Monday 1 July 2024

UEFA EURO 2024 Match 41: Portugal - Slovenia (discussion)

Third game for Daniele Orsato, in charge of Portugal - Slovenia.  

        

Game 41, Round of 16
Frankfurt, 1 July 2024 21:00 CET
PORTUGAL - SLOVENIA
Referee: Daniele Orsato ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Ciro Carbone ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Alessandro Giallatini ITA 
Fourth Official: Espen Eskås NOR
Reserve Assistant Referee: Jan Erik Engan NOR 
Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Paolo Valeri ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2: Marco Fritz GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Hugh Dallas SCO
UEFA Delegate: Konul Mehtiyeva AZE

161 comments:

  1. Penultimate game in Orsato's career :'( Good luck!

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    1. I was just thinking about that, after the final whistle, (it was also after second group stage game, but in that case it was very easy to think he would have got another one) he can't know whether this has been the last game for him or not, so in this way, waiting for a next one, he will put an "indirect pressure" on committee, if you understand what I mean.
      It would be then more difficult to Rosetti and co. to say to him, not that was the last one... or maybe even impossible to say.
      But yes, this particular situation can be solved by a next appointment, if not in final, in semifinal, so this would give to the Italian referee the "final destination" in all cases (either semifinal or final).

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    2. But, serious question, who are the candidates for finale at the moment? There aren't many?

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    3. "Indirect pressure" for committee - yes, I agree that telling to Orsato that was his last match would be very difficult, but on the other hand I think that a bigger pressure comes from Orsato himself :) He knows that he will end his career and he has a big chance to officiate a final as his farewell, so a level of pressure is huge - certainly he wants to be remembered as a great referee, exactly like he was (is) in his career.

      He hasn't a pool to improve like Makkelie or Turpin - "maybe for 2 years, maybe next CL final" etc.

      For psychological reasons I suppose that Kuipers attitude was more appropiate - "it's maybe my last game (euro final), but I need to think", so maybe a pressure was lower (Orsato in tears after his final CL and SerieA games vs Kuipers refereed a Dutch SuperCup after Euro as official farewell).

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    4. Who should get into the final based solely on their performance?

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    5. @HH
      IMO Letexier is best performer so far, I'm a bit subjective (I admit) but it's way too early for him, he is very young...
      UEFA must avoid "Kassai" mistake.

      Marciniak is on 2nd place, Meler on the 3rd....

      But it's only mine highly subjective opinion ("my precious") :)

      And if we exclude performamce principle only, main candidates are IMO Orsato/Vincic/Dias (which doesnt mean their performances were bad, of course)

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  2. By all the laws and rules we got from Rosseti, #9 from SLO shoud have received YC for protests.

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  3. Typical Orsato when it comes to tolerating dissent, a ref like him simply cant give YC easily, it would be considered cowardly in a way, given his personality and style

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  4. For whatever reason, some players (from both teams) have already tried several times to fool Orsato by faking an injury. So far, to no avail.

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  5. Very rare by Orsato to change his style to allow a potential VAR intervention, he just waited the end of action for whistling an attacking handball, he doesn't want to miss anything today, it's clear. This wouldn't belong to his way of refereeing.

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  6. 2 or 3 very good decisions which on first viewing looked different. He is very good at what he does. His only weakness these days is pace, which tonight, so far, is not too much of an issue

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  7. The English commentators are fans of Orsato, bigging him up at any opportunity. They think he deserves the final!

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  8. I think they understand refereeing at UEFA level as much as we do. There aren't many candidates to be fair

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  9. Orsato with his lenient style, but so far very strong foul detection as well as assessments of which tackle is reckless or not. He doesnt let himself be fooled by the players or set under pressure by coaches.
    he could be more strict with protests but he doesnt like that obviously.

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  10. Now clear YC.
    Good job so far.

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  11. Orsato already seemed pretty out of breath as he raced across half the pitch before the yellow card foul. Only 30 minutes played.

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  12. Daniele Orsato is handling this game in the exact same way like he handled SRBENG. No cards to non-captains approaching him (OK, he added some unnatural gestures today what looks quite funny, to be honest) and the technically worse team allowed quite much without real consequences.

