Sunday, 20 November 2022

2022 FIFA World Cup Match 1: Qatar - Ecuador (discussion)

The World Cup starts with Daniele Orsato in charge of Qatar - Ecuador. Let's discuss his performance and good luck to all referees at this tournament.


Match #1
Al Khor, 20 November 2022 17:00 CET
QATAR - ECUADOR
Referee: Daniele Orsato (ITA)
Assistant Referee 1: Ciro Carbone (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Alessandro Giallatini (ITA)
Fourth Official: István Kovács (ROU)
Fifth Official: Mihai Artene (ROU)
VAR: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
AVAR: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
OVAR: Tomasz Listkiewicz (POL)
SVAR: Benoit Millot (FRA)
SBAVAR: Pawel Sokolnicki (POL)

89 comments:

  1. The game should be in safe hands. Orsato is a great referee and I don't expect anything further then a great game.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This game could end up with 10 or more cards going by the 1st minute

    ReplyDelete
  3. Good call for the free kick that led to the opening Ecuador goal. Clumsily challenge by Qatar player.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. But technically incorrect to signal the advantage and then bring it back...

      Delete
  4. Offside. Didn't see it live need to see what VAR shows. Unless there wasn't 2 defenders behind the keeper

    ReplyDelete
  5. I didn't get it by watching the first replay. Where's the offside position?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Ecuador player heads it from the free kick. And tye other player who gets the ball is offside as his leg is behind the goalkeeper

      Delete
  6. Maybe the Qatari emir left his position to ask for the goal to be disallowed like the Kuwaiti emir in WC 1982 :D /jk

    ReplyDelete
  7. Orsato extremely worried during the wait for VAR. I think he was totally unhappy about that with his assistant referee. Not the best start, but indeed offside must be rewatched because it wasn't very clear.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ecuador player heads the ball. At that moment the 2nd Ecuador player who then gets onto the ball from that header has his trailing leg behind the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper was the 2nd last opposition player at that point

    ReplyDelete
  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow, I just found out the referees have their names on the back, like in Italy.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I don't really understand, why the VAR check still took so long. I mean, the SAOT should immediately indicate, that it was an offside position, right. Then you might need maybe 10-20 seconds to check, that it was relevant (no other player played the ball in between).
    But why 2 full minutes?

    ReplyDelete
  13. See the reaction by Ecuador #23 in 12:00 after the strong warning by Orsato before corner. He never expected such an action by referee and he was absolutely "dominated" if you ask me. Excellent stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  14. BBC just showed the answer it was the first ball into the box was offside by the knee.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not only BBC but all broadcasters, I think.

      Delete
    2. But it was not the first ball into the box, but the first header there.
      I hope, that SAOT also considered the lower back of the GK, which seemed more decisive on first glance.

      Delete
  15. Correct PK! (And very well waited for a possible goal)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed on that call. Stupid by the keeper though

      Delete
  16. Correct penalty, one can discuss I think about the DOGSO. However, when YC, it is "easier" to give it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The goalie is trying to reach the ball. So no DOGSO-discussion for me.

      Delete
    2. To be technical, it is DOGSO, but only DOGSO-YC because it is an attempt to play the ball.

      Delete
  17. Great decision from Orsato...

    ReplyDelete
  18. I think there was no offside, but Qatar is the rich host. A similar situation to Korea 2002

    ReplyDelete
  19. https://twitter.com/DaleJohnsonESPN/status/1594365172390526978

    ReplyDelete
  20. Now YC to Almez,some wiill say too harsh,but that's Orsato's style.
    So far,so good.

    ReplyDelete
  21. This game feels super weird...

    ReplyDelete
  22. EXCELLENT offside call by AR2 (really a foot) before a contact between qatar's goalie and valencia (i think it was). Offside confirmed by VAR; if not, IMO it would have been another penalty.
    After that, correct YC to a Qatari player.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Would not have berm a second penalty as it was Ecuador into Qatar

      Delete
  23. This YC in 22' is OK for WC, but in UCL it would not have been given.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I felt in my opinion was harsh as no visible contact

      Delete
  24. Replies
    1. I agree. Noted it as player rode the challenge and momentum.

