Thursday 3 May 2018

Europa League 2017/18 - Semifinals - Referee Appointments (II)

Italian Gianluca Rocchi and Russian Sergey Karasev have been assigned to EL semifinals, second legs. 
03.05.2018, 21:05 CET
Estadio Metropolitano, Madrid (ESP)
Club Atlético de Madrid - Arsenal FC
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi (ITA)
Assistant Referee 1: Elenito Di Liberatore (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Mauro Tonolini (ITA)
Additional Assistant Referee 1: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
Additional Assistant Referee 2: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
4th Official: Alessandro Costanzo (ITA)
UEFA Referee Observer: Jaap Uilenberg (NED)
UEFA Delegate: Wolfgang Thierrichter (AUS)

03.05.2018, 21:05 CET
Stadion Salzburg, Salzburg (AUT)
FC Salzburg - Olympique de Marseille 
Referee: Sergey Karasev (RUS)
Assistant Referee 1: Anton Averyanov (RUS)
Assistant Referee 2: Tikhon Kalugin (RUS)
Additional Assistant Referee 1: Sergey Lapochkin (RUS)
Additional Assistant Referee 2: Sergei Ivanov (RUS)
Fourth Official: Igor Demeshko (RUS)
UEFA Referee Observer: Eugen Strigel (GER)
UEFA Delegate: Jim Stjerne Hansen (DEN)

192 comments:

  1. I suppose that this means that in case of a Liverpool-xx final Rocchi will be in charge.
    That would mean that Skomina is the reserve. (Or some surprise like Kuipers, Brych)

    It seems quite clear now that Mazic will be in charge of the EL-final.

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    1. Brych or Kuipers as FO do you mean, Ray?

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  2. Interesting. Last year also both Rocchi and Karásev were in charge of UEL semifinals, but now they are appointed for 2nd leg.

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  3. I like this appointment of Karasev before the World Cup... Now Mazic for CL final then??

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  4. Now I hope Mazic in Kiev and Collum, Makkelie or
    Marciniak in Lyon.

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    Replies
    1. Yes. No. No. and No. Turpin over those 3

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    2. Turpin can be in CL but not in EL because UEFA
      never appoints one referee of the country in
      which the final is played.

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  5. I will still believe Mazic will whistle CL final (with Skomina as 4th official).
    I thought Rocchi was planned for EL final but I see he will whistle (only) a SF. In this case I will switch Rocchi/Orsato in my yesterday predictions. In this moment I believe Orsato will be the referee of EL final.

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    1. Skomina was FO to Rizzoli in 2013 CL Final... Surely not another one!

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    2. I asked you to ignore my posts but it seems you are not capable to do that, you always have something to say. Anyway, Skomina as 4th official was the less important detail from my post...

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    3. Posting in the blog means you're putting up your views in the public domain and that will recieve counter views whether you like it or not!!

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  6. Surprised to see Rocchi in semifinal. This now opens the room for speculations. Mazic should be in one of the finals, but who is the other one? I wouldn't exclude Mateu if no Spanish team in one of the finals. Also, Marciniak is there (if the rummours are true, he was planned for this week, but...), Makkelie, too (he had very good season). We shouldn't still exclude Skomina and Rocchi for Cl final... In case of Rocchi's excellent performance and Roma's defeat, Rocchi is in "the game". Will be very interesting to see which clubs will go to the finals and I believe that after that will be decided where wuold Mazic go, and who will get other final (I still believe that Skomina and Mazic were originally planned for last years finals, but Brych, thanks to Bayern's loss, got CL as a reward for his whole carrier, because his last year was more than average).

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    1. Two comments:

      - I think the referees for finals are already chosen. It can't be a last moment decision (EL final is on 16.05)

      - I think names like Marciniak, Mateu Lahoz or Makkelie are ruled out for final because of obvious mistakes in their last games. A final should be a reward for a good performance.

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    2. While I agree with the second comment as I think that's what should happen, I have my doubts that's the reality. It was reported here that Marciniak was planned for a SF but later stepped down because of an injury. If that was the case (and given that Ray was the source, I tend to believe it), then Makkelie is the only one I would rule out given it is his first year as Elite and I hope lessons have been learnt with Oliver.

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    3. Marciniak was the source, he gave an interview to one of the Polish radio stations. And the info about a semi-final was provided earlier by the Polish FA itself. :)

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  7. Rocchi in front of Jaap Uilenberg could mean something. I know, important matches need important observers, however, I feel that there is something behind this appointment...

