Saturday 22 July 2023

2023 FIFA Women's WC - Referee appointments for MD1 - MD2

Discussion about 2023 Women's World Cup. 


Match 1 (Auckland)
20 July 2023, 09:00 CET
NEW ZEALAND - NORWAY
Refereee: Yoshimi Yamashita (JPN)
Assistant Referee 1: Makoto Bozono (JPN)
Assistant Referee 2: Naomi Teshirogi (JPN)
Fourth Official: Ivana Martinčić (CRO)
Video Assistant Referee: Tatiana Guzmán (NCA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Carol Anne Chenard (CAN) 
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Chantal Boudreau (CAN) 

Match 2 (Sydney)
20 July 2023, 12:00 CET
AUSTRALIA - REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Refereee: Edina Alves (BRA) 
Assistant Referee 1: Neuza Back (BRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Leila Cruz (BRA) 
Fourth Official: Maria Carvajal (CHI) 
Video Assistant Referee: Daiane Muniz (BRA) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Juan Soto (VEN) 
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Mariana De Almeida (ARG)

Match 3 (Dunedin)
21 July 2023, 07:00 CET
PHILIPPINES - SWITZERLAND 
Refereee: Vincentia Amedome (TOG)
Assistant Referee 1: Carine Atezambong (CMR)
Assistant Referee 2: Fanta Kone (MLI)
Fourth Official: Myriam Marcotte (CAN)
Video Assistant Referee: Drew Fischer (CAN) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Adil Zourak (MAR) 
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Kathryn Nesbitt (USA)

Match 4 (Melbourne)
21 July 2023, 04:30 CET
NIGERIA - CANADA
Refereee: Lina Lehtovaara (FIN)
Assistant Referee 1: Chrysoula Kourompylia (GRE)
Assistant Referee 2: Karolin Kaivoja (EST)
Fourth Official: Iuliana Demetrescu (ROU)
Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel (NED)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Abdulla Al Marri (QAT)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Katrin Rafalski (GER)

Match 5 (Wellington)
21 July 2023, 09:30 CET
SPAIN - COSTA RICA 
Refereee: Casey Reibelt (AUS)
Assistant Referee 1: Ramina Tsoi (KGZ)
Assistant Referee 2: Xie Lijun (CHN)
Fourth Official: Kim Yujeong (KOR)
Video Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Armando Villarreal (USA)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Sian Massey-Ellis (ENG)

Match 6 (Hamilton)
22 July 2023, 09:00 CET
ZAMBIA - JAPAN
Refereee: Tess Olofsson (SWE) 
Assistant Referee 1: Lucie Ratajova (CZE)
Assistant Referee 2: Polyxeni Irodotou (CYP)
Fourth Official: Anahi Fernandez (URU)
Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Salomé Di Iorio (ARG)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Franca Overtoom (NED)

Match 7 (Brisbane)
22 July 2023, 11:30 CET
ENGLAND - HAITI
Refereee: Emikar Calderas (VEN)
Assistant Referee 1: Migdalia Rodriguez (VEN)
Assistant Referee 2: Mary Blanco (COL)
Fourth Official: Marianela Araya (CRC)
Video Assistant Referee: Juan Soto (VEN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Nicolas Gallo (COL)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Neuza Back (BRA) 

Match 8 (Perth)
22 July 2023, 14:00 CET
DENMARK - CHINA
Refereee: Marie-Soleil Beaudoin (CAN)
Assistant Referee 1: Chantal Boudreau (CAN)
Assistant Referee 2: Stephanie-Dale Yee Sing (JAM)
Fourth Official: Akhona Makalima (RSA)
Video Assistant Referee: Armando Villarreal (USA) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Alejandro José Hernandez Hernandez (ESP) 
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Shirley Perelló (HON)

Match 9 (Auckland)
22 July 2023, 03:00 CET
USA - VIETNAM
Refereee: Bouchra Karboubi (MAR)
Assistant Referee 1: Fatiha Jermoumi (MAR)
Assistant Referee 2: Soukaina Hamdi (MAR)
Fourth Official: Ivana Martincic (CRO)
Video Assistant Referee: Juan Martinez Munuera (ESP) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ella De Vries (BEL)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Michelle O'Neill (IRL) 

Match 10 (Dunedin)
23 July 2023, 09:30 CET
NETHERLANDS - PORTUGAL
Refereee: Kateryna Monzul (UKR)
Assistant Referee 1: Maryna Striletska (UKR)
Assistant Referee 2: Paulina Baranowska (POL)
Fourth Official: Myriam Marcotte (CAN)
Video Assistant Referee: Drew Fischer (CAN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Abdullah Al Marri (QAT) 
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Joanna Kate Charaktis (AUS)

Match 11 (Sydney)
23 July 2023, 12:00 CET
FRANCE - JAMAICA
Refereee: Maria Belen Carvajal (CHI)
Assistant Referee 1: Leslie Vasquez (CHI)
Assistant Referee 2: Loreto Toloza (CHI)
Fourth Official: Laura Fortunato (ARG)
Video Assistant Referee: Nicolas Gallo (COL)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Juan Soto (VEN)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Mariana De Almeida (ARG) 

Match 12 (Wellington)
23 July 2023, 07:00 CET
SWEDEN - SOUTH AFRICA 
Refereee: Ekaterina Koroleva (USA) 
Assistant Referee 1: Kathryn Nesbitt (USA)
Assistant Referee 2: Felisha Mariscal (USA)
Fourth Official: Kim Yu-Jeong (KOR)
Video Assistant Referee: Carol Anne Chenard (CAN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tatiana Guzman (NCA)
Offside Video Assistant Referee:  Enedina Caudillo (MEX) 

Match 13 (Adelaide) 
24 July 2023, 13:00 CET
BRAZIL - PANAMA 
Refereee: Cheryl Foster (WAL) 
Assistant Referee 1: Michelle O'Neill (IRL)
Assistant Referee 2: Franca Overtoom (NED)
Fourth Official: Iuliana Demetrescu (ROU)
Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Alejandro José Hernandez Hernandez (ESP) 
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Guadalupe Porras Ayuso (ESP) 

Match 14 (Auckland)
24 July 2023, 08:00 CET
ITALY - ARGENTINA
Refereee: Melissa Borjas (HON) 
Assistant Referee 1: Shirley Perello (HON)
Assistant Referee 2: Sandra Ramirez (MEX)
Fourth Official: Ivana Martincic (CRO)
Video Assistant Referee: Tatiana Guzman (NCA) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Armando Villarreal (USA)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Chantal Boudreau (CAN)

Match 15 (Melbourne) 
24 July 2023, 10:30 CET
GERMANY - MOROCCO 
Refereee: Tori Penso (USA) 
Assistant Referee 1: Brooke Mayo (USA) 
Assistant Referee 2: Mijensa Rensch (SUR)
Fourth Official: Akhona Makalima (RSA)
Video Assistant Referee: Carol Anne Chenard (CAN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Muhammad Taqi Jahari (SIN)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Neuza Back (BRA)

Match 16 (Sydney) 
25 July 2023, 04:00 CET
COLOMBIA - SOUTH KOREA  
Refereee: Rebecca Welch (ENG)
Assistant Referee 1: Natalie Aspinall (ENG) 
Assistant Referee 2: Anita Vad (HUN)
Fourth Official: Marianela Araya (CRC)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Drew Fischer (CAN)
Assistant Vidéo Assistant Referee :Armando Villarreal (USA)
Offside Vidéo Assistant Referee: Sian Massey-Ellis (ENG)

