Tuesday 1 August 2023

2023 FIFA Women's WC - Referee appointments for Group Stage

Discussion about 2023 Women's World Cup. 


Match 1 (Auckland)
20 July 2023, 09:00 CET
NEW ZEALAND - NORWAY
Refereee: Yoshimi Yamashita (JPN)
Assistant Referee 1: Makoto Bozono (JPN)
Assistant Referee 2: Naomi Teshirogi (JPN)
Fourth Official: Ivana Martinčić (CRO)
Video Assistant Referee: Tatiana Guzmán (NCA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Carol Anne Chenard (CAN) 
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Chantal Boudreau (CAN) 

Match 2 (Sydney)
20 July 2023, 12:00 CET
AUSTRALIA - REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Refereee: Edina Alves (BRA) 
Assistant Referee 1: Neuza Back (BRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Leila Cruz (BRA) 
Fourth Official: Maria Carvajal (CHI) 
Video Assistant Referee: Daiane Muniz (BRA) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Juan Soto (VEN) 
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Mariana De Almeida (ARG)

Match 3 (Dunedin)
21 July 2023, 07:00 CET
PHILIPPINES - SWITZERLAND 
Refereee: Vincentia Amedome (TOG)
Assistant Referee 1: Carine Atezambong (CMR)
Assistant Referee 2: Fanta Kone (MLI)
Fourth Official: Myriam Marcotte (CAN)
Video Assistant Referee: Drew Fischer (CAN) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Adil Zourak (MAR) 
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Kathryn Nesbitt (USA)

Match 4 (Melbourne)
21 July 2023, 04:30 CET
NIGERIA - CANADA
Refereee: Lina Lehtovaara (FIN)
Assistant Referee 1: Chrysoula Kourompylia (GRE)
Assistant Referee 2: Karolin Kaivoja (EST)
Fourth Official: Iuliana Demetrescu (ROU)
Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel (NED)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Abdulla Al Marri (QAT)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Katrin Rafalski (GER)

Match 5 (Wellington)
21 July 2023, 09:30 CET
SPAIN - COSTA RICA 
Refereee: Casey Reibelt (AUS)
Assistant Referee 1: Ramina Tsoi (KGZ)
Assistant Referee 2: Xie Lijun (CHN)
Fourth Official: Kim Yujeong (KOR)
Video Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Armando Villarreal (USA)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Sian Massey-Ellis (ENG)

Match 6 (Hamilton)
22 July 2023, 09:00 CET
ZAMBIA - JAPAN
Refereee: Tess Olofsson (SWE) 
Assistant Referee 1: Lucie Ratajova (CZE)
Assistant Referee 2: Polyxeni Irodotou (CYP)
Fourth Official: Anahi Fernandez (URU)
Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Salomé Di Iorio (ARG)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Franca Overtoom (NED)

Match 7 (Brisbane)
22 July 2023, 11:30 CET
ENGLAND - HAITI
Refereee: Emikar Calderas (VEN)
Assistant Referee 1: Migdalia Rodriguez (VEN)
Assistant Referee 2: Mary Blanco (COL)
Fourth Official: Marianela Araya (CRC)
Video Assistant Referee: Juan Soto (VEN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Nicolas Gallo (COL)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Neuza Back (BRA) 

Match 8 (Perth)
22 July 2023, 14:00 CET
DENMARK - CHINA
Refereee: Marie-Soleil Beaudoin (CAN)
Assistant Referee 1: Chantal Boudreau (CAN)
Assistant Referee 2: Stephanie-Dale Yee Sing (JAM)
Fourth Official: Akhona Makalima (RSA)
Video Assistant Referee: Armando Villarreal (USA) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Alejandro José Hernandez Hernandez (ESP) 
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Shirley Perelló (HON)

Match 9 (Auckland)
22 July 2023, 03:00 CET
USA - VIETNAM
Refereee: Bouchra Karboubi (MAR)
Assistant Referee 1: Fatiha Jermoumi (MAR)
Assistant Referee 2: Soukaina Hamdi (MAR)
Fourth Official: Ivana Martincic (CRO)
Video Assistant Referee: Juan Martinez Munuera (ESP) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ella De Vries (BEL)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Michelle O'Neill (IRL) 

Match 10 (Dunedin)
23 July 2023, 09:30 CET
NETHERLANDS - PORTUGAL
Refereee: Kateryna Monzul (UKR)
Assistant Referee 1: Maryna Striletska (UKR)
Assistant Referee 2: Paulina Baranowska (POL)
Fourth Official: Myriam Marcotte (CAN)
Video Assistant Referee: Drew Fischer (CAN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Abdullah Al Marri (QAT) 
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Joanna Kate Charaktis (AUS)

Match 11 (Sydney)
23 July 2023, 12:00 CET
FRANCE - JAMAICA
Refereee: Maria Belen Carvajal (CHI)
Assistant Referee 1: Leslie Vasquez (CHI)
Assistant Referee 2: Loreto Toloza (CHI)
Fourth Official: Laura Fortunato (ARG)
Video Assistant Referee: Nicolas Gallo (COL)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Juan Soto (VEN)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Mariana De Almeida (ARG) 

Match 12 (Wellington)
23 July 2023, 07:00 CET
SWEDEN - SOUTH AFRICA 
Refereee: Ekaterina Koroleva (USA) 
Assistant Referee 1: Kathryn Nesbitt (USA)
Assistant Referee 2: Felisha Mariscal (USA)
Fourth Official: Kim Yu-Jeong (KOR)
Video Assistant Referee: Carol Anne Chenard (CAN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tatiana Guzman (NCA)
Offside Video Assistant Referee:  Enedina Caudillo (MEX) 

Match 13 (Adelaide) 
24 July 2023, 13:00 CET
BRAZIL - PANAMA 
Refereee: Cheryl Foster (WAL) 
Assistant Referee 1: Michelle O'Neill (IRL)
Assistant Referee 2: Franca Overtoom (NED)
Fourth Official: Iuliana Demetrescu (ROU)
Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Alejandro José Hernandez Hernandez (ESP) 
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Guadalupe Porras Ayuso (ESP) 

Match 14 (Auckland)
24 July 2023, 08:00 CET
ITALY - ARGENTINA
Refereee: Melissa Borjas (HON) 
Assistant Referee 1: Shirley Perello (HON)
Assistant Referee 2: Sandra Ramirez (MEX)
Fourth Official: Ivana Martincic (CRO)
Video Assistant Referee: Tatiana Guzman (NCA) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Armando Villarreal (USA)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Chantal Boudreau (CAN)

Match 15 (Melbourne) 
24 July 2023, 10:30 CET
GERMANY - MOROCCO 
Refereee: Tori Penso (USA) 
Assistant Referee 1: Brooke Mayo (USA) 
Assistant Referee 2: Mijensa Rensch (SUR)
Fourth Official: Akhona Makalima (RSA)
Video Assistant Referee: Carol Anne Chenard (CAN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Muhammad Taqi Jahari (SIN)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Neuza Back (BRA)