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  8. My idea is still the same. I think Skomina stays as candidate for CL final, while Mazic for EL. I think everything will be decided by Skomina performance in Rome, but I strongly hope he will have not problems. To be honest, I don't see any other name.

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    1. +1

      Rocchi started the season with a final so shouldn't be getting another in the same season!

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  9. The Spanish referees is too long that they are out of the games, if there will be a final without Spanish teams this final will be of Lahoz.
    You will see that I'm not mistaken

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    1. The crucial mistake in Manchester City - Liverpool is definitely too much relevant, to get a final, if you ask me.

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    2. Italy- Sweden was also during this season...

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  10. FINAL:
    EL Cunejt Cakir (TUR)
    CL Gianluca Rocchi (ITA)

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    1. Mazic out again for semifinals/finals, 4th year in a row??? Then, how to explain that he is among European top 10 refs for years and that he will be in Russia? I am 100% convinced that Mazic will be in one of the finals - all his performances in last 2 years would justify that!

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    2. Mazic must be in Kiev.

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    3. Mazic goec to the WC because he is PLC's golden boy. Always untouchable.

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    4. I agree with Zoran's prediction.

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    5. Çakir after Madrid cannot be in Kiev.

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  11. Many people are convinced about Mazic in Kyiv, well, I want to open a big poll about that, but in my opinion it is better to wait for this week's performances...

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    1. Mazic was an important referee in last (many) years, he whistled a lot of important (and difficult) games. Mazic was one of most reliable referees in european competitions, hardly remember a mistake of Mazic.

      You can't compare Mazic with Rocchi in terms of palmares. Honestly, it would be outrageous to put Rocchi in front of Mazic. On the other hand, Rocchi fully deserved EL final. maybe Rocchi deserves also a CL final but not in front of Mazic.

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    2. We should wait for the other performances and to see which clubs will be in finals.

      But, there is one important issue: from European refs that are going to Russia, we saw/will see 7 in semifinals + Collum. Other three names are Mazic, Marciniak and Mateu. Marciniak had one really bad evening, and Mateu very crucial mistake in City-Liverpool. Mazic with no important mistake whatsoever in KO stage. So, he should be sure for one of the final. There are only 3 candidates for Cl final: Mazic, Skomina and Rocchi if Roma is out (but he already had Super cup final this year). For EL final, besides Mazic, Rocchi and Marciniak, you can appoint even Cakir.
      Mazic's performances last 2 years absolutely justify that he should get one of finals. There are lot of arguments to see him somewhere. Personally, I would save Skomina for next year's Cl final - he is still young and UEFA doesn't need another Clattenburg! He could easily loose his motivation if he would be year-to-year in two finals. Also, the big issue is who to get CL final next year?!

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  12. I strongly believe that, if Rome is eliminated and Rocchi’s performance is good/very good/excellent, the latter will be more than a serious candidate for the CL final.
    On the other hand, Mazic would get the EL final.

    But, obviously, all the scenarios are open...

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  13. 2 months ago I wrote that Skomina and Mazic could BOTH get a final and deserve it - Mazic at the end of his career the CL-final - kept safe by appointing him in EL-KnockOut-matches before and vice-versa Skomina for EL-final and CL-final in 1 or 2 years. Makes sense IMO. And when I am not totally misinformed, for WC-final the things are much more open then most of the European-centrist arguments here ...:
    So far there is only Cakir a definite candidate for a final with Germany and any European team, Brych for two other European or 2 other than European teams if Germany does not reach the halffinal, Pitana and Ricci in the same logical way for Conmebol. But for Conmebol-UEFA final Faghani, Ramos, Geiger as 1st options. And if Gassama wins back the trust he got til last summer who knows...
    The big question without answer is still the number of main referees from Africa, Asia and from Concacaf. Many rumours but no clear information. Does anyone here know more than Busaccas cryptic predictions about a number "not so far away from last WC?"

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    1. You forgot Irmatov among WC final candidates..

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    2. The big question is "who will not screw up with VAR?" There WILL be VAR controversies throughout the tournament. FIFA will look toward a crew that it trust with VR for the Final.

      Pitana-Vigliano is the obvious answer if a CONMEBOL referee can do it (Ricci-Sampaio, too, but I feel to a lesser exent). Kuipers-Makkelie or Brych-Zwayer or Rocchi-Orsato are all options for a UEFA crew.