Match 17 (Wellington)
25 July 2023, 07:30 CET
NEW ZEALAND - PHILIPPINES
Refereee: Katia Garcia (MEX)
Assistant Referee 1: Karen Diaz Medina (MEX) 
Assistant Referee 2: Enedina Caudillo (MEX) 
Fourth Official: Kim Yu-Jeong (KOR)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Abdulla Al Marri (QAT)
Assistant Vidéo Assistant Referee: Adil Zourak (MAR)
Offside Vidéo Assistant Referee: Fatiha Jermoumi (MAR)

Match 18 (Hamilton)
25 July 2023, 10:00 CET
SWITZERLAND - NORWAY 
Refereee: Stéphanie Frappart (FRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Manuela Nicolosi (FRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Elodie Coppola (FRA)
Fourth Official: Anahi Fernandez (URU)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel (NED)
Assistant Vidéo Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER)
Offside Vidéo Assistant Referee: Ella De Vries (BEL)

Match 21 (Dunedin) 
26 July 2023, 07:00 CET
JAPAN - COSTA RICA
Refereee: Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi (ITA) 
Assistant Referee 1: Francesca Di Monte (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Mihaela Țepușă (ROU)
Fourth Official: Myriam Marcotte (CAN)
Video Assistant Referee: Massilimiliano Irrati (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Salomé Di Iorio (ARG)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Sian Massey-Ellis (ENG) 

Match 20 (Auckland)
26 July 2023, 09:30 CET
SPAIN - ZAMBIA
Refereee: Oh Hyeonjeong (KOR)
Assistant Referee 1: Lee Seul Gi (KOR)
Assistant Referee 2: Park Misuk (KOR)
Fourth Official: Ivana Martinčić (CRO)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Muhammad Taqi Jahari (SIN)
Assistant Vidéo Assistant Referee: Abdullah Al Marri (QAT) 
Offside Vidéo Assistant Referee: Ella De Vries (BEL) 

Match 19 (Perth) 
26 July 2023, 14:00 CET
CANADA - REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 
Refereee: Laura Fortunato (ARG)
Assistant Referee 1: Mariana De Almeida (ARG)
Assistant Referee 2: Daiana Milone (ARG)
Fourth Official: Akhona Makalima (RSA)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Aejandro José Hernandez Hernandez (ESP)
Assistant Vidéo Assistant Referee: Juan Martinez Munuera (ESP) 
Offside Vidéo Assistant Referee: Neuza Back (BRA) 

Match 22 (Brisbane)
27 July 2023, 12:00 CET
AUSTRALIA - NIGERIA 
Refereee: Esther Staubli (SUI) 
Assistant Referee 1: Katrin Rafalski (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Susanne Kueng (SUI)
Fourth Official: Lina Lehtovaara (FIN)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER)
Assistant Vidéo Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel (NED)
Offside Vidéo Assistant Referee: Ella De Vries (BEL)

Match 23 (Wellington)
27 July 2023, 03:00 CET
USA - NETHERLANDS
Referee: Yoshimi Yamashita (JPN)
Assistant Referee 1: Makoto Bozono (JPN)
Assistant Referee 2: Naomi Teshirogi (JPN)
Fourth Official: Kim Yujeong (KOR)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Juan Soto (VEN) 
Assistant Vidéo Assistant Referee: Nicolas Gallo (COL)
Offside Vidéo Assistant Referee: Leslie Vasquez (CHI) 

Match 24 (Hamilton) 
27 July 2023, 09:30 CET
PORTUGAL - VIETNAM 
Referee: Salima Mukansanga (RWA)
Assistant Referee 1: Queency Victoire (MRI)
Assistant Referee 2: Mary Njoroge (KEN)
Fourth Official: Anahi Fernandez (URU)
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Adil Zourak (MAR) 
Assistant Vidéo Assistant Referee: Daiane Muniz (BRA)
Offside Vidéo Assistant Referee: Fatiha Jermoumi (MAR)

Match 27 (Dunedin)
28 July 2023, 02:00 CET
ARGENTINA - SOUTH AFRICA 
Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley (NZL)
Assistant Referee 1: Sarah Jones (NZL)
Assistant Referee 2: Maria Salamasina (SAM)
Fourth Official: Iuliana Demetrescu (ROU)
Vidéo Assistant Referee:
Assistant Vidéo Assistant Referee:
Offside Vidéo Assistant Referee:

Match 25 (Sydney)
28 July 2023, 10:30 CET
ENGLAND - DENMARK 
Referee: Tess Olofsson (SWE)
Assistant Referee 1: Lucie Ratajova (CZE)
Assistant Referee 2: Polyxeni Irodotou (CYP)
Fourth Official: Oh Hyeonjeong (KOR)
Vidéo Assistant Referee:
Assistant Vidéo Assistant Referee:
Offside Vidéo Assistant Referee:

Match 26 (Adelaide) 
28 July 2023, 13:00 CET
CHINA - HAITI 
Referee: Marta Huerta De Aza (ESP) 
Assistant Referee 1: Guadalupe Porras Ayuso (ESP) 
Assistant Referee 2: Sanja Rođak-Karšić (CRO)
Fourth Official: Marianela Araya (CRC) 
Vidéo Assistant Referee:
Assistant Vidéo Assistant Referee:
Offside Vidéo Assistant Referee:

191 comments:

  1. Chefren, regarding a comment you made with respect to the annulled penalty and the yellow card not canceled after the offside was given, has there been any situation where a reckless tackle was committed and the assistants raises the flag and the penalty not given and no yellow card given, this happens all the time once the offside is established by the AR

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    1. I don't remember particular situations in past involving keepers because the trend is to issue cards for them, as I said, only for SPA or DOGSO. And in this case, this YC would have been annulled. Irrati is a very experienced VAR, I think that it is possible he could even suggest to the Swedish referee to keep the card because reckless, or at least invited her to this reflection, because I can't exclude that this could have been easily forgotten. Irrati himself on the pitch was a very rare referee in current football to issue indeed such kind of cards (reckless for penalties when all people think only about to SPA and DOSGO for assessment).
      And here the last clip about the game, with another penalty a few seconds before the end, second YC and RC:
      https://streamable.com/kgdvbm
      I must concur with Smala, very good appearance by Olofsson, only (big) offside issues in the game.

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    2. About 28' and 30' in the same game, mentioned by Smala, no replay in 28' but indeed I think reckless (impossible to be sure), while clear mistake in 30' with a very reckless action, missed by the Swedish who was looking in that direction, without seeing the point of contact, I think.

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    3. If the offside is called right away by the AR. Does the goalkeeper challenge happen? No.
      So why should it be any different if VAR is the one who calls the offside?
      You can say that the VAR procedure of delay the flag is what caused that challenge by the Zambia GK.

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  2. If the AR gets the call right initially (raises her flag) and doesn't have to wait for VAR to help her do her job. The Zambia GK never gets the yellow card. It is unfair for players to get punished on plays that technically are deemed dead/invalid due to an existing offside. It's something that definitely needs to be tweaked. Again, I say, if the correct call is made initially on the pitch by the AR. The yellow card never happens.

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    1. I see your point, but this has been introduced since VAR in action. The reason behind is that a player should never commit a reckless or more serious action without being punished just because after the VAR will disallow the scene for offside.
      Of course there are nuances and it is impossible to keep consistency about all situations.
      What I can blame in current trend is that almost all referees don't book a keeper for a reckless action against an attacker, they just think about SPA or DOGSO, that's why this one sounds even more harsh for Zambia's keeper.

