Monday, 26 June 2023

2023 UEFA Under-21 Championship - Referee Appointments MD3

Referee appointments at 2023 UEFA Under-21 Championship.


Tuesday 27 June 2023

Group A
18:00 CET - Tbilisi (Boris Paichadzis Dinamo Arena)
NETHERLANDS - GEORGIA
Referee: Rade Obrenovič (SVN)
Assistant Referee 1: Grega Kordež (SVN)
Assistant Referee 2: Aleksandar Kasapovič (SVN)
Fourth Official: Juxhin Xhaja (ALB)
UEFA Referee Observer: Terje Hauge (NOR)
UEFA Delegate: Amil Gerina (MNE)

Group A
18:00 CET - Tbilisi (Mikheil Meskhis Stadioni)
PORTUGAL - BELGIUM
Referee: Willy Delajod (FRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Erwan Finjean (FRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Cyril Mugnier (FRA)
Fourth Official: Espen Andreas Eskås (NOR)
UEFA Referee Observer: Darko Čeferin (SVN)
UEFA Delegate: Igor Radojčić (SRB)

Group B
20:45 CET - Bucharest (Stadionul Steaua)
CROATIA - ROMANIA
Referee: João Pedro da Silva Pinheiro (POR)
Assistant Referee 1: Bruno Miguel Alves de Jesus (POR)
Assistant Referee 2: Luciano António Gomes da Maia (POR)
Fourth Official: Allard Lindhout (NED)
UEFA Referee Observer: Chaim Ya'akov (ISR)
UEFA Delegate: Desislava Ralkova (BUL)

Group B
20:45 CET - Bucharest (Superbet Arena)
SPAIN - UKRAINE
Referee: Donatas Rumšas (LTU)
Assistant Referee 1: Aleksandr Radiuš (LTU)
Assistant Referee 2: Dovydas Sužiedėlis (LTU)
Fourth Official: Andrei Florin Chivulete (ROU)
UEFA Referee Observer: Björn Kuipers (NED)
UEFA Delegate: Gerard Lawlor (NIR)

Wednesday 28 June 2023

Group C
18:00 CET - Kutaisi (Ramaz Shengelias Stadioni)
ISRAEL - CZECHIA
Referee: Duje Strukan (CRO)
Assistant Referee 1: Bojan Zobenica (CRO)
Assistant Referee 2: Alen Jakšić (CRO)
Fourth Official: Goga Kikacheishvili (GEO)
UEFA Referee Observer: Carlos Velasco Carballo (ESP)
UEFA Delegate: Patrick Dempsey (IRL)

Group C
18:00 CET - Batumi (Adjarabet Arena)
ENGLAND - GERMANY
Referee: Əliyar Ağayev (AZE)
Assistant Referee 1: Zeynal Zeynalov (AZE)
Assistant Referee 2: Akif Əmirəli (AZE)
Fourth Official: Horațiu Mircea Feșnic (ROU)
UEFA Referee Observer: Antonio Damato (ITA)
UEFA Delegate: Per Eliasson (SWE)

Group D
20:45 CET - Cluj-Napoca (Cluj Arena)
ITALY - NORWAY
Referee: Erik Lambrechts (BEL)
Assistant Referee 1: Jo De Weirdt (BEL)
Assistant Referee 2: Kevin Monteny (BEL)
Fourth Official: Sebastian Gishamer (AUT)
UEFA Referee Observer: Kýros Vassáras (GRE)
UEFA Delegate: Róbert Birgir Agnarsson (ISL)

Group D
20:45 CET - Cluj-Napoca (Stadionul Dr. Constantin Rădulescu)
SWITZERLAND - FRANCE
Referee: Morten Krogh Hansen (DEN)
Assistant Referee 1: Steffen Beck Bramsen (DEN)
Assistant Referee 2: Dennis René Wollenberg Rasmussen (DEN)
Fourth Official: Mohammed Al-Hakim (SWE)
UEFA Referee Observer: Nuno Alexandre Parreira de Castro (POR)
UEFA Delegate: Alpaslan Kavas (TUR)

139 comments:

  1. After the famous incidents, UEFA very careful in releasing appointments. Good for Lindhout to get another assignment as fourth official, that's something minor but surely a signal for him.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tbh they 'had to', as all referees (including support referees) are somehow in duty every matchday. That's why even after the nightmare performance of FRAITA, UEFA couldn't send him home or remove him from ESPCRO.

      Committee observers for Rumsas & Strukan.

      Delete
    2. You are right, definitely a poor management. In case of injury / referee not available for other reasons? Next time they will do better. Further fourth officials were needed, maybe one in Romania and one in Georgia.

      Delete
    3. Yeah like in 2013 U19 EURO, when UEFA sent home Bosnian referee Emir Aleckovič after his first game due to a serious misconduct report coming from his home country, and Mazeika (support referee from the host country) was appointed to handle the 2nd GS game originally meant for Alečković.

      In case of something similar happening here you could have had Xhaja or Gishamer taking the whistle... but no one to replace them as FO.