Match 16 (Sydney) 
25 July 2023, 04:00 CET
COLOMBIA - SOUTH KOREA  
Refereee: Rebecca Welch (ENG)
Assistant Referee 1: Natalie Aspinall (ENG) 
Assistant Referee 2: Anita Vad (HUN)
Fourth Official: Marianela Araya (CRC)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Drew Fischer (CAN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee :Armando Villarreal (USA)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Sian Massey-Ellis (ENG)

Match 17 (Wellington)
25 July 2023, 07:30 CET
NEW ZEALAND - PHILIPPINES
Refereee: Katia Garcia (MEX)
Assistant Referee 1: Karen Diaz Medina (MEX) 
Assistant Referee 2: Enedina Caudillo (MEX) 
Fourth Official: Kim Yu-Jeong (KOR)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Abdulla Al Marri (QAT)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Adil Zourak (MAR)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Fatiha Jermoumi (MAR)

Match 18 (Hamilton)
25 July 2023, 10:00 CET
SWITZERLAND - NORWAY 
Refereee: Stéphanie Frappart (FRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Manuela Nicolosi (FRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Elodie Coppola (FRA)
Fourth Official: Anahi Fernandez (URU)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel (NED)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Ella De Vries (BEL)

Match 21 (Dunedin) 
26 July 2023, 07:00 CET
JAPAN - COSTA RICA
Refereee: Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi (ITA) 
Assistant Referee 1: Francesca Di Monte (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Mihaela Țepușă (ROU)
Fourth Official: Myriam Marcotte (CAN)
Video Assistant Referee: Massilimiliano Irrati (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Salomé Di Iorio (ARG)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Sian Massey-Ellis (ENG) 

Match 20 (Auckland)
26 July 2023, 09:30 CET
SPAIN - ZAMBIA
Refereee: Oh Hyeonjeong (KOR)
Assistant Referee 1: Lee Seul Gi (KOR)
Assistant Referee 2: Park Misuk (KOR)
Fourth Official: Ivana Martinčić (CRO)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Muhammad Taqi Jahari (SIN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Abdullah Al Marri (QAT) 
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Ella De Vries (BEL) 

Match 19 (Perth) 
26 July 2023, 14:00 CET
CANADA - REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 
Refereee: Laura Fortunato (ARG)
Assistant Referee 1: Mariana De Almeida (ARG)
Assistant Referee 2: Daiana Milone (ARG)
Fourth Official: Akhona Makalima (RSA)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Aejandro José Hernandez Hernandez (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Juan Martinez Munuera (ESP) 
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Neuza Back (BRA) 

Match 22 (Brisbane)
27 July 2023, 12:00 CET
AUSTRALIA - NIGERIA 
Refereee: Esther Staubli (SUI) 
Assistant Referee 1: Katrin Rafalski (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Susanne Kueng (SUI)
Fourth Official: Lina Lehtovaara (FIN)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel (NED)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Ella De Vries (BEL)

Match 23 (Wellington)
27 July 2023, 03:00 CET
USA - NETHERLANDS
Referee: Yoshimi Yamashita (JPN)
Assistant Referee 1: Makoto Bozono (JPN)
Assistant Referee 2: Naomi Teshirogi (JPN)
Fourth Official: Kim Yujeong (KOR)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Juan Soto (VEN) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Nicolas Gallo (COL)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Leslie Vasquez (CHI) 

Match 24 (Hamilton) 
27 July 2023, 09:30 CET
PORTUGAL - VIETNAM 
Referee: Salima Mukansanga (RWA)
Assistant Referee 1: Queency Victoire (MRI)
Assistant Referee 2: Mary Njoroge (KEN)
Fourth Official: Anahi Fernandez (URU)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Adil Zourak (MAR) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Daiane Muniz (BRA)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Fatiha Jermoumi (MAR)

Match 27 (Dunedin)
28 July 2023, 02:00 CET
ARGENTINA - SOUTH AFRICA 
Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley (NZL)
Assistant Referee 1: Sarah Jones (NZL)
Assistant Referee 2: Maria Salamasina (SAM)
Fourth Official: Iuliana Demetrescu (ROU)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Abdulla Al Marri (QAT)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Drew Fischer (CAN)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Felisha Mariscal (USA)

Match 25 (Sydney)
28 July 2023, 10:30 CET
ENGLAND - DENMARK 
Referee: Tess Olofsson (SWE)
Assistant Referee 1: Lucie Ratajova (CZE)
Assistant Referee 2: Polyxeni Irodotou (CYP)
Fourth Official: Oh Hyeonjeong (KOR)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Tatiana Guzman (NCA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Carol Anne Chenard (CAN)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Kathryn Nesbitt (USA)

Match 26 (Adelaide) 
28 July 2023, 13:00 CET
CHINA - HAITI 
Referee: Marta Huerta De Aza (ESP) 
Assistant Referee 1: Guadalupe Porras Ayuso (ESP) 
Assistant Referee 2: Sanja Rođak-Karšić (CRO)
Fourth Official: Marianela Araya (CRC) 
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Alejandro José Hernandez Hernandez (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Juan Martinez Munuera (ESP)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Mariana De Almeida (ARG) 

Match 28 (Brisbane) 
29 July 2023, 12:00 CET
FRANCE - BRAZIL
Referee: Kate Jacewicz (AUS)
Assistant Referee 1: Kim Kyoungmin (KOR)
Assistant Referee 2: Joanna Charaktis (AUS)
Fourth Official: Lina Lehtovaara (FUIN) 
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Armando Villarreal (USA)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Enedina Caudillo (MEX) 

Match 29 (Perth)
29 July 2023, 14:30 CET
PANAMA - JAMAICA 
Referee: Kateryna Monzul (UKR)
Assistant Referee 1: Maryna Striletska (UKR)
Assistant Referee 2: Paulina Baranowska (POL)
Fourth Official: Akhona Makalima (RSA)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Juan Martinez Munuera (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Adil Zourak (MAR)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Sian Massey-Ellis (ENG) 

Match 30 (Wellington) 
29 July 2023, 09:30 CET
SWEDEN - ITALY 
Referee: Cheryl Foster (WAL) 
Assistant Referee 1: Michelle O'Neill (IRL)
Assistant Referee 2: Franca Overtoom (NED)
Fourth Official:  Myriam Marcotte (CAN) 
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel (NED) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Ella De Vries (BEL)

Match 33 (Dunedin) 
30 July 2023, 09:00 CET
SWITZERLAND - NEW ZEALAND 
Referee: Tori Penso (USA) 
Assistant Referee 1: Brooke Mayo (USA)
Assistant Referee 2: Mijensa Rensch (SUR)
Fourth Official: Iuliana Demetrescu (ROU) 
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Nicolas Gallo (COL)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee:Juan Soto (VEN)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Leslie Vasquez (CHI) 

