EURO 2024 Qualifiers, referee assignments for Matchday 9, set 2, games to be played on 17 November 2023.
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| Daniele Orsato (ITA) referee for Poland -Czech Republic |
16:00 CET - Astana (Astana Arena)
KAZAKHSTAN - SAN MARINO | Group H
Referee: Harald Lechner AUT
Assistant Referee 1: Andreas Heidenreich AUT
Assistant Referee 2: Stefan Pichler AUT
Fourth Official: Sebastian Gishamer AUT
Video Assistant Referee: Alan Kijas AUT
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Christian-Petru Ciochirca AUT
UEFA Referee Observer: Igor Șațchii MDA
UEFA Delegate: Gabriel Weiss SVK
18:00 CET - Chișinău (Stadionul Zimbru)
MOLDOVA - ALBANIA | Group E
Referee: William Collum SCO
Assistant Referee 1: Francis Connor SCO
Assistant Referee 2: David McGeachie SCO
Fourth Official: Kevin Clancy SCO
Video Assistant Referee: Stuart Attwell ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Andrew Dallas SCO
UEFA Referee Observer: Cyril Zimmermann SUI
UEFA Delegate: Aleksandr Keplin KAZ
18:00 CET - Helsinki (Helsingin Olympiastadion)
FINLAND - NORTHERN IRELAND | Group H
Referee: Əliyar Ağayev AZE
Assistant Referee 1: Zeynal Zeynalov AZE
Assistant Referee 2: Akif Əmirəli AZE
Fourth Official: Kamal Umudlu AZE
Video Assistant Referee: Elçin Məsiyev AZE
Assistant Video Assistant Referee:Cavid Cəlilov AZE
UEFA Referee Observer: Stefano Podeschi SMR
UEFA Delegate: Lennart Vestervall SWE
20:45 CET - Rome (Stadio Olimpico)
ITALY - NORTH MACEDONIA | Group C
Referee: Felix Zwayer GER
Assistant Referee 1: Stefan Lupp GER
Assistant Referee 2: Marco Achmüller GER
Fourth Official: Patrick Ittrich GER
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Christian Dingert GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Vladimir Šajn SVN
UEFA Delegate: Neil Morrow NIR
20:45 CET - London (Wembley Stadium)
ENGLAND - MALTA | Group C
Referee: Luís Miguel Branco Godinho POR
Assistant Referee 1: Rui Miguel Martins Teixeira POR
Assistant Referee 2: Luís André Ferreira Pinto de Campos POR
Fourth Official: Ricardo Jorge Antunes Roque Baixinho POR
Video Assistant Referee: Hugo Filipe Ferreira de Campos Moreira Miguel POR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Hélder Miguel de Azevedo Malheiro POR
UEFA Referee Observer: Hugh Dallas SCO
UEFA Delegate: István Huszár HUN
20:45 CET - Warsaw (PGE Narodowy)
POLAND - CZECHIA | Group E
Referee: Daniele Orsato ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Ciro Carbone ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Alessandro Giallatini ITA
Fourth Official: Rosario Abisso ITA
Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Valerio Marini ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Petteri Kari FIN
UEFA Delegate: Ciprian Paraschiv ROU
20:45 CET - Copenhagen (Parken)
DENMARK - SLOVENIA | Group H
Referee: José María Sánchez Martínez ESP
Assistant Referee 1: Raúl Cabañero Martínez ESP
Assistant Referee 2: Iñigo Prieto López de Ceraín ESP
Fourth Official: César Soto Grado ESP
Video Assistant Referee: Alejandro José Hernández Hernández ESP
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande ESP
UEFA Referee Observer: Volodymyr Petrov UKR
UEFA Delegate: Filips Dhondt BEL
Quite big game for Collum with both teams still fighting for qualification.
ReplyDeleteNormal appointments for the other Elite referees and somehow also for Lechner, while Aghayev gets a game with two teams without chance for qualification.
What do you think about Šajn for Zwayer? Very important game but still I wouldn't expect a committee member for the German. He should say in a safe position for EURO, and the game at least on paper is also below the standard for him. But clearly an appointment like this was needed because we all know what Italy - North Macedonia meant in past...