      Delete
  25. Now 3rd YC,all of them are deserved,but I dont know if any other referee would have the courage like Orsato to have this line .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, for some reason specially Africans/Asians tend to be too shy on this matter when WC arrives.

      Delete
  26. A YC now for Qatar #2 is mandatory considering the approach chosen so far.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Frankly speaking: Orsato is the right choice for this game. I can't see another referee in charge of this game.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Now 4th one,very strict but tipical Orsato approach.
    Hopefully every ref would handle matches but we all know that we have plenty lenient and not brave enough refs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree on the one to Qatar 12. But I noted also the no foul by Ecuador on Qatar earlier in minute 35.

      Delete
  29. Correct YC for QAT12. Good performance by Orsato so far.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Extremely poor level of football by Qatar.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lot of simulation. Orsato needs to keep an eye on this.

      Delete
  31. The Qatari are obviously suffering from bad nerves and pressure... At the Asian Cup I saw them so much better. But if they continue like that, their dream turns into a nightmare

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agree,I also saw the far more better at Copa America 2019.

      Therefore we saw their neurvousness with olaying bad football and making bad tackles resultins in one of the poorest I have ever seen from any nation playing.

      Delete
  32. 5 minutes of added time in first half is what Collina asked for in the press conference.

    ReplyDelete
  33. If this level of refereeing can be kept up for the whole tournament, then FIFA can be VERY happy indeed. Fantastic reading of the (bizarre) game and practical officiating by Orsato, my regards.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dont know about that,I think that tomorrow we're going to see the diferrence between Uefa style,especially this Orsato style that is the best IMO and other styles that will have far more tolerancy and leniency.

      Delete
    2. I hope this quite (or even very!) strict line is what Collina demanded before the tournament and will be kept throughout by every referee.

      Btw, did anyone notice the quite accidental challenge by 12QAT in 41:45? Studs contact with 13ECU's shin. Medical treatment was needed. That could've been a second YC to already booked 12QAT.

      Delete
    3. Yes, with a bit more intensity, I could imagine, some people even discussing SFP.
      So a 2nd YC would not have been wrong, I think.
      However, the overall action seems more careless than reckless to me.
      Still a missed free kick though.

      Delete
  34. A brief summary on the first half will do fall one at the end. AAOT it has obviously shown it works. Very quick check on the 1st goal (disallowed). A few needless yellows in my opinion to both Qatar and Ecuador players. Not the best Orsato game I've watched so far.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Very tough 30 mins. A few questionable yellow cards in my opinion. SAOT it works makes offside calls decided very quick. Not the best half by Orsato in mu opinion. Wonder if nerves may be in question.

    ReplyDelete
  36. As correct as the offside decision most likely was, FIFA should surely work on the communication of those situations.
    It seems, that many viewers didn't understand what happened - judging by what can be read around the internet.
    Immediately showing the SAOT image and making clear, what the relevant moment was, should not be too difficult.
    Maybe even the referee could help there by making some signals, who the player in the offside position was.
    And as written above: Where is the promised increase in speed for offside checks by SAOT?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed. Why did it take so long before the animation was shown? With such a complicated call, and in a big moment like this, early and clear communication would be invaluable for FIFA.

      Delete
    2. To add:
      I think, there was no angle shown, where it was 100% clear, that the first player actually touched the ball. German TV showed that at half-time. Did you get from the world feed pictures, that the GK punched the ball against the attacker's head?
      Furthermore, it remains unclear, whether the lower back of the GK was considered for the offside line.

      Delete
    3. Proof that attacker actually played the ball with his head:
      https://ibb.co/FsCftm8

      https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FiBRPjAWAAAiZeu?format=jpg&name=large
      Looks like the GK's lower back is indeed closer to the goal line than the defender (here the blue line)
      Still offside, but could SAOT have chosen the wrong second-last defender?