      If it has to be a crew from a third continent, Geiger-Marrufo will by far be the favorites.

      VAR is still getting screwed up regularly in nations that have it. It's a hard thing to get right. The notion that someone like Gassama or Irmatov or Faghani or even Ramos will master it for a tournament and be trusted with it for the Final is not one that I would bet on. I think your Final referee is someone with intimate knowledge with VAR (which is one reason, frankly, why I think Cakir is destined for a QF/SF but not the Final).

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    3. I think we should not focus too much on the VARquestion when we discuss the possible names of refs for the final. The teams can be mixed as long as all speak English/Spanish well Dont forget there are even 3 assistants together with one VAR being responsible . So mixed teams will be the normal case - and refs have good reason to train their English...
      Irmatov: You might be right but I am not convinced. As far as I know he is in the 2nd row cause he failed some of the many chances he got - losing his clear line esp. in big games in difficult situations.

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    4. The teams can be mixed. And they will be mixed. And there will be a lot of problems with VAR throughout the tournament.

      My point isn't that it must be a pair of country-mates for the Final. There could be mixing and matching. For example, I could see Kuipers doing the final with Geiger as his VAR.

      My point is that those who already have good familiarity with VARs are less likely to screw it up. And FIFA will look toward those officials when they have to make sure VAR succeeds in the biggest match it will ever be used in. So the officials listed above will naturally have a leg-up on their competition.

      By my estimates, Geiger has worked with VAR in about 50 matches now. I'm sure Rocchi, Brych and Marciniak have numbers approaching that figure. Do you think FIFA is more likely to turn toward someone with 40-50 matches of experience with the new technology or someone with 4-5 matches?

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    5. Germany has only introduced VAR at the start of this season, so Brych has 16 (15BL + 1CWC) matches experiences, if I am not missing something. And I think that is similar for Rocchi and Marciniak.
      So Geiger should actually be clearly ahead of everyone.

      The experience will play a certain role in the appointments, but more important should be how the performance (including VAR cooperation) is in the first 1-2 matches of each referee.

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    7. Well, each WC referee also went to a tournament that used VAR last year, right? So there are a few extra games to add on to any domestic totals. And to be clear, I'm counting participation in any role--CR, VAR, VAR1, AVAR, etc.

      Stopping to think about it, Geiger is likely closer to 40 right now. He has 22 domestic MLS matches. Then he had 4 matches at Confed Cup, 3 at 2017 CWC and 3(?) at 2016 CWC. That's 32. When you add some of the experimental and live trial matches he's been involved in, he's got to be in the low 40s. But even with that lower number, Geiger will likely be ahead of every on-field referee.

      How many matches have Makkelie and Zwayer been involved in? Those numbers must be pretty high.

      And I totally agree that performance will matter most. My theory is that experience is going to lead to better performance.

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    8. I think for Brych the number won't get much higher, because he was only 3 times VAR in BL and only participated in the CWC last year.
      Zwayer has 25-30 matches with all roles combined - 12 BL CR + 6 BL VAR + 7 U20 VAR + 3 CC (A)VAR

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  14. Karasev again in Salzburg where he already was in February (Salzburg-Real Sociedad). A little bit strange for my taste.

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    1. Brych was in Liverpool two times in 20 days: Liverpool- Manchester City (QF) and Liverpool- Roma (SF). Can you tell us how was your taste :) ?

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    2. BTW let's remember that Marciniak was planned for a SF second leg. Of course we can't know, but one of those names can be a replacement...

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    3. I think Karasev might be the replacement!!

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    4. Karasev is probably replacement for Marciniak..

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    5. What happened with Marciniak? Is he injured and needed a replacement?

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    6. Yes. He had been appointed by committee for a second leg in semifinals (unknown whether CL or EL). But he renounced due to an injury. He said that he didn't want to risk due to WC, otherwise he would have handled the game.

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  15. OT:

    This happened in Beijing Guoan-Guangzhou Evergrande of Chinese Super League (FIFA referee)

    0-2 ahead Guangzhou in 88th minute, referee whistles PK + RC for DOGSO to defender Deng Hangwen for this challenge on Cédric Bakambu. Beijing Guoan finally managed to draw on the very last minute

    Your thoughts? For me this is a blatant mistake, there's no foul at all.

    https://streamable.com/pj79n

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    1. Sorry, finally watched the entire sequence and there's no straight red card, it was 2nd YC.