      Delete
  2. About the management of Italian clubs and national team (discussion from previous U21 post), I can't deny that indeed this story is still going on. When there are clear mistakes against an Italian team, the echo is very strong. This is also created by the reactions, that in my opinion are very different from other countries. There can be something similar, but the "Italian level" will be never reached. So, in this context, and knowing how refereeing nowadays has turned into a "full service" office for football, there are the consequences we know.
    For example, I don't think that now in Switzerland all fans are talking about Al Hakim mistakes (second penalty was extremely clear and crucial), but in Italy it would have been the contrary. This is mostly because people from other countries are more educated, having good sportsmanship.
    To make you understand what is the situation here, Taylor is still on focus, with several articles, last but not least today, a journalist reported that he has been confirmed, despite of Sevilla - Roma, in Elite category. Incredible that they believe based on one game a so experienced official could get a demotion...and they continue with insults (even against the accounts of this blog).
    Now, the mistakes in Lindhout game were definitely too many and too blatant to be ignored, and I think also other countries would have had a strong reaction, but surely the Dutch was extremely unlucky to have this performance with Italy. Now he can forget, and I'm really sorry but this is first of all for his safeguard,to officiate Italian teams.
    Will this situation change in future? I don't know. To be honest this committee has not shown to be very strong and ignore some situations. But I would isolate the names, the men inside committee, with the opinion that it would be the same with others, because nowadays teams have taken the leadership against heads of refereeing, it is not like before, now only target is to make all people satisfied, the real assessment of a performance has a very limited importance...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know a similar situation already from 1999 when Günter Benkö was appointed for the last Cup Winners' Cup final S.S. Lazio - RCD Mallorca and Italian media insisted that he handled the U21 EURO final Italy - Spain three years before where he showed two red cards to Italian players and for that reason did not get any match with Italian involvement since that time. Although Italy won that U21 EURO final and Günter Benkö claimed that he got a very good mark for his performance, he indeed did not handle any game with the Italian national team or any Italian club team within the next three years until the Cup Winners' Cup final 1999. After that match, however, he got ACF Fiorentina, Bologna FC and S.S. Lazio again within just a couple of months during the season 1999/2000.

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    2. @Chefren, the Refcom are indirectly creating another issue by being such a weak Com: ‘smart’ referees won’t whistle a PK against an Italian team (unless 200% clear) or issue a RC to Italian teams/NT. Referees are not stupid, they know the consequences.

      Example: there was a DOGSO in the Leverkusen vs Roma game. You think Vincic would send off the Roma player? Think again…

      It will be tough to find capable names at EURO 2024 to officiate the Italian team, if Italy qualifies. And whoever is appointed is more or less sacrificed.

      Delete
    3. Refcom (and also the blog here) should stop pampering the italian press/teams and send lindhout and Taylor to italian teams asap. Or if they want worse they can have Joey Kooij too ;)

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  3. Why is Pinheiro getting those below his level appointments? Will he be staying for KO?

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    Replies
    1. One reason might be that there are simply not (many) more options: The referees are divided into two groups - six of them in Georgia (groups A and C) and the other six in Romania (groups B and D). Pinheiro in Romania handled Norway - Switzerland in group D and therefore gets his second game in group B which is already decided. One could have swapped him and Rumšas but the other match between Spain and the Ukraine is not much more attractive (just the positions to be decided). Last year, Austrian Christian-Petru Ciochirca had a completely meaningless game on matchday 3 at the U17 EURO, followed by Spain - Portugal in the quarter-finals and the final between France and the Netherlands.

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  4. Do we have a strong name for the final? IMO Rumsas

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  5. OT: Category updates in Spain published right now by CTA-RFEF

    Referees promoted to LaLiga:

    Mateo Busquets Ferrer (1993, Balearic Islands)
    Víctor García Verdura (1994, Catalonia)
    Francisco José Hernández Maeso (1988, Extremadura)

    Referees leaving the LaLiga list:

    Antonio Mateu Lahoz (retired)
    Carlos del Cerro Grande (retired, becomes VAR)
    Valentín Pizarro Gómez (demoted, becomes VAR)

    Also, former LaLiga referee Eduardo Prieto Iglesias, who after leaving in Segunda last year due to reaching age limit and becoming VAR, gets 'promoted' to LaLiga VAR list, joining Del Cerro, Pizarro Gómez & Haime Latre.

    ARs promoted to LaLiga:

    José Francisco García Lozano
    Abraham Pérez Dapía
    Asier Pérez de Mendiola González de Durana
    Guillermo Santiago Sacristán

    Referees promoted to Segunda:

    Germán Cid Camacho (Castilla & León, 1987)
    Miguel González Díaz (Asturias, 1993)
    Salvador Lax Franco (Murcia, 1991)
    Manuel Jesús Orellana Cid (Andalusia, 1992)
    Miguel Sesma Espinosa (La Rioja, 1994)

    Also, Javier Alberola Rojas & Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz become new FIFA referees for 2024.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Quite happy with the LaLiga promotions, specially Hernández Maeso and Busquets Ferrer (his promotion comes across a bit unexpectedly to me because despite being a big talent in my book it was only the first Segunda season for him)

      Disappointed (but not surprised) with the FIFA nominations, I'd rather have kept the badges 'desert'.

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    2. Was the demotion of Pizzaro Gomez to be expected? Also 4 of the 5 specialist La Liga VARs from last season have gone, not a surprise as this was widely reported but weren’t they claiming unfair dismissal in the courts?