Match 31 (Sydney)
30 July 2023, 11:30 CET
GERMANY - COLOMBIA
Referee: Melissa Borjas (HON)
Assistant Referee 1: Shirley Perello (HON) 
Assistant Referee 2: Sandra Ramirez (MEX)
Fourth Official: Yoshimi Yamashita (JPN) 
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Armando Villarreal (USA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Carol Anne Chenard (CAN)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Guadalupe Porras (ESP) 

Match 32 (Adelaide)
30 July 2023, 06:30 CET
SOUTH KOREA - MOROCCO 
Referee: Edina Alves (BRA) 
Assistant Referee 1: Neuza Back (BRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Leila Moreira (BRA) 
Fourth Official: Marianela Araya (CRC) 
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Daiane Muniz (BRA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Alejandro José Hernandez Hernandez (ESP)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Mariana De Almeida (ARG) 

Match 34 (Auckland)
30 July 2023, 09:00 CET
NORWAY - PHILIPPINES 
Referee: Marie-Soleil Beaudoin (CAN)
Assistant Referee 1: Chantal Boudreau (CAN) 
Assistant Referee 2: Stephanie Yee-Sing (JAM)
Fourth Official: Anahi Fernandez (URU) 
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Drew Fischer (CAN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee:Salomé Di Iorio (ARG)
Offside Video Assistant Referee:Sian Massey-Ellis (ENG) 

Match 35 (Melbourne)
31 July 2023, 12:00 CET
CANADA - AUSTRALIA
Referee: Stéphanie Frappart (FRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Manuela Nicolosi (FRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Elodie Coppola (FRA) 
Fourth Official: Tess Olofsson (SWE) 
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel (NED)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Ella De Vries (BEL) 

Match 36 (Brisbane)
31 July 2023, 12:00 CET
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND - NIGERIA 
Referee: Katia Garcia (MEX)
Assistant Referee 1: Karen Diaz Medina (MEX)
Assistant Referee 2: Enedina Caudillo (MEX) 
Fourth Official: Lina Lehtovaara (FIN) 
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Salomé Di Iorio (ARG)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Lucie Ratajova (CZE) 

Match 37 (Wellington)
31 July 2023, 09:00 CET
JAPAN - SPAIN
Referee: Ekaterina Koroleva (USA)
Assistant Referee 1: Kathryn Nesbitt (USA)
Assistant Referee 2: Felisha Mariscal (USA)
Fourth Official: Myriam Marcotte (CAN)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Drew Fischer (CAN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee:Armando Villarrel (USA)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Mariana De Almeida (ARG) 

Match 38 (Hamilton)
31 July 2023, 09:00 CET
COSTA RICA - ZAMBIA 
Referee: Bouchra Karboubi (MAR)
Assistant Referee 1: Fatiha Jermoumi (MAR)
Assistant Referee 2: Soukaina Hamdi (MAR)
Fourth Official: Kim Yujeong (KOR)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Adil Zourak (MAR)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Abdulla Al Marri (QAT)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Sian Massey-Ellis (ENG) 

Match 42 (Dunedin)
1 August 2023, 09:00 CET
VIETNAM - NETHERLANDS 
Referee: Ivana Martincic (CRO) 
Assistant Referee 1: Sanja Rodak (CRO)
Assistant Referee 2: Karolin Kaivoja (EST)
Fourth Official: Iuliana Demetrescu (ROU) 
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Carol Anne Chenard (CAN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Nicolas Gallo (COL)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Chantal Boudreau (CAN)

Match 41 (Auckland)
1 August 2023, 09:00 CET
PORTUGAL - USA 
Referee: Rebecca Welch (ENG)
Assistant Referee 1: Natalie Aspinall (ENG) 
Assistant Referee 2: Anita Vad HUN)
Fourth Official: Anahi Fernandez (URU) 
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tatiana Guzman (NCA)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Maryna Striletska (UKR)

Match 39 (Adelaide)
1 August 2023, 13:00 CET
CHINA - ENGLAND
Referee: Casey Rebelt (AUS) 
Assistant Referee 1: Ramina Tsoi (KGZ) 
Assistant Referee 2: Heba Saadieh (PLE)
Fourth Official: Marianela Araya (CRC) 
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Juan Soto (VEN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Daiane Muniz (BRA)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Shirley Perello HON) 

Match 40 (Perth)
1 August 2023, 13:00 CET
HAITI - DENMARK 
Referee: Oh Hyeonjeong (KOR)
Assistant Referee 1:Park Misuk (KOR) 
Assistant Referee 2: Makoto Bozono (JPN) 
Fourth Official: Akhona Makalima (RSA) 
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Muhammad Taqi Jahari (SIN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Abdulla Al Marri (QAT)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Neuza Back (BRA) 

Match 43 (Sydney)
2 August 2023, 12:00 CET
PANAMA - FRANCE 
Refereee: Laura Fortunato (ARG)
Assistant Referee 1: Mariana De Almeida (ARG)
Assistant Referee 2: Daiana Milone (ARG)
Fourth Official: Emikar Calderas (VEN)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Alejandro José Hernandez Hernandez (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Salomé Di Iorio (ARG)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Shirley Perello (HON) 

Match 44 (Melbourne)
2 August 2023, 12:00 CET
JAMAICA - BRAZIL
Referee: Esther Staubli (SUI)
Assistant Referee 1: Katrin Rafalski (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Susanne Kueng (SUI)
Fourth Official: Anna-Marie Keighley (NZL) Vincentia Amedome (TOG)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Pol Van Boekel (NED)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Ella De Vries (BEL) 

Match 45 (Hamilton)
2 August 2023, 09:00 CET
ARGENTINA - SWEDEN
Referee: Salima Mukansanga (RWA)
Assistant Referee 1: Queency Victoire (MRI)
Assistant Referee 2: Mary Njoroge (KEN)
Fourth Official: Kim Yujeong (KOR)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Adil Zourak (MAR)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tatiana Guzman (NCA)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Fatiha Jermoumi (MAR)

Match 46 (Wellington) 
2 August 2023, 09:00 CET
SOUTH AFRICA - ITALY
Referee: Maria Belen Carvajal (CHI)
Assistant Referee 1: Leslie Vasquez (CHI)
Assistant Referee 2: Monica Amboya (ECU)
Fourth Official: Myriam Marcotte (CAN)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Nicolas Gallo (COL)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Armando Villarreal (USA)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Enedina Caudillo (MEX) 

Match 47 (Brisbane)
3 August 2023, 12:00 CET
SOUTH KOREA - GERMANY
Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley (NZL)
Assistant Referee 1: Sarah Jones (NZL)
Assistant Referee 2: Maria Salamasina (SAM) 
Fourth Official: Marta Huerta De Aza (ESP)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Pol Van Boekel (NED)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Muhammad Taqi Jahari (SIN)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Chantal Boudreau (CAN) 