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    2. @Arbiter Therefore you also see the YC for the sambian defender in the Japan-Sambia match as wrong because there was offensive foul given after OFR? I personally agree with the VAR protocol and in my opinion a reckless or dangerous acrion should not be forgiven by the rules even if play is stopped.

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    3. Do you have the same opinion for the YC for the Haiti player for the challenge on Kelly? If she wasn’t carded players could do anything when the ball is dead…

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    4. Folks, unless they are of a tactical nature, YCs MUST be issued for Cautionable actions that occur when the ball is out of play (whether the ball has left the field of play or whether the referee has stopped play). If the referee's decision to stop play is delayed (e.g. advantage or due to VAR intervention from a non-related cause) any non-tactical card remains.

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  3. Really sorry for Emikar Calderas but after what happened in her game, we will hardly see her for a second appearance.
    As first remark, we should underline how much open was this game, looking at final score, on paper one could have assessed definitely it as different.
    About the first OFR, live she missed at least the very clear foul that could have been punishedby penalty, then in my opinion the previous one is very doubtful, as somebody already wrote. For me penalty to be whistled, but supportable decision to punish the previous situation. Not all referees would have maybe done that.
    Then, the second OFR, she had absolutely to see that, on corner kick action she missed to control carefully the penalty area. I think she was very disappointed, look at her eyes before being called by VAR while waiting: very annoyed of having missed another incident.

    1)
    https://streamable.com/iaxi5r
    2)
    https://streamable.com/6oe340

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    1. Final whistle confusion due to an external whistle:
      https://streamable.com/9xg9d7
      Unknown why, having to play still 13 seconds, she ended the game when resumed after 1 or 2. Maybe she wanted to avoid further troubles...

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    2. It is incredible that a match that seemed "very easy" on paper ended up being a problem for the referee... soccer things

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    3. The match wasn’t that difficult though, she just didn’t see anything for the first 30 minutes. Good to see that she was able to express herself with the audio after OFR, I remember us often wondering about CONMEBOL referees and their level of English so that was good to see for me

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    4. Haiti also had a substitution in added time. Unfortunate given it was only 1:0 and an extra ~45s may have afforded a chance

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    5. The ref doesn’t seem used to being recorded by cameras. Her facial expressions aren’t suitable. Looks annoyed and disappointed.

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    6. I don't think it was "very easy" on paper. Only people who didn't watch Haiti previously would think that.

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  4. If women can referee in the men's World Cup Final surely there can be some men refereeing in the women's World Cup. I understand why FIFA likes to have female referees, but surely the players themselves would prefer to have competent male referees over some of the rather less experienced female ones that have proven to be very poor.

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    1. Same reason that we just don't see 25 European refs an a handful of South Americans at the Men's world cup. Europe's 20th is probably than Africa or Asia's 1st/2nd but it grows the standard of officiating globally when refs know they can reach the top.

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    2. I'm not saying replace all or even most of the female refs. Just the weakest few. There should be a similar number of male refs in women's WC as female refs in men's WC.

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    3. So have most of the men be glorified 4ths and AVARs and give one of them the 3rd group stage where the end result turned out not to matter?

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  5. It’s starting to look like Martincic is just a support official. Really surprised by that if it turns out to be true

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    1. That's impossible for me, too big name to work only as reserve.
      I think that Ferrieri Caputi, still on paper, appears as possible stand-by from UEFA, but we will see what Collina has in mind.
      With poor performances of other officials, everything can happen and I think that indeed FIFA wanted to be flexible without announcing the reserve referees before.
      After Ferrieri Caputi, second name as possible UEFA reserve could be Demetrescu.

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    2. That was also my first thought that she is there as a reserve but I agree with Chefren, she is one of only three female referees listed on man list so it would make no sense to keep her there only as supporting referee. But let’s wait and see.

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  6. Very clear YC missed in Denmark - China:
    https://streamable.com/zjhuwo

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  7. Where is Rebecca Welsh?

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  8. 🇨🇴 Colombia vs Corea del Sur 🇰🇷
    A: Rebecca Welch 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
    A1: Natalie Aspinall 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
    A2: Anita Vad 🇭🇺
    4to: Marianela Araya 🇨🇷

    🇳🇿 Nueva Zelanda vs Filipinas 🇵🇭
    A: Katia Garcia 🇲🇽
    A1: Karen Diaz Medina 🇲🇽
    A2: Enedina Caudillo 🇲🇽
    4to: Kim Yujeong 🇰🇷

    🇨🇭 Suiza vs Noruega 🇳🇴
    A: Stephanie Frappart 🇫🇷
    A1: Manuela Nicolosi 🇫🇷
    A2: Elodie Copolla 🇫🇷
    4to: Anahi Fernandez 🇺🇾

    🇯🇵 Japón vs Costa Rica 🇨🇷
    A: Maria Ferrieri 🇮🇹
    A1: Francesca Di Monte 🇮🇹
    A2: Mihaela Tepusa 🇷🇴
    4to: Myriam Marcotte 🇨🇦

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    1. Yuck. Mediocre ferrieri gets a match at a WWC she shouldnt have been at. Is she even Elite at UEFA...However we all know why she gets a match. #Italianadvantage.

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    2. Yes she is elite in UEFA but we know how fast she is to get elite level with her background, similar to Siebert

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  9. Interesting that Tori Penso gets such an easy game considering she refs MLS regularly

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    1. Penso is by far the better referee among the two Americans. But Koroleva has more internaitonal experience. She also has a close relationship with Mariscal-Nesbitt and history with them. Plus, I would imagine she's closer personally to Seitz.

      It is not surprising that Koroleva got the better assignment in MD1. It's also not surprising that Penso performed better. Very interested to see what their second assignments look like. And hopeful that, somehow, Penso is the one who is in line for a KO match (maybe with new ARs!).

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  10. So Maria Ferrieri over Martincic? If I’m not mistaken Martincic include in Men referee list, Maria lead in Seria A but how important the background in this circumstances.

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    1. We must wait, I don't know why you are convinced that Martincic will be reserve referee.
      Quite surprising for me to see Ferrieri Caputi getting an early game, my opinion was that she could have appeared later or maybe working only as reserve referee. The argument of officiating in serie A, which allows her to have a different background than other referees is surely one of the first reasons, but at the same time I must say she didn't get so many serie A games, and her process was definitely accelerated to get this big call (becoming Elite only one month ago). This wouldn't have been done with a referee from another country, quite sure.
      According to the appointment, at momene reserve referee seems to be Demetrescu, because the only Romanian assistant referee has been assigned in Ferrieri Caputi team. Nevertheless, as I already said, it is possible that she gets a game as well. Let's wait but at moment I would bet on her as reserve official. She is more experienced than Ferrieri Caputi as Women's Elite, but the quality of officiating games in domestic league is in favor of the Italian.

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    2. IMO its quite strange to see referee like Martincic 3x act as FO without get a game so far, about Demetrescu clearly her background lost the lobby againts the giant. But indeed with many poor performance, many VAR intervention either from UEFA officials or the others (like Calderas) is still possible to see Demetrescu in the middle.

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  11. Thoughts on the 32' handball shout in SWE-RSA? I thought for sure it would get sent down to review.

