Wednesday 31 March 2021

2021 UEFA Under-21 Championship - Referee appointments for Matchday 3

 Referee appointments for MD3 at 2021 UEFA Under-21 Championship. 


30 March 2021, 18:00 CET - Szekesfehervar
NETHERLANDS - HUNGARY 
Referee: Sandro Schärer (SUI)
Assistant Referee 1: Stephane De Almeida (SUI)
Assistant Referee 2: Bekim Zogaj (SUI)
Fourth Official: Espen Eskås (NOR)
UEFA Referee Observer: Vladimir Medved (SVK)
UEFA Delegate: Alojzije Supraha (CRO)

30 March 2021, 18:00 CET - Budapest
GERMANY - ROMANIA
Referee: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández (ESP)
Assistant Referee 1: Íñigo Prieto López de Ceráin (ESP)
Assistant Referee 2: José Enrique Naranjo Pérez (ESP)
Fourth Official: Ádám Farkas (HUN)
UEFA Referee Observer: Marc Batta (FRA)
UEFA Delegate: Elena Kobak (RUS)

30 March 2021, 21:00 CET - Celje 
SPAIN - CZECH REPUBLIC
Referee: Giorgi Kruashvili (GEO)
Assistant Referee 1: Levan Varamishvili (GEO)
Assistant Referee 2: Zaza Pipia (GEO)
Fourth Official: Rade Obrenovič (SVN)
UEFA Referee Observer: Vladimir Sajn (SVN)
UEFA Delegate: Vakhtang Bzikadze (GEO)

30 March 2021, 21:00 CET - Maribor
ITALY - SLOVENIA
Referee: Bartosz Frankowski (POL)
Assistant Referee 1: Jakub Winkler (POL)
Assistant Referee 2: Dawid Igor Golis (POL)
Fourth Official: Horatiu Fesnic (ROU)
UEFA Referee Observer: Hugh Dallas (SCO)
UEFA Delegate: Nebojša Ivković (SRB)

31 March 2021, 18:00 CET - Győr
ICELAND - FRANCE
Referee: Lawrence Visser (BEL)
Assistant Referee 1: Thibaud Nijssen (BEL)
Assistant Referee 2: Ruben Wyns (BEL)
Fourth Official: Espen Eskås (NOR)
UEFA Referee Observer: Sándor Piller (HUN)
UEFA Delegate: Łukasz Wachowski (POL)

31 March 2021, 18:00 CET - Szombathely
DENMARK - RUSSIA
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (ITA)
Assistant Referee 1: Alberto Tegoni (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Daniele Bindoni (ITA) 
Fourth Official: Ádám Farkas (HUN)
UEFA Referee Observer: Marc Batta (FRA)
UEFA Delegate: Paul Lyon (GIB)

31 March 2021, 18:00 CET - Koper
CROATIA - ENGLAND
Referee: Harms Osmers (GER)
Assistant Referee 1: Eduard Beitinger (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Dominik Schaal (GER)
Fourth Official: Horatiu Fesnic (ROU)
UEFA Referee Observer: Hugh Dallas (SCO) 
UEFA Delegate: Depi Koxenoglou (GRE)

31 March 2021, 18:00 CET - Ljubljana
SWITZERLAND - PORTUGAL 
Referee: Glenn Nyberg (SWE)
Assistant Referee 1: Mahbod Beigi (SWE)
Assistant Referee 2: Andreas Söderqvist (SWE)
Fourth Official: Rade Obrenovič (SVN)
UEFA Referee Observer: Vladimir Sajn (SVN)
UEFA Delegate: Felix Grigore (ROU)                   

62 comments:

  1. Irfan Peljto (BIH) without a second appointment, very likely still COVID issues for somebody within the trio.
    This easily explains the substitution of Schaerer: he was in contact with Peljto in his last game (fourth official) so they replacd him to be sure he was not positive.
    Cuadra with three assignments.

    ReplyDelete
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      Delete
  2. Nothing against Cuadra and Scharer, but why is there the need to put them both in the same group again, they easily could put Visser in Germany-Romania and Framkowski to Netherlands-Hungary, to just call an example.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Visser is a bad exemple:-), Nyberg, or Kruashvili

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    2. Don’t see the problem, nothing particular happened in his first match and as a Dutch I can only be happy to have one of the best referees of this tournament on the whistle in this crucial match :)

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    3. Because they are strictly split between the two countries, I think. So the only alternative for group A would have been Meler, if Peljto is unavailable.