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  13. YC for the handball, again spot on

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  14. Also clear handling on purpose,YC clear.

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  15. WOW what he did right now to Cristiano Ronaldo is epic :)
    Not all referees would dare to kick the ball in that way, looking angry at him.

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    1. Looks like he earned his respect, thumbs up from Ronaldo after a clear offside call and small complaints by the portugese

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  16. Collina was never one for "cheap" yellow cards for dissent, would always manage situations with gestures, stares, cuddles and smiles. Orsato learnt from the best (what are UEFA going to do, suspend him?)

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  17. Amazingly accurate refereeing so far

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  18. The best half at this tournament (Orsato, not match!), I hope that second half will be similar!

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  20. Did he just pull something to drink out of his pocket lol?

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    1. Yep, looked like some sort of powder or something :p

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  21. I don't think there is any referee with such a natural authority. Players know they don't get booked for dissent and they still respect him.
    On a side note: casually shrugging off a penalty appeal and just taking a drink from his pocket is just epic.

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  22. PK for me clearly holding the red player

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    1. Never a PK for me, ball not going there and therefore doesn’t affect play. Yes it ”shouldn’t matter” by law but everyone with a feeling for the game knows this is not a penalty.

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    2. I mean agree with you but you shouldn’t be able to do that inside the penalty area because that type of fault is always given outside

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    3. Maybe but obviously there’s a difference in calling a defensive free kick, an attacking free kick and a penalty. There’s different tresholds depending on where a foul is comitted among other considerations a referee have to keep in mind. This could be a foul anywhere else on the FoP but never a penalty.

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    4. For me that’s not making any sense but that’s ur point of view

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    5. I understand but that’s what referees are taught at every level. Refereeing is such a complicated sport contrary to popular belief and there are many considerations into making any decision on the FoP. A foul on a defender in his own half is very easy for a referee to give but that same foul would never be given as a PK (to give a general example). It’s just what refereeing is, although it may not make sense on paper :)

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    6. If I may add to this. Referees are also learned to use the intensity of the wistle to show how severe/hard of a foul it was. A soft foul on a defender will be a soft short wistle. But a penalty will never be given with a short and soft blow of the wistle. This I think illustrates wat @MX is saying.

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  23. That's never a penalty in anyone's book, including Portugals

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  24. Just hope he has enough boost for extra time, if required

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    1. Might just need another out-of-pocket drink ;)

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  25. Giallatini (AR2) can't seem to stay off the field. Twice in the last few minutes he raised his flag from several yards on the field.

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    1. It looks like the area just off the field has come loose, surface is not true

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  26. Orsato is completely out of breath and now has to go into extra time and suffer ;-)

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  27. Great 90min by Orsato.

    OT: A big teams like France, England, Italy and Portugal are really weak at this tournament. A level of play isn't too great...

    Spain and Germany are on opposite site, and these teams are in one QF ;)

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    1. In fairness this was due to some sides not performing as they should have done.
      Yes Spain vs Germany should be the final based on performances so far but unfortunately they will meet this week.

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  28. Concentration will be the key. Focus....

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  29. I bet Orsato whistles everything in extra time, he’ll be very tired

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  30. Got to maintain consistency though- nothing cheap

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  31. yet again ar2 is at least 3 yards on the field of play

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    1. I think is's because of the instruction of Orsato, in the pre-game.

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  32. Another sound YC, well spotted

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    1. but difficult to understand wich player got it!

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  33. This is a joke of a PK, OMG

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    1. absolutely correct penalty. No question about it. Also great no call after the corner (thigh not arm).

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    2. Absolutely natural contact.

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    3. No PK whatsoever. It is POR's attacker that collides with SLO's defender. Crucial mistake.

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  34. In context of game its a shame it comes down to a penalty (GREAT SAVE)

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  35. Top,top,top decision of Orsato to call penalty. Left hand moved by Drkušić, create illegal contact. Excellent.

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  37. Thought it was a good penalty decision

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  38. Absolutely correct penalty for me

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    1. For me as well. No dilemma on that one.