DeleteI would have expected just a normal observer for him!
Yes, I also have no idea, why Sajn is there for Zwayer.
DeleteBTW, Zwayer was also appointed for MKD-ITA in September, but then replaced by Letexier.
Maybe for something bigger?
DeleteMaybe Zwayer is considered in the pool of the potential CL final officials, Makkelie and Taylor are not enough if a english team or PSG will be there, So a commette membri is needed to enable him
DeleteMaybe Zwayer is considered in the pool of the potential CL final officials, Makkelie and Taylor are not enough if a english team or PSG will be there, So a commette membri is needed to enable him, sorry I'm Mario nickname f it seems that today I cannot log in usong my google account
DeleteNormally a referee should do (at least) a semi-final Champions League or Europa League final. However, given the upcoming EURO in Germany, we can be sure that Zwayer will be pushed a lot this season. That is how politics work… :)
DeleteI definitely expect ‘something big’ this season. Maybe a UECL/UEL final or one of the play-off finals, who knows.
I gotta admit I am not a big fan of Zwayer domestically. But in his international games he was flawless this season. Good performances in normal games + a great performance in a very challenging Celtic - Atletico.
DeleteI am not sure if he deserves it, but with the circumstances he is working on becoming a Top-Elite. I guess it´s his last test to see if he can work on a CL quarter/semi-final or EURO quarterfinal.
Godinho on his way to the first group?
ReplyDeleteHow is Orsato still going when he will be 48 this month??
ReplyDeleteKuipers was 49 on Euro 2020
DeleteKuipers was 48 (not 49) when was given the EURO 2020 final in 2021.
DeleteWould same as Orsato if he get the final next year
DeleteYou can see also looking at the age that Kuipers and Orsato have definitely many things in common...
DeletePlease not Orsato for Euro Final
DeleteWhy u hate Orsato? Are u Marciniak fan boy?
DeleteDid you notice that Hugh Dallas has appointments only in England in last months? Or maybe even for longer time; I don't follow appointments here under microscope. Health issues?
ReplyDeleteYes, I did. Very particular management of the Scottish after he left UEFA committee, for unknown reasons he observes games only in the United Kingdom and we can't know how much important is now his work for committee.
DeleteUk citizens can only travel for 90 days in Europe in a 180 day period. With his duties in Turkey and other travel commitments it makes sense for uefa to utilise his services in the British isles
DeleteGreat explanation, thank you!
DeleteI apologize for not knowing but when/why did he leave from the UEFA Ref Committee? And what is his role in Turkey?
DeleteAnother very interesting argument to discuss about is VAR management (not the first time...). Collum gets a very important game and Attwell is assigned as main VAR, while Dallas Jr. will work as AVAR. Once again we see that committee makes very deliberate choices in this regard, for games that are by far more important than others, they selected among the pool of trusted VARs, for all the other assignments, absolutely free choice for national associations. No trust for VAR from a certain country. Given that committee is fully allowed to act in this way, because they are responsible for the assignments they make, I find this management very poor and unfair. They clear admit that as long as the game is without a real interest, then all choices are possible. See the Azeri VARs in FIN - NIR. But when it comes to important stuff, here different choices. One could even say that this is humiliating for the same officials because it is a full admission that they are not at level of others. Clearly they accept that, but in my opinion they could feel mistreated. Referee are used for committee's interest and nothing more... I say that because we all know that VAR is nowadays an extremely important technology that has changed football, but it seems that inside it, we have still some categories, like pitch referees, but this is not publicly admitted by UEFA. Afinal remark about Collum, for sure the missing VAR in Scotland on past seasons and the late introduction in the country has clearly contributed to the recent management of the Scottish by committee, that's for sure (but for me not only reason).
ReplyDeleteIf I am not wrong, this is the first time that VAR and AVAR from Azerbaijan have been appointed for an international match.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting appointment anyway because as far as I know, AVAR Javid Jalilov is the Head of the Referee Department in Azerbaijan.
