João Pinheiro debut at WC, in a full European clash, Switzerland - Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Match #26
Group B
18 June 2026, 21:00 CET
SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
SWITZERLAND - BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Referee: João Pinheiro POR
Assistant Referee 1: Bruno Jesus POR
Assistant Referee 2: Luciano Maia POR
Fourth Official: Yusuke Araki JPN
Reserve AR : Jun Mihara JPN
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Dennis Johan Higler NED
Assistant Vidéo Assistant Referee 1 : Tomasz Kwiatkowski POL
Assistant Vidéo Assistant Referee 2 : Fu Ming CHN
clear yc missed
ReplyDelete1' missed YC for reckless
ReplyDeleteClip: https://streamable.com/pilwiu
Delete@Chefren are you surprised it wasn’t given based on the lack of YC not shown? Is there a directive from FIFA for this?
DeletePinheiro whistled for the start before countdown was over :)
ReplyDeleteVery poor start
ReplyDeleteWould it be harsh to say we should have had 2 YC's in the first 3 minutes? One for each team.
ReplyDeleteI think its a very valid argument, certainly the 1st offence should have been yellow
DeleteI think technically in isolation, very strong cases for that. But if we go with big picture, early stages, and instructions given, I feel you need a 150% clear YC for one to be given over a strong warning/management. I'm not sure Pinheiro should be blamed for that
DeleteClip: https://streamable.com/om5hgo
Delete100% agree DB
DeleteThe trend at this WC is clear, but now the big question to me is about Sampaio and that first game, I think one between Collina and Busacca, or maybe both, fainted after the final whistle...
ReplyDeleteIs it possible we wont see Sampaio again now?
DeleteYes, I'm thinking about that, but he is strong name.
DeleteThe most logical expectation for me is to give him a second, rather useless game in group stage and then nothing else.
We will see, I'm very curious, given that he is a strong name, the situation becomes particular, otherwise, if happened to a "normal" referee, no doubts about the end of tournament.
The fact that we now have 3 Brazilians in circulation could be something that means they will drop Sampaio to focus on the other 2. I think though that Abatti also was below standards in his game, so perhaps Sampaio might get the 2nd chance ahead of him.
DeleteWhat are you guys talking about?
DeleteHe had 2 DOGSOs and 1 VC.
Have there been any other potential DOGSOs or VCs that were not given?
It was a statistical anomaly but three clear red cards occurred in his match, so he gave them. Other than the argument for SFP in Scotland v Haiti, we have not had any other serious shout for a straight red card all tournament. We need to make appropriate comparisons.
Sampaio's refereeing was fine, if not good, and consistent (if not better) than the average performance in this tournament.
Sampaio will get a big second group stage match and at least one big KO match. It's bizarre to me that people think something went wrong in the opener.
Usaref, I completely agree. We all know 3 RCs is not what FIFA wants and they obviously caused some controversy too. But IMO the controversy would have been bigger if one of them wouldn’t have been given. So what is Sampaio supposed to do.
DeleteAnd I‘m sure the committee wasn’t pleased in the manner how he refereed the game overall, but that shouldn’t completely rule him out of future appointments.
I think from a technical standpoint one can live with no card in both situations. But YC better for me in both cases.
ReplyDelete(As we know, giving 2YC would be going against the grain...)
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteNot to be "cynical", but it's certainly very funny to discuss YCs (and marking people down) at the WC since at least 2014 when it's clear that the powers that be "steal" the cards before the referees ever step onto the pitch.... Always disappointing in terms of management; discretion, sure, but officials shouldn't be fighting to keep players on the pitch.
ReplyDeleteTo underline that:
DeleteIn 2026, only 52 yellow cards on MD1 (i.e. 2,17 per game).