      Anyway, that penalty decision...

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    2. In addition, Jonas Eriksson and Tony Chapron (!) will referee a CSL game this weekend because of suspects of match-fixing on local referees.

      Interesting "chance" for Chapron after his 6-month ban, at least that shameful Nantes-PSG won't be his last game.

      Link: http://m.thesundaily.my/node/492335

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    3. Shocking mistake. There is not even a touch - defender played the ball.

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  16. UEFA UNDER-17 CHAMPIONSHIP

    4 May 2018

    Group A | 14:00 CET - Burton upon Trent (St. George's Park Stadium)
    ITALY - SWITZERLAND
    Referee: Zbyněk Proske (CZE)
    Assistant Referee 1: Robert Steinacher (AUT)
    Assistant Referee 2: Georgi Doynov (BUL)
    Fourth Official: Robert Hennessy (IRL)
    UEFA Referee Observer: Vlado Svilokos (CRO)
    UEFA Delegate: Denis Bastari (ALB)

    Group B | 14:00 CET - Walsall (Banks's Stadium)
    PORTUGAL - NORWAY
    Referee: Dennis Higler (NED)
    Assistant Referee 1: Rza Məmmədov (AZE)
    Assistant Referee 2: Dan Petur Pauli Højgaard (FRO)
    Fourth Official: Keith Kennedy (NIR)
    UEFA Referee Observer: David Elleray (ENG)
    UEFA Delegate: Vilmos Szabó (HUN)

    Group A | 20:00 CET - Chesterfield (Proact Stadium)
    ENGLAND - ISRAEL
    Referee: Halil Umut Meler (TUR)
    Assistant Referee 1: Péter Kóbor (HUN)
    Assistant Referee 2: Chasan Koula (GRE)
    Fourth Official: Bryn David Markham-Jones (WAL)
    UEFA Referee Observer: Marc Batta (FRA)
    UEFA Delegate: Ludovico Micallef (MLT)

    Group B | 20:00 CET - Burton upon Trent (St. George's Park Stadium)
    SLOVENIA - SWEDEN
    Referee: Robert Harvey (IRL)
    Assistant Referee 1: Levan Todria (GEO)
    Assistant Referee 2: Vytis Snarskis (LTU)
    Fourth Official: Tim Marshall (NIR)
    UEFA Referee Observer: Kyros Vassaras (GRE)
    UEFA Delegate: Denis Bastari (ALB)

    5 May 2018

    Group C | 13:30 CET - Loughborough (Loughborough University Stadium)
    DENMARK - BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
    Referee: Juri Frischer (EST)
    Assistant Referee 1: Yuriy Tikhonyuk (KAZ)
    Assistant Referee 2: Vytis Snarskis (LTU)
    Fourth Official: Keith Kennedy (NIR)
    UEFA Referee Observer: Sokol Jareci (ALB)
    UEFA Delegate: Vilmos Szabó (HUN)

    Group D | 16:00 CET - Walsall (Banks's Stadium)
    GERMANY - NETHERLANDS
    Referee: Tihomir Pejin (CRO)
    Assistant Referee 1: Volodymyr Vysotskyy (UKR)
    Assistant Referee 2: Vlad Lifciu (MDA)
    Fourth Official: Robert Hennessy (IRL)
    UEFA Referee Observer: Paulius Malžinskas (LTU)
    UEFA Delegate: Rudolf Zavrl (SVN)

    Group C | 18:45 CET - Loughborough (Loughborough University Stadium)
    REPUBLIC OF IRELAND - BELGIUM
    Referee: Vilhjálmur Alvar Þórarinsson (ISL)
    Assistant Referee 1: Douglas Potter (SCO)
    Assistant Referee 2: Robert Steinacher (AUT)
    Fourth Official: Dennis Higler (NED)
    UEFA Referee Observer: Vlado Svilokos (CRO)
    UEFA Delegate: Ludovico Micallef (MLT)

    Group D | 18:45 CET - Burton upon Trent (Pirelli Stadium)
    SERBIA - SPAIN
    Referee: Horațiu Mircea Feșnic (ROU)
    Assistant Referee 1: Georgi Doynov (BUL)
    Assistant Referee 2: Rza Məmmədov (AZE)
    Fourth Official: Tim Marshall (NIR)
    UEFA Referee Observer: Marc Batta (FRA)
    UEFA Delegate: Denis Bastari (ALB)

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    1. If it wasn't for my examinations I could attend some matches at the stadiums!
      At least I will try to watch Meler's match, I have been interested to see him for a while.