Match 48 (Perth)
3 August 2023, 12:00 CET
MOROCCO - COLOMBIA 
Referee: Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi (ITA)
Assistant Referee 1: Francesca Di Monte (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Mihaela Țepușă (ROU)
Fourth Official: Akhona Makalima (RSA) 
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Carol Anne Chenard (CAN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Drew Fischer (CAN)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Sian Massey-Ellis (ENG) 

121 comments:

  1. Probably in group H they expect that things will go easily with Colombia already qualified and Germany that should manage it against South Korea. Nevertheless, I think these games can be challenging. Interesting choice, also to underline the fact that Keighley has been appointed as fourth official before and then this was changed. Ideas were not so clear until the very end.
    I didn't expect a second assignment for Ferrieri Caputi and I thought the target for her was indeed only one game, would have been fair in regard to other officials. About that game, impossible to make any assessment, it was too easy, so let's wait and see for this one.
    Among the referees with only one game so far, there is the possibility to get directly a round of 16, Martincic first name that would suit.
    Also, interesting to point out that Zourak has been confirmed as VAR, despite of the clear technical mistake he made yesterday, appointment made before and not changed, but if they want to Mukansanga for something important in KO Stage in case of good performance in this game, they should change VAR. Nevertheless, I think, as often happens, there will be hardly room for CAF officials in KO stage. FIFA is different in one thing if we compare with UEFA when they make appointments: they are less incline to replace an official after a very serious mistake.

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    Replies
    1. It’s definitely Jacewicz above Martincic for those refs with only one game, as we can say for sure that Jacewicz was planned for a game and we already know she had a good game

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    2. Why technical mistake by Zourak? Could you explain it based on the wording of the VAR protocol?

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    3. I also think, that Jacewicz is the most likely to get her 2nd game in the R16. Unless she became unavailable and that's the reason for the late change with Keighley, of course.
      Martincic is hard to evaluate, but due to her treatment on the first matchdays, I think, she is behind all UEFA referees with 2 games and rather doesn't get another one - but not sure.

      @Zourak mistake: The relevant phrase is "For decisions/incidents relating to goals, penalty/no penalty and red cards for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO), it may be necessary to review the attacking phase of play which led directly to the decision/incident;"
      And the attacking phase of play directly before the penalty only starts, when the fouled player gets the ball, because before that the defending team has possession of the ball.

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    4. I disagree with your understanding of this part of the VAR protocol. APP is not clearly defined as "the moment after the last touch by the defendants team". IMO the CRC-player in offside position challenges her opponent for the ball (by the LotG a offside offense) which is the only cause the Zambian player plays the ball towards the own goal and not towards the midline. There would have several options which were only blocked by the player committing the offside offense and as we can see on the path the Zambian player takes, she only decides for the pass backwards after beeing heavenly pressured by the CRC attacker. IMO (and also at least as we understand the VAR protocol in elite refereeing in my country) in this case the APP begins when the CRC player challenges her opponent for the ball, as only this leads to the possession gain.

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    5. No, not the last touch, but the last moment of unchallenged / controlled possession. And in my opinion, this is the case after the defender completed the turn and had the opportunity to make a better pass without obstruction.
      But interesting to read, that it is not as clear as it seemed, if there are different interpretations.

      Delete
    6. Arbitre Anglais1 August 2023 at 11:28

      In terms of fouls, APP has often gone further back down field to look at previous challenges. I think where there was certainly a judgement to be made, the offside certainly challenges the attacker who is then has to pass the ball quickly which impacted. I think ‘what football expects’ is offside. It wasn’t 60 seconds earlier or 70 metres away. Also, once there’s an OFR, the referee can’t “unsee” the blatant offside. Imagine the explanation “ I can see there was a blatant offside but technically … so I’m going to give a penalty”.

      Delete
    7. That was a penalty that Karboubi missed. And VAR should have been reviewing that and not the offside. An offside that is nonexistent as the C.R. in no way affects the Zambian players ability to play the ball.

      Delete
    8. Arbitre Anglais1 August 2023 at 13:18

      She only came back from offside in order to challenge her! Zambian has to pass backwards because she was there and challenging. You can debate whether the incident in the APP (I think it is); you surely can’t possibly say it wasn’t actually offside / she didn’t interfere?? The fact the APP debate has been so much amongst referees shows how tricky a decision it is and should make us give empathy to ref who has to view this on screen under pressure. The decision is at least supportable.

      Delete
  2. Small, but weird technical mistake by Welch in 86', when she allowed a quick free kick after a yellow card. The referee clearly wasn't ready and didn't whistle for the restart, which is mandatory.

    But this being the first comment on the game probably is a good sign. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mandatory according to the laws of the game but not applied if a team is not winning with few minutes left to go and the other team commited the foul. Has happened several times.

      Delete
  3. I watched the game and thought she was terrible with no clear line on fouls and the first yc was a joke especially if the next significant foul which should've been a yc isn't.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The caution to Lavelle was spot on! She now deservedly gets to watch their next game from the sidelines.
      Sophia Smith should have also been cautioned for her reckless from behind tackle a few minutes later. But Welch chose not to caution two US players in such short succession. Her foul selection was decent. She didn't allow the frustrated Yanks to bully their way through the match. The Portuguese players was also properly dealt with as needed. So, all in all an acceptable performance in a match that turned out to be tighter than expected.

      Delete
  4. Didn’t watch the game and although I think her treatment by FIFA is unfair in general in this WC, because she will stay ont that one match, but I am vety prooud as Croatian that we finally had a referee at World Cup, first one ever (both male and female) since 1982 when Damir Matovinovic officiated his match.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Didn’t see her game today yet, but I wouldn’t bet on her only having one game. Might be she was always intended to only be involved later. There are lots of less-experienced officials who maybe better used in group stages. Although, if going to do that, why not let Frappart take that role - she’s well had her go!

      Delete
    2. I love reading about your conspiracy theories and how you make up imaginary scenarios. She got a game as main official when her role is a support referee. Take what you got and be happy about it.

      Delete
    3. Arbitre Anglais1 August 2023 at 13:12

      Don’t see any ‘conspiracy theory’ here - just people interested in refereeing debating a referee’s appointment reasonably - you might wanted to calm down! I for one agree that it’s not impossible to see her again.

      Delete
  5. Do you know who have been (and still are) the referee assessors during WWC matches? FUFA commette members ?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh forgot to do the VAR sign before announcing the offside decision, maybe a lack of experience?

    ReplyDelete
  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Very strange OFR disallowing 0-3 for ENG (offside). Do you really think it was not a deliberate play by the Chinese defender?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To add that: The procedure did not seem very professional in front of the screen, VARs had some issues to show Reibelt the proper video sequence. They unnecessarily showed the shot on the goal, which had nothing to do with the offside position.

      Delete
    2. Sorry, it was the 0-4 of course.