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    2. Slight similarities between that one and the penalty in the WC semi final! Which imo was also a good call

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    3. My Croatian compatriots will kill me for this, but yes: it was a good penalty as well.

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  39. No penalty for me
    POR player running into the box ONLY looking for any contact
    But surely no VAR stuff

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    1. Of course. Those who are defending the decision should think the Slo defender was supposed to step aside allowing Jota to progress in their penalty area

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  40. Really enough for a penalty? It looks like striker ran into defender

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  41. 100% penalty and great call by Daniele

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  42. I think the penalty in extra time is a very difficult call. It looks like the defender does nothing to make contact with the POR player. In my oppinion VAR can do nothing but to confirm the referee call.

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    1. so get rid of var then, it´s a clear and obvious error give that penalty

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    2. i dont think is clear and for sure not obvious

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  43. I doubt about Orsato in ET due to his fitness, but crucial decision all correct: penalty and no penalty one minute later!

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  44. According to polish broadcaster, SVN coach sent off.

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  45. ... and well deserved YCs from Orsato. Very good calls!

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  46. It was a clear penalty. The Slovenian defender raised his knee to stop the Portuguese attacker. I repeat, the Slovenian defender moved his leg (knee the most visible) towards the running direction of the Portuguese attacker

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    1. the defender is moving, the attacker hits him.

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    2. Never a penalty. But of course some refs can mess up big time and still be saved.

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  47. Very, very soft penalty at best

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  48. Nice to see lead broadcaster picked it up (some 10 minutes later!)

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    1. i think that the live broadcasting of the Euro2024 was a shame

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  49. First coach ejection in this EURO?

    Slovenian manager red carded offscreen.

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  50. This call for the foul by nr. 21 POR is a fantastic call in my oppinion

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  51. Martinez now with YC - strong refereeing

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  52. AR2 always runs while being on the pitch, and not just a little. Is this allowed/recommended?

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    1. I noticed it too. Especially AR2, but sometimes also AR1 steps often into the pitch. I don't know, maybe the Italian school of ARs does not insist on this aspect. The observers at low levels should instruct the young assistant referees to try to not cross the line. Ideally stay behind it and at most step on it when running. Carbone and Giallatini try to choose the best position for themselves in order to see the best the offside line but personally I think it is unaesthetic when you watch it.

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    2. It's because their grass was awful. Completely different from the grass inside the field of play. Otherwise, no it doesn't look good.

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  53. min 113, looks like Orsato is havin problem with his right fibula

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  54. Wrap him up in cotton wool for the final!

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  55. Safe to say Orsato gets the Finals.

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  56. I will just said one thing. Orsato, see you in BERLIN on 14th of July!

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  57. A really, really good performance in testing conditions. A penalty, one manager ejected, one with YC and yet no1 will be speaking negatively of Orsato

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  58. Well if we follow the narrative that Orsato was 2-0 up for the final before the tournament, and the SUI/GER made it 2-1, surely it is now 3-1 and we will see him in Berlin. Great job

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  59. What a fantastic referee Daniele Orsato. Respect!

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  60. Prediction for France-Portugal: Szymon Marciniak.

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  61. Today it was a pleasure (as usually) to watch Orsato :)

    One good match (ENGSRB), one average with OFR and missed penalty for host country (SUIGER), and one excellent game for Orsato at this tournament.

    If we can add his brilliant long-time career a only question is - is it enough for EURO final? For me, I can't find any answer than - definitely yes!

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  62. The referee for the final has been decided today. Congrats to Orsato - well deserved.