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    4. @Eric: Why is Visser a bad example? Please share your knowledge with us

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    5. @Kubbie92 Because Visser had Romania-Hungary in the same group
      @Phillipp S, i had the same thoughts, but why should they do that?

      Delete
  3. Sandro Schärer 2 Netherlands matches in a row

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  4. Rosetti without further appointments as well...

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  5. Osmers with another challenging game. I hope he controls the situation much better than the last time.

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  6. Portuguese media report that referee Danny Makkelie apologised to Portugal's national coach Fernando Santos and squad for not awarding the winning goal.

    He said: "As a team we work very hard to make correct decisions. When we are discussed in this way, it does not give a satisfying feeling at all."

    Journalists praise him for his humanity. Apologies require taking full responsibility. No half-truth, no partial admissions, no rationalizations, no finger pointing and no justifications belong in any apology.

    I think very well done.

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    Replies
    1. Absolutely well done. Not all referees would have done that.

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    2. Mario Diks on Whatsapp to a Dutch Journalist typed 1 word nightmare

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  7. Batta observs Mariani for 2nd time.

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  8. 27 March 2021, 18:00 CET - Celje
    SLOVENIA - CZECH REPUBLIC

    Glenn Nyberg (SWE) - 7
    Mahbod Beigi (SWE) - 7
    Andreas Söderqvist (SWE) - 7
    Giorgi Kruashvili (GEO)
    [Observer: Hugh Dallas (SCO)]


    Key Match Incidents:

    -


    Managing the game:

    Not too much to say about this performance - the players appriciated Glenn Nyberg's interpretation of challenges that were careless (8', 44', 88'), not reckless.

    All five cautions given were correct and pretty much 100% mandatory. Though - I didn't like his avoiding of a YC at +93' just for game flow reasons, he even reached towards his pocket before deciding against it.

    Nyberg sports a fascinating style which I could write a long piece about; but I will spare you that :D, good performance by him and his ARs in this match.

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    Replies
    1. I'm interested in his style, what could you say about his style Chefren? :)

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    2. Yes, if it was fascinating, we would like to hear about that!

      Delete
  9. GER-ROU 23':
    Possible penalty. Rather correct play-on decision by Guillermo Cuadra Fernández.

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  10. Solid first half by Fernández in GER-ROU. He chosed a very lenient approach and missed therefore some clear fouls and cautions.
    3 YCs issued. 2 clearly correct, 1 more with some doubts.
    One penalty appeal: correctly not issued.

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  11. Correct penalty by Schärer in NED-HUN.

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  12. Again penalty by Schärer. Seems to supportable at first glance.

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  13. 71' GER-ROU:
    Correct handling PK by Fernández.

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  14. Correct penalty kick for handball in the wall by Cuadra Fernández, very well spotted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think , he should give yellow card

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    2. Yes right. Clear YC for shot on goal.

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    3. The player (#21 ROU) got a YC a few minutes before. He has to give the card for the hanball although.

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  15. Kruashvili first half in Spain - Czech Republic: in the context of a quite boring game, I was not impressed by the skills of Georgian referee. In my opinion he was not able to creat an efficient channel of communication with players, from the beginning. There weren't major issues, but the overall impression is a bit below expected level. After the first evident foul of the game, players executed free kick before his whistle and he ordered to repeat it. In this occasion, following free kick, maybe a foul in favor of keeper could have been issued (13').
    In the 14' minute there was a step on foot or something very close to it, close to AR2. Referee whistled, he could have started to book in this occasion, but he decided to keep his cards. Later on, he was forced to issued the first card for a very reckless tackle in 18'.
    In 33', at least a good warning after complaints by players, following a goal kick / corner kick decision.
    Last interesting scene of first half was the management of a dropped ball after having interfered with action and stopped the play. I think he was not really alert in this case, with a quick and wise movement, he could have avoided the ball. Then, he organized the dropped ball, but failed to have success, and he had to repeat it.
    Many small things from which you can see he has definitely some points for improvements. However, no major issues and the game is not so much exciting, let's see what will happen in second half.
    So far, in UEFA scale, more 8.2 than 8.3.
    Assistant referees not so much challenged, AR1 with a call to be checked at the beginnind (3'), AR2 with a foul reported. Nothing more.