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    3. No Acevedo award announcements this season?

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    4. https://rfef.es/es/noticias/oficial-estos-son-los-ganadores-de-los-premios-vicente-acebedo-de-la-temporada-202223

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  6. Also disappointed with the FIFA nominations.... I can understand Alberola, I´m not super fan but is a referee with tremendous natural conditions, and together with some technical improvement, can work fine at UEFA level. But Muñiz Ruiz??
    CTA promoted 3 young (specially Busquets and Garcia Verdura) and talented referees, but FIFA badge is closed for them until next retirement (Soto Grado?), in 3-4 years. Rest of FIFA referees are still not too old, and normally CTA is not demoting FIFA referees, nor FIFA removing badges. Nonsense decision, IMO.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep. The next available badge should be Soto Grado's in two years and it should be in contention among these referees (I wouldn't discard Maeso though, he's quite talented and experienced, eerily reminds me of Çakir - and not only for his short height! :D.

      I wonder how will he adapt to the category, but in principle I see more FIFA potential in Busquets Ferrer than García Verdura

      IMO the biggest mistake of CTA already made a mistake not promoting Hernández Maeso last year when he deserved it, he could have very well competed for one of this year's FIFA badges.

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    2. I can Not believe muniz Ruiz ist a FIFA Referee now. Can you Tell what the commitee sees on him? What are His skills?

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  7. I dream of the day when there will be transparency at CTA (and Medina goes home).

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  8. Some UCL and UECL 1QR first legs appointments are out:

    UCL
    Urartu - Zrinjski: Philip Farrugia MLT
    Žalgiris Vilnius - Struga: Elçin Məsiyev AZE
    Olimpija - Valmiera: Andrei Florin Chivulete ROU
    Raków - Flora: Arda Kardeşler TUR
    Ballkani - Ludogorets: Gal Leibovitz ISR
    Häcken - TNS: Henrik Nalbandyan ARM
    Viitorul - Sheriff: Sander van der Eijk NED
    Slovan - Swift: Viktor Kopiyevsʹkyy UKR

    UECL
    Balzan - Domžale: Visar Kastrati KOS
    Europa - Dukagjini: Neil Doyle IRL
    RFS - Makedonija: Petri Viljanen FIN
    Paide - B36: Vitaliy Romanov UKR
    Milsami - Panevėžys: Erkan Özdamar TUR
    Honka - Tobyl: Lazar Lukić SRB
    Dila - Dunajská Streda: Ante Čulina CRO
    Levadia - Žilina: Miloš Savović MNE
    Dynama Minsk - Željezničar: Michal Očenáš SVK
    Zimbru - La Fiorita: Mervan Bejtullahu KOS
    Víkingur - Inter Escaldes: Amine Kourgheli BLR
    Egnatia - Ararat-Armenia: Dragomir Draganov BUL
    Gjilani - Progrès: Yaşar Kemal Uğurlu TUR
    Connah's Quay - KA Akureyri: Gustavo Fernandes Correia POR
    Arsenal Tivat - Alashkert: Oleksandr Derevinsʹkyy UKR
    Glentoran - Gżira: Sigurd Smehus Kringstad NOR
    Cosmos - Sutjeska: Dominik Starý CZE
    Dundalk - Magpies: Patrik Kolarić CRO
    Vllaznia - Linfield: Rauf Cabarov AZE
    Haverfordwest - Shkëndija: Ívar Orri Kristjánsson ISL
    Víkingur Reykjavík - Riga: Alessandro Dudic SUI
    Crusaders - Haka: Jan Petřík CZE

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aleksei Kulbakov will be fourth official in Kourgheli game, first appointment for him this season.
      Somebody was asking about that...

      Delete
    2. Looks like the return legs of UECL?

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    3. I think it’s normal for small country, previous season he did the same thing too

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    4. I have feeling that Kulbakow will in the middle again near the playoff/playoff round

      Delete
    5. @Anonymous26 June 2023 at 22:26
      You are right! I mistakenly posted second legs of UECL. Please find below first legs :)

      Diddeleng - St Patrick’s: Radoslav Gidzhenov BUL
      B36 - Paide: Lothar D’Hondt BEL
      Ararat-Armenia - Egnatia: Trustin Farrugia Cann MLT
      Inter Escaldes - Víkingur: Jérémy Muller LUX
      Tobyl - Honka: Dzmitryj Dzmitryjeŭ BLR
      Žilina - Levadia: David Dickinson SCO
      Magpies - Dundalk: Mohammad Usman Aslam NOR
      Haka - Crusaders: Sivert Øksnes Amland NOR
      Panevėžys - Milsami: Antoni Bandić BIH
      Domžale - Balzan: Paul McLaughlin IRL
      Torpedo Kutaisi - Sarajevo: Snir Levi ISR
      Riga - Víkingur Reykjavík: Thomas Gary Owen WAL
      Penybont - FC Santa Coloma: Andréas Argyroú CYP
      Vaduz - Nioman: Jovan Kačevski MKD
      Shkëndija - Haverfordwest: Joey Kooij NED
      HB - Derry: Kristoffer Hagenes NOR
      Sutjeska - Cosmos: Jason Lee Barcelo GIB
      Željezničar - Dynama Minsk: Evángelos Manoúchos GRE
      Linfield - Vllaznia: Ivo Manuel Torres da Rocha Fernandes LUX
      Maribor - Birkirkara: Antti Munukka FIN

      Delete
    6. Please I need info who Oliver Reitala and who he work and years and talent or not please answer

      Delete
  9. Ok, I think that we still have solid officiating at EURO U21. Last matchday, Obrenovič with extremley big test for further championship. As somebody mention, Rumsas And Strukan with comitee observer. Personally, I see race between Rumsas,Obrenovič and Strukan for final game. We will see.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not necessarily a name for the final, but Fesnic should be mentioned also with two solid performances, one was an easier game but with Com member observer another was a pretty difficult game.

