2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers, November 2025. Referee assignments for MD9.
Group D
18:00 CET - Baku (8km stadionu)
AZERBAIJAN - ICELAND
Referee: Nikola Dabanović MNE
Assistant Referee 1: Vladan Todorović MNE
Assistant Referee 2: Srđan Jovanović MNE
Fourth Official: Miloš Bošković MNE
Video Assistant Referee: Momčilo Marković SRB
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Aleksandar Živković SRB
UEFA Referee Observer: Paolo Valeri ITA
UEFA Delegate: Sviatlana Hrynkievič BLR
Group F
18:00 CET - Yerevan (Vazgen Sargsyan anvan Hanrapetakan Marzadasht)
ARMENIA - HUNGARY
Referee: José María Sánchez Martínez ESP
Assistant Referee 1: Raúl Cabañero Martínez ESP
Assistant Referee 2: Iñigo Prieto López de Ceraín ESP
Fourth Official: Juan Martínez Munuera ESP
Video Assistant Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande ESP
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Valentín Pizarro Gómez ESP
UEFA Referee Observer: John Ferry NIR
UEFA Delegate: Alin Cioban ROU
Group I
18:00 CET - Oslo (Ullevaal Stadion)
NORWAY - ESTONIA
Referee: Matej Jug SVN
Assistant Referee 1: Matej Žunič SVN
Assistant Referee 2: Manuel Vidali SVN
Fourth Official: David Šmajc SVN
Video Assistant Referee: Alen Borošak SVN
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Asmir Sagrković SVN
UEFA Referee Observer: Asim Xudiyev AZE
UEFA Delegate: Jacques Antenen SUI
Group D
20:45 CET - Paris (Parc des Princes)
FRANCE - UKRAINE
Referee: Slavko Vinčić SVN
Assistant Referee 1: Tomaž Klančnik SVN
Assistant Referee 2: Andraž Kovačič SVN
Fourth Official: Rade Obrenovič SVN
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Benjamin Brand GER
UEFA Referee Observer: René Temmink NED
UEFA Delegate: Jan Willem van Dop NED
Group F
20:45 CET - Dublin (Aviva Stadium)
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND - PORTUGAL
Referee: Glenn Nyberg SWE
Assistant Referee 1: Mahbod Beigi SWE
Assistant Referee 2: Andreas Söderkvist SWE
Fourth Official: Kristoffer Karlsson SWE
Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Richard Martens NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Marco Borg MLT
UEFA Delegate: Knut Bjørn Nordheim NOR
Group I
20:45 CET - Chișinău (Stadionul Zimbru)
MOLDOVA - ITALY
Referee: Mykola Balakin UKR
Assistant Referee 1: Oleksandr Berkut UKR
Assistant Referee 2: Volodymyr Vysotsʹkyy UKR
Fourth Official: Klym Zabroda UKR
Video Assistant Referee: Denys Shurman UKR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Dmytro Panchyshyn UKR
UEFA Referee Observer: Pavel Salii KAZ
UEFA Delegate: Styrbjörn Oskarsson FIN
Group K
20:45 CET - Encamp (Estadi de la FAF)
ANDORRA - ALBANIA
Referee: Horațiu Mircea Feșnic ROU
Assistant Referee 1: Valentin Gabriel Avram ROU
Assistant Referee 2: Alexandru Cerei ROU
Fourth Official: Rareș George Vidican ROU
Video Assistant Referee: Ovidiu Alin Hațegan ROU
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Adrian Sorin Costreie ROU
UEFA Referee Observer: Alain Bieri SUI
UEFA Delegate: Carlos Filipe de Sá Lucas POR
Group K
20:45 CET - London (Wembley Stadium)
ENGLAND - SERBIA
Referee: Ivan Kružliak SVK
Assistant Referee 1: Branislav Hancko SVK
Assistant Referee 2: Ján Pozor SVK
Fourth Official: Peter Kráľovič SVK
Video Assistant Referee: Clay Ruperti NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Erwin Blank NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Peter Sippel GER
UEFA Delegate: Eugène Westerink NED
Friday 14 November 2025
Group G
18:00 CET - Helsinki (Helsingin Olympiastadion)
FINLAND - MALTA
Referee: Julian Weinberger AUT
Assistant Referee 1: Maximilian Kolbitsch AUT
Assistant Referee 2: Michael Obritzberger AUT
Fourth Official: Stefan Ebner AUT
Video Assistant Referee: Alan Kijas AUT