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    Replies
    1. Second YC was more challenging for the referee, I think the number of yellow cards issued could already confirms that by itself, but... I'm not still fully convinced by Kruashvili.
      However, let's start with a very positive note: a possible penalty in 55' was correcctly assessed as fair challenge on the ball. Live, I expected the whistle by referee because I had perception of clear foul, but it wasn't (replay was shown some minutes later). I praise him for this decision. But then, most of the cards he issued in this second half were for protests, including one on the benches, I think that he was definitely too much scholastic in this field, with more communication he could have avoided for sure some cards. Foul detection had been good until the end of first half, but then in second half I must report for sure some missed fouls, the first one in 49' (player was impeded by opponent and he couldn' reach ball at the edge of penalty area), then in 65' two situations in which at least it would have been convenient to whistle once. Players got nervous for a while, good intervention by AR1 in order to prevent confrontations, and he had already done something like that in 59'. In a hot context, this "laissez faire" would have for sure caused troubles. More awareness was needed.
      In 70' an advantage was maybe not 100% convenient due to position of ball and start of new action (from central position to close to sideline), the perception was that all expected a whistle and indeed after that referee had to issue a YC to bench, as I already reported. Then nothing extra-ordinary happened until the end.
      Good onside by AR2 when Spain scored the second goal.
      No major issues by referee, as I already reported in first half, but many points for improvement as reported, I will make some videos on next days by analyzing more deeply certain significant situations. Not more than 8.2, but definitely more and more interaction by referee with players was needed in this game. Reading again the first report by Mikael for the previous game he had, I think quite difficult to imagine him in KO stage, at moment, waiting for other referees performances.

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    2. ... 'with more communication he could have avoided for sure some cards'. I dont't understand why some people think that by not showing cards, i.e. by not applying the rules of the game, the referee looks better. At the end of the day the job of the referee includes showing cards for which there are written rules. Not apllying the rules speaks about not understanding of the job...

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    3. You obviously don’t get the message Chefren tries to explain. Avoiding cards using communication means to interact with players in such a way that they won’t make the fouls which require disciplinary sanction. Has nothing to do with not applying the laws.

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    4. Indeed, this was what I wanted to say. It is clear that if you analyze the cards issued, they are correct... but there is the chance to have more acceptance among players. Also, this doesn't lead in my opinion to significant changes regarding a final mark, it is different from technical mistake, but it makes you a better referee. I'm the first fan of cards issued when fully deserved.

      Delete
  16. Frankowski with 2 whistled penalties for ITA. Both correct decisions (even though the 2nd one was suggested by AR1 due to the ref's bad position).

    Excellent onside by AR1 before the 2-0 for ITA.

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  17. Italians are continuing their trend, another game, another RC.

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  18. SPAIN - ITALY

    Referee: Harm Osmers (GER) - 5
    Assistant Referee 1: Eduard Beitinger (GER) - 7
    Assistant Referee 2: Dominik Schaal (GER) - 7
    Fourth Official: Bartosz Frankowski (POL)

    Highlights:
    10’ 1st foul of the game - ESP #14 on ITA #11
    12’ missed warning ITA #10
    14’ ESP #9 complains about holding - wrong free kick to Italy
    16’ ESP #4 hits ITA #10 with a high leg. YC correct but given with delay - the referee did not look confident
    24’ correct YC ITA #7 - late challenge from behind
    29’ missed warning ITA #18 (prevention)
    31’ good warning on a corner kick
    35’ correct YC ITA #18 - illegal use of arm
    45’ supportable YC ESP #10 - also takes the ball but dangerous tackle

    50’ pen appeal ITA - no evidence of holding
    51’ correct YC ITA #15 - SPA
    69’ wrong YC ITA #14 - late challenge. but minimal contact
    74’ correct YC ESP #6 - unsporting behaviour (holding)
    81’ correct YC ITA #11 - illegal use of arm
    86’ SYC ITA #11 - illegal use of arm. Debatable decision
    87’ wrong RC ESP # - VC (no evidente of a headbutt)
    87’ supportable SYC ITA #14 - dissent
    90+4’ correct YC ITA #20 - late challenge / given with delay

    Summary:

    Despite providing a clear foul detection and good positioning, Osmers performed below expectations in disciplinary control - with some harsh YCs and RCs given at 69' and 86' - and personality.