      Delete
    3. Saw it again, for me not a punishable offside position at all. The defender played the ball deliberately. Yes, she was attacked by her opponent, but ball was fully forseeable and it came from a very long distance. I‘m a bit surprised by the decision, especially after OFR.

      Delete
    4. I find the decision strange as well.

      Deliberate play or not, live I had the impression the attacker touched the ball in the air therefore the offside position should be judged at that moment.
      So IMO no offside, but need to check replay.

      Delete
    5. It might be correct if you follow the rule book completely word for word, but I don't think you can do that. I think this is making a mockery of the rule and not actually using the way it was designed for

      Delete
    6. But is the Chinese player playing in a controlled manner? For me: no. So offside is correct. Deliberately yes, but not in a controlled manner.

      Delete
    7. I would also say, that it's not deliberate play in the sense of the new Laws, because the ball could not be played in a controlled manner (high ball and challenged by an opponent). Maybe borderline in this aspect.
      14:06 is however right, that a touch by ENG#11 would reset the offside. I don't think, this is really proven or disproven by the pictures, but it should have been in focus during the review.

      Delete
    8. loved to watch Martincic today even though it was a one sided game. She is alert, correct and quick in making good decisions. Also I cant get over how Sanja Rodjak saw this off side. Great work! Martincic needs to get more games!

      Delete
  9. Back to Switzerland - New Zealand, Tori Penso.

    The reported situation, advantage after offside:
    https://streamable.com/2gpshd
    Definitely not a way to deal with offside flag. Advantage is always dangerous when defenders can be challenged by attackers close to penalty area. Better to whistle. Cases are rare in which you can be sure about giving advantage (defender alone with ball and quick counterattack).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunate the ball was won back so quickly, but it is often won back quickly after a foul advantage too. I quite like that advantage to be honest, I think it's one some elite officials will always give and some never will

      Delete
    2. I don't see why you should play advantage here at all, offside offence happened quite far down the pitch from where she played the advantage. This is not even an advantage in my opinion

      Delete
    3. This is when to apply advantage on offside: https://youtu.be/QD80uKAaeGk

      Delete
    4. Elliot writes the main argument agaínst the advantage here IMO.
      However in general I think, that in most cases it is correct to let the game flow when a delayed offside flag comes after the end of the attack and the defense has controlled possession of the ball.
      So rather an exemption here.

      Delete
    5. In order to allow advantage, especially after the punishable offside, the referee has to be aware of the position of all players and be sure the action will turn into promising attack. Unfortunately, the referee was unaware of that and made a mistake. What if the goal was scored, would it be considered as crucial mistake?

      Delete
  10. The replay needed to be stopped at point of contact, as it looks like arms are going behind the body. Not clear whether arm is behind or out when contact made. The angles didn't seem conclusive. Clear and obvious?
    Twice now Bronze has been penalized, with angles shown not being the best

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The arm is tucked in pretty much at point of contact. And it happened because her goalkeeper pushed her=natural. Don’t like that handball call.

      Delete
    2. I think, handball is the expected decision here, because after shot she just extends her whole body (arms and legs) - even before the GK's push, I think.
      Of course, she tries to block the ball with her chest, but she fails and took too much risk with her arm movement.
      And yes, she tries to pull it back at the last moment, but it is too late, as the arm still is away from the body.

      The other question is, whether this is DOGSO.
      But YC seems better, because the ball would have been saved by the GK with high probability.

      Delete
    3. DOGSO is goal scoring oppurtunity. This can either be a goal or not. So the term should be DG. Denying a goal.

      Delete
    4. For me YC correct because she is standing in front of the goalkeeper.

      Delete
  11. Disallowed DEN goal (85)' for a foul against the GK.
    IMO very debatable, I rather see a foul by the GK, who doesn't seem to play the ball before the contact and slides into the normally running opponent.
    The freeze frame suggests an attacking foul, but the moving pictures don't IMO.
    At least nothing clear and obvious.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad I wasn't the only one who felt a sour taste in my mouth when Taqi Jahari sent it down for review. Oh didn't seem completely convinced, but hard to reject when you get those slo-mo pictures. For me this is more of a duel with both players going for the ball (even possible that the Danish player got a slight touch on the ball, but I don't think so)

      Delete
    2. Clear and obvious foul. If you refuse to see, then that's on you. The still image shown to the referee says it all. Studs directly into the shin of the Haiti keeper. Add the fact that the Haiti keeper is the only one who actually gets a touch on the ball. She won the tackle and was then stamped on by the Danish player who never played the ball.

      Delete
  12. CHNENG 82': Reibelt is hit by a Chinese shot in the English penalty area. The ball then goes to another Chinese player outside the box. She continued with a dropped ball, which seems wrong, because there was neither change of possession nor the creation of a promising attack.
    Furthermore it feels completely wrong, because after taking two Chinese chances (the shot and the following possession), the dropped ball also has to be executed with the English GK (because the contact was in the penalty area).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She should have explained to the English goalkeeper why she had to make that decision and asked her to return the ball to China.

      Delete
  13. Bad performance by Oh in HAIDEN. Her foul line was inconistent, players from both teams lost respect for Oh because of that. Then we also have the OFR in 83 minute. I don´t think this was a free kick because Bruun was first on the ball, maybe Oh should have whistled before the goal, because the Haiti keeper was unfit, and IMO she could have got back in her natural position.

    Any views on this maybe you Chefren?

    ReplyDelete
  14. It will be a minor thing in the context of the game, but still a technical mistake from English referee Rebecca Welch, to allow the resume of the game after an issued YC, without whistling.
    https://streamable.com/wvhu4m
    I think one can say this is the "plus" you can expect from an Elite referee, but if they fail as well...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agree. It looks like the free kick was taking place behind the referee's back, but that is why the rest of the refereeing team was there, to warn her about the quick free kick. Do you think the QFK should annul the YC (unless it was issued for reckless tackle)? Thanks

      Delete
  15. For the disallowed goal in Haiti-Denmark (83’) Oh should have stopped play when the Haiti goalkeeper was down injured, imo the VAR recognised this and tried to find a reason to disallow to goal, to prevent this controversy, although this was not a foul at all. Also worth noting on both reviews she initially forgot to make the VAR screen signal (completely forgot the first time)

    As for Reibelt, that’s her second game and second big error!! This should mean she shouldn’t be appointed to any knockout games. “Number 2 is in an offside position” was her reason to disallow the 4th England goal - surely she knows that simply being in an offside position is not an offence? This also suggests she was deemed offside from the initial cross and not after the attempted clearance from the defender, where I am almost certain the ball touches the ENG player which would reset the offside. Wrong decision for me anyway but the explanation doesn’t make any sense.

    ReplyDelete
  16. AFC, Jacewicz and Yamashita will go to knockout stage.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Haiti - Denmark.