      Delete
  37. Good YC to Ecu 20. Possible red due to dragging his studs down thr Qatar player (looked like it on replay) but good YC

    ReplyDelete
  38. Well, this is a different refereeing than WC2014 refereeing.

    ReplyDelete
  39. What a reaction against mobbing at 78' - WOW! :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. 78' another crystal clear YC given to Qatar player.

    Good job from Orsato today...

    ReplyDelete
  41. Now potential missed booking for Qatar player,grabbing opponet's face...

    ReplyDelete
  42. I'm giving Orsato an 8. I wasn't 100% convinced with his First Half performance. Felt he gave away some very harsh YCs to both Ecuador and Qatar players 21st Min and 28th Min as well as some questionable free kicks throughout the game. Liked his repositioning of the throw ins and management of corners when it comes to players in the box.

    ReplyDelete
  43. This performance is the best possible way to start a tournament!
    Orsato excelled in reading the game today. His disciplinary choices paid off - possible bookings in 36'(charging) and 83' (illegai use of arms) were options as well, but absolutely fine to let them go -
    Let's just hope the line we witness today was more the strictness PLC spoke about than Orsato approach.
    Otherwise great refereeing start, well done.

    ReplyDelete
  44. IMO excellent job today! I hope this is the line we will see in the whole tournament. When the referee shows the cards needed, it's easier. Fantastic ref Orsato!!

    ReplyDelete
  45. I will join the majority here in agreeing that this was an excellent performance by Orsato today. IMO: optimal foul detection/selection, very good disciplinary line and excellent prevention of dissent or mobbing. Also full control and authority on the FoP, while keeping quality rapport with players throughout the match at the same time. This seems like an ideal outcome if we look at this match as the one "setting the tone" for the tournament. If most of the performances manage to follow this line (especially regarding disciplinary line), I will be very pleased at the end.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Analysis

    I can't really add more than what was already written: Orsato was at the TOP today! He excellently read that a law-enforcer approach was neccessary in a chaotic match and correctly sorted out all the needed cautions in order to remain in control. I also noted the same two scenes as Upstylon about other potential yellow cards:

    36' - nobody really noticed it, so was probably quite 'smart' to underplay this incident (to avoid 'endless' cards), but this late charge was deliberate and definitely reckless, at least theoretically

    83' - possible booking but not more, completely fine with freekick only here

    I don't need to add to the great comments already about SAOT offside and penalty given. Two interesting KMI incidents though:

    42' - https://streamable.com/x9m085
    56' - https://streamable.com/n1e9zo

    The former was 100% accident and I'm even okay with play on (SYC/RC would be a travesty here), but the latter is surely bordering on SFP. However, you can see that ultimately the only really intense contact was on the foot, so we should reach RAP7 only here. A red card, especially in the WC's opening game, would be a bit too much here IMO.

    Orsato's personality dimension is, as we know, at the TOP and the match was full of great practice regarding interacting and dealing with players (I already highlighted 78' reaction against mobbing above).

    Giallatini will be disappointed about the early miss, corrected by VAR, but it was quite an unorthodox scene and easy to be decieved.

    Overall it was a great match for the Italian crew and I look forward to seeing their second assignment!

    Marks: 7 - 7 - 5
    (VMOs: III)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed with the analysis about the potential crucial incidents, in 42' it was rather an unlucky circumstance to have such scenario, a referee going by book would issue YC without looking at "reality". In 56' YC is OK, in this case best decision, something more was needed for a clear RC, but here the argument "WC opener...". I would say the same thing in all circumstances: this is not a clear red.

      About Orsato, indeed at the top today, it looked absolutely clear that he had prepared this game in the best possible way, without losing any detail. He was indeed very angry, clear body language, when he got information by Irrati that first goal was already under check. More than disappointed to make the VAR signal so early in the game, I think that in the dressing room during half time, if they watched video, they realized that Giallatini had not so much responsibility and it was very difficult. Strong body language and leader on the pitch, see the management in 12:00 and 78' among others.
      Added time according to what Collina wanted to see, firmness, and great control of the game.
      Now the question is: was this an outstanding display just because Orsato is Orsato or rather, will this be the approach by all referees at this tournament? Difficult to answer, for sure we will see officials from very different backgrounds, and also for this reason, I think better to wait before making final assessments. In all cases, what Collina and Busacca wanted to give as first signal with this performance, yes, this has been totally clear. They can be proud. Waiting for tomorrow's games...