    Interesting that the game started out as easy with the first free kick whistled at 10'. It was the lack of a stepped approach and prevention who later caused the loss of acceptance from the players. A clear example in the first video below, where he watches two players pushing each other - especially ITA #18 - before the kick is taken, and does not warn them. Furthermore, his distant approach was not always supported by confidence - at 16' and 90+4' he issued YCs with a certain delay, which increased the level of dissent.

    Throughout the game he mostly acted in a passive way, issuing cautions without really connecting with players and managing them.
    The crucial scene happens at 85'. I can somehow see why he issues a SYC to ITA#11 - two very similar incidents happened at 35' and 81'. Still this one seemed careless rather than reckless so no YC would probably have avoided the troubles he had later, with a mass confrontation. It ended with a wrong RC for a headbutt that did not actually happen, and a supportable SYC for dissent - which could have been for simulation, if he had correctly assessed the alleged headbutt scene.

    No relevant situations for the assistants.

    29' prevention
    https://streamable.com/ttnqmk

    85' triple red card scene
    https://streamable.com/7vd1bx

    I would maybe expect him for a QF given his strong country of origin and experience, rather not for a SF or final, based on this performance.

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  19. 30 March 2021, 18:00 CET - Székesfehérvár
    NETHERLANDS - HUNGARY

    Sandro Schärer (SUI) - 7
    Stéphane De Almeida (SUI) - 6
    Bekim Zogaj (SUI) - 7
    Espen Eskås (NOR)
    [Observer: Vladimir Medved' (SVK)]


    Key Match Incidents:

    13' - Penalty box incident
    https://streamable.com/0fopxr

    46' - Penalty given to Netherlands (tripping)
    https://streamable.com/32vq0u

    64' - Penalty given to Hungary (handling) + YC
    https://streamable.com/auk7l6


    Managing the game:

    This game required little from its referee in this regard. After two LoR fouls in two minutes (67', 69'), Hungary no.16 was warned - he should have been cautioned. Besides that disciplinary control (and foul detection) was optimal.

    Important mistake by AR Stéphane De Almeida at 36', good crossover call for the last goal of the game by Bekim Zogaj (89').


    Full clips HL can be accessed here: https://fromsmash.com/nedhunschaerer

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  20. Integrating my work about Kruashvili, please find below some clips from the game he officiated today between Spain and Czech Republic.
    I had to change some views, if compared to what I reported live.
    Regarding penalty appeal, no whistle becomes just supportable, but the situation could have been punished. Spanish player was very fair, and he didn't make any protest, but after having hit ball, opponent took a very dangerous risk for him.

    12' Free kick management. After having informed player before the execution, he kicks the ball without waiting for referee's whistle. Maybe a better communication was needed there? Then, possible foul to be whistled on keeper.
    https://streamable.com/q391py

    14' - Chance to open cards - Foul reported by AR2. Referee decided to whistle without booking player. Not a clear step on foot, but surely very close to reckless.
    https://streamable.com/6epu44

    18' Reckless challenge and first YC of the game. Maybe RC for SFP possible as well? However in my opinion never clear mistake.
    https://streamable.com/e3quj9

    33' - Warning after protest, following a corner kick / goal kick decision.
    https://streamable.com/oueldc

    45' Interfering with play and Dropped ball management. Significant points for improvement: more reaction and then still, better communication with players was needed there, after a so long time, failing to restart play shouldn't happen, players must be well instructed.
    https://streamable.com/kdrfv3

    54' Penalty appeal live
    https://streamable.com/toiyhh
    Replay
    https://streamable.com/7jyoev
    As I explained above, this stays as just supportable decision, penalty could have been whistled, however too short time to realize whether referee would have whistled or not, thank to fair behavior by Spanish player, and I like to underline it.