    VAR intervention for disallowing a goal:
    https://streamable.com/96ofcw
    South Korean referee very unlucky with offside, now the Japanese official in team failed to see this one. The replay clearly shows that attacker is ahead of the ball, but AR2 unable to check that due to her positioning (she was not in line and she saw all players ONSIDE from her position). Still a difficult moment to catch due to the quickness of the action, but this is what required from ARs nowadays. Referee showed again to be worried about the announcement, missing the VAR gesture. It is really interesting to see how much one can't be firm and cool while dealing with technology. It happens many and many times..

    Penalty for handball:
    https://streamable.com/lae6x3
    Very clear decision, not difficult to spot, but still one must praise referee. A handball without VAR is still a success.

    Major incident in the last minutes of the game to follow later...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Here the most discussed incident:
      https://streamable.com/xcym7c
      OFR for disallowing a goal scored for a foul on keeper.
      I agree with all comments above, not a clear and obvious mistake, as you can easily say that keeper joined the challenge in a very risky way as well and so she could even have committed the foul on attacker. You can never say that attacker stepped on opponent, but this is what VAR saw. That should be the reason of the call, many times we talked about the danger of fouls' categorisation (especially step on foot) and that's another example. How this collision happened was not analyzed by VAR, who only focused on a detail to see the foul by attacker...

      Delete
    2. Didn't Collina say that VAR is the net that saves the referees? :)

      Delete
    3. VAR is what makes too many good referees into referees that are unwilling(afraid) to make BIG calls on the pitch in real time. They instead allow VAR to re-referee the match for them.

      Delete
    4. A second thought about the last incident with the keeper. Given the time from the injury to the point where the goal is scored some could argue that the play should have been stopped due to Haiti not having a functional goalkeeper.

      Delete
    5. Arbitre Anglais2 August 2023 at 12:07

      I think the disallowed Danish goal is a terrible decision, simply wrong. I can’t believe a fifa VAR with access to slow motion replays thinks that’s a foul by the attacker. The Danish player, in a normal movement, gets to the ball first. The Haiti GK comes flying out, jumps in wildly/recklessly with two feet off the ground and comes off worse! The contact is totally caused by the GK and is a foul BY her?? At worst it is debatable and in no way a clear error. VAR only initially showed the contact and not the build up - the GK jumping in recklessly off the ground. VAR should’ve stayed out of it!

      Delete
  18. Call me sadistic. But I like seeing the look of anguish on the referees faces whenever there is a VAR intervention. Thank you to the cameraman and woman for the close ups on the referees faces as a check is happening.

    It was also great to see a step in right direction in regards to religious equality. As this FIFA Women's World Cup has seen its first player and referee participate wearing the hijab. BRAVO!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The way Huerta de Aza had to endure multiple VAR interventions and her facial expressions. Priceless!

      Delete
    2. Any specific videos?

      Delete
    3. There is nothing ''bravo'' about women wearing hijabs. They are forced and brainwashed by men since they were kids. It's disgusting treatment and needs to disappear from the world. What's wrong with you?

      Delete
    4. What a boring, copy paste comeback. If you want to salute that women in 2023 are still forced to wear hijabs then may your life keep being a be a part of the problem.

      Delete
  19. England - China 82nd minute
    Terrible positioning by Reibelt is was led to that confusing situation. Not to mention that she blocked an attempted shot on goal by the Chinese player.
    Some referee just can't help but to do stuff to become the focus in the game.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Reminding of Hernandez at the last FIFA Arab Cup :)

      Delete
  20. Arbitre Anglais1 August 2023 at 20:16

    “Some referee just can't help but to do stuff to become the focus in the game”

    Seriously …! She deliberately blocked a shot in a World Cup game to get attention … Pretty immature, and any referee knows she will be gutted and desperate to restart play, asap! She wasn’t in a bad position and was simply unlucky, which can happen. That’s football. Can we please keep to sensible, mature refereeing discussion??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sure. But only if you lead by example. Thanks, and have a Blessed day.

      Delete
    2. His statement is not wrong though. The referee very well could have and should have avoided ending up in such a compromising position by running a better diagonal and not being so central. So yeah, it's of her own making.

      Delete
  21. I had not even noticed it until now but how is it possible that Hernandez Hernandez get another game as VAR after the sh*tshow in CHNHAI? Politics again?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He's from Spain! Enough said. LOL ;)

      Delete
    2. The same reason mediocre ferrieri gets more than much better martincic: politics/ country of origin

      Delete
  22. The way the Danish player ridiculed and scolded AR1 in the 98th minute is downright embarrassing. But it perfectly sums up FIFA's misguided idea of what they want refereeing to be.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry but she gave 2 CLEAR throw ins the wrong way in the space of a minute. Obviously I don’t advocate referee abuse but as a player I would be absolutely furious there.

      Delete
    2. I agree!
      She blew two consecutive calls (corrected herself on the first one). So, I understand the Danes reaction.
      But my comment is more focused on the complete and total lack of respect that referees currently have.
      It's worsened by the fact that referees are no longer allowed to punish dissent by word or action. They just stand there and take it like a child being scolded.

      Delete
  23. Morocco - Colombia
    Ref: Maria Ferriere Caputi 🇮🇹
    AR1: Francesca Di Monte 🇮🇹
    AR2: Mihaela Tepusa 🇷🇴
    FO: Akhona Makalima 🇿🇦
    VAR: Carol Anne Chenard 🇨🇦
    AVAR: Drew Fisher 🇨🇦
    OVAR: Sian Massey-Ellis 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

    I try to find the reason but I immediately gave up ;) I don’t know the ratio legis behind why must Canadian VAR, why you not appoint Irrati or another UEFA VMOs, this mixed appointment really confusing me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, that looks so random.

      Irrati’s last game was on July the 31th. Chenard was also working on August the 1st. And meanwhile Fritz and Van Boekel were quite busy in MD3 and are paired a lot together on the 2nd and 3rd of August, so indeed Irrati seems to have ‘a break’ for whatever reason.

      - 1) Perhaps, they want to save Irrati for the knock-outs at all costs. Tbf Morocco - Colombia isn’t the most important game giving the standings (Colombia already qualified). We can easily guess how FIFA rates this game as the Italian CR is one of the most inexperienced officials and VAR Chenard was also used in a one-sighted Vietnam-Netherlands...
      However, if they want to save Irrati for the important work at all costs, he could work as AVAR as well.
      - 2) It could be personal matters (or illness)
      - 3) Or Irrati worked a lot in the beginning of this World Cup and they want to give other VMO’s some more games.
      I think we will see him in the knock-outs again. 😉

      Did anyone monitor the VAR assignments? I’m curious to know who has the most appointments as VAR and AVAR so far.