How is it possible that he works as AVAR? Is the Football Federation of Azerbaijan and the Chairman of the Referee Committee Barış Şimşek (also UEFA referee observer) ignoring the FIFA/UEFA regulations and using him without authorisation? Or have the regulations changed, and it is now permitted for members of the referee administration or observers to also work as VAR/AVAR?
Does Javid Jalilov also work in Azerbaijan as a VAR/AVAR with the permission of FIFA?
@Chefren: Do you know the regulations in this regard, and can you clarify this? Does the same thing happen in other countries?
Didn't know that Javid Jalilov is the head of Azeri referee, about the regulations, i know that a referee who is selected by his domestic federation for becoming a FIFA official can't have any role in refereeing departments, indeed as the circular for 2024 suggests:
Deletehttps://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/1df0f2bb69763dfe/original/2024-FIFA-Refereeing-International-Lists.pdf
"8 Conflicts of interest
Match officials proposed for the lists may not exercise any official function as a member of an executive committee, as a general secretary, or as a member of the referees committee of any football club, member association, confederation or FIFA during the year for which they have been appointed."
So it seems easy to explain, given that he is not FIFA referee, he is allowed to do that and this appointment has been approved by UEFA (no FIFA involved).
I don't know about UEFA regulations, but I think they must stay under the FIFA laws in this regard, so maybe for this reason a NO FIFA Head of refereeing is OK.
We had the same situation in my country a few years ago. I don't know whether the FA asked the IFAB, FIFA or UEFA, but the answer was that it is not possible to use this group of people as VARs at international or national matches.
DeleteReferee department and referee committee are different organizations. The FIFA regulations quoted above prohibit active referees to be members of a referee committee, but not emplyees of a referee department.
DeleteWe had a similar situation in my country. The federation made enquiries with whoever, and it was forbidden for someone who works in the referee department to also be used as a VAR in national competitions.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I also find it strange that a referee in the top division is also Head of Refereeing, as is apparently the case in Azerbaijan.
How can this be reconciled with the fact that he presumably also takes part in meetings and has to implement decisions? How do observers rate him - the same as the others or does he have a "bonus"? What is the atmosphere like between him and the refereeing committee when decisions are made against him (e.g. relegation or poor performances)?
Not a good idea in any case - just creates bad blood.
I remember a Swiss FIFA referee who also worked for FIFA and had to end his refereeing career when he became deputy general secretary under Blatter (early 1990s).
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteThat was Michel Zen Ruffinen and he was an active FIFA referee while working full time as FIFA Referee. He lost his job in FIFA after he fought with Blatter at the elections in eatly 2000s. Referees are not allowed to be members of referee comittees, but can work in referee departments.
DeleteOrsato never had the charisma of Colina, Rosetti, Rizzoli. Even his status as an Elite referee is questionable.
ReplyDeleteWhat are you talking kids
DeleteAh come on… He’s very good. Orsato whistled two soft penalty’s this season, but for him it has no consequences which says something about his status…
DeleteBased on style, he is not the most elegant referee for sure. Same can be said about Marciniak. I prefer to watch elegant referees but that’s just a personal taste :)
He should have been retired after last euro, conceited, arrogant and always carrying an injury. Left thigh, when it’s hurting watch him move off on a run
DeleteDo you remember a high quality match with Orsato officiating? You don't because Orsato doesn't know football. He slows the match down with his whistles. He never takes risks. Usually the matches he officiates are unpleasant.
DeleteThe last three observers have been appointed by committee.
ReplyDeleteHauge (NOR) in Bayern - Copenhagen, I think we can expect a regular Elite referee.
Shakhtar Donetsk - Antwerp: Rosetti. Very interesting in this case, surely not a debut because Ukrainian side can still qualify. Would be very good appointment for a Category 1 close to Elite promotion. But maybe too much?
Lazio - Celtic: Alexandru Deaconu. Standard Elite expected.
In the previous set, the delayed appointments were about referees who had already officiated a game on previous matchday, so this can be also the same for these three games, but of course not sure.