    65' Missed foul, moment of tension between players, AR1 could have intervened before, reporting it to referee, but good that he prevented possible confrontations.
    https://streamable.com/lkbco1

    71' Advantage - management protests. After an advantage, in my opinion not fully wrong, but surely not so much convenient (ball behind, no real progress of the action), referee had to book somebody from the benches. Whistling foul would have prevented (surely) that.
    https://streamable.com/sr5hfj

    72' YC for Unsporting behavior after correct offside decision.
    https://streamable.com/worgvb

    In my opinion he could have managed definitely better some of this situations, basically, in a game of normal diffculty, the expected level is not reached and there are significant points for improvement.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Replies
    1. i'm watching Sui - Por , solid management by Nyberg. What minute happened the RC ?you say , I'll check it .

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    2. For me is not clear RC, the game is calm. YC not very bad decision

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    3. https://twitter.com/MPGLaurent/status/1377295381889966083
      Player injured, subbed off at min 17.

      Delete
  22. Debatable pk for ENG against Croatia. But it is impossible to say for sure without a good angle replay.

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    Replies
    1. One replay showed that there was a stamp on the attacker's foot. So right decision by Osmers.

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    2. Yes, I have just seen the replay, it seems that there was a stamp, so correct decision.

      https://ibb.co/Qk7RkVp

      There was another situation with Eze, but IMO correctly assesed as too soft.

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    3. ENG player Curtis Jones was sent off after the final whistle following a furious bust-up with Croatia's players.

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    4. The 2nd YC was absolutely deserved. Good decision.

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  23. Not a real challenge for Nyberg the first half of SUI - POR.
    Very few fouls, totally fair game.
    Just to underline:
    26' a good warning after the first situation in which a card could have been issued.
    31' correct YC for late challenge while player was about to sprint for an attacking action close to sideline, report by AR1.
    Nothing else worthy of being mentioned.
    Good fitness, technically he seems ready.

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    Replies
    1. The second half was definitely more challenging than first one.
      I think that overall referee did well, and I can give him without doubts, a full expected level mark: 8.4 (UEFA Scale).
      What I want to underline is the cooperation by both assistant referees, Swedish officials are very used to do that. Almost all the fouls of game were reported by both assistant referees, I remember Eriksson's Klasenius and Warnmark doing the same. It is excellent. They are in the game, not only reporting offsides.
      Interesting situations in second half:
      47' possible YC tackle close to sideline, very borderline.
      55' correct NO PENALTY decision, following an appeal for deliberate handball, the ball had touche another part of body.
      60' good management when Portugal scored, waiting before a possible whistle, and indeed teammate scored.
      69' and 72' two YC in three minutes for the same player from Switzerland, absolutely correct and one can't question. First one reckless challenge from behind, second one even more obvious according to UEFA, classic step on foot, at the edge of penalty area (correct free kick decision as well). A replay was very clear.
      Despite of that, overall not really challenging game, because it was clear from beginning that this was a one-sided affair. Portugal showed to be better team, Switzerland players with easy mistakes.
      This maybe under certain aspects wasn't a 100% real test, as said, but I thik definitely green light for Nyberg to officiate in KO stage and a special praise, again, to Swedish assistant referees. They had also a few offside calls, all expected level.
      Good physical condition and always the idea of being alert.
      Clips of some incident to follow for the conclusion of this report.

      Delete
    2. Here some clips from the game.

      26' - First warning of the game, good awareness
      https://streamable.com/k3i5iu

      31' - Correct YC reported by AR1
      https://streamable.com/0kh6ex

      35' - Possible penalty - best replay. In my opinion rather accidental collision with both players trying to kick the ball. Overall, in the context, never the perception of a clear penalty.
      https://streamable.com/3dx8fs

      48' - Possible YC
      https://streamable.com/f72su9

      55' - Penalty appeal correctly solved with also clear gestures to players, no handball.
      https://streamable.com/b9345a

      60' - 0-2 good ONSIDE by AR1 and good wait by referee (in case he would have whistled penalty)
      https://streamable.com/q5mtw5

      70' - YC Challenge from behind - Frustration
      https://streamable.com/7xafnm

      72' - Second YC for reckless challnge - step on foot
      Excellent positioning by referee.
      https://streamable.com/mslcao

      Expected level performance and the feeling of a referee in control.

