignment for Saudi Pro League this week?

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    Replies
    1. Not for the first three games (Khalid At-Taris, Abdullah Al-Harbi and Faisal Al-Balawi were appointed).

      You can check the appointments on the day of the game (they were released minutes after 13:00 CET two days ago and yesterday) here:
      https://twitter.com/saudiff

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  57. I find it amusing that several of you seem to think that I’m a Frappart apologist based on my comments from the last page of commentary. I was simply trying to bring some perspective to a page full of people who seem to delight, with a sense of superiority, in tearing down every performance in the World Cup, or I’m guessing just about any match. I don’t care about Frappart at all. I’ve only seen her work in the World Cup last year and this year. Assuming the likes of Markus Merk aren’t trolling this site, I’m guessing there is maybe one of you who wouldn’t embarrass themselves as the 4th official at the World Cup.

    The people on this site seem to think they understand the game better than the people who govern the sport. They think they know better than the greatest referees in the game. Guessing no one on this site is in the meetings or working the camps and tournaments these officials are to prepare for the World Cup. A national referee once told me that the match is about the players showcasing their skills. At the World Cup, with the greatest players on the planet, it doesn’t surprise me that you might call a game a little different in a tournament sprint vs a long season. When I was working games, the more lenient referees always worked the knockout matches, yet they still kept control of the match. The difference seemed to be in knowing when it was okay to ignore the directives and let them play a little more while still knowing when to show a card.

    I stand by the comments about Frappart being a good referee. Maybe she isn’t as good as others in the tournament. That’s a reasonable opinion. Not that they would give her a second final, but the opinion that she doesn’t deserve it whether she had previously worked on or not is valid. Criticism of a call is fine, but too many of you seem to delight in it.

    I feel like match after match last year in Qatar, commentary on here talked about losing control and how disgusting the officiating was. And when I watched the marches, the players seemed fine and the games were enjoyable. Much more so than if the referee had handed out 8 yellows and 3 reds a game, which is what this site seemed eager for.

    There is no such thing as 100 on an assessment. The referee can’t see everything. The best referees anre getting ann A-, maybe an A. And good referees watching the same thing will disagree on what happened and what the discipline should be. There are arguments at national referee camps for that reason. I watch matches for the referees as much for the play, more so if I don’t care about the teams. If you’ve been in the middle, you know what a difficult job it can be, I don’t know why you set the bar so high tor a referee to enjoy a game unless the enjoyment is in tearing down the referee. And if that’s all you’re doing, then at some point your criticism means little.

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  58. Edina Alves for ESP-SWE, Borjas as 4th official

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  59. Another SF Monzul
    3rd Penso or Mukansanga
    F Yamashita

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