    SPA - GER: Taylor
    FRA - POR: Marcinak

    SF1: Turpin if no France, Vincic if France

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  63. Spain-Germany - EURO final 2008
    Portugal-France - EURO final 2016
    and if Italy ... we might have England-Italy - EURO final 2020 ;)

    SPA-GER: Taylor
    POR-FRA: Marciniak
    AUT/TUR-ROU/NED: Turpin
    ENG-SUI: Vincić

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  64. I think Taylor will be locked for Portugal-France - more his type of game. Then Vincic for Spain-Germany, Marciniak for England and Turpin the other game. The semi finals are anybody’s, surely a repeat situation like Brych for one but the other is very open, Kovacs sticking around would have been ideal

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    1. Keep in mind that Rosetti said in the press conference a few days ago that the referees will have at most 4 games (e.g 2 KO games)

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    2. The GER-SPA assignment is highly interesting because 1) it's obviously a huge game but 2) Germany seems to get the Italy treatment (almost exclusively upper elite refs) this tournament. So far Turpin, Orsato, Makkelie, and Oliver (slightly lower) have been assigned to Germany games. The next assignment is difficult because:
      - Taylor is probably the best choice but would mean back to back English refs (not ideal)
      - Marciniak is highly unlikely (impossible) after Madrid-Bayern
      - Vincic is possible but risky after the CL final in which Dortmund wasn't very happy with him.

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  65. Can Meler have a chance for a semi-final game?

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    1. I don' think so. Historically you can go up to QF if you get good grades during the tournament but SF and above are usually reserved for the big names (2012: Proenca, Cakir, Proenca, 2016: Kuipers, Eriksson, Clattenburg, 2021: Brych, Makkelie, Kuipers)

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  66. I watched slow motion of the penalty again, and now I don't think it's too soft, I think it's just wrong decision. Attacker just bumped on the defender who didn't do anything punishable

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    1. I did the same (slow motion review) and my conclusion is similar to yours.

      The attacker sought out the defender's leg and body, essentially doing nothing. Typically a case where attackers often consciously seek contact with the leg and/or body of the defender and thus try to get a penalty. At first sight, it very often looks like a clear penalty, but it is not.
      I admit that it was difficult to see and detect from Orsato's position and as such VAR should have intervened.

      That was probably also the reason why the Slovenian players protested so vehemently, but strangely enough, no action was taken.

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    2. It's unbelievable to give a PK in this situation, but still I wouldn't be shocked if Orsato got the final and some people are claiming that he's gonna officiate it :)

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  67. No doubt that Orsato is great referee, but his AR's flag and running technique is awful. They look like sunday league refs.

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    1. I don't disagree that their technique is slightly weird but at the end of the day they got every offsite call correct and that's the most important thing.

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    2. Absolutely true, but they also need to look professional.

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    3. Haha I agree, their technique are very amateur-ish, worse than most non professionals for sure. Always running onto the field as well. Oh well, atleast their decisions making skills are top elite level :p

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  68. PK given to Portugal is laughable. POR's attacker puts himself on a collision course, watch the replay, SLO's defender does not even move, he stays where he is and it is POR's attacker who throws himself onto the opponent's legs.

    It's a gross mistake to be honest. I can accept no VAR intervention but frankly Orsato has had better days.

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    1. Same type of penalties that Argentina had through their whole 22WC campaign-grey zone,but not enough to overturn it.

      There is contact so there is no reason for VAR to call him and for him to change his decision.

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    2. Never ever a PK. It is POR's attacker that literally jumps into SLO's defender. Bad tournament for Orsato.

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    3. I tottaly agree, never penalty! Defender does not doing anything wrong there. I think VAR should intervene here.

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  69. A terrible and almost catastrophic moment for Kevin Ortega in the 33' of USA:URU. He stops play and delivers a caution to a USA player for SPA (as in the card is out and up in the air) and then signals advantage and allows Uruguay to take a quick FK which almost led to a goal.

    Just unbelievable.

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    1. Even worse, the YC is confirmed after the ball goes out of play. If the FK was taken quickly before the YC was shown, it should have been rescinded per Law 12, but here, he is clearly in the process of showing the card. The options were either don't show YC and allow the quick FK, or show the YC and make the FK ceremonial. Really poor managament.

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    2. And the Uruguay goal should have been ruled offsides. It is very clear in the TV replay; not sure what angle they were looking at in the VAR booth.
      https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/copa-america-united-states-vs-uruguay-jul-01-2024-game-boxscore-132302

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    3. Kevin Ortega refusing to shake Pulisic's hand. https://x.com/cjzero/status/1807981708190367888

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    4. To be fair, the tackle could have been deemed as reckless and therefore should be reinstated after the ball is out of play. However, giving advantage after you’re in the middle of the process in cautioning a player is a major mistake, quite lucky that Uruguay didn’t score from this situation to be honest.