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    1. https://streamable.com/r4twnw

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    2. Swedish TV accepted no penalty decision. I think it could absolutely have been a penalty but I think VAR made the correct call by not intervening. The arm isn't in a very natural position but she tries to move it away and into the body rather than outwards. Never VAR stuff if given by the referee though

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    3. These are the situations that makes handball a rule impossible to be applied with consistency. One must always support everything. Indeed as Elliot explained, there are arguments to consider it as not punishable, but for most of VAR and referee, due to the position of the forearm, penalty should have been whistled. You can say at referee's discretion, but how many times a referee from the pitch can see exactly in detail an incident like this, impossible for me.
      Here you have a CONCACAF VAR supporting, all UEFA VAR would have called it. That's what I don't like about VAR, when it becomes a second officiating, with different VAR making different assessments on the same incident.

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  12. I think there are good arguments for no penalty, especially because the ball ball comes from a short distance and player tries to pull the arm away. But the shot is expectable and body is enlarged,maybe penalty is the better call there... But in my opinion not a clear and obvious error.

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  13. Coming back at AFC after the disaster at 2022 World Cup, no AFC VAR in 15 games so far. 2 AFC appointments with main referees, but VAR coming from other confederations. That's clearly a signal, in my opinion it is possible that Asian officials will not be used at all as main VAR. But let's also remember that we have only two elements: Al Marri and Bin Jahari, the latter still not appointed at all.

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  14. 4th official assignments so far:

    Ivana Martincic (CRO) 3
    Kim Yu-Jeong (KOR) 3
    Myriam Marcotte (CAN) 3
    Akhona Makalima (RSA) 2
    Anahi Fernandez (URU) 2
    Iuliana Demetrescu (ROU) 2
    Marianela Araya (CRC) 2
    Laura Fortunato (ARG) 1
    Maria Carvajal (CHI)  1

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    1. I just find it amusing that people here still don't realize that there are fixed reserve referees in every host city in New Zealand, Martincic, Kim, Fernandez and Marcotte. But they sure are main (one in particular), keep waiting.

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    2. Staubli — Kung, Rafalski
      Huerta De Aza — Porras Ayuso, Rodjak

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  15. Anyone notice the kick by the Swedish defender that led to the injury to the scorer on RSA’s goal? It looked reckless to me, and quite cynical too, it was an attempt to stop the goal scoring opportunity.

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    1. Yes. Definitely penalty and RC if no goal, so missed YC for me

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    2. The Swedish player attempted to play the ball (YC and PK with no goal). The contact was not heavy (and not clearly reckless). The attacker was injured falling (likely into the bar at the back of the goal).

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  16. Given the reports of the overly physical play from Colombia combined with Welch, who already showed a lot of leniency during EURO’s (and got massively in trouble with this in her opening game with Italy), we can only hope she has learned in the past year. On paper, however, swapping Welch and Frappart would have made a lot of sense

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  17. Correct OFR and good decision by Monzul to award the goal after going to the monitor. IMO Roord does not make any action that impacts the goalkeepers ability to play the ball

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    1. Agreed. IMO also still good by AR to raise the flag. The NL player was offside and in the line of the Ball. However she didnt touch it and didnt influence the GKs movement. She already made her movement. Monzul is quite good so far. Would like to see some YCs for the Portuguese since they start to dissent IMO. However thats a minor point

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  18. Markedly more challenging game to manage in NED-POR than in any of the others so far. Mixed feelings about Monzul so far. She's making a level good effort to manage players (does well to sprint very close to things during contentious moments, and has had several small warnings to players), but her foul recognition and/or selection is making things more complicated than they need to be (just call the easy fouls at 5', 38', 42', 43'). My main impression is that some of the other referees we've seen would crumble in this relatively tough game.

    It's hilarious that 41' isn't a caution for DR but I can't be surprised by these things anymore.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For some reason Netherlands against Portugal is always difficult, no mather men’s / women’s / youth teams, good anticipation by the committee I think

      Delete
    2. Yup, Martincic had a quite tough game in the Euros last year as well even though I think she did pretty well. But we all remember the Battle of Nuremberg with Ivanov…

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    3. This second half is reaching a boiling point, the teams are getting really frustrated by the foul selection (or recognition) and keep raising the level of physicality.

      To anyone watching this match back, pay attention to incidents in 46', 56', 56' again, 58', 58' again, and 62'.

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    4. 72' much physical play by NED #14 all game, some called some not, this was a perfect opportunity for a booking that's been coming for a while (reckless, SPA, PI, all of the above!), but nothing from Monzul...

      Delete
  19. Monzul once again proving she is at a major tournament for political reason and not her refereeing ability ,Once again having a very poor game and favouring the Dutch with the majority of decisions

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You must watch another game then. I see at least an expected level performance in a match which is not that easy. Ive seen way worse this tournament(Alves Batista and Calderas for example)

      Delete
    2. If you think her performance is acceptable ,i don't give much hope for the rest of the World Cup , Calderas performance was on a par with that of Monzul.

      Delete
  20. Monzul managed to turn an easy game into a difficult game by not giving first fouls and allowing play to develop ,resulting in the wrong team being penalised .Also she failed to issue yellow cards when necessary ,resulting in her never being in total control .Once again she has been appointed to a tournament for political reasons, especially after her poor performance in last years Euro final.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I disagree that it was an easy game to begin with, but I do agree that her foul recognition or selection (it's hard to tell which is which at this point) made it a lot more difficult. It was only the players' own restraint that prevented total chaos.

      Delete
  21. Too long before stopping play for a (fairly obvious) head injury. Some officials (Mateu Lahoz, Taylor) are exceptional at spotting these, which means when you are used to that it feels even longer when referees don't get involved straight away. Safety first...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Funny that you mention lahoz since he didnt want to see anything when it was needed the most (NED-ARG)

      Delete
  22. 10' Studs to Achilles tackle missed right in front of the 4O Fortunato, no foul given.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. *This was 12' not 10', I'm getting all my numbers wrong today.

      Delete
  23. 38' Stamp on foot, correct YC, not sure why the complaints are so strong. A solid half so far

    ReplyDelete
  24. Perfect YC at 37', studs to foot with a good amount of force, but more importantly Jamaica #11 was already warned at 26' so good stepped approach taken by Carvajal. Other than the miss at 10', I think it's been a really good first half from Carvajal in a game that has been more challenging than I expected.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Though it is important for Carvajal to be aware of potential Persistent Offences against Jamaica #11, as she has already been fouled four times: once by France #12 (YC given for SPA), once by #20, and twice by #6.

      Delete
    2. *warning was at 10', not 26'

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    3. Agree smala. As french, very good Carjaval IMO ! Convincing performance as well with two good YC and good foul detection overall.

      Delete
    4. I love the energy she shows in her warnings about FRD at 59' and DR at 62'.

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    5. Failure to Respect the required Distance

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  25. 90'+2': Second yellow card to Jamaica's star player #11.

    There's really not much contact there, it's just a careless foul. Really, really unfortunate way for Carvajal to end what has otherwise been a very good game.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Before that call I was about to comment that this has been the best performance of the tournament so far. That one stings.

      Delete
    2. Which performance would you say is the best so far, if it isn’t Carvajal after that decision? I’m guessing Yamashita, Olofsson or Beaudoin, but haven’t been able to watch all games / highlights

      Delete
    3. You’re correct. None of those games were perfect but all acceptable performances. Olofsson definitely the best *referee* performance so far, though her assistants let her down a little.

      I’ll also mention Reibelt’s name in that list. Easy game without much to do, but it was a good performance for what the game was. Hopefully we see her on something more challenging in the coming weeks.