      Delete
  10. Anyone know where is Mattias Gestranius now? I think he’s retired but quite surprise he’s not becoming referee observer.

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  11. He is Referee Observer now

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In Finland? Because if I’m not mistaken I never seen his name in UEFA so far.

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  12. Big names as new UEFA Referee Observers! Cüneyt Çakır will observe Christian-Petru Ciochirca in first leg Astana - Dinamo Tbilisi, Howard Webb is assigned to second leg Ferencváros - KÍ (no referee yet)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mattias Gestranius, Christof Dierick are other new names I detected.

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    2. Thanks ESF

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    3. I hope that Christian-Petru Ciochirca will get his chance this season (= give his debut in the Conference League). Last year he handled the U17 EURO final followed by just the usual appointments in the Youth League. The situation was, however, very particular because Austria had three First Group referees (Lechner, Weinberger, Schüttengruber) as well as Gishamer in the CORE programme. Now, after a swap between Schüttengruber and Gishamer, maybe there will be room for Ciochirca ...

      Delete
    4. Can anyone see the referee observer appointments on the UEFA website or is it internal access?

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  13. Already missed “blatant” YC for dissent to NED captain by Obrenovic

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  14. A crystal clear RC missed to the dog! :)

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  15. 31’ YC for Portugal captain, mandatory yellow. ”Potentially” orange but yellow enough imo.

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  16. OT: Yael Cristian Falcón Pérez from Argentina will be the sixth referee in U19 EURO as part of UEFA/Conmebol exchange.

    He refereed a semifinal at his 'home' U20 World Cup last month.

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  17. Does anyone have list KNVB referee for 23/24 season?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not yet. I expect some changes, as Kevin Blom is still on the list but hasn't done a match as a referee in 18 months, and not as a VAR in a year. Some young referees are promoted, some others will stop.

      Delete
    2. Damn.. My guess KNVB ref in UEFA Competition

      UCL&UEL
      -Makkelie&Serdar
      UECL
      -Higler&Lindhout
      UYL
      -Kooij&Nactegal

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    3. Do you know more about Blom and what is he doing now?

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  18. Is Obrenovic the brother of Kovacs?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Different nationalities! István Kovács brother is Szabolcs Kovács. He's a Romanian top league referee but not FIFA - yet!

      Delete
  19. Important PK for Portugal and a YC for an elbow, correct decision in a dramatic game. Well managed from start to finish.

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  20. Clip of the PK for Portugal in 88' by Delajod - ultimately decisive for qualification?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. https://streamable.com/i33deh

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  21. Important penalty decision by Delajod in minute 88.

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  22. Brave decision, brave referee.

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  23. never a penalty.

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  24. PK Portugal 88’ & YC for elbow: https://streamable.com/vn5opo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Penalty can be more justified for the fall by keeper, certainly not for what before: accidental and soft.

      Delete
    2. IMO supportable but debatable decision and very particular situation. Neither the attacker nor the defender were aware of the exact position of the opponent. What goes in the favor of the decision is the movement of the defender, spreading his hands to make a block, therefore risking what happened in the end.

      Delete
    3. Indeed it is a supportable decision in my opinion as well, penalty by book, but in reality you will not find many referees whistling it. The French confirms himself as very strict and by the book regarding crucial incidents, I'm curious whether this style will last in his career or not.

      Delete
    4. IMO an excellent decision by Delajod. Bravo!

      Delete
  25. Very good performance by Obrenovič,booked place in quarterfinal. For further, we will see.

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  26. Correct early YC for UKR18 by Rumsas (reckless + SPA)

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  27. Terrible decision by Rumsas.... I'm really sorry.

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  28. Rumsas chance for the final has gone?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For sure, after this mistake, whistling a foul just based on a sensation, without having watched it.
      Without VAR we are watching the worst mistakes in this tournament, maybe not so many mistakes if compared to the played games, but when mistakes, terrible ones.a
      I think Rosetti is astonished right now...

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    2. So at the moment Obrenovic in pole position? What do you think about his chance and for the others Strukan/Eskas/Aghayev?

      Delete
    3. We must wait for the other games, until tomorrow.
      So far we have in my opinion three referees clearly out from the final for evident mistakes: Rumsas, Al Hakim and Lindhout.
      Among the others, the first penalty situation in Strukan game could be a factor against him, but at moment definitely a "normal" mistake if compared to others.
      To add, I didn't watch anything of Obrenovic, but many people reporting that he was always not good, so I would ask them what then about the others who did such mistakes?