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    3. Thanks for your analisis, Chefren. It indeed seems like a good performance. Where did you download this match? (RaiSport HD)

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    4. Yes Raisport, I think the download only works from Italy.

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    5. Were you on raiplay.it? Please share the link with me :)

      Delete
    6. Not all the games are available, you can find SUI - POR here:
      https://www.raiplay.it/video/2021/03/Calcio-Europei-Under-21-2021-Svizzera-Portogallo-a0aabaf8-b4f7-4ac2-b6c4-ea4be069a12a.html

      Delete
  24. 30 March 2021, 18:00 CET - Budapest
    GERMANY - ROMANIA
    Referee: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández (ESP) - 5 (crucial mistake)
    Assistant Referee 1: Íñigo Prieto López de Ceráin (ESP) - 7
    Assistant Referee 2: José Enrique Naranjo Pérez (ESP) - 7
    Fourth Official: Ádám Farkas (HUN)

    22’ penalty appeal GER - correct play on
    24’ good advantage - but at least a warning had to be issued to ROM #18
    27’ missed free kick for holding and YC to ROM #4
    28’ correct YC ROM #14 - reckless
    40’ correct YC ROM #18 - late reckless
    43’ correct YC GER #3 (persistent infringement)

    46’ restart retaken - GER encroached
    48’ correct YC ROM #20 - unsporting behaviour (holding)
    50’ correct YC GER #6 - reckless tackle
    52’ correct YC ROM #22 - reckless tackle
    64’ correct YC GER #5 - SPA
    67’ correct YC ROU #21 - reckless
    69’ missed YC GER #21 - reckless
    69’ correct YC ROU #13 - SPA
    71’ correct penalty GER - handling infringement (extends body surface) but missed YC ROU #14
    86’ penalty appeal ROU - correct play on

    Cuadra Fernandez applied a lenient approach, trying to stay in the background as much as possible. Some good play on decisions (22’, 35’, 86’) mixed with some missed free kicks (27’, 44’, 47’). However, considering that since minute 27’ a total of 9 YCs were issued in the game, the tactical approach did not really work out as he wanted. This was IMO due - other than his not perfect foul detection - to the passive behaviour he had at times. His frequent application of the advantage was not always required (43’), and he should have run to the free kick spot rather than whistling and issuing cards from far away, in a few occasions (clear example at 52’). Furthermore, he could have issued some early warnings at 18’ and 24’ to show he was alert. On the other hand everybody will agree that the referee was always in full control, also thanks to the attitude of the players who respected him and showed very limited dissent.

    All the YC issued were correct, however a few more could have been given, especially at the beginning of the game (25’, 27’) but also at 69’, 71’. It looks like he set a clear line in his mind and those missed were rather a consequence of his positioning, that was at times too far for my taste, predominantly around the central axis and moderately diagonal.

    Differently to many of his compatriots, Cuadra Fernandez presents himself as a very calm referee, showing his distance and keeping the communication with players to rather quick chats. This attitude can work well for him, as long as he doesn’t forget to be proactive and preventive in certain important moments, especially at the beginning of the game.

    He had to assess three situations in the penalty box, all of which were brilliantly solved (play on at 22’, 86’, penalty at 71’), with the exception of a missed mandatory YC on the penalty incident, as the ball was directed to the goal. My guess is that the referee was not sure which player did the actual handling - from the replay it looks ROU #14 rather than ROU #21. Both of them were booked though, so either one should have gone. This classifies unfortunately as a crucial mistake.

    No major work was due for the assistants, AR2 had to assess a close offside at 63’ (footage does not provide a clear verdict) and AR1 cooperated well in the YC assessment at 67’.
    Despite the crucial mistake I would expect the Spanish trio to play a part in the knock-out phase.

    The video of the penalty incident can be found below.
    https://streamable.com/vkgt5m

    ReplyDelete
  25. 31 March 2021, 18:00 CET - Koper
    CROATIA - ENGLAND

    Harm Osmers (GER) - 6
    Eduard Beitinger (GER) - 7
    Dominik Schaal (GER) - 7
    Horatiu Fesnic (ROU)
    [Observer: Hugh Dallas (SCO)]


    Key Match Incidents:

    11' - Penalty given to England (tripping)
    https://streamable.com/v90uuj

    33' - Potential penalty to England (impeding)
    https://streamable.com/ww2gu9

    87' - Reckless or SFP?
    https://streamable.com/c9n2zp

    c.FT - Second Yellow Card to England no.17 (aggressive behaviour)
    https://streamable.com/efdhrs


    Managing the game:

    Despite the importance of this game for the competition, Harm Osmers faced a match which was pretty fair spirited until the closing stages.