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    4. Carvajal still the best performance for me, even if she missed the play at the end I at least admire the courage to make a bold decision. I hope FIFA does not mark her down too much for this, she definitely deserves another game (or two).

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    5. I also admire the gutsiness in isolation, but we must critique and acknowledge when a gutsy decision is wrong. It’s a critical error, and unfortunately it’s the only one which VAR can’t save. That’s why you can’t make that call unless you’re close to 100% sure.

      Delete
    6. But I agree, she really deserves a second match, hopefully she is not phased by this mistake and puts in another good performance. And then we will see from there.

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  26. Never a second yellow. Complete guess based on the reaction of the player. Poor

    ReplyDelete
  27. OFR in NED - POR.
    https://streamable.com/xghc7n
    Correct final decision, no influence by attacker.
    I think AR1 raised the flag because she thought that player in offside could have even touched ball.
    Only reason for a possible punishable offside would have been a movement toward the net by the central defender, trying to save ball. But she didn't that and so no influence by attacker at all.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Another poor South American referee in the France v Jamaica game ,totally favoured the French.Didn't understand the mechanics that can lead to perceived fouls and was scared by the French constant questioning .Also why is FIFA putting referees from charge of EUFA vs CONCAF teams surely Asian or Oceania referee would appear more neutral

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arbitre Anglais23 July 2023 at 18:39

      You must have watched a different game to me! Gave quite a few (correct) decisions against France - such as French player falling on the ball and being penalised for handball - and allowed Jamaicans to use fair strength against French players. The 2YC looked a normal decision live.

      Delete
    2. Sorry for your attitude towards grabbing a ball and not being penalised but..... the ball was still in play until the referee blows the whistle.... I think the refereeing was abysmal but in this situation she was correct. It was hand ball simple as that!

      Delete
    3. Arbitre Anglais24 July 2023 at 12:03

      Think you misunderstood. I said she was CORRECT to give handball!! An example of how well she refereed!

      Delete
    4. Arbitre Anglais24 July 2023 at 12:08

      To call her refereeing ‘abysmal‘ is incredible! I’m sorry, but that’s far from true and I’d be surprised if you have refereeing experience.

      Delete
  29. Hello, just a quick note - the Singaporean match official should be referred to as Muhammad Taqi Jahari (or just Taqi Jahari), as per the Muslim naming conventions. Taqi is his given name, while Jahari is the family name (the father's name). Cheers.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Suggestion for VAR reform:

    - Each team by the captain is allowed 1x challenge per game, following which the referee goes to the screen

    - In situations involving a potential red card for serious foul play or violent conduct, the referee can use the video screen himself before taking a decision if the situation is not clear (giving maximum protection of the players)

    - This means that the VAR communicating with the referee is removed, the system becomes a video proof system used exclusively by the referee.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So it’s up to the players/managers to know when a referee makes a mistake? This is football. Players know nothing about the laws of the game.

      Delete
    2. Arbitre Anglais23 July 2023 at 16:52

      Please no! Game is already delayed enough with VAR checks without more due to team requests. Most teams will cynically use them to delay / stop flow of games. Even if referee has seen this, she wouldn’t have overturned it.

      Delete
    3. Come on.. I know this blog is open for everyone to share their opinions but please be realistic, educated, and objective… democration still have their barricades, homo homini lupus bellum omnium comtra omnes. I don’t know what the intention for anonimos 15:29 to bring again and again annoying suggestion OT. I think you must know and educated yourself, use your wifi or internet quota to search google first what the football is, their history, their concept, football 100% is different baseline with basketball, volleyball, and even tennis and badminton, who can challenge a decision. Football totally a dynamic sports that would be destroyed if challenge mechanism and basketball/futsal timer applied, learn first before showing your stup** suggestion!

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    4. I think the wildest goal of the opinion regarding the challenge above is to want to destroy football itself, which has become the number 1 sport universally, not exclusively, like the NBA and the others American sports. With Wenger law, Saudi invansion in European football and MLS with Messi, Club and National teams World Cup 2025/2026 in America (again) and so on, I don’t know what the conspirations going on. It’s simply soccer vs football terms.

      Delete
  31. Arbitre Anglais23 July 2023 at 16:55

    I think the Chilean had an excellent game - by far the best CONMEBOL referee so far (personality, control, decision making, foul recognition) - the 2YC is certainly not clearly wrong. Lives thought it was a standard decision. The French player exaggerated (but players always do that!) and Jamaican player should have avoided the unnecessary challenge that she was unlikely to win fairly. Can’t see any assessor saying it’s wrong.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Both yellow card to that player are wrong. Especially the second one.

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    2. The first YC was 100% correct

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    3. First one 100 % correct. Supportable one for second. I like the chilean ref especially human and personnality sides. Good match imo !

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    4. 2nd one is not supportable. It's so far out of the range of what has been a caution for reckless at this tournament that it isn't funny.

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    5. First one she is running and the opponent suddenly stick out her foot. Nothing she could do. It's a natural movement. It's not a yellow card. Second one is completely 100% incorrect.

      Delete
    6. Very very unfair that Jamaican star got sent off for 2nd YC. She was fouled 5X in the first half and no YC for PO. She is frustrated and tired from all the unfair attention given her. Absolutely wrong that she gets punished and has to sit a game when the 2nd foul was nothing more than a careless slip into the opponent. Refs decision makes a top star miss a game = no more games for her.

      Delete
  32. Martincic again as FO in Spain-Zambia. Still unbelievable the power of the Italian.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What’s new. As soon as Ferrieri Caputi was selected together with AR1 and Irrati, you already knew she would get a game at this WC, regardless of form. Three Italians in a committee. 🤷

      She officiated 3(!!!) games in Serie A, ladies and gentlemen. And not even perfect games.

      Fun fact: Martincic worked on a QF UEFA Womens Champions League, Ferrieri Caputi was only a 4th official.

      Olofsson ahead of Martincic is also due to her political background.

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    2. Additionally, the age. The Italian lady is just 32 years old. She has plenty of time. Don’t understand why she is pushed so much at the expense of other (older) female referees from smaller nations

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    3. "She officiated 3(!!!) games in Serie A"
      I think, that's the main argument in her favour (besides politics) - only she and Frappart have experience in a top 5 league.

      But yes, I agree with everyone's surprise that Martincic seems to be only a support referee resp. in general apparently two UEFA support referees. Although one could have expected it looking at the number of nominated ARs... (same for CONCACAF, if Marcotte and Araya stay without game as referee).

      Delete
    4. I’m not in position againts political or whatever you name it, at all in terms of if Orsato path in Euro 2024 will be followed Kuipers path in Euro 2020 I will agree totally, even if he would have VAR intervention like Kuipers, he still deserved very2 deserved to get the final. But who is Maria Sole Caputi? This is simply show how poor Italian now.. sorry to say after Euro 2020, didn’t qualify for WC, and still in crisis now for Euro 2024 (their spot contested by Ukraine), only way to safe their face is on refereeing world, but this is absolutely ruined everything, even ruin the trust of meritocracy if Orsato appointed on the final next year.

      Delete
  33. I like what Borjas is doing so far. Sharp and focused in a intensive game, two spot-on cautions in 12' (reckless tackle) and 25' (SPA-holding), coupled with a great warning in 31' (UB).
    27' and 33' are quite interesting challenges assessments as well. Good alertness in 45' throw-in situation, she didn't fell for any traps set by players in general.
    AR2 correctly disallowed two Italian goals for offsides.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Good performance. Consistently somewhat lenient foul selection was necessary in this physical match, yet she did well not to skip any obvious, "mandatory" fouls like Monzul did a lot yesterday. Good warnings in moments for players, good cautions. No big decisions to make, but overall a consistent, steady performance.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I think Borjas was fantastic. She thrived in a challenging match. Disciplinary control was balanced with match flow brilliantly in my opinion. She made herself a strong contender for the final in this game in my opinion.