      Delete
    4. Compare to previous match, I think Obrenovic succeed improve his performance, he showed very solid in NEDGEO in front of record home spectators. Do you think referee like Pinheiro, Delajod could get the chance with Portugal, France in KO stage? I think the underdog now is Lambrechts and Krogh (observed by Kuipers already)

      Delete
    5. To be honest I haven't seen Obrenovic as a prime contender for the final so far. Without crucial mistakes and decent enough to be appointed again, but definitely not ahead of others.
      Pinheiro is a natural candidate because he is a top 1st Cat (and missed the promotion to Elite quite undeservedly IMO) and was good in NORSUI. In case of good display in CROROU he will be in pole position.
      Strukan did a good job overall but significantly struggled in foul recognition in GEOBEL, and missed a penalty in the aforementioned game for my taste.
      Eskås was solid in his games, so a final appointment is possible.
      I wasn't sold on Ağayev in BELNED, but we shall see how he does in ENGGER tomorrow.
      Feșnic could be a dark horse, his two GS games were on a high level. Depending on how the crucial incidents in GERISR are assessed, Delajod might have a tight chance, but unlikely if you ask me. Lambrechts was not sharp enough in his first game. Krogh lacks a bit of skills for the final game, in my view.
      Al-Hakim and (especially) Lindhout are not to be considered. About Rumsas, I'm sorry. He was the best referee of the tournament so far, but this dreadful mistake will spoil him.

      Delete
    6. @Upstylon
      Lets wait for all GS games to finish. Indeed Eskas and Fesnic seem to be in a good form, and also Rumsas. They are in a strong position for KO stage.

      Al Hakim and Lindhout are out for sure.

      I guess we are looking for 3 more names (or 4 if the final appointment will be after skipled QF & SF).

      Delete
  29. Wrongly disallowed goal by Rumsas, phantom foul on Ukrainian GK.

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  30. In the two matches of Spain I have watched, there have been significant mistakes from the referees. Is this a general trend of the tournament? By reading the comments, it seems so.

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  31. But apart from terrible mistake by Rumsas, I think he’s still very good referee and still have good opportunity to get promotion, I hope his fate not same with Treimanis, personally I hope Baltic could have elite referees. At the moment Rumsas, Lucjancukas, and Jaanovits maybe could get the chances.

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  32. The delay in the whistle suggests it was sth of a guess by the Lithuanian crew, but if so, it was a correct guess by them - the Ukranian goalkeeper cannot execute his throw because the Spaniard held his arm from behind. The cheeky attacker deliberately hangs behind the 'keeper in order to do it! Right decision by Rumšas, no goal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Case-in-point no.1 also for why you should run backwards when the goalkeeper is taking a fly kick. Easy to be complecent when 999 out of 1000 times nothing illegal happens. Expect the unexpected!! :)

      (either AR saw everything and reported or it is guesswork - Rumšas turns his back after goalkeeper begins releasing and assesses everything as okay).

      Delete
  33. Gold Cup MD2
    JAM-TRI: Guerrero, Bustos, Sanchez (all MEX), Radix (GRN) - Pineda, Montero (both CRC)
    SKN-USA: Calderon, Mora (both CRC), Pupiro (NCA), B.Lopez (GUA) - Brown, Perello (both HON)
    QAT-HON: Villareal, Richardson, Brown, Dickerson - Chapman, Ford (all USA)
    HAI-MEX: W.Lopez (GUA), Corrales (NCA), Feliz (DOM), Herrera (CRC) - Penso, Jurisevic (both USA)
    MTQ-PAN: Martinez, Lopez, Ramirez (all HON), B.Lopez (GUA) - Guzman (NCA), Pacheco (MEX)
    SLV-CRC: Ramos, Morin, Bisguerra (all MEX) Encarnacion (DOM) - Miranda, Perez (both MEX)
    CUB-GPE: Barton, Moran, Zumba (all SLV), Guerrero (MEX) - Borjas (HON), Cornejo (SLV)
    GUA-CAN: Ortiz, Bustos, Sanchez (MEX), Radix (GRN) - Santander (MEX), Perello (HON)

    Guerrero working as referee although only nominated as 4th official, although no referee seems to be missing.
    Barton with a late start in a very low profile game after the USA-MEX events.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most likely, Guerrero is replacing Parchment who was not good in his first match.

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  34. Chivulete signaled the added time by indicating a substitution: out 0, in 2. He couldn't use properly the board...

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  35. Wow, another example of everybody killing the referee until we see a video. Clear foul, correct decision.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What did you expect from our Spanish readers George and Quilava?

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    2. ¿¿¿???

      It's not because I'm Spanish, it's just that I'd rather not give that foul, curious to how UEFA asseses it.

      And for the record, I personally rate Rumsas quite high.

      Delete
    3. I'm not still convinced about this read of the situation without closer replays, I don't see an effect on the holding of the ball, in my opinion it should have slipped out from his hands before.
      To me a mistake to disallow the goal, even more on the attitude of the referee, with an "afterward" decision... and not focused on it.
      Still I consider this as mistake, most of peple would expect goal...

