2013 - 2018: the rise of Néstor Pitana

Argentinian Néstor Pitana has been assigned as WC final referee. He has followed the steps of his countryman Horacio Elizondo, who got this honor in 2006. Let's have a closer look at the recent years of Néstor Pitana as FIFA referee. 

Néstor Pitana became referee for Argentinian federation in 2006, when he was 31 years old, then a few years later, in 2010, he got his FIFA badge. The "lucky" year for him was 2013: indeed he was selected as alternative name to his countryman Diego Abal as referee from Argentina on the road to World Cup 2014. Abal had attended 2013 Confederations Cup in which he got only one game. Pitana followed as replacement, starting his experience in FIFA tournaments. 

He was then selected for 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, played in United Arab Emirates. In this occasion, he officiated two group stage games and a Round of 16. This maybe could have been not enough for a major call, to follow on next year, but he had success and he attended the World Cup in Brazil, after having joined only one FIFA tournament as preparation.

In Brazil his appearance was overall very, very solid and maybe a bit unexpected: he officiated three group stage games and then he was also selected for a sonorous Quarterfinal: the full European clash between France and Germany. This was for sure a more than big achievement, considering also the fact that he had joined very late the process of pre-selection for World Cup.

Year after year, Pitana confirmed himself at very high level and with a great reputation by FIFA committee. In 2016, he attended the Olympic games in Brazil, where he was also assigned to a semifinal involving Nigeria and Germany. 

One year later, in 2017, he got the call for Confederations Cup, in Russia. He officiated a group stage game and again a semifinal . In the same year he was in the middle for more than decisive games in CONMEBOL (2018 WC qualifiers). He was also selected by FIFA for an intercontinental play off, the second leg between Australia and Honduras. A call as main referee for WC 2018 followed and this time it was more than expected.

Néstor Pitana has officiated 4 games so far, waiting for the final, planned for Sunday. He has started the tournament with the opener: Russia - Saudi Arabia, ended 5-0. Then, he has appearead again in Mexico - Sweden.In KO Stage he has got a round of 16, Croatia - Denmark, a quartefinal, Uruguay - France and then now the final. All the performances have been good, the Argentinian has distinguished himself for his skills in players management. He shows always a natural authority that for sure is something coming from a strong personality. Maybe this was a very important argument in favor of his final appointment.

He will officiate his 9th WC game in occasion of Sunday's final, the record of Irmatov is impossible to reach, but we guess this will not be a worry for him. A referee from Argentina will whistle again the final of a WC 12 years after the last time, indeed, as already reported, in 2006 Elizondo did the same in Germany. He also officiated the opener of the tournament. So, there are for sure many similar aspects between them.

Starting a World Cup as clear candidate for the final can be a burden: for Pitana, it wasn't. He officiated his games with a free mind, without feeling under pressure and keeping always everything under control. Last but not least, we must add that he had only one VAR review in the tournament, in occasion of Mexico - Sweden. Following the check made on the pitch, he decided to confirm is decsion and to play on. This was for sure a supportable choice.

We can read, at least in my opinion, this final assignement also as reward for everything he reached in the last 5 years, so it is now time to wish good luck to the officiating team!