      FYI Only six matches will be televised from the group stage, all England and all Spain matches. All KO matches will be available.

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    2. Doynov seems to have replaced Honkanen, when we compare with the initial information.

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    3. @Mikael W
      :/ Even at uefa.tv it will be only England and Spain games?

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    4. @RayHD

      http://www.uefa.com/under17/news/newsid=2556769.html

      :-( I know it is sixteen teams, but that is a very disappointing effort by UEFA.

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    5. Most likely the other stadiums has no good enough cameras? Either way, it's really weird. All games should be available to watch at such a tournament!

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    6. Burton, Chesterfield, Rotherham and Walsall all have the facilities to televise the matches. St George Park centre and Loughborough probably don't (I don't understand why they chose these venues).
      I think rather they want to increase attendances, England is sadly very different to Germany in this way.
      Disappointing in any case.

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  17. Karasev is wearing the "old" 2016 kit. In previous weeks, the new one was used.

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    1. Rocchi wearing blue 2018 kit.

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    2. Rocchi is looking incredibly thin tonight :D

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  18. Karasev could have problems with pyro smoke.

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  19. Close offside call by Averyanov (20‘) denying a promising attack. Well done!

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  20. Griezmann is bleeding quite heavily and should therefore leave the pitch. Wound remains undetected by Rocchi.

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  21. Am I the only one who thinks that new Adidas kit is terrible?

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    1. Maybe Karasev thinks the same and therefore wears the old one :D

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    2. I suppose that proves he is a replacement - he did not receive the new kit.

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    3. They are horrible. You feel like a clown when you use them. Ugly and terrible fit.

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  22. Half an hour - easy going match for Rocchi, almost nothing happened, nothing special to report.
    He is very authoritative, there were some protests and he shoved who is the boss.

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  23. Should have removed Griezzman from the pitch for bleeding

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  24. Atletico players really make me nervous. They are protesting all the time. The same is with Real and Barcelona players, and most of Italian teams. On the other side, German and English teams behave as gentlemen on the pitch.

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    1. Couldn’t agree more.
      It’s a question of culture!

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    2. That is tipical south american style that Cholo Simeone forces them to play.

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  25. Wilshere gets YC after lenient 40 minutes from Rocchi.

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  26. I think Rocchi missed YC in 40' for Atletico player. It could have been promising attack. Minute later he issued YC for Wilshere. First foul was more for YC.

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    1. I think he didnt gave it on purpose,he choose lenient way of managing match.And this Tamsey card was pure frustration from him so he deserved it.

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    2. Totally agree.
      He chose prevention, using the same approach for both teams... then Wilshere’s foul “pays” even for the previous fifty-fifty fouls!

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    3. No matter what way he choose: if Wilshere got YC, then Gabi had to got it, too.

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  27. It’s a really too much pedantic yellow card: in a so physical match is more than clever not to punish that not so clear SPA foul...
    Verbal prevention is the way!

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  28. Good first half by Karasev. 2 YC both correct. No really critical situation. He looks very concentrated, motivated and fit, quite impressive.
    In one situation AR2 flagged offside but the ref let play continue because another player got the ball, I think rightly so. And he has a very clear line in foul detection.

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    1. Good to hear positive assessment of Karasev before the World Cup

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    2. Yeah, good, expected level so far. He was quite lenient with Salzburg players - warned them twice, rightly, and then two YCs for SPA to Marseille players. Everything was OK with the LoTG but it's the risk of managing fouls of one team at the beginning.

      Great wait and see at the mentioned offside situation. However, I don't like his style so much. He rather inflames some situations instead of calming things down. A matter of too dynamic and strict approach.

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    3. Remember that we all praised Karasev for his performances at EC 2016! He was very good there, some good penalties given. In last years he had some mistakes, but he is one good referee.

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  29. Not really challenging first half for Rocchi until last minutes. The game started heating up and he correctly started showing a YC. Maybe a missed YC on Gabi.
    Let’s wait for a hot second half! Hope Rocchi will manage to keep on this way!

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  30. Basically I saw a good first half by Rocchi, big distant authority on the pitch- good like JUV-NAP.
    But he chose the wrong moment to open the YC, Gabi foul was perfect moment regarding time and the nature of the foul (quite close to SPA, not chances to play the ball fairly). Even for persistent infringement the card to Wilshire was too much, especially considering the line of Rocchi.
    But I want to underline convincing first half by the Italian, besides that.