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    5. Here is a video of the new referee technique to make sure the SPA is shown a yellow card while also playing an advantage. https://x.com/FOXSoccer/status/1807950892114616361

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    6. It's so ridiculous; if advantage is being given then URU should be whistled for handball!!

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  70. Outstanding performance by Orsato today !

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  71. To me the penalty is a supportable call.
    Watched and rewatched, one have mostly the idea of attacker going deliberately against defender who does nothing (not impeding the path of attaccker, but latter coming to him). Nevertheless, there is a movement by right leg, trying toplay ball, exactly when attacker passes, and this can be an rgument. Still, to me not a 100% decision and I think indeed NO PENALTY would have been supported as well but I don't see possible to say this was a black or white decision (indeed, many different views on the blog). Correct by VAR to stay silent. For my taste, better no penalty, because most is made by attacker, but I can understand why on the field you see this more as foul.

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    1. Very early awake! Agree with your analysis and foremost with your final conclusion. " better no penalty"

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  72. As I observed the match, I disregarded Orsato's reputation purposely and assessed the referee as if he were unknown to me, pondering over the primary advice I would offer to enhance his refereeing.

    1. Firstly, I would suggest he focus on improving his physical fitness, as it appeared to me suboptimal during the game.
    2. Secondly, it would be beneficial for him to engage in a thorough discussion with his assistants to evaluate and refine their teamwork at such a level.
    3. The awarded penalty would certainly warrant a review to consider if it was indeed warranted. IMO not.
    4. I would also address his seemingly lenient approach to discipline, noting the potential risks of excessive tolerance.
    5. He should not tolerate dissent from players following a penalty decision and should be prepared to take appropriate action.

    Naturally, his commendable qualities would also be acknowledged, such as his commanding presence, effective player communication, and his intent to maintain game flow by not penalizing every minor infraction.

    My evaluation consciously avoids bias from Orsato's renown, ensuring an impartial assessment, both positive and negative.

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    1. I agree with some of what you're saying but I fundamentally disagree with the some other points
      1) His fitness level is (on this level) terrible and everyone (including himself) knows it
      2) I have no problem with their teamwork. Their technique is slightly off but I don't think it poses a problem
      3) Agreed but the guideline is that VAR should only signal an OFR there's a clear error and/or if the ref has missed an element of the play. Both aspects didn't apply here. For me it's a foul and penalty more but I understand that people might have different views on it
      Most importantly regarding 4/5, I don't think Hugh Dallas or Rosetti or anyone else for that matter is going to evaluate Orsato the way you did here. Orsato is trusted because Rosetti knows he will not change his style and players will always respect him. The new guideline is supposed to help referees without a strong natural authority to control the game better. Orsato (and Marciniak etc.) don't need the new guideline and therefore never really apply it. I'd argue (and I strongly believe the committee agrees with this) that both of them would actually lose their "tools" if they were to apply the new guideline.

      Lastly, if we look at past SF or Finals assignments, committee never "avoids bias" from a refs renown, in fact, they embrace it and assign those renowned referees for the biggest games.

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    2. I understand your point, but I think there's an important difference between appointing referees for matches and evaluating them as an observer.

      A skilled observer should/must concentrate exclusively on the referee's performance, remaining impartial regardless of who is being evaluated. To an observer, all referees are equal. There must be no bias, ensuring that all referees are judged by the same standards.
      Of course, when it comes to assignments and appointments, a referee's history and previous performances are certainly taken into account by the committee.

      Regarding the penalty and the team's overall performance I have indeed another view.

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  73. Very satisfied with Ordasato yesterday! Minor incidents But still in completly controll of the game. But i do still hope that this was the last game in the Tournament.