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Christian-Petru Ciochirca AUT
UEFA Referee Observer: Dimitar Mečkarovski MKD
UEFA Delegate: Garry O’Hagan SCO
Group A
20:45 CET - Luxembourg (Stade de Luxembourg)
LUXEMBOURG - GERMANY
Referee: John Brooks ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Simon Bennett ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Lee Betts ENG
Fourth Official: Robert Jones ENG
Video Assistant Referee: Darren England ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Andrew Madley ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Nicola Rizzoli ITA
UEFA Delegate: Luis Cuervas del Real ESP
Group A
20:45 CET - Košice (Košická Futbalová Aréna)
SLOVAKIA - NORTHERN IRELAND
Referee: Istvan Kovacs ROU
Assistant Referee 1: Mihai Marius Marica ROU
Assistant Referee 2: Ferencz Tunyogi ROU
Fourth Official: Radu Marian Petrescu ROU
Video Assistant Referee: Cătălin Sorin Popa ROU
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Marcel Bîrsan ROU
UEFA Referee Observer: Clayton Pisani MLT
UEFA Delegate: Yuriy Barbash UKR
Group G
20:45 CET - Warsaw (PGE Narodowy)
POLAND - NETHERLANDS
Referee: Maurizio Mariani ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Daniele Bindoni ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Alberto Tegoni ITA
Fourth Official: Daniele Chiffi ITA
Video Assistant Referee: Marco Di Bello ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Valerio Marini ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Michaíl Argyroú CYP
UEFA Delegate: Rudolf Řepka CZE
Group L
20:45 CET - Gibraltar (Europa Point Stadium)
GIBRALTAR - MONTENEGRO
Referee: Anastásios Papapétrou GRE
Assistant Referee 1: Trýfon Petrópoulos GRE
Assistant Referee 2: Iordánis Aptósoglou GRE
Fourth Official: Luca Pairetto ITA
Video Assistant Referee: Athanásios Tzílos GRE
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Spyrídon Zambalás GRE
UEFA Referee Observer: Þóroddur Hjaltalín ISL
UEFA Delegate: Rachid Sidi Yakoub FRA
Group L
20:45 CET - Rijeka (Stadion HNK Rijeka)
CROATIA - FAROE ISLANDS
Referee: Əliyar Ağayev AZE
Assistant Referee 1: Zeynal Zeynalov AZE
Assistant Referee 2: Akif Əmirəli AZE
Fourth Official: Elçin Məsiyev AZE
Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Bruno Lopes Martins POR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Bruno Alexandre da Silva Esteves POR
UEFA Referee Observer: Alieh Čykun BLR
UEFA Delegate: Vito Di Gioia ITA
Saturday 15 November 2025
Group J
15:00 CET - Astana (Astana Arena)
KAZAKHSTAN - BELGIUM
Referee: Donatas Rumšas LTU
Assistant Referee 1: Aleksandr Radiuš LTU
Assistant Referee 2: Dovydas Sužiedėlis LTU
Fourth Official: Robertas Valikonis LTU
Video Assistant Referee: Jeroen Manschot NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Donatas Šimėnas LTU
UEFA Referee Observer: Igor Pristovnik CRO
UEFA Delegate: Alpaslan Kavas TUR
Group E
18:00 CET - Bursa (Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matlı Stadyumu)
TÜRKİYE - BULGARIA
Referee: Nicholas Walsh SCO
Assistant Referee 1: Francis Connor SCO
Assistant Referee 2: Daniel McFarlane SCO
Fourth Official: Donald Robertson SCO
Video Assistant Referee: Andrew Dallas SCO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Steven McLean SCO
UEFA Referee Observer: Andrejs Sipailo LVA
UEFA Delegate: Romano Clavadetscher SUI
Group E
18:00 CET - Tbilisi (Boris Paichadzis Dinamo Arena)
GEORGIA - SPAIN
Referee: Benoît Bastien FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Hicham Zakrani FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Aurélien Berthomieu FRA
Fourth Official: Romain Lissorgue FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Mathieu Vernice FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Nathan Verboomen BEL