Rosetti in Hamburg looks like a borderline EURO referee. Maybe Meler. Or two wild ideas. Schärer to see if he can recover super fast or Stieler who is from Hamburg and probably borderline as well.
DeleteMeler was my idea, but then I thought he got Kuipers in Madrid, no need of another committee member, at least so close to previous game. But about the identikit of referee, this should be indeed the kind of assignment for Rosetti.
DeleteStieler would be reasonable as now he is candidate for EURO, I think impossible Schaerer because he wouldn't start directly from Champions League and in an important game, after a so long time.
@Chefren: Sajn is observing in a UEL game. That could be an opportunity for Schaerer
DeleteYes that's absolutely possible. A committee member in Europa League and then maybe a small chance for CL MD6 two weeks later, but still it would be quite hurry. We will see.
DeleteTo fast for Scharer. He have to start with Conference L. And then the season (first part) already over! I think he is to late ⏰ for Euro24. He need minimal 4-5 games
DeleteAnother incident from Stefański game.
ReplyDeleteRC for DOGSO changed in simulation after VAR intervention, very long check before calling referee to OFR:
https://streamff.co/v/y7MbEF1qvL
I think at the end one can understand why VAR called the referee, very likely no contact at all between players, but can we be sure? You can see by the long time in front of monitor, that referee had still doubts and maybe the situation, as it happened, didn't present the classic standard of the simulation like we know it. In other words, too much elaborated decision to think about a clear and obvious mistake, strictly according to protocol? What do you think? I think not all VARs would have called it.
Forgot to add, I don't like referees who make that gesture to indicate that player has committed a simulation. For me that's absolutely unelegant and not needed. I'm the first person who likes to see the simulations punished as they should be but words and cards are enough to say and show to player what he has done, in case.
DeleteIn order to sell/explain the decision - which is simulation - the simulation-sign is appropriate, in my opinion. Of course, as referees, we understand the call without it, but some spectators will not. In most other circumstances I agree, but sometimes, the gesture has a purpose and adds value.
DeleteI think, it was at least a clear and obvious mistake to give a foul here and that is enough justification for the OFR.
DeleteAnd then the referee can find the best solution there.
The simulation itself doesn't need to be c&o for a VAR intervention.
I even don't think that a small contact is unlikely, but as this was created by the attacker, unnaturally moving his leg sidewards, this is not enough to see a foul there IMO.
Side remark: Very stupid by the attacker, he denies himself an OGSO (is this an RC offence? ;) ) there with his deliberate fall.
No gestures, for simulation, crossed arms or showing pushes handballs and use of arms. It can leave an observer no room for support as the referee indicates exactly what he has seen or believes he has seen. He is adamant which means when he is wrong he has no room for manoeuvre. No gestures then the observer can look to mitigation (blocked view etc)
DeleteKazakhstan vs. San Marino started off very easy for Harald Lechner but is becoming more difficult for the Austrian - the minnows were annoyed by a missed undercutting foul at 32', and committed a borderline reckless late challenge in retaliation. Lechner issued a warning for a following protest. Then, two more potential SMR cautions followed (pot. reckless at 35' and pot. SPA blocking 36'). I liked Lechner's foul recognition as it showed a good understanding of the game, but the general theme of his UEFA career also presented itself imo - a bit too chaotic, and not only in an 'exterior' way.
ReplyDeleteLUX - BIH, penalty area incident, 82':
ReplyDeletehttps://streamff.co/v/jIvLxFe21Z
NO VAR intervention.
Ball already kicked and maybe this was the argument for VAR to consider it not a clear and obvious mistake. Nevertheless, was the tackle reckless?
For me, definitely not a PK
Deletesupportable penalty for ALB awarded by Collum clear kick to boot
ReplyDeleteI agree only supportable decision, but one can discuss about the incident, because you have to assess also attacker movement in this case. https://streamff.co/v/YrMbTi0Gc8
DeleteNo penalty call I think wouldn't have been a mistake, and NO VAR intervention in case, as well.
now good no penalty decision for MDA as there was a foul by a Moldovan player first
ReplyDeleteKAZ - SMR. Maybe this single clip (about the penalty decision at the end of the game) is enough to show what Mikael wrote before.