    Why? Remeber Urs Meier, a referee that was celebrated as one of the best until that unlycky missed No goal call 2004. That became his last big match, and he is now remembered outside the referee as one who ”destroyed a countrys chansen to win the Euro” and lived under threats for a long time.

    Orsato has now made a good game in LAS 16, let this be it and let him be remeber med for the great referee he is, and dom gamble with a potential bigger misstake in a quarter, semi, or final. Just my opinion, But Orsato deserve the best, But is that the final?

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    1. https://euro04ref.blogspot.com/p/portugalengland-ursmeier.html

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    2. Very good article Mikael W. The problem was that after that game he was doomed in some countries and it was a sad way to say good bye to a very good referee and the situation that Will stay in many peoples mind. In my opinion he made a great match, But ti many people who have No idea about What refereeing a match, se Urs today as a bad referee for this moment, and can’t se all great matches he did in many years before this game. I guess, with VAR there’s a minor risk that this Will happend Orsato, But i am not sure if it is the correct choise to make him the final referee just do a ”deserved end of a great carreer” with that risk of that a Erroll can change How people Will remeber him. I hope you understand How i think about this situation

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    3. Bad english again, sorry! I can allmost not see my screen right now in the gran Canarian sun! 😳

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  74. IMHO, this was a very good or even excellent performance by Daniele Orsato. It was clear he entered the match in a particular way, very concentrated, delaying the whistle in some situations to leave room for a potential VAR intervention (something unusual for him), like he was trying not to miss any situation and correct the somewhat worse impression from the last match. I think it paid off eventually, and he was able to deliver one of his best performances since the last WC, at least for my taste.

    I think Orsato established a clear line in foul detection, with a style usual for his refereeing (trying to let the game flow, being somewhat lenient and giving certain leeway to the players, trying to clearly differentiate between "real" fouls, with a clear impact, and "unreal" ones). He mostly succeeded IMO, with some minor mistakes (19', 54'), but also some very good play on calls (e.g. 120+1'). In terms of game management and player control, I genuinely think we saw a masterclass performance. Orsato should probably give lessons on how to manage and control difficult players/managers and particular situations, but there's something really genuine and natural in his authority, something one cannot just learn in a seminar. Players seem to genuinely respect him even in the most controversial situations, rarely crossing a line between justified complaining and unsportsmanlike dissent, but also being harshly admonished if they ever do. Of course, one could argue he missed a few YCs for dissent (e.g. to SVN9 in 17'), however it is fair to say he never actually needed them; it's like his strong public admonitions are sometimes a harsher punishment than a card would be (honestly, he is sometimes like a drill instructor, not exactly Gunnery Sergeant Hartmann, but I can easily imagine him in that role). I'll be honest and say I don't have anything against such a style as long as it works and doesn't undermine the referee's authority and control; in fact, it's probably safe to say that Orsato even loses much of his "magic" when trying to manage a game in a different way. (As a side note: the way he dealt with Ronaldo is simply remarkable, the Portuguese was "forced" to respect him.) On the other hand, as usual, fitness level was absolutely suboptimal, with Orsato literally walking during the ET, but it seems everyone's pretty much got used to it any way (if he tried to run and follow play as closely as e.g. Nyberg or Letexier, I'm afraid an ambulance would be needed on the FoP).

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    1. I think he established a clear and optimal disciplinary line for this match and applied it pretty consistently, with 7 YCs and 1 RC in total: 32' (SVN21, SPA/reckless), 37' (SVN2, deliberate handling), 101' (SVN5, LoR), 106' (SVN6, reckless), 107' (SVN3, SPA/tactical), 107' (POR20, probably dissent) and 111' (POR coach, protest). The RC for SLO coach Matjaž Kek in 105+1' was never shown in the broadcast (again!!!), but I've managed to see a footage where it seems that Kek was dissenting pretty strongly and even made contact with the shoulder (?) of AR1 Carbone, so I'd say it was a justified expulsion for an otherwise very calm and fair manager (probably the most respected one in Croatia during his stint as a manager of Rijeka). It's certain Kek was complaining about the PK decision in 103', which is understandable, but still unacceptable. There were also some potential YC situations which were solved without cautioning, and I actually agree with Orsato in all of them: 26' (POR17 committed more of a careless foul due to a slip), 49' (I don't see anything reckless in the action of SVN11) and 81' (a rather accidental contact between the feet after clearing the ball by SVN9, his foot had to land somewhere). It is especially worthy to note how Orsato adapted to the needs of the match in the last 20 minutes of ET, raising the number of cards (all were mandatory IMO) and trying to keep everything in order by clamping down on cautionable offences made by the team that gave their best to defend. Given his fitness level and visible fatigue, it is actually quite remarkable that he managed to stay concentrated to the very end.