In 2006, we had 4,83 YCs per game in the group stage.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteFIFA are always looking to maximise revenue, keeping their best players on the pitch is what they are looking to do. Not just to avoid red cards but also to avoid accumulated red cards where players miss out on crucial group stage matches. For us refereeing purists it is an issue, when it comes to revenue, the YC becomes an after thought especially when you think about the other things they have done (hydration breaks, dynamic ticket pricing, total stadium control etc)
DeleteAlthough I understand the claims for the YCs at the beginning, I don’t agree. After the two clear and public warnings, Pinheiro kept the players and the game on his pocket. I think that is very good management. We, as a referees are part of the game and the “show”.
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteI agree, as referee’s we need to use man management and when you go for your YC’s so early on it leaves little room to manage situations and deal with players. My foul detection radar has changed whilst watching the World Cup and I’m still calling it a reckless challenge but without the YC
Delete"I want my 45 minutes back
ReplyDeleteHahaha!! Yep
DeleteDid anyone hear the whistle for the restart I didn't hear a thing?
ReplyDeleteMost of games with very boring moments, but more generally, sometimes I have the feeling that players are instructed not to put in trouble referees.. it's very strange, because with so many games, unless the opener, one can always observe such trend, even when OFR were made. Anything behind the scenes?
ReplyDeleteWhy such a delayed offside on the overhead kick? I thought corner checks were only to determine who played the ball last not APP aswell
ReplyDeleteAgree ? Is VAR intervened here for a offside ?
DeleteI was about to comment the same
DeletePredictions:
ReplyDeleteFRAIRQ- Fischer (CAN)
NORSEN- Valenzuela (VEN)
ARGAUT- Ramos (MEX)
JORALG- Vincic (SVN)
PORUZB- Martínez (HON)
COLCOD- Makkelie (NED)
ENGGHA- Makhadmeh (JOR)
PANCRO- Omar (EGY)
With 3D simulation shown, I really don’t understand : VAR intervened to cancel a corner because of offside missed by AR ? Is it normal procedure ?
ReplyDeleteTwo good YC in an (very) easy game so far
ReplyDeleteClip YC 59': https://streamable.com/ksfbns
DeleteClip YC 61': https://streamable.com/ruzzqu + (3D)
Clip YC 65': https://streamable.com/jphdbq
ReplyDeleteI think that Pinheiro took 1-2 seconds to determine the 'tactical value' of giving a card there (balancing after two recent and very consecutive YCs for BIH)
DeleteMissed foul on 68' with the game finally getting good and then the break comes.... terrible timing
ReplyDeleteNo replays in the broadcast...Pinheiro said something like it was «very small contact» when the swiss players mobbed him heading to hydration break.
Delete68' Live-sequence: https://streamable.com/copxq3
DeleteHydration Break Clip:
Deletehttps://streamable.com/kr7gxo
Given YCs are correct, but really not convinced with his foul detection
ReplyDeleteAgree. Not very balanced foul detection : we don’t detect a clear line to whistle or not fouls or not.
DeleteAgree here, he is finding it hard to find the balance here
DeleteVery good foul detection according with the instructions receveid ftom FIFA. Small contacts are not contacts to blow the whistle
ReplyDeleteExcelent foul detection. Small contacts are not fouls.
ReplyDeleteGreat call. DOGSO red card
ReplyDeleteFull-Sequence: https://streamable.com/3m0nag
DeleteOoooh red card... looks correct and brave once its outside
ReplyDeleteCorrect RC for DOGSO
ReplyDeleteGood RC. But, in my opinion Pinheiro could and should had use a “strong” whistle. Good cooperation with AR2 to determine where the contact was in or out the box
ReplyDeleteNormal and obvious RC. Well done by Pinheiro.
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of João Pinheiro but that was an excellent decision he was in a great position absolutely outside the box textbook dogso
ReplyDeleteAnd the Bosnian player accepted the expulsion without protest.
ReplyDeleteI am not a great fan of Pinheiro but this match is well for him and he can be happy for his performance.