      Delete
  36. UEFA WOMEN'S UNDER 19 CHAMPIONSHIP
    July 18 to July 30 - Belgium

    Referee
    Frida Klarlund (DEN)
    Abigail Byrne (ENG)
    Ewa Augustyn (POL)
    Jelena Cvetković (SRB)
    Michèle Schmölzer (SUI)
    Aleksandra Cesen (SVN)

    Assistant Referee
    Pavleta Rashkova (BUL)
    Emily Carney (ENG)
    Anni Koppel (EST)
    Alisa Levalampi (FIN)
    Tiziana Trasciatti (ITA)
    Linda Schmid (SUI)
    Betül Nur Yilmaz Değermenci (TUR)
    Ceri Louise Williams (WAL)

    4th Official
    Viki De Cremer (BEL)
    Reka Molnar (HUN)

    ReplyDelete
  37. I think the foul should be pretty clear from this video?

    https://streamin.one/v/2c9a84bf

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The only one who wants to see the truth. Thank you.

      Delete
    2. The last replay is indeed conclusive, correct decision and either a gut feeling or an excellent spot live, as most of us missed it with several camara angles (Esfandiar Baharmast vibes with his PK call in Brazil-Norway at WC98 :D)
      I'm relieved that the Lithuanian is now proven correct, to me he is at the top in this tournament so far.

      Delete
    3. Thank to this closer replay, I see the arm of Spanish player disturbing keeper and maybe committing already a handball offense, by touching the ball.
      So, enough for whistling a foul.
      I must apologize to the Lithuanian crew: even if Rumsas elaborated it after the incident, it is stil a correct call.
      They will be praised!

      Delete
    4. Yes, that replay shows a slight contact that can be considered enough for a foul. It could also go the opposite way, though. But I did not kill anyone, just said that I had seen significant mistakes in the games I watched. And until this zoomed replay was posted (thanks, Mikael!), it seemed so. And I don't think anyone here will discuss Lindhout's missed handball :)

      Delete
  38. 'Terrible decision', 'chance for the final has gone', 'evident mistake', 'phantom foul'. I don't get it. How can you be so sure having watched one inconclusive replay? How can you kill a referee without a proof? It's weird to see it on here from usually reliable users.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Without proper replay I think that call would assessed as wrong call, even the commentator said directly because by the replay it’s look like the goalie made blunder. For me simply the example of shifting burder of proof. It was relieve that the best referee of the tournament so far still get the chance to get the final.

      Delete
    2. I apologize! A correct decision by Lithuanian crew.
      He is still candidate for the final, he decided the right thing for an unexpected situation and it wasn't easy.

      Delete
    3. Me too!

      However, most important thing is how UEFA/Kuipers assess it. Hopefully supporting the call!

      Delete
  39. Goal that should not be validated due to defender-goalkeeper contact in the process of throwing the ball away. Perfect the penalty for Portugal of Delajod.

    ReplyDelete
  40. PK for Ukraine now, careless trip by Spanish GK. Uncontested by Spanish players.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Correct penalty by Rumsas, turning into a very good performance, but for me only 3 minutes of added time is not enough Better management was possible.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Good performance by Rumsas in a very strange match (so many mistakes by the players of both teams!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
  43. Can anyone with access to this article help tell us what this is about?

    https://www.vi.nl/pro/danny-makkelie-het-wk-was-pijnlijk-ik-was-er-ziek-van-

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. https://www.fcupdate.nl/voetbalnieuws/2023/06/mislopen-wk-finale-was-gigantische-klap-voor-makkelie-trok-me-twee-dagen-terug-op-mijn-hotelkamer

      Delete
  44. What do you think about Haiti's winning goal against Qatar (e.g. https://youtu.be/YrKSCueD-o8?t=219)?
    Is getting #20 involved in play in a relevant way, so that it should been assessed as offside (assuming he is in an offside position, when the long ball is played - which is very likely, but not proven by the pictures)?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Imo a fair goal according to Law11. He is still far enough away from the ball with his first movement, and I don't really think you can say he impedes Qatar no.5 after that (more just running into a good position). Interested for other's opinions though!

      Some other scenes from the game (ref was Parchment from Jamaica):
      https://streambug.io/v/926082
      https://streambug.io/v/9f29c0
      https://streambug.io/v/bf1d53
      https://streambug.io/v/4d36ae

      Delete
    2. I am pretty torn on that. On the one hand, he is clearly impeding an opponent (but not as a Law 12 offence) and finally getting an advantage by that.
      On the other hand, it indeed doesn't really fulfill the conditions in Law 11, because his opponent is not fighting for the ball.

      Delete
    3. Other scenes
      1) Handball penalty correct, the arm is too far out to be evaluated as natural
      2) Best, but unsual decision might be reckless dangerous play -> indirect free kick + yellow? Play on is clearly wrong IMO, such challenges should not be allowed
      3) Correct outcome, I think. With the free kick, it should be a YC (SPA)
      4) The contact seems not have much impact, therefore correct play on and wrong intervention. YC or not is a matter of taste: There is some simulation, but with the existing contact rather unusual to punish it.

      Delete
    4. I agree with Mikael on the offside incident, in this case in my opinion the distance between players and the ball can allow us in saying that at least goal can be OK, but surely arguments for a possible offside would be valid. I think that VAR would support a flag on the pitch (quite hard to see in such situations) but most expected decision is regular goal. I think there are too many nuances in these offside situations when you have to assess whether a player is active or not and maybe best thing is to punish only when really clear. Maybe in this case defender could have shown more that he wanted to reach ball.. (only for making the offside situation more evident, but I repeat, you can already consider this case as borderline).