      There was a number of interesting PAIs in this match, all of them solved correctly or supportably for my taste. Five instances of a potential penalty for POR were correctly denied, IMO: 8' (Ronaldo practically fell on his own), 16' (not enough intensity in the "push" against Ronaldo), 58' (no handball by the SVN player, but chest), 77' (this one caused some controversy, but I don't think there was significant impact in the holding by SVN player) and 105+1' (no handball by SVN player, only contact with the knee). In addition, there was also a potential penalty for SVN in 95', correctly denied as well, as the elbow of Ruben Dias was literally "glued" to his body when the ball struck it. As for the key situation in this analysis (certainly the most controversial), a PK given to POR in 103', my opinion is that it was a correct, but certainly a supportable decision, with no room for VAR intervention to cancel it. I'd argue that the key element for this decision is the movement of the left knee towards the Portuguese attacker, blocking his already initiated trajectory of running. Without this leg movement, the PK would have been a clear mistake, but I prefer Orsato's decision in this particular situation. It certainly reminded me of the "infamous" PK for Argentina in the SF match against Croatia at the last WC (Orsato delayed his whistle again, waiting for a possible goal). It's probably fair to say that the same people who were against a PK then are against it now, and I'm almost certain that no amount of discussion will change the opinions of both sides on this matter. After rewatching the situation many times, from all the available angles and slowing it down, my opinion stays the same: correct or at least supportable PK (like in 2022).

      Both AR's, although sometimes being really sloppy in their technique and running inside the FoP, presented a high level performance IMO, with some good or even excellent onside/offside decisions (6', 41', 51', 68', 76', 90+1', 90+3'). Delaying the flag was applied in a number of situations as well, showing good awareness and concentration.

      Taking everything into consideration, I was left with the impression of a really positive performance, with the referee in full control and avoiding any match-influencing mistakes, while also taking some good decisions in difficult situations.

      Delete
    2. An excellent, thorough, well-balanced assessment. I find myself agreeing with almost everything

      Delete
    3. Thank you Dukat192 for your comprehensive and, yet again, excellent summary. It's very much appreciated!

      Delete
  75. Just saw this picture with Pulisic and Ortega. Are the referees at Copa America really this bad as reported?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Some of them, yes. Esp. those from the southern little Concacaf-States. But not all. There is a very big range, but in general the style is a bit more lenient there.

      Delete
    2. Biggest problem from that whole situation is that Pulisic never even got a word from ref,let alone booking.

      He used his captain powers for his very best and ref was to weak to show who is in charge.

      Delete
  76. My nominations:

    Quarterfinals:

    #1: Spain - Germany - Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
    #2: Portugal - France - Michael Oliver (England)
    #3: (Romania/Netherlands) - (Austria/Türkiye) - Felix Zwayer (Germany)
    #4: England - Switzerland - Clément Turpin (France)

    Semifinals:

    #1: Anthony Taylor (England)
    #2: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

    Final:

    Daniele Orsato (Italy)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Zwayer for QF3 after officiating the Romania-Netherlands match? Pretty unlikely, if not impossible

      Delete
    2. I'd be shocked if Kovacs gets another game (let alone Germany- Spain). I'm not saying he was terrible (he wasn't) but the media destroyed him after the game. Even Clattenburg on Fox said he lost control of the game. I can't see Rosetti taking the risk of appointing him again in this tournament especially with the hosts in a huge game)