ReplyDeleteLechner still missing in something for an important step.
Kazakhstan games always very challenging, especially at home, Marciniak must be well prepared for the clash in Slovenia...
https://streamff.co/v/bMvtBJExpH
About the incident, why not booking player for simulation if you think NO PENALTY and you make clear gestures?
These "middle" solutions are very often the worst.
totally agree re middle solutions given protocol very clear referees should make a complete decision on field
DeletePenalty whistled by Ağayev in FIN - NIR, supported by VAR:
ReplyDeletehttps://streamff.co/v/Dwg9f0G4Ne
Not so surprising from the portion I was able to watch that Lechner seemed to lose control of the game in the end imo...
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I really liked William Collum's second half performance in Moldova vs. Albania. Okay, there were a small handful of wrong freekick decisions, but he was really focused and motivated and read (/prepared for) the nature of the match with his approach. Having watched the clip upload, in my eyes the penalty he gave was clearly correct (careless kick). It seems that the Scotsman was an inspired choice by UEFA! I'll upload a few clips from the game in a short while.
Mr Collum is extremely capable referee
ReplyDeleteJust some here don’t like him ,
He sharp and precise and clear in his decision making.
Why no VAR intervention in ENGMLT? Kane was clearly taken out by the goalkeeper but the simulation was confirmed?
ReplyDeleteTerrible error.
Huge error in ENG v MLT. Not VAR intervention also is a catastrophe.
ReplyDelete29' Kane caught and booked for simulation. I'm stunned. For me, VAR worthy, but even if not, never a dive. Really really poor decision, not sure what he saw
ReplyDeleteExcellent decision; clear simulation! :)
Delete:)::)
DeleteAlways knew Mikael would love that decision! :)
DeleteMaybe, maybe play on is justafiable and there is a move from Kane towards the goalkeeper. But when so many dives are ignored and that is deemed punishable... I'm at a loss
DeleteI dont agree with Mikael here. IMO bad decision, never YC here. In the last replay, the contact is very clear
DeleteClip?
ReplyDeletehttps://dubz.co/v/2nvba2
Delete1 side of the video looks that Kane is searching with his feet the keeper, other side of the video (other camera) shows a clear penalty. Difficult.
ReplyDeleteWell done Luis Godinho! This in my opinion was clear simulation by Harry Kane who leads with his foot into the Maltese goalkeeper. Really really like that decision
ReplyDelete+1! Glad it isn’t just me :D
DeleteVery consequent and good performance by the Portuguese referee who gave three other YCs so far.
Haven't watched the rest of the game, but it's good to hear. He was observed by Velasco Carballo the other week so maybe UEFA got something planned for him
DeleteEmbarrassing for original decision and embarrassing the Var didnt overturn it
ReplyDeletePenalty
ReplyDeleteZwayer: very good first half, now easy going game, 3-0 Italy, but at the beginning the ghosts of previous Italy - North Macedonia were back and the referee was ready in the exact key moment of the game, correct penalty for handball to Italy well seen.
ReplyDeleteActually a a lot of cautions in the 2nd Half. 1x dissent, 1x kicking the ball away, 2x reckless, 2x SPA, 1x coach ... SPA for ITA was soft for me, the rest mandatory and immediately given.
DeleteAs Chefren said Zwayer looked very prepared and focussed, good overall impression with amazing fitness. Only thing I noticed is that he hasn´t given a single advantage with minimum 3 I can recall (no big plays possible). Thats maybe something he can work on.
Some clips from 1H of POLCZE:
ReplyDelete04' - Corner kick changed by VAR?
https://streamable.com/le2m65
33' - Offside vs Possible YC 5CZE for reckless use of arm
https://streamable.com/6ofdxw
36' - YC 2POL for reckless challenge
https://streamable.com/vr9p4q
43' - Correct no penalty - no punishable handball: unexpected ball from a teammate and arm close to body
https://streamable.com/cbfklp
44' - Delayed offside vs simulation by 9POL
https://streamable.com/wpm9w2
Ah, I watched Kane incident and I will write my opinion without being influenced by comments.