    Osmers issued five YCs for isolated offences, all correct by the book (mobbing, striking, dissent, simulation and foul tackle).

    The German ref irriatated the Croatia players with a few of his calls (penalty at 11', 14', 28', 61', 70'), and he missed a golden chance to calm them down by missing a freekick at 31'. I'm not really sure his warning at 28' was effective either.

    Some decisions were taken with too much delay (eg. 63'), but actually there were no big issues with this performance, Osmers even chatting and laughing with players in some scenes (49').

    From the last five minutes of normal time on, the game became very challenging to officiate - I will detail the incidents below.

    85' - very good caution for DtR
    86' - potential YC for reckless dangerous play (rather missed IMO)
    87' - see above, YC (tackle)
    88' - missed freekick
    90' - SPA incident, no card
    90' - very good caution for DtR
    [Croatia score a decisive goal]
    +93' - play on call by AR1, management of player altercation
    +94' - reckless tackle, freekick only given
    +95' - missed corner kick, then dissent
    +96' - struck by the ball, correct dropped ball
    +97' - missed freekick (charging)
    c.FT - SYC for England no.17 (aggressive behaviour)

    -> Osmers definitely had the right idea, I especially liked his DtR cautions (85', 90') in this period!

    However, the German didn't (or perhaps of more concern, couldn't) really increase his presence too much, and he seemed a little over his head in some scenes.

    Osmers saw it through to the end - well done - but perhaps the confrontation(s) after the final whistle were at least partly a consequence of the officials not really having control over the players' actions in the closing stages.

    Osmers enlarged the five additional minutes to 97:00, actually it should have been 98:00/98:30 realm, but in reality I would sooner praise him for two extra minutes, than criticise for not adding (even) more.

    So, to balance this performance - Osmers delivered the game and did well, though leaving some doubts in both the easier and very challenging epochs of the match.

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  26. 31 March 2021, 18:00 CET - Győr
    ICELAND - FRANCE
    Referee: Lawrence Visser (BEL) - 5 (crucial mistake)
    Assistant Referee 1: Thibaud Nijssen (BEL) - 7
    Assistant Referee 2: Ruben Wyns (BEL) - 7
    Fourth Official: Espen Eskås (NOR)

    Key incidents:
    12’ YC FRA #20 - reckless. Wrong, this should have been a RC for SFP
    64’ correct YC FRA #8 - SPA

    After a quite heated HUN-ROU game, Visser was appointed on what on the paper would be an easier game, and it was indeed - he was never challenged in his authority. The referee opted for a rather pedantic approach on foul detection, whistling 27 fouls and not allowing a lot of physical contact. However, in some situations I thought a free kick was necessary but surprisingly he did not whistle (32’, 40’, 78’).

    He only had to reach his pocket twice. However, the first YC issued to ISL #20 should have been a RC. ISL #20 is anticipated by FRA #14 on the ball and hits him on the heel. What in motion looked like a supportable call - I was myself totally convinced of this YC at first - looks actually worse in a single frame. The point of contact is higher than it looks and we see a bending in the French player’s heel, which indeed resulted in an injury. Visser was close to the action - his positioning was always very good - but probably the other leg of the FRA #14 obstructed his view.

    12' incident
    https://streamable.com/6yem6o —> motion
    https://streamable.com/1jfpi8 —> frame

    Only one offside was whistled. AR2 intervened in a few occasions to calm players that were disputing for the ball on a lateral kick (e.g. 33’)

    This game was affected by a crucial mistake, but overall I liked Visser’s performance, considering his age and experience. There are surely areas of improvement on foul detection and having a more natural style but I believe he has a good approach with players and just needs to acquire more confidence with higher level games. I think it will be hard to see him in further games at this tournament but would definitely enjoy seeing him progress in the future.

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