      Delete
    5. About the other incidents, I mostly agree with Philipp. Last case is a very tricky one, classic situation in which we see a penalty (defender is late, hitting only attacker) but the intensity can allow us to think even about a simulation. A VAR can be in trouble, and indeed in my opinion this OFR is wrong, because very often we see penalties for that.
      About the third incident, I don't understand the original decision by referee, penalty or free kick? To me, it looked free kick then confirmed by VAR, but he made the gesture like a changed decision? Nevertheless, I liked his attitude in almost all incidents, looks like a very experienced referee.

      Delete
  45. According to WIKIPEDIA, Roberto Rosetti might have taken appropriate measures after the U-21 EURO performances so far by appointing referees "of the old school" for some of the second-leg matches in the first qualifying round of UEFA Champions League's new season:

    Sheriff Tiraspol - Farul Constanța: Andreas Schluchter (65)
    Struga - Žalgiris: Gylfi Thor Orrason (62)
    Ludogorets Razgrad - Ballkani: Helmut Fleischer (59)
    Dinamo Tbilisi - Astana: Gianluca Rocchi (49)

    Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Champions_League_qualifying_phase_and_play-off_round#Q1_1.1

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Guess whoever wrote it mistaked it with the observers.

      Delete
    2. Peter, you are the best...

      Delete
  46. Updated Conference League R1 appointments:

    Dudelange - St Patrick's Athletic: Radoslav Gidzhenov (BUL) / ???
    Ararat Armenia - Egnatia: Lothar d'Hondt (BEL) / Vitaly Romanov (UKR)
    Inter Escaldes - Vikingur Gøta: Trustin Farrugia Cann (MLT) / Amine Kourgheli (BLR)
    Tobol - Honka: Dmitry Dmitriev (BLR) / Lazar Lukić (SRB)
    Žilina - Levadia Tallinn: David Dickinson (SCO) / Miloš Savović (MNE)
    Bruno's Magpies - Dundalk: Mohammad Aslam (NOR) / Patrik Kolarić (CRO)
    Panevezys - Milsami: Antoni Bandić (BIH) / Erkan Özdamar (TUR)
    Domžale - Balzan: Paul McLaughlin (IRL) / Visar Kastrati (KOS)
    Haka - Crusaders: Sivert Amland (NOR) / Jan Petřík (CZE)
    Torpedo Kutaisi - Sarajevo: Snir Levy (ISR) / Ion Orlic (MDA)
    Riga - Víkingur Reykjavík: Thomas Owen (WAL) / Alessandro Dudic (SUI)
    Penybont - Santa Coloma: Andreas Argyrou (CYP) / Roman Jitari (MDA)
    Vaduz - Neman Grodno: Jovan Kachevski (MKD) / Nenad Minaković (SRB)
    Shkëndija - Haverfordwest: Joey Kooij (NED) / Ívar Orri Kristjánsson (ISL)
    Sutjeska - Cosmos: Jason Barcelo (GIB) / Dominik Starý (CZE)
    Železničar - Dinamo Minsk: Evangelos Manouchos (GRE) / Michal Ocenáš (SVK)
    Linfield - Vllaznia: Ivo Torres (LUX) / Rauf Jabarov (AZE)
    Maribor - Birkirkara: Antti Munukka (FIN) / ???
    HB Tórshavn - Derry City: Kristoffer Hagenes (NOR) / Marek Radina (CZE)
    Pyunik Yerevan - Narva Trans: Kyriakos Athanasiou (CYP) / Andrew Davey (NIR)
    Makedonija - RFS: Mikkel Redder (DEN) / Petri Viljanen (FIN)
    Alashkert - Arsenal Tivat: Ádám Farkas (HUN) / Oleksiy Derevinsky (UKR)
    Hegelmann Litauen - Shkupi: Menelaos Antoniou (CYP) / Tim Marshall (NIR)
    Gzira United - Glentoran: Stefan Ebner (AUT) / Sigurd Kringstad (NOR)
    Progrès - Gjilani: Oliver Reitala (FIN) / Yasar Kemal Ugurlu (TUR)
    Dunajská Stredá - Dila Gori: Jarred Gillett (ENG) / Ante Čulina (CRO)
    Dukagjini - Europa: Jóhan Hendrik Ellefsen (FRO) / Neil Doyle (IRL)
    La Fiorita - Zimbru: Luis Teixeira (AND) - Mervan Bejtullahu (KOS)
    Tirana - Dinamo Batumi: Robert Jones (ENG) / Fabio Maresca (ITA)
    Connah's Quay Nomads - KA: ??? / Gustavo Correia (POR)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To mentioned,
      BLR officials restricted geo still work on
      Is it that match really needed referee like Maresca/Robert Jones, I think it’s clear that Maresca in UEFA didn’t assessed so high same fate with Irrati contrary in domestic for both of them.
      Jarred Gillett and Robert Jones, I think now he is ENG No. 4 and they will push him to cat. 1 ASAP, also for Robert Jones.