      Delete
    2. What do you mean by "(VMOs: III)"?
      Irresistible Italian Irrati? ;)

      Delete
    3. :DDDDD

      Here: https://mikaelreferee.blogspot.com/p/evaluation-scale.html

      Delete
    4. Two more challenges I want to highlight and ask for opinions on: and both right off the opening kickoff!

      1' https://streamable.com/6emti5

      I think, later in the match, we would have seen a challenge with this sort of intensity judged as reckless by Orsato. I think it is about on the same level as the 36' challenge he did book.

      2' https://streamable.com/lj5d92

      Tough to judge without any replays, but to me this is certainly at least foul, if not for the first leg, then for the defender's right leg sweeping in after the fact. The defender is saved by the fact that he just barely touches the ball first, but he goes directly over the top of it and swipes his second leg across. Note: seconds later, Ecuador win the free kick that leads to their disallowed goal.

      I think Orsato handled both of these situations well practically, just thought I should point them out. I'd also like to say: the disallowed goal really changed the pace of the game. In the first two minutes there were even additional "passionate" challenges that aren't shown in these clips. After the long delay, everything calmed down. I think Orsato would have managed just fine anyways, but the long Video Review delay definitely made his life a bit easier.

      Delete
    5. In my opinion OK to whistle foul without YC in the first incident in all circumstances, one can say borderline careless - reckless, maybe for somebody more reckless and I can understand the point of view, but never a 100% YC missed if you ask me.
      Second incident indeed he could have whistled foul, a certain physical play was allowed, still no mistake, but better to whistle and in a very strict approach, I think YC possible.

      All in all, we agree that some yellow cards very often are clear, but let me say these are the nuances you can manage during a game (again, this only when it is 100% clear that YC is not mandatory).

      Delete
    6. BTW, in the 2' clip, one could also see the technically wrong advantage handling before the 0-1 free kick.

      On the overall picture, I agree, that it was a good performance by Orsato. Probably a decisive and/or dicey MD3 match for him next (e.g. IRN-USA or SRB-SUI).

      Delete
  47. Definitely out of topic.
    Dingert with a very challenging friendly Austria - Italy.
    At first a possible foul before Austria goal, then possible RC for SFP for stepping on the opponent, but this was rather accidental, so YC should be OK.
    Also in this game, many protests by Italian players, but without too many arguments I would say.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Another angle of offside (posted on Twitter by Marcin Borski, former Polish international referee)

    https://twitter.com/BorskiMarcin/status/1594373879568691200/photo/1

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And how the GK/attacker duel looked like in this scene:

      https://streamable.com/m0ngdz

      Delete
    2. There was no doubt that it was offside based on the tv replays already shown. The only difficult thing would be calling it live and seeing it. But on repla it's very clear.

      Delete
    3. It was far from clear from the replays shown, no evidence whatsoever was provided on the fact whether or not the GK’s back was closer to the goal line than the attacker’s foot. ESR’s Twitter screenshot is the only proof.

      Delete
  49. It's great to see that the FIFA Referee Committee has apparently "removed the shackles" and is once again allowing the referees to work their matches in the way that suits them best as an individual.
    If that means that the referee has to show a lot of cards. So be it!
    As the tournament progresses I can only hope and wish the Referee Committee rewards the referees who protect the players and enforce the LoTG.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha, let's not read too much into it yet, it's just one game, and it's by a pretty prominent referee. We'll see what happens in the coming days.

      Delete
    2. Hey, one can always dream, right? ;)

      Delete
  50. OT:
    It seems that Adidas unlike recent World Cups didn't provide the referee with personalized footwear this time around. If I am not mistaken, Orsato wore a "blacked-out" pair of Diadora cleats today.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for writing a comment on our blog!