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  31. Strange half time whistle by Karasev. FO indicated one minute additional time, however, - after an offside position - Karasev whistled for half time. Just 48 seconds were played at that time...

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  32. Interesting incident in 45'+1 in Arsenal v Atletico. AR1 is running back after a cleared corner and runs into German Burgos on the touchline who is almost on the field.

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  33. Gabi again and this time he gets booked.

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  34. Finally YC for Gabi. Very clear one. But, he deserved it earlier.

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  35. Now YC for Monreal.
    Griezmann was getting ready to shoot the ball,so good decision.

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  36. 2-0 by Salzburg was scored after a very difficult situation to be assessed by AR2. I think NO FLAG is OK.

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    1. I think it was offside, but, as an Austrian, I have nothing against this no flag ;)

      But, to be objective, for me it was a punishable offside.

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  37. Possible offside missed by Kalugin before 2-0. Has to be rewatched.

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  38. What an onside by Kalugin at second Salzburg's goal! The player attacking a defender in the penalty area was level (or maybe 2cm offside) with other Marseille's defender who was positioned close to AR.

    https://pasteboard.co/Hjw1sFPx.png

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    1. I can be wrong but I think there was another possible offside before the goal was scored.

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    2. Attacker closer to the ball was clearly offside, but did he interrupt with the defender? Attacker closer to us is onside (look the Marseille's foot of left back player). Hard decision. No handball from attacker that scored.

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    3. No offside later, Ref_1707, I re-watched it.

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    4. Well, then play on seems to be supportable. Thanks for rewatching.

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  40. Now confrotation between Costa & Mustafi.YC for both of them.

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  41. This Atletico Madrid v Arsenal game has something very boring about it 😪

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    1. So easy match for the referee in those 85 minutes. Imagine Skomina here - he would have his place in CL final probably. Rocchi could "buy" it, too. Good performance, but there was not a single one suspicious situation - for him, or his ARs.

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    2. Even the pace seems to be really slower than what we had in the CL SFs!!

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    3. This match is like slow motion, comparing CL semis. That's Atletico's style of play most of the time.

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    4. Easy to speak sitting on your sofas.
      The match seems easy because of Rocchi’s perfect management.
      Have you ever refereed a playoff at high level?
      Easy match, this match... incredible to read that!

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    5. Why are you getting personal? This match is nowhere close to Cakir or Skomina's game in terms of difficulty or speed... Period.

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    6. The fact that there weren’t suspicious situations doesn’t mean that the match was easy, come on

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    7. Easy match comparing CL semis. No crucial decisions, he wasn't challenged at all. Cakir and Skomina had much tougher matches, and that's not because of their bad management, but because there were so many suspicious situations in PK areas (several handballs, several potential fouls for PK...) and close offside situations. I didn't speak about Rocchi's management - I said above that it was very good.

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    8. Well definetly one of most boring matches i watched recently

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    9. This is called LUCK and it is extremely important for a Referee. ;)

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    10. The fact that there weren't suspicious situations actually yes, means that the match was easier. Why? Because your management won't be spoiled for a fast, difficult to assess situation which changes the match outcome and puts all the pressure on you. So in terms of Elite refereeing, yes, it is "easy". Of course, it would not be easy for most of us.

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    11. My statement was obviously from the perspective of how it applies to an Elite referee and in comparison with the CL SFs and not the situation of an amateur referee like me!!

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  42. Bad thing for Rocchi in this match was IMO handling Griezmann's behaviour.Griezzman was nervous and constantly protesting to Rocchi,he needed to get YC.

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    1. These are small things... Doesn't really matter too much in the bigger picture!!

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    2. I know,just small details. :)

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  43. 88': excellent onside by AR1 in Salzburg. Very important decision.
    A few seconds earlier, possible deliberate handball in penalty area but I have not still watched a replay.

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    1. I saw a replay, definetly PK. We have another crucial mistake which tarnishes a very good performance.

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    2. But Salzburg didn't get a PK in Marseille too, so I think nobody should be big complaining.
      But for sure, we have two PK missed in this tie first and second leg.

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  44. Till now, Griezmann’s behaviour doesn’t justify a yellow card.

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  45. Stonewall penalty missed by Karasev and co. Unbelievable.