      Delete
  47. What are your predictions about VAR to be appointed in U21 KO stage? Maybe somebody from the same nations of some referees?
    "Normal" VARs or even the most trusted by committee?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. it's exaggerate to use VMO like Irrati but to keep everyone happy I think WC U20 VMO like Aleandro Di Paolo, Fedayi San that already have good reputation can be the option but I predict VAR that often work with "neutral" referees in UEFA Qualifiers will be chosen by UEFA, since we have many neutral referees that have good chances to go to the final.

      Delete
    2. I would expect some of the less used VARs, e.g. Reinshreiber, Bitigen, Jug, Osmers, Evangelou. Maybe even with a geographic focus on the South East to reduce travel.
      And yes, if it's possible, probably someone from the same country, e.g. Millot for Delajod.

      Delete
    3. I think if UEFA send VMO like you mentioned, they must give strict instruction to them because some name mentioned at least had made 1 “strange” call in the past, so if UEFA make radical change in the middle of tournament and their decision made another blunder I don’t know what could happened to them :)

      Delete
  48. Very easy 1H for Strukan, nothing interesting to report, no real challenges.

    Good positioning, clear line of fouls.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Quite easy going game for Ağayev as well, teams focused on football, no challenge for Azeri referee so far.

      Delete
  49. Penalty called by Krogh in SUI-FRA,my opinion-play on was good decision in this case!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. https://dubz.co/c/9bf189
      To me, there is room even for simulation, what a jump by attacker after a minimal contact...

      Delete
    2. And the attacker not even making an active movement which causes the contact. For me a plain mistake to award the penalty.

      Delete
    3. Sorry, I meant defender* ofc

      Delete
    4. Never a penalty IMO, it should be a direct free kick for Switzerland.

      Delete
    5. Chefren: Minimal contact? It’s a rough kick on the defender. Clear contact. It’s a defensive free kick, not a penalty. But the contact is hard.

      Delete
    6. Hmm, the attacker is privileged, controls the ball, wins a position, defender is careless in his action as he puts his leg in the running path of the attacker. No foul only if the ball is played what is not the case. IMO, correct penalty call and good football understanding by the referee.

      Delete
    7. Clear penalty, “euro soccer” explain it perfect and correct..

      Delete
  50. So, after all what I see in group stage, 6 names that go to knock-out stage are: Obrenovič,Strukan,Delajod,Pinheiro,Rumsas,Eskas. Personally,based on what I see, Obrenovič quarter final and final. But, let s see what will happen.

    ReplyDelete
  51. QF predictions
    GEO-ISR: Delajod, Finjean, Mugnier, Krogh - Millot, Gaillouste
    ESP-SUI: Fesnic, Avram, Cerei, Lambrechts - Bitigen, Kalkavan
    ENG-POR: Rumsas, Radius, Suziedelis, Obrenovic - de Burgos, Cuadra
    FRA-UKR: Strukan, Zobenica, Jaksic, Pinheiro - Reinshreiber, Fuxman

    ReplyDelete
  52. Any reports from Lambrechts game?

    ReplyDelete
  53. After this group stage it’s fair to say that the referees are having a hard time staying out of the highlights with some (difficult) decisions. As a Dutchman - who is no fan of Lindhout at all - my prediction is that he will get a KO stage game due to his nationality/Kuipers and the fact that other refs also made some crucial ‘mistakes’. The latter has often been the case in the Dutch league as well this season. Besides, the gap between Makkelie/Gozubuyuk (maybe Higler) and the rest is very big but one can’t give all important matches to them :) I think the entrance of (a Dutch) VAR will keep Lindhout in the tournament. Let’s hope I’m wrong.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I wonder if UEFA will keep the refereeing trios for QF/SF in Georgia & Romania respectively.

    So, maybe the options for the Georgian QFs (GEOISR & PORENG) will have to come from the 6 referees based in Georgia (Fesnic, Obrenovič, Aghayev, Strukan, Delajod, Eskås) & the referees for ESPSUI & FRAUKR from the 6 referees based in Romania (Pinheiro, Rumsas, Lambrechts, Krogh, Lindhout, Al-Hakim)

    So, my early prediction is:

    GEOISR: Fesnic
    PORENG: Eskås
    ESPSUI: Pinheiro
    FRAUKR: Lambrechts

    ReplyDelete
  55. Two penalty incidents from Lambrechts game.

    21'
    https://streamable.com/e5toly

    40'
    https://streamable.com/tywurm
    https://streamable.com/pnezca

    An expected level performance without issues for the Belgian.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Min 21: No penalty 100%
      Min 40: No penalty supportable

      Delete
  56. Eskas, Lambrechts, Obrenovic and Pinheiro appointed for QF!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fesnic, Krogh, Strukan and Al Hakim FO

      Delete
    2. So the SF and the final will contest between Rumsas, Fesnic, Strukan, Delajod (wait for the result of France team)?

      Delete
    3. Rumsas and Delajod for me should be quite sure, but the 3rd name I have no idea. Lindhout was not appointed yet but he didnt deserve it...

      Delete
    4. @Forlan: Risky, however, not to consider Delajod in the quarter-finals in that case: If France will advance to the semi-finals and even to the final, he might be completely out of any further appointment.

      Delete

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