ReplyDeletePINHEIRO WHAT ARE YOU DOING??? WHERE IS CONTACT HERE?
ReplyDeleteBad penalty. Clear simulation before contact.
ReplyDeleteFull-Sequence: https://streamable.com/gmnfeq
DeleteFor me, in live action there are no doubts, as for the replays again only solvable on the very last one.
After the comments on the GHA stamp non-penalty yesterday, this would have to be a similar situation with the attacker looking for contact.
DeleteNot sure about the PK looks like the attacker is already falling when there is a contact
ReplyDeleteAttacker initiated contact, wasn't that what referees are supposed to call?
ReplyDeleteClear penalty well done Mr Referee
DeleteGood decision on the penalty.
ReplyDeleteA game that for 70min didn’t have anything ended up with a RC, a penalty and a few YC.
Pinheiro can be happy with his performance. Let’s see what game he gets next
Not too much blame on Pinheiro it looked like a definite penalty in live play, small contact so good by VAR to support
ReplyDeleteYou punish what happens first. Ridiculous simulation before contact.
DeleteNever a pen
ReplyDeleteGood match by Pinheiro, but PK was wrong in my eyes. Hard to spot, but should have been corrected by VAR.
ReplyDeleteClear and strong contact on the rear foot. Penalty classic
ReplyDeleteYes. After a clear dive simulating a non existent contact….
DeleteI’m sure about this PK…Clear dive IMO, there is no contact.
ReplyDeleteNot sure*
DeleteThere is a clear contact in the right leg of the attacker.
DeleteBut I agree it seems more before the replays
Apparently, the contact was on the left leg. From the replay, I couldn't detect a foul on the right leg.
DeleteSorry but never never never it’s a penalty here. Clear dive by attacker and after contact. Unbelievable non VAR intervention and bad finish for Pinheiro.
ReplyDeleteVery soft penalty at best.
ReplyDeleteBig mistake on the PK. VAR should correct
ReplyDeleteJoão Pinheiro's body language lacks elegance
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteAfter game finished,my opinion is next: Standard pefromance from Pinherio. Ok, control the game from first to last moment,but obviously some mandatory YC missed. Correct called RC and foul outside the box. But then, never,but never penalty kick for Swiss,because attacker already started to fall beforce contact, and that situation will cause Pinherio better mark. In best possible case, one more GS for him , and thats all.
ReplyDeleteAgree. This late wrong penalty reminded me what i don’t really Pinheiro…
DeleteNever forget Lahoz simulation call on Aguero who fell before contact. Same decision should be made here.
DeleteAlshehri needs to do more games, clearly. Would definitely spot that simulation.
ReplyDeleteGreat perfomance for joao pinheiro we look forward for second game that he officiate
ReplyDeleteAhhhhh Ahmed is back ! ❤️
Deletehttps://streamin.link/v/a2dbb830
ReplyDeleteLook at the last picture.
ReplyDeleteYes you look. And we see a blatant dive prior the contact at the left.
DeleteWas it the worst performance of the tournament? No
ReplyDeleteWas it the best? No
Again like most of analysis on performances so far somewhere in the middle again. Good areas, points of improvement to take onboard. Worthy of a second game and if he impresses then maybe a KO game, as much as I don't like it, very suited to modern refereeing in line with instructions.
I agree
DeletePerhaps my opinion might be isolated, but I always have the same doubts with Pinheiro:
ReplyDelete1) his foul detection is erratic, it doesn't seem to follow a consistent pattern, so it's never clear whether he'll call a foul or not;
2) his approach to the game seems too nervous;
3) on a disciplinary level, he's more consistent, but his approach to YC/RC seems inelegant (if not sloppy) as well as his style in general.
A generous PK, debatable or supportable from different views; RC was also fair.
Thus, a decent performance. Average level.
Switzerland gets this penalty and Mbappe didn't. Okeeey....