      Delete
    2. Name - VAR - AVAR
      Al Marri - 2 - 5
      BinJahari - 2 - 2
      Chenard - 4 - 3
      de Vries - 0 - 1 - 6 OVAR
      di Iorio - 0 - 5
      Fischer - 5 - 2
      Fritz - 4 - 3
      Gallo - 3 - 3
      Guzman - 3 - 3
      Hernandez - 3 - 3
      Irrati - 5 - 0
      Martinez - 2 - 2
      Massey - 0 - 0 - 7 OVAR
      Muniz - 2 - 2
      Soto - 3 - 3
      van Boekel - 5 - 2
      Villareal - 2 - 6
      Zourak - 3 - 3

      Delete
    3. Thanks Philipp. Then it makes perfectly sense to give Chenard a 4th game instead of Irrati his 6th.

      If we look at the pairings, I think we can easily read how FIFA rates each VAR:
      - Fischer (Monzul, Amedome, Welch, Beaudoin, Koroleva)
      - Van Boekel (Lehtovaara, Frappart 2x, Foster, Keighley)
      - Fritz: (Reibelt, Staubli 2x, Welch)
      - Irrati (Olofsson, Foster, Jacewicz, Ferrieri Caputi, Garcia)

      Irrati is rated very high, as he had some tighter games (except Ferrieri Caputi’s) and he is paired with some officials that are expected to have a long run and to be present in the knock-outs. Moreover Irrati is paired with officials that are still hungry as they didn’t have a final yet.
      Fischer - I’d say he is also rated average-high. The most trusted Concacaf VAR, likely to have a long run (QF-SF and potentially F).
      Van Boekel is often paired with officials that won’t do the final for sure. Some referees that are useful, but if they fail… Never mind :). And some easier games on paper. Imho van Boekel is not rated very high. Not too strange after his last season; he needs to gain trust again.
      Fritz with Staubli is more than logical due to the language. I can see Staubli as a potential
      SF-F referee tbh. From experience I know that Dutch/Flamish people can understand spoken German, but Germans can’t understand spoken Dutch; therefore it is logical to see the Flamish/Dutch next to Fritz, as Fritz can speak German with Staubli and Van Boekel + De Vries will understand him. Although Swiss German must be tough for all of them ;)

      Delete
  24. Anyone know the current situation for Russian/Belarus officials, after Russian delegation in Armenia and FC Sheriff can played their home games in Tiraspol, can we expect more back to “normal”? I hope I still could watch Karasev in the final of UEFA competition in the next 5 years.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pull out of Ukraine and end the futile/unjust war.
      Then the rest world can talk about readmitting Russia into everything they're currently banned from.
      Actions have consequences.

      Delete
    2. Impossible to see a Russian delegation in a NATO country and higher profile games, as long as the unjust war continues.

      Delete
    3. Rather than seeing Karasev again I hope to see the younger and stronger Kirill Levnikov.
      But the most important thing is that this dramatic war ends immediately

      Delete
    4. It is imperative HOW the war ends. It must be a complete Ukrainian victory. The question of WHEN is secondary. And Russia can not be automatically re-admitted to international sports after the end of the war. They must first serve a very strict punishment (like Germany who were not invited to 1948 Olympics and were banned from participating in qualifiers for 1950 World Cup).

      Delete
  25. https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-pm/noticia/aislada-silenciosa-y-con-varios-millones-menos-el-calvario-de-loreto-toloza-en-pleno-mundial-femenino/B2JZEG6ECRE7DHJEFM3PKUCOAM/
    There is a story behind the missing appointment of Loreto Toloza for the second game: she has been suspended by Chilean federation and FIFA has been informed to keep her out from next appointments.

    ReplyDelete
  26. From an European perspective, there are normally 5 or 6 UEFA officials appointed in the knock-outs as a main (‘CR’) referee. Who do you guys think we will see again?

    - Foster (WAL): two easier games without KMI’s. Not really challenged, but the most important thing is no controversies. IMO she’s a great referee. As a former player she has a great feeling for the game. And she has the UWCL final experience, which was flawless as well. ‘On paper’ she should be ahead of Olofsson and Welch.
    - Olofsson (SWE): performance was good and one of the most important observers from Europe is Swedish, so… I bet she’s in.
    - Welch (ENG): Performance was ‘okayish’. They gave her challenging games and she had no controversies. Could be in. Political background might help as well.
    - Staubli (SUI): depends on her 2nd game. If she performs decent, she should be in IMO and a candidate for a SF or F. Very steady and experienced referee.
    - Frappart (FRA): I haven’t seen her full games. There were some anonymous criticisms on this blog, but I don’t read too much in that. Big trees fall hard. In other words, this always happens when a referee is a big(ger) name and personality. If I remember correctly, there weren’t any major incidents?
    - Monzul (UKR): big doubts here. Her EURO final wasn’t great. 1st game was very good. It depends on how FIFA rates the revoked handball PK (which wasn’t crucial for the standings tbf). I praised her for this decision. In a sport where players are running, jumping and protect their faces, you can argue what is a ‘natural’ position given the action and movements. Players barely have their arms straight to their bodies during a game, lol. Football is no science and we do know that within UEFA, Mr. Ceferin has recently criticised the too strict handball practise. Can only hope this to be changed asap. IMO it destroys the game. It is tough to draw a line and we don’t know FIFA’s current view on what is a punishable handball and what is not. Let’s see. Monzul is very experienced and the only European referee from a “neutral” country. The other crews are from countries whose teams are still active in the competition (Sweden, France, Switzerland, England/UK).
    - Ferrieri Caputi (ITA): still very young. FIFA wanted to push her at all costs (even ahead of Martincic…) and gave her the two easiest games on paper. Normally she’s done, however given the Italian favoritism you never can be sure.
    - Martincic (CRO): I think she was planned as a support referee on beforehand. Lehtovaara’s rejected performance helped here to get a game. I think she deserved more though. Really liked her performance. She’s from a neutral country as well.
    - Huerta de Aza (ESP): unlucky to have a game full of KMI’s. And she’s still relatively young. I think she might be done.
    - Lehtovaara (FIN): she’s out…

    As of now, I would bet on Foster, Olofsson, Welch, Staubli, Frappart, Monzul.
    If one of them is ‘out’/rejected, it would be very interesting to see who will be the 6th name (assuming there will be 6 CR’s in the KO)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lets hope for martincic instead of Monzul. Monzuls 1st game wasnt that good either.

      Delete
    2. I would conclude the same six names, but I am not sure, whether there will be six spots for UEFA.
      If there are less spots, my feeling is, that it would be between Foster and Monzul, depending on whether recent form or experience / achievements count moree

      Delete
    3. If foster doesnt get a game after her 2 games without controversy I dont know who will.

      Delete
    4. @ 08:44
      I think Monzul’s 1st game (POR vs NED) was more than decent. Don’t underestimate this. Portugal vs Netherlands are always challenging games. Both teams play very physical and it was a must-win for both teams in a group with USA. Experience really helped her. Can easily see a younger referee fail in a match like that.
      Bonus: a good call after the OFR.