ReplyDeleteEasy officiating (and what most of people expect in today's football): penalty.
Pure officiating according to what has happened: simulation.
Kane continued on purpose to find the contact with keeper, who originally hadn't committed a foul with his attempt to play ball.
A classic situation for which Mateu Lahoz became famous.
One can love these decisions, but at the same time we must admit that if applied to all penalty area incidents (not only involving goalkeepers, this can be done even "using" defenders) the number of penalties in all games would be extremely low.
Now, it's up to UEFA to decide.
I would also praise VAR because he exactly understood the reason of the choice by Godinho, to be honest that's not for all if you ask me, again, an easy referee would immediatelyn send to monitor...
I really like brave decisions, but my feeling here is simply overcomplicating an easy situation. OFC Kane wanted to get a penalty and he is not moving forward with his left leg, but contact is there, goalkeeper is late, I don't feel that Kane is doing anything to initiate the contact. He is rather just not doing anything to avoid.
DeleteAnd again general public will never understand such decision especially without official explanation.
It raises the question, in which we must referees must also understand “what football expects” for me, No body in football expects simulation. Everyone expects penalty. Whilst the decision maybe correct under a microscope, we must understand that going with the difficult option will always cause issues so why not take the expected, easy decision which will raise no questions
DeleteYep I agree with that. And also simply because in other games other referess will give it as a penalty. (Ofc not research based assumption :D ) And then no consistency just different explanation of same situation.
DeleteI agree with Theref
DeleteYour last considerations are absolutely true, I can't say the contrary. As long as we will have only a few similar decisions, the expected option will be always penalty, but I really like a referee spotting such behaviors by attackers! That's all!
DeleteOrsato is not fit to referee anymore. The man cannot run 10 yards without stopping and even when he walks looks like he's limping. He really should have called it a day.
ReplyDeleteVar now invent an offside to rule out a 3rd England goal
ReplyDeleteThe ball clearly brushed of Kane, there is no other option but to disallow the goal
DeleteThe ball was not even close to hitting Kane. He wasnt in the Keepers eyeline. Painful from the Var in that game tonight
ReplyDeleteSo, after this results, Czech Republic-Moldova will be a direct decisive match. Important appointment for Scharer.
ReplyDeleteTo fast for him. He is not ready!! Last game was march
Delete2H of POLCZE:
ReplyDelete49' - Possible YC 5POL for reckless studs challenge
https://streamable.com/glh82d
55' - PAI kicking; 9POL continued his action so difficult to blame Orsato but you can see the kick had significant impact on Lewandowski...
https://streamable.com/jactus
63' - YC 4CZE for SPA (official version) or other CZE player for DtR; bad card showing procedure (difficult to identify the cautioned player) but we used to it from Orsato :)
https://streamable.com/v23rjp
65' - Horrible injury: player on the ground accidentally kicked with studs in the face, late reaction by the referee
https://streamable.com/wefsja
81' - Possible YC 11POL for SPA
https://streamable.com/c4i7cd
Overall: several EXCELLENT advantages, as always many play-on calls, real leader on the pitch, enormous charisma and management
65' is tricky. Of course it is accidental, but still one has to ask:
DeleteWasn't it at least a careless kick into the face?
And once you have a foul there, what is the argument, that it wasn't reckless?
And then it obviously endangered the safety of the opponent...
Imagine, the player would have kicked the opponent against the knee in the same manner - wouldn't that be a clear foul?
65´ A lot of talking, lot of gesticulation but he didn't see anything. Also due to bad positioning. No more than reckless, no stuff for VAR intervention.
Delete65' is indeed an interesting situation. You could even make a case for playing in a dangerous manner by Soucek. But if the referee gives a RC, I dont think VAR should intervene..
DeleteIf it was foul in other words in penalty area it was penalty? Crazy. The ball was on the ground and difender kick the ball. The attacker created the contact because he was trying to play the ball (in dangerous manner).
DeleteCan anyone explain to me how on earth the simulation call on Harry Kane didn't get overturned? I'm absolutely shocked!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteYou can read the discussion above...
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