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  46. Arm was totally open. Penalty missed by Karasev, this one was crucial. Only criterion for play-on was short distance, but penalty for me and I think also according to UEFA guidelines.

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  47. The digital board has stopped functioning in Madrid 😓

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  48. Michael Oliver for EL Final anyone? :D

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    1. Too inexperienced at this level and as he has the FA Cup final the Saturday before, it wouldn't be a wise decision to give him 2 massive finals in the space of 5 days

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    2. Maybe as 4th official though.

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  49. Overall,expected level from Rocchi.
    Very good.

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  50. So Salzburg v Marseille is into extra time... The least sonorous SF tie "on paper" ends up going the greatest distance... The beauty of football :)

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  51. Video of the handling incident in Salzburg - Marseille
    https://streamable.com/jvo4v

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    1. It must be a penalty. No other chances...

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    2. Clear penalty, player increased body's volume. Hopefully this wont be influencing for the outcome... what about Karasev?
      I think he missed the incident, I remember another handball he whistled in a game involving Netherlands during WC qualifiers, and that was by far less and less penalty than this one.

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    3. Karasev was well positioned, he was only several meters from the incident. I don't know how he missed it - maybe from his angle he wasn't able to see that the arm is so outstretched. Might b the AAR1 could help - he possibly had better angle.

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    4. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    5. Thanks for posting. On the one hand, the defender‘s arm is in a rather natural position for this kind of defending. On the other hand, the defender‘s arm is not really close to the body and the defender clearly enlarges his body volume. Indeed, a penalty would not have been wrong, nevertheless I can understand why Karasev did not give the penalty.

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  52. After this performance I think we may have Rocchi in one of the two finals. I think he deserves it not only for this match but also for his big improving during the season.
    But... could he officiate the final after the semi? I remember Clatts, right, but I’m afraid we won’t see the Italian once again

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    1. I think now Rocchi in CL and Mazic in EL.

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    2. It will be tricky... While Atletico Madrid v Arsenal went all good for him, Real Madrid v PSG wasn't satisfactory... But Skomina being ruled out might act in Rocchi's favour now!!

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    3. As this game involved a Spanish and an English team and the CL Final involves a Spanish and an English team, I think Rocchi is probably going to get the CL final based upon today's performance and then Mazic will almost certainly get the Europa League final.

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    4. Very much possible... But comparing Mazic and Rocchi's palmares, Mazic deserves a CL final much more than Rocchi atm... If indeed Mazic gets EL and Rocchi CL, it will again be proved that Mazic remains the ultimate under-achiever in UEFA among the current generation referees!!

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    5. Totally agree with you there and Collina being Italian shouldn't be a factor but I've got a feeling it could be such as Rizzoli - World Cup Final

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    6. What I can't explain is that Mazic didn't get any game in CL KO stage this season! Why? There is no reasonable explanation. Do you find reasonable that he was originally planned for CL final, and therefore saved from potential mistakes against the team that could reach the final? Hardly so. Might be that he was originally planned for EL final and therefore was appointed only in EL clashes. For me, that sounds more reasonable.
      And to be clear, for one Serbian referee it would be great honor to officiate EL final, after Super Cup final and Confederations Cup final! In old Yugoslavia, only one ref officiated European Champions' Cup back in 1973 when the final was at Crvena zvezda stadium in Belgrade.
      But, I still believe Mazic has the chance for CL final - I think chances are 50/50 for Rocchi and him. But who knows - might be that he doesn't get any!

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  53. Possible RC for Salburg’s Hazard? Very harsh tackle

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  54. Good performance by Rocchi, in general terms, but points for improvement: card-showing procedure in confrontation (Diego Costa was actually shown the yellow card twice, which means a red). Also, when Costa got injured, Griezmann asked to be sent off: first he tackled an opponent (who evaded it) in a way which live seemed to me reckless at the very least (I haven't seen a replay) in order to stop play, and then confronted the referee in a way that deserves a YC for not stopping play. Also, missing first YC for Gabi. Apart from that, good performance in a very easy match.

    Soham said that the game was boring: it is the usual Atlético way of playing. Boring, defensive and playing counter-attack, dirty play many times (simulation, confrontation), but effective for them at the end. Also, Arsenal performance was not very good also, both when attacking and defending.