    ReplyDelete
  36. In my opinion, still impossible to believe that Martincic will work as fourth official, I think she will get games. Let's wait: two UEFA reserve referees would be too much.
    Interesting first appointment for Al Marri in a game with a team from his confederation against the host. On paper, it is among the least sonorous matches and that's reason why he got it, hopefully everything will go in the right direction.

    Glad to read that Borjas had a good game, I couldn't watch it. She is a strong name and I think she can be considered a candidate for the final in case of good performances.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IMO the only one who should have been a support ref from Europe is the one who already got a match because she has her friends in committee. Really disgusting how almost every Italian does get more then deserved. If all was based on merit we would not have any Elite Italian besides Orsato. All others are really overrated. However its a discussienota we wont win as long as the italians are at the top (same goes for alves batista (Brazil/COMNEBOL) She also get way more than what shes capabele of. Lets see how things work out. Maybe Ferieri will surprise positively.... However she didnt deserve anything shes getting right now

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  37. Uncomplicated game, but a convincing first half from Penso. I think she is the stronger of the two Americans at this tournament. She had a very good warning to a Morocco player for DR in the 30th minute (in MLS she probably cautions there, but FIFA's gonna FIFA) and a mirroring warning in 45'+1' to a German. It will be interesting to see what Penso does if there is another incident, now that both teams have been warned.

    AR2 disappointed a bit: two wrong offside flags, one of which was really unnecessarily delayed. It's a shame that Penso doesn't get to have a second American AR on her crew.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Are you sure those offsides were incorrect? They were super close calls and I would not call them wrong. Delaying raising the flag seemed absolutely correct to me as they were both goal-scoring opportunities.

      Delete
    2. I think only the last call from AR2 in first half was wrong.
      AR1 with great calls. Maybe Nesbitt changes in Team Penso after group stage.

      Delete
    3. The delayed flag I am talking about was near the touchline near midfield at 23', it was close but I think it was probably incorrect. Then the one at 41' was a good delay, but definitely onside.

      Now at 49' an interesting one: one attacker is offside, one onside. The offside one lets the ball roll through her legs, and in my opinion doesn't commit an offense. Impossible to know which one(s) the flag comes up for, but it should have been no offside IMO, but maybe debatable. If it was for the first player, that call is also the referee's, of course.

      AR1, on the other hand, has correctly chalked off two goals for offside, well done.

      Delete
    4. Excellent decision by AR2 at 90'+5' to take away a goal.

      Delete
  38. German commentator on the YC (75'): Normally not enough for a card, because she tried to play the ball, but there are FIFA instructions at this tournament to be rigorous in such foul situations, therefore the caution is acceptable.
    I had to laugh :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The yellow card was correct for me. Lol at the commentator's understanding of FIFA instructions XD

      Delete
  39. 85' is an interesting check for handball that's worth another look. We don't get good replays of it really, tough to tell. No handball given, and supported by the VAR.

    ReplyDelete
  40. An easy half well suited to a more relaxed, less intense British style of refereeing. A couple of very good delayed whistles, other than that, a good Foster with little to do

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  41. 61' I criticized an official the other day so must praise Foster today. Head injury recognized and medics called on immediately. Excellent

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  42. One of the simpler games to officiate in this world cup. Nevertheless, no issues, clean sheet, total acceptance. I expect to see Foster again in a tougher fixture

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  43. After Caputi now Al Marri, this is really annoying political interference without obvious goal or “is it really needed”, either to push Caputi or to break confederation rule by appoint Al Marri in a match that on paper one sided match but involving a team from his confederation. I don’t understand the reason why Collina appoint mixed VMO from two worst confederations with the referee from another confederation too, I try to understand but I can’t find even any subjective reason except Collina didn’t trust Al Marri but he need to get the match because the power of “oil money” so he break the rule he break the common sense, it’s so sad to see if this true.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They put together for this game all the "untrusted" VARs, Al Marri and the CAF officials. Very poor management, if you ask me. I know Collina and his dedication to refereeing, if this has been done, he was obliged and couldn't escape.
      The game sees a favorite host, New Zealand, playing without pressure and big enthusiasm, afterthe unexpected MD1 win. On the other hand, Philippines will hardly fight for qualification, so this was the best game to make this assignment.
      Just a curious remark: Al Marri will have again a connection with New Zealand,after Conger, this time the national team.

      Delete
    2. The obvious game for Al Marri would have been ESP-ZAM, I think. AFC referee, no AFC teams and similarly one-sided on paper.
      And e.g. Hernandez for Garcia instead.

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    3. Apparently, FIFA blamed AVAR Evans (AUS) for insisting that VAR Al Marri calls Faghani for that famous OFR. Even if that would be true, never understood why would Al Marri and, ultimately, Faghani listen to him? The AVAR should not have such influence.

      Delete
    4. Thats cause Shaun Evans is a moron.

      Delete
  44. Its more then more political. Since the VAR is in the football game. Sometimes i think every one can go to a big tournaments if the political or if the circle of friends is right.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Germany - Morocco

    75' YC
    https://streamable.com/m1g9nq

    85' Penalty incident, possible handball, VAR check, no replay
    https://streamable.com/9qqdo0

    ReplyDelete
  46. OT:

    I have a question ,especially for our Croatian readers;

    What has happened to Jovic?

    His last match 1st league match was in March,since then no UEFA and No Croatian League matches?

    Is it injury?

    Cause I dont remember that he had some bad performances to be punished for this long?

    Thank you..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, he failed mid-season fitness test in April last season and therefore was not appointed until the end of the season. Two weeks ago he failed pre-season fitness test and will be out for at lest a month and that is why he was removed from uefa duties.
      If Croatian Ref Committee will be fair he will be removed from FIFA list at the end of the year and demoted do second league following the two failed fitness tests and several very poor performances in last two seasons. Some referees were demoted even for less (i.e. Lovric last season due to one weak performance after only one season, Pejin this season after solid season, but he also failed mid-season fitness test).

      Delete
  47. OT:
    Referees Committee 2023-2027
    Rosetti, Damkova, Sajn, Kuipers, Velasco

    Referee Development Panel (basicaly most important observers after Committee members):
    OLD: De Bleeckere, Elleray, Fandel, Fontelas Gomes, Frohlich, Jonsson, Levnikov, Cantalejo, Rocchi, Steinhaus, Vassaras
    NEW: Gaal, Gautier, Hansson, Webb
    OUT: Garibian, Karlsson, Palmquist, Riley, Uilenberg

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks. so basically the referee development panel consists of the chairmen of the big5 (frohlich-germany, cantalejo-spain, rocchi-italy, webb-england, gautier-france)...fandel as core-chief of course...elleray now seemingly more active, given he has hardly been observing the past couple of years. now restarting with presence at u19 euros in palma...how is steinhaus in there with 0 appointments in the last couple of years? how is she important when she is not on duty? vassaras still in the gang, nobody knows why...levnikov a russian who is disqualified by uefa actually...IMO completely dysfunctional panel, as all of the people, male and female alike, have enough homework to do as chairmen in premier league, bundesliga, etc...