ReplyDeletehttps://streamff.com/v/cc2d4df8
ReplyDeleteSome of the comments here are crazy. It is like some people only formulate their opinions based ONLY on the close-up replays, like the online idiots who watch a one-angle replay clip on reddit soccer and declare 'THE REFEREE HAS MADE A HUGE MISTAKE?!'. The actual technical analysis from this incident that nobody has made yet: Pinheiro could have backpeddled a bit quicker when the ball was coming toward him; he is at least 5yrds too close to the incident to perceive it properly (-> he has to take an educated guess). However: Bosnia no15 has made a desperate, lunging attempt to reach the ball, and has not touched the ball at all. Even if we assume that Bosnia no15 has made no contact with Swiss no15's right foot, he still (remember having lunged in and got no contact on the ball) then makes a clear contact on the left foot of the attacker. You can argue that 'the attacker is already heading to the floor', but: a) even if he had fully stayed upright, this contact would still have hit his left leg in the same way, and, b) the attacker has the right to try and hurdle this late tackle. Many comments on here are way off the mark - if you think this is a CLEAR AND BLATANT mistake, I'm not really sure what to say.
Pinheiro handled the game in a very good manner and should be praised for his performance. Indeed: the overall level of the UEFA referees in this World Cup has been near-on outstanding and very impressive. Perhaps surprisingly, the worst European official so far in terms of level was actually Marciniak -- even notwithstanding the missed yellow card to Argentina no10 for reckless play -- who struggled with both calls and acceptance in Arg-Algeria, but even his performance was clearly still adequate and stronger than numerous other officials from different confederations.
Completely agree 👌
DeleteI see some comments about the fact he was nervous. Well, it was his debut in major international competitions at national teams level, I think it’s quit him expected.
I am portuguese, I had the opportunity of having a class taught by him and his ARs in the beginning of may and you could tell the joy he was feeling. That’s why I can’t be so objective when commenting his games
+1.
DeleteGreat job by Pinheiro, I like his style. Penalty for me too. Great level of refereeing in this World Cup.
Agree with Mikael's opinion fully as well. I think the key element here is exactly the way in which BIH player lunged in: late, desperate, and generally corresponding to the very definition of the word "lunge". I cannot imagine a single scenario in which such a tackle wouldn't have "cleared away" the attacker if he had stayed up. Without any actual contact on the ball, I think we cannot even debate about a mistake which is clear, obvious, blatant or any adjective of sort. Of course, this is only my personal opinion, nothing more.
DeleteAs for the UEFA referees, I have to tell i really disliked Vinčić's 2H unfortunately, as well as Marciniak's whole match from a technical standpoint. However, the overall level of their refereeing has been pretty high level in general, and here I agree as well.
Love your analysis Mikael, great breakdown. I ignore the social media stuff from non-referees, they just don’t understand.
DeleteMy response to your analysis would be in comparing this to your response to the GHA non-pen:
- Some easy stuff to agree with you: Defender lunged for the ball, no contact with ball and made contact with defender foot. For me a pen and I love the analysis.
- Yesterday you placed a lot of weight on the defender looking and waiting for the contact, hence why you thought it was a good non-pen call. He felt the defender and waited for the contact on foot, then went down (yes it was unnatural but have you ever played and had your foot stamped on? Then tried to fall naturally?). In this scenario, you can clearly see the attacker already a) shift weight in his knee, ready to fall to the ground before contact happens b) drag his back foot along the ground looking to initiate the contact.
I do understand they are different situations, careless stamp/trip vs lunge + studs tackle foot, different area, more natural way he went to ground but both going away from goal. Again you placed a lot of emphasis on the attacker yesterday, today not so much. Don’t get me wrong, I think this is a penalty, correct call and correct non-VAR intervention but I enjoy the analysis and debate.
Finally someone who understand officiatting speak clear and correct. I agree with you. The level of officiating till this moment its outstanding. I hope that this level stay till the end of championship
ReplyDelete