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    1. Yeah George you're right... The Atletico way of playing... Match not a spectacle but nevertheless effective for the Spanish team :)

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  55. Now substitution for Salzburg. The player entered the pitch with a little paper with some advises for his teammates. We’ve already seen things like this several time. Is it allowed?

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  56. It's a card fest in Salzburg :D 9 YCs already :D

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  58. Wow, a wrong corner kick ends in a goal which means Salzburg has to score 2 in 3 minutes. Very bad luck for Karasev.

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  59. Ouch... another error by Karasev and his assistants. There wasn’t the corner which lead to Marseille goal

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    1. We can say that this error makes up for the missed handball

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  60. Sorry, but we have another disaster because of mistakes. Clear wrong corner leads to 2-1. VAR is a must, I'm sorry.

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    2. VAR could not have done anything in this case.

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    3. Right, VAR wouldn’t have helped in this case. But there were 6/8 eyes that could have spotted the touch. Very bad on them

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    4. Thing is, VAR would not be able to change this.

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    5. Then the protocoll should be changed. Such things doesn't make any sense.
      I was a clear opponent of VAR, but the important wrong decisions in last weeks changed my view about this thing.

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    6. VAR is ok, but you can’t introduce it for each episode during a game. How many mistaken corners are there in every match? Then, why only corners?

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    7. And this is the slippery slope that opponents of VAR rightly cite. If you can review THIS corner kick decision, then you have to review ALL corner kick decisions. Because you can’t only check corner kicks after goals are scored.

      VAR will ultimately change the game beyond all recognition if we don’t have strict constraints on it. I already think it covers too many situations as is.

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    8. I understand this point. In case of corners, you have to control free kicks, throw ins and everything else, that would be too much, thats right.
      But it is really emberassing that this important games are decided by mistakes. Today I had such a good feeling with Karasev, he was so good, then this handball and the wrong corner...
      It's simply unfair to the teams and spectators.

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  61. Wrong corner before 2-1. A very unfortunate evening for Karasev.

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  62. Marseille scores from a corner, but a corner should never given. What a mistake with consequences.

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  63. One of the worst corner kick decision you'll see. It was soooo clear that it should be a goal kick... So important mistake.

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  64. Ouchhhhhhh.
    Ball hit Marseille player but corner was called for Marseille and from that corner goal was score.

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  65. If only Marseille had not scored that corner...why AAR didn't correct Karásev?

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  66. Huuuuuh Marseille scored after the corner kick, but it shouldn't be corner. Marseille's player "blocked" the ball and it went out. Whole Russian crew incredible missed it.

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  67. 2nd YC for Haidara, supportable call

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  68. 2ndYC for Haidara. Still reckless or even VC?

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  69. So that means that only Rocchi had good match in all 2nd legs this week.

    Bad couple of days for some UEFA-s elite refs .

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  70. What must still happen to make UEFA think new about VAR? This is just incredible. The perfect way to destroy the fans' belief in a fair competition.

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    1. VAR wouldn’t have fixed the corner kick decision in Salzburg.

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    2. One mistake lead to another... If Karasev whistled PK (and VAR would help him), there probably wouldn't be overtime and this second mistake. He could get 8.4 and now he is 7.4 or below (well, I don't really now is wrong corner after which team scored is considered as a crucial mistake...). Nevertheless, the damage is big, so are the protests.

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  71. Collum in 1st leg and Karasev in 2nd leg decide the UEFA Europa League semi-final. Are these referees really the best we have in Europe? Such clear (!!!) mistakes in so important games. Unbelievable.

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  72. Terrible behaviour by Salzburg coach. I can understand his feelings but you can’t act this way with the refs

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    1. Is he sent to the stands??

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    2. Of course not, after the final whistle ;)

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    3. Game was over. Massive complaints by the Austrians.

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    4. Oh I see... Poor Salzburg!!

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    5. What happened? I switched off the TV after Marseille goal. Still can't believe it.

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    6. OT :

      Quilava was one of the most favourite Pokémons 🤗

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    7. Thanks, its both kawaii (cute) and powerful ;)

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  73. Why does not see AAR1 Lapochkin? Very mistake for Karasev.

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  74. Bad Çakir, Bad Skomina, Good Rocchi, Bad Karasev...Bad Collina, Bad Dallas, Bad Batta

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    1. ...Bad Kuipers. Bad Brych (rather his AR)... Good Turpin!
      Only 2 crews from 8 in semis deserved overall 8.3 or above! Disaster. I think that something like that never happened before.

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