      Delete
    2. From my limited knowledge of women football, Jenny Palmqvist from Sweden is one of the most important observers, maybe even nr.2, after Damkova. I don't know the details, but isn't it a little bit strange that she is out?

      Delete
    3. Apparently, Karlsson, Palmqvist and Uilenberg retired from all refereeing activities.

      Delete
    4. For Bo Karlsson and Jaap Uilenberg the age must be the reason for retirement. But this can not be the case to Jenny Palmqvist.

      Delete
    5. yes, karlson is 74 and uilenberg is 73...palmquist is only 53?interestingly the number of new members is less than before...netherlands, apart from kuipers, not present and not replaced. also nobody from portugal, the balkans or "smaller nations" apart from vassaras...sajn of course as right hand of ceferin...although never having reached the same level as the other members in committee...

      Delete
  48. Yamashita again with an important match, USA-NED now

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  49. Norway, penalty given, VAR confirmed:

    https://twitter.com/tv2sport/status/1683546294030049297?s=46&t=xA_tCA0d3bQD-qwoJ4mDQw

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Correct penalty kick due to illegal use of arms.

      Delete
  50. 4 cards in the first half for Welch, 3 for reckless. The only one that can be debated was the last of them: it's pretty similar to the second caution we saw given to Jamaica, with the second leg sweeping into the foot/ankle but not making severe contact. Conversely, I was very surprised not to see Korea #19 sanctioned for her very late, hard challenge in the 85th minute. Welch played advantage but didn't go back for a caution. Then a few minutes later, the same Korean player was involved in a careless but clumsy collision with another Colombian player, causing a bad landing and an injury.

    Welch has been very quick to stop play for injuries, especially on potential head injuries, of which there have been 3. But there were also some stoppages for non-head injuries which were not mandatory.

    Of course, the handball penalty + YC at 28' is a spot-on decision, the highlight of a satisfactory game.

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    Replies
    1. Not a LOTG change, though I heard there is recent UEFA instruction against it (in most, not all, situations). However, those are, as far as I know, just UEFA instructions, and this is not a UEFA tournament :)

      Delete
  51. I haven’t been watching that closely, but the scoreline in NZL-PHI makes this game significantly more challenging than I suppose FIFA anticipated. Big next 40 minutes for Garcia.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Disallowed goal by New Zealand. Absolutely impossible to detect for AR2.

      Delete
    2. Garcia's crew didn't have an ideal start the match. Her comms failed as she was about to start the match. Garcia and AR1 Diaz came to where the 4th Official was in order to fix the problem. But the in-stadium countdown had already started so she and AR1 Diaz had to literally sprint to get into position to start the match.
      A few minutes into the match, AR1 Diaz flagged for offside but Garcia completely missed it and never whistled even as AR1 Diaz was yelling at her in an attempt to get her attention.
      At the next stoppage the match had to be paused in order for Garcia to have her comms replaced. During the stoppage, the Philippines coach vocalized to AR1 Diaz about how annoyed he was with the missed offside call.

      Delete
  52. A shoulder and an ear was offside to chalk off the NZL equalizer.

    ReplyDelete
  53. 87'. Looks like she didn't trust the AR who raised her flag for a super clear offside but she allowed play to continue until the goal was scored.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amateurish and clownish display by both. Unacceptable at this level. Total lack of professionalism. Much like not ensuring that your comms are properly working prior to the start of the match.

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    2. It was a breakaway for the attacker. I didn't see how close the offside was but unless it was absolutely, 1000% clear to everybody in the stadium, I think it is safer to delay there.

      Delete
    3. But Diaz didn't. She popped the flag right away. And was left looking foolish as she was forced to lower the flag and attempt to catch up with play.

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    4. The offside was neither close nor tight. Quite obvious really.

      Delete
    5. Not good by AR1 in my opinion. Even if she is very sure, there is no reason not to delay the flag. If the referee wants to avoid a possible crucial mistake she has no choice but to allow play to continue even if AR1 is looking badly then.

      Delete
    6. It's exactly the situation where ARs are told not to delay. The defender and attacker are moving slowly and there is no flash lag impact. It was an incredibly clear offside and I think the AR was right to raise her flag and not delay.

      Delete
    7. I really back AR1 here. It was incredibly clear and therefore it was completely fine for her to immediately call it. The rules are for you to delay if the situation is unclear AND it’s a promising attack, not OR. It shows more insecurity by Garcia than a mistake by Diaz

      Delete
    8. Agree with Cassius, the situation was actually fairly tight, García was (fully) justified in her actions.

      https://imgur.com/a/3pY9DUg

      Am I right in saying that García/Díaz wouldn't have worked in the same crew that often (KG works on the women's league and Díaz in LigaMX, right?) -> the 'trust' between them would not be sooo high either.

      Delete
  54. Too much talk and not enough cards from Garcia. Too many late and unnecessary (dirty) challenges unpunished. A lot of cheap shots from both teams because they knew they could get away with it. Not surprised, same mediocre and overrated Garcia that can be seen on a weekly basis in Liga MX Femenil.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Seems someone has a bone to pick with a specific referee....

      Delete
    2. Arbitre Anglais25 July 2023 at 21:28

      The offside was actually very close when you look at replay - exactly why ARs told to delay….

      Delete
  55. The Philippines goalkeeper's gamesmanship and time wasting in the entire 2nd half was so "anti-football". But Garcia was fully complicit by allowing it to happen without taking action. The GK played Garcia like a fiddle.

    ReplyDelete
  56. 60': Confident and clear warning by Frappart to swiss coach. Leaves a good impression.

    ReplyDelete
  57. 69' Unclear management by Frappart after a sliding tackle. First impression was that she was whistling a foul and unsure whether it was inside or outside the penalty area, but final decision (probably influenced by assistents, but would be strange due to location of the incident) was corner kick and surely the right outcome. But the management was confusing, but accepted by players.

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    Replies
    1. I was confused too. The tone of the whistle suggested she was calling a foul.

      Delete
  58. Yamashita with a very good second appointment, this means that the penalty at the end of her game has not been assessed as very serious mistake and the rest of performance has been appreciated, I can agree. Moreover, she seems to have the aura of a big name. The same on paper should be for Mukansanga, but she will start from Portugal - Vietnam. She will have to show she can get more and reading this appointment you can easily in my opinion understand how Collina sees CAF officials.
    Expected important game for the NZL crew, let's remember the fantastic WC Keighley had in 2015, then the disappointment 4 years ago, similar to Irmatov's path. Now it's up to her to convince again, I think FIFA is willing in assigning her to big games, but this will be the crucial test. Reputation "in stand-by", we could say.

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    1. I think seeing Lehtovaara as fourth official suggests that she was rejected for her performance in Nigeria vs. Canada, and the Finn's tournament as main ref is over. If Marta Huerta's second assistant isn't Rodjak-Karšić, then there is a strong chance that Martinčić has been 'promoted' as a consequence imo.

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    2. I don't think, there is a significant difference in the importance of POR-VIE and ARG-RSA. Both are between the two "smallest" teams in that group, who all lost their first game.
      So IMO both appointments don't suggest that FIFA has a particular high opinion of the two referees in spite of their previous achievements.
      E.g. Fortunato gets a much better game.
      Yamashita with a similar treatment to Orsato: After the opener, early second game, when some referees haven't had their first.