      Delete
  77. Spain - Germany will be an interesting one.
    I think committee is lacking options.
    To be honest, for me, after having sent home Makkelie, it would be absolutely incredible to see Turpin assigned for that game, after the opener. More generally, I still want to understand why the French has been kept, to me he can do only low profile games, but OK, starting from QFs there will be NO low profile games...
    Then, Vincic, if you think that Orsato will get the final directly after yesterday, the Slovenian can be indeed the name planned for Spain - Germany as last game in the tournament (hard to know whether one can survive after this game...). Marciniak can't handle Germany, same must be said for Zwayer of course, so? In my opinion there could be a suprise, and maybe a big one, among the referees observed by committee members, but still, hard to see a name both in R16 and quarterfinals, all should be different appointments, at least on paper.
    We will know soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Forgot Taylor, indeed a name for GER - ESP!

      Delete
    2. I think this is the last Euro of Turpin as French n°1 and if he has been kept this is the reason.
      Incredible to see after so many successes that he continues to fail at Euro. 2016 too young and not the actual Turpin, 2020 fail, 2024 potential fail.
      Of course he is a great ref and I support him more as a french but... Letexier (who I like a bit less in France) has already done better.
      Probably good to see Turpin in a low profile quarter and then he is done.

      Honestly I don't see why Vincic should get a quarter. A R16 yes, obviously, but a quarter, Esp Ita was so chaotic. Turpin has made obvious mistakes but controlled his games.

      Delete
    3. I don't think Turpin can get GER-SPA since the winner would potentially play France in the Semis.

      Delete
  78. As I prevously wrote:
    Full predicitons:
    Ger-Esp: Taylor
    Englad-Swiss: Vincic
    Portugal-France: Marciniak
    Ned-Rou/Aut-Tur: Tello

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Doubts about Tello, but yes, if the other option is Turpin... I think these could be the most expected assignments.

      Delete
    2. What about Letexier. ESP-GEO looked very low profile for him and especially with Rosetti observing him its hard to believe for me that it was his last game. A semi-final looks rather unlikely tho, even more cause France is still in the tournament.

      Just gotta repeat it again as well what a shame Makkelie being sent home. He would be a perfect fit for GER-ESP and would give committe a handful of options for all other games.

      For me it is rather difficult to find any names for the semi-finals. I am ending up on names like Nyberg or Turpin as 4th game if France is eliminated, which really shouldnt be happening under normal circumstances.

      As it stands I´d predict this.
      GER-ESP: Taylor
      POR-FRA: Vincic
      ENG-SUI: Letexier
      NED/ROM-AUT/TUR: Turpin

      Semi-final 1: Soares Dias
      Semi-final 2: Marciniak

      Final: Orsato

      Delete
  79. Ger-Esp: Taylor
    Englad-Swiss: Vincic
    Portugal-France: Marciniak
    Ned-Rou/Aut-Tur: Turpin

    ReplyDelete
  80. Turkish FF Head of Referees Mr. Ibanoglu gave an interview recently. He praised the performance of Meler along with an information that 6 out of 19 referess already left the tournament. I found this info rather reliable as he might be rightfuly informed about the status.

    As discussed here 3 ouf them are Makkelie, Gil Manzano and Guida. The rest 3 is debatable I think.

    https://www-sporx-com.translate.goog/ahmet-ibanoglu-ndan-halil-umut-meler-e-destek-aciklamasi-SXHBQ1075506SXQ?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp

    ReplyDelete
  81. In Romania, many sources say that Istvan Kovacs and his ARs are still at the tournament, so we should count on him for QF.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Have to say given I'd find that hard to believe he get's another game!

      Delete
  82. It is already decided whom gets the final appointment anyway. A number of referee cultural factors will come into consideration:

    1: Chance to give a retiring referee a 'Thank you or Grazie' for services.
    2: Close relationships with Rosseti and FIGC.
    3: Relationships with UEFA referee committee.
    4: Day Job in a professional sense.

    I think most of us know Orsato will get the job of the final. Why?

    See 1-4 above.

    ReplyDelete
  83. No one here seriously believes a referee gets awarded the final of Euro 2024 based solely on performances?

    Surely?

    ReplyDelete

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