      Delete
    5. ”One of the most important observers is from Europe”. Lol, appointments i WWC is just Collina/Busacca

      Delete
    6. Also you are totally disregarding previous experience. Olofsson i e is doing her first WC. Experience from previous big games is a big part of which games they get

      Delete
    7. Arbitre Anglais2 August 2023 at 11:07

      Very good analysis. Not a fan of Monzul generally and didn’t think she was good - on performance principle (also others better) and she’s also had her turn previously, I’d leave her out. But she seems well liked by uefa/fifa?

      Lehtovaa - shame as I really like her generally but she did have a poor game.

      Caputi - definitely favoured / pushed but, to be fair, did very well in her first game.

      Olafsson / Foster: superb in both games - must surely be in

      Staubli - excellent in first game.

      Frappart - she’s now so involved in men’s game, I’d be tempted to leave her out now unless really needed. She’s done the final already, plenty of others have done well and you want to develop other referees, can’t keep giving her everything

      Delete
  27. ARG-SWE Mukansanga; players do not respect the referee. Lots of gestures and shouting. One YC given, good call. But many situations where foul detection seems quite inconsistent.

    ReplyDelete
  28. The Ref. Argentina v Sweden wants probably to reach the record of freekicks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agree. 17 freekicks are too many for this game. But 2 correct YCs.

      Delete
  29. Bonus clip from Haiti - Denmark: AR treatment by Danish player in the latter stages of the game.
    https://streamable.com/3ppy3w
    At least a YC is missing there...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arbitre Anglais2 August 2023 at 11:12

      Why will officials not be tougher with this blatant public dissent? So many directives. Either they’re too weak or being told to ignore it. Suppose also the pressure to minimise cards from Collina??

      Doesn’t help, they then let the throw be taken 10metres from where it went out!

      Delete
    2. I understand what your point is, but to me it feels like really bad game management to first show the flag the wrong way by mistake, correct the mistake and then show a YC for the reaction of the first mistake..

      Delete
    3. Arbitre Anglais2 August 2023 at 15:04

      @Jonas Yes, good point! Hadn’t noticed that. Doesn’t make dissent ok, but not the best time to YC. Even if just a public warning, would like the refs to be tougher with dissent. Just seems to be ignored at moment and gets lost in all the endless talking/‘warning’

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    4. @Jonas and @ Arbitre Anglais - besides corrected technical mistake (throw in), there is a mistake in communication procedure. Ones the mistake was made and immediately corrected the AR should not try to verbally explain anything to players, as it would only heat up the argument. Keep calm, face the field of play, signal the thow-in and that is it. Agree?

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    5. Strong presence and body language of the referee and public warning is absolutely necessary here.

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  30. 73' Italy goal. Over three minutes for an offside check. No APP issues to check. Why so long with SAOT?

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    Replies
    1. Probably they checked for handball as well?
      But yes, clear point for improvement in the VAR communication would be to not only write "Check goal", but whether it is for offside, handball or foul. Or let the referee already say something during the check.

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    2. They where forensically checking if the ball scraped her finger on the way in that’s why it took so long!!

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    3. Is the VAR team able to use the ball sensors in situations like this or is it only for determining offside kick/head point?

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    4. If they indeed use the same system as they did in Qatar and not the cheaper UEFA system with no sensor then they should be able to use it for this. They even used it to confirm that Ronaldo did in fact not touch the ball for Portugal's first goal vs Uruguay and therefore gave it to Bruno Fernandes

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  31. There is a delay in sending broadcast footage to the VAR Center from Wellington...happens in the A League as well...all checks in this city will most likely take longer. Interesting as I thought FIFA would invest in better technology to send footage

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  32. China - England

    Disallowed goal for offside after VAR intervention
    https://streamable.com/3ppy3w
    Not clear what was really punished and the announcement by referee, she just said "offside position" didn't help.
    In my opinion English player touches the ball by head so the offside doesn't exist anymore. There should be evidence of a deflection / save by Chinese player and I don't think we have that. In my opinion a wrong call, referee not even convinced.

    Penalty for handball after OFR.
    https://streamable.com/n9k3l4
    "Arm is away from you, I'm sorry" said referee to English player after the call.
    Correct decision, arm is open, she is pushed by her keeper but this doesn't matter. Interesting to note that a straight RC could have been issued because very likely ball would have entered the net. Nevertheless, when keeper is behind, I never saw a brave red card for DOGSO in such situations, but we must admit very rare cases to happen. Following the corner, in my opinion referee didn't follow closely the game and she missed the incident.

    82' Referee blocks a shot, game resumed by dropped ball
    https://streamable.com/jtyd6z
    Extremely poor mangement, she didn't know what to do after that.
    Many times I watched such situations in which, referees hit by ball, have troubles with teams. The rules maybe are not 100% clear, but the application is very difficult.

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    Replies
    1. First link is wrong Chefren

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    2. How does it not matter that she got pushed? That's the reason the arm got there. And at the point of contact where is the arm? Barely unnatural. Bad call.

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    3. Sorry, here the correct link
      https://streamable.com/3djuu4

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    4. @
      Anonymous she was pushed by a teammate, not opponent, how could you whistle a foul? and the arm is clearly open...

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  33. Carvajal with a very good game imo. Every KMI completely correct

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    Replies
    1. @Ecosse Agree completely - think she was superb again. Unlike Alves and other robotic South American referees, shows a bit of personality (odd smile from Conmebol refs would be nice, though!), strong control, not influenced by usual Italian pressure, lets game flow where possible. High decision accuracy. If it’s a non-UEFA turn for the final, surely a favourite.

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  34. Wonder when the communication systems in football will stop looking like 1990's phones on their arms. They are huge and look very unmodern. They should be smaller than a smartphone.

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    Replies
    1. It's riedel. look at the ones in bundesliga and swiss league whereas the vokkero ones are tiny enough

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  35. Was the handball by #5 or by #3 given as penalty against Panama.
    The handball by #5 is very clear, the one by #3 is not really increasing the body but you could argue that the arm moves toward the ball even as part of the body turn. Also more punishable than not, I think.
    Fortunato only whistled after the second handball (but maybe waiting for an advantage?), but never clarified, which one she punished.

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    Replies
    1. Second handball penalty after OFR:
      Somehow in the first replay it looks (at least to me) like played by leg, in the second replay like clearly with the arm (in an unnatural position).

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    2. Penalty for Panama for charging clearly correct.

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  36. 81' Looked an awful lot like a Jamaican penalty if you ask me. There's tripping contact, and it certainly looked like more than the one in Norway-Philippines. Rather surprised to see such a short check.

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  37. Never penalty sorry. So soft and normal football contact

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  38. Esther Staubli: one of those refs at this WC who always has everything under her control, know how to read a game and has by far one of the best foul detection. You can always count on her, as she showed it once again today. But nevertheless, with her great assistant Küng and Rafalski who did a great job as well.

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