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    3. In myy opinion the names of the teams make the difference here. You have Portugal - Vietnam and Argentina - South Africa. I can agree that the latter game is maybe less than one could have expected, but they are more on level in that group, while there shouldn't be fight, at least on paper, between the European and the Asian team, but that's of course on paper... and I think this is the reason behind appointments. The NZL referee for POR - VIE would have been a very poor one...

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    4. To be honest I still can't believe that Martincic is reserve referee, I agree that Finnish referee's tournament appears to be over, but she made too evident mistakes if you ask me.

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    5. Fortunato got the most important match at the moment, decisive for both teams' chances to advance.

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  59. Good performance by Frappart and her crew! The game was mostly fair and without great difficulties, but it was nevertheless well refereed with the French's usual clear and professional approach. I only recognized one possible wrong (delayed) offside call by AR2, but that one was very close. Otherwise all decisions correct and with a few (clear) warnings and advantages no cards were needed.

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  60. I didn't think this was Frappart's sharpest performance tonight.

    She chose to take a very low-key approach to the match, deliberately slow whistles and signals, under-reacting to everything, English-like style. But I think she should have adapted when the game got more heated; like many games this tournament, it was up to the players to moderate themselves.

    10' She gave a verbal warning to SUI #11 after a hard careless foul. Remember this!

    37' There was a minor studs to foot challenge by SUI #11. Good eye by Frappart because that was a confusing one in real time. It was not enough for a YC at most games this tournament, but what of the prior warning?

    42' NOR #11 takes some "revenge" (I quote the words of the commentator, fairly) on SUI #11 with a really reckless tackle from behind, no chance for the opponent to defend herself. I was really surprised Frappart didn't caution here. She instead completely under-reacted to this, probably on purpose to convince the players it was nothing serious. But I don't think this worked.

    44' NOR #15 with a studs-up (but no contact made with them, they went between the opponent's legs) lunge, likewise no card here.

    51' SUI #11 (the same player again) uses her studs sliding down the shin of NOR #8 and landing on the foot. Some comparisons can be made to the ENG-HAI challenge. Frappart completely missed it and did not call a foul at all. In a more challenging game and a different setting, she would have completely lost control of the game here.

    At that point that game was at its peak of temperature. As mentioned above, players moderated themselves after that thankfully, but Frappart is lucky for that.

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    1. The challenge in 51 min is indeed af mandatory yellow. It seems to me that we have more of these "follow through" fouls in the womens tournament. These are ekstremely difficult to detect.
      To me the lack of direct contact in 42 and 44 min makes it okay not to caution. I agree that a more active reaction from the referee could have been appropriate.

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    2. @Chefren, I don’t think it was a case of handling the match in a certain way; Frappart is the most experienced official at this tournament and if anyone is able to read when to change the approach, it’s her. I honestly think Frappart is kind of ‘over’ women’s games, as she has been in the men’s game for such a long time and she has already achieved the most important game in women’s football. This would explain her absence in the UWCL, where we all expected her name for the final. Obviously she is sort of obliged to be present at the women’s World Cup as the leading figure in female officiating, but this would mean that her motivation is lower.

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    3. Less important but interesting moment in Frappart's game: In the first minute of added time, the ball appeared to go momentarily out of play over the touchline, but AR2 didn't react. Frappart called the throw-in herself and was only followed by AR2's flag.

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  61. The penalty call in Colombia - South Korea:
    https://streamable.com/3u8j2i

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  62. The last two referees expected to get their first matches: Huerta de Aza and Jacewicz.

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    1. For me:
      ENG-DEN: Huerta De aza
      FRA-BRA: Jacewicz

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  63. Can someone explain all the accusations that certain referees are there for political reasons? I am out of the loop. The Ukraine ref i get but she reffed a world cup final all the way back in 2015

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    1. Depends on what you define as politics. If you wanted only the best (female) referees at a world cup you would have a lot more from Europe.

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    2. Then why is the Italy appointment political?

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    3. Because Ferieri clearly was pushed because she is italian. Not because she has shown in any way that she is able to handle big matches. i still think shes better than most of the female refs from other continents however she has shown way less than her collegues from UEFA. + she is only Elite for 3 months --> clearly this treatment wouldnt have been given if she was from any other european country and i think she should have been the one with only foutth official duties. However lets see how she does tomorrow.

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    4. More "UEFA" isn't the answer to everything. I mean just look at Lehtovaara. On the other hand, Yamashita (AFC) and Borjas (CONCACAF) excelled in their respective matches. But if being a Euro-snob is your thing. You be you, my guy. Glad FIFA has a more worldwide view than your biased tunnel vision.

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  64. Huerta de Aza makes her debut in China vs Haiti

    Olofsson appointed for ENGDEN, despite the high number of factual VAR interventions, FIFA were probably impressed by the Swede.

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    1. So with the appointment of Croatian AR in Spanish team, we have the confirmation that Martincic is a reserve referee. That's absolutely weird, if you ask me. Making a comparison with Ferrieri Caputi, the Croatian has by far more experience as UEFA Elite, so indeed only explanation is that officiating in the one of the top European leagues was the factor for being called in a very accelerated process of development.

      About Olofsson, interventions were only about offside, she was solid and indeed now an important game for her. Assistant referees have been confirmed as well.
      Also, interesting to see CONMEBOL VAR appointed for Yamashita in USA - Netherlands, I think she must be very clever in speaking all languages, and that's maybe another factor of the trust.

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    2. I am sorry Chefren, but that 'top league experience' is only 3 games, in the lowest category of games in series A with (if I'm not mistaken) not toooo much at stake for the teams. So for me that experience is just ‘on paper’. And besides, if this is really SO special, why didn’t UEFA give her a quarter-final?
      I don't want to say that the Croatian is a top referee, but to emphasize the reason why certain ladies get priority... Cough POLITICS cough.

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    3. A Swede for Denmark is quite remarkable, because of the tight (and historically problematic) relations between the countries. This is mostly avoided on UEFA level.
      Jacewicz now the only missing referee, maybe we will have two Australians in group F. And possibly Monzul for SWE-ITA.

      I assume, Yamashita and Soto will rather speak English than Spanish. Soto probably was the best Confed-neutral option there.
      With Zourak, all the VARs except di Iorio and the two ARs have been appointed as main VAR at least once now.

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    4. There are no problematic relations. The two countries just like making jokes about eachother now.

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  65. Not only martincic is in top mens division. Why nobody give esther staubli mens competition? She is in the top league of men and two girls with schmölzer and grundbacher new in the second. Caputi have also im top legaue games and has her first game very quickly in mens game. And staubli is very clear and famous referee. And the the level of football italy, croatia and switzerland are different.

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  66. Pretty choppy announcement on the 4-0 goal in Spain-Zambia.

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  67. Referee making an error with the VAR announcement, causing confusion.

    A shame as she's had a good game

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  68. The FIFA decision to let referees like Yamashita and Oh, who clearly cannot express themselves in understandable English, announce their VAR decisions verbally, is an own goal. Just point out the decision, no gibberish explanation required.

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  69. Confusing communication by the South Korean ref, saying ‘no goal, no offside’, before correcting to ‘no offside, goal’ - this communication aspect needs to be figured out, as there will be referees who are more nervous for this aspect than the actual game, especially if you’re not a native speaker. Maybe VAR can do the communication instead of the on-field referee?

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  70. Interesting situation in Spain-Sambia, third goal. Defender tries to commit a red card DOGSO in the penalty area (pushing the attacker), but the attacker stays on her feet and scores. The Referee is visibly showing advantage. Shouldn't there a YC be following despite the goal? What do the LotG say?

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