UEFA Referee Observer: Draženko Kovačić CRO
UEFA Delegate: Könül Mehtiyeva AZE
Group H
18:00 CET - Limassol (Alphamega Stadium)
CYPRUS - AUSTRIA
Referee: Urs Schnyder SUI
Assistant Referee 1: Marco Zürcher SUI
Assistant Referee 2: Benjamin Zürcher SUI
Fourth Official: Sven Wolfensberger SUI
Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San SUI
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Lukas Fähndrich SUI
UEFA Referee Observer: Vlado Svilokos CRO
UEFA Delegate: Mark Evans WAL
Group J
18:00 CET - Vaduz (Rheinpark Stadion)
LIECHTENSTEIN - WALES
Referee: Juxhin Xhaja ALB
Assistant Referee 1: Arbër Zalla ALB
Assistant Referee 2: Rejdi Avdo ALB
Fourth Official: Enea Jorgji ALB
Video Assistant Referee: Ángelos Evangélou GRE
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Kreshnik Bajramaj ALB
UEFA Referee Observer: Marcin Szulc POL
UEFA Delegate: Bart van Soest NED
Group B
20:45 CET - Geneva (Stade de Genève)
SWITZERLAND - SWEDEN
Referee: Erik Lambrechts BEL
Assistant Referee 1: Jo De Weirdt BEL
Assistant Referee 2: Kevin Monteny BEL
Fourth Official: Lawrence Visser BEL
Video Assistant Referee: Bram Van Driessche BEL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Bert Put BEL
UEFA Referee Observer: Leslie Irvine NIR
UEFA Delegate: Rimla Akhtar ENG
Group B
20:45 CET - Ljubljana (Stadion Stožice)
SLOVENIA - KOSOVO
Referee: Clément Turpin FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Nicolas Danos FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Benjamin Pagès FRA
Fourth Official: Stéphanie Frappart FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jérémie Pignard FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Stefan Meßner AUT
UEFA Delegate: Thura Win ENG
Group C
20:45 CET - Copenhagen (Parken - Connected by 3)
DENMARK - BELARUS
Referee: Sven Jablonski GER
Assistant Referee 1: Eduard Beitinger GER
Assistant Referee 2: Dominik Schaal GER
Fourth Official: Harm Osmers GER
Video Assistant Referee: Christian Dingert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Daniel Schlager GER
UEFA Referee Observer: João Francisco Lopes Ferreira POR
UEFA Delegate: Pat Duffy IRL
Group C
20:45 CET - Piraeus (Stádio Geórgios Karaïskákis)
GREECE - SCOTLAND
Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano ESP
Assistant Referee 1: Ángel Nevado Rodríguez ESP
Assistant Referee 2: Guadalupe Porras Ayuso ESP
Fourth Official: José Luis Munuera Montero ESP
Video Assistant Referee: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández ESP
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Javier Iglesias Villanueva ESP
UEFA Referee Observer: Barış Şimşek TUR
UEFA Delegate: Igor Radojčić SRB
Group H
20:45 CET - Zenica (Stadion Bilino polje)
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - ROMANIA
Referee: Michael Oliver ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Stuart Burt ENG
Assistant Referee 2: James Mainwaring ENG
Fourth Official: Christopher Kavanagh ENG
Video Assistant Referee: Michael Salisbury ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Peter Bankes ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Drago Kos SVN
UEFA Delegate: Łukasz Sojski POL
Quite logical set of appointments - level of importance aligns with the standing of the referee.
ReplyDeleteJug repeating Norway after MD1 feels a bit unneccessary though...
The match between France and Ukraine in November for the World Cup qualifiers is fairly well known from the perspective of international refereeing. Some of you will maybe remember it, others less, but Slovenia was once again a protagonist on that occasion. Damir Skomina officiated that match, of course, no need to remember, these were times before today's video assistant referee, and unfortunately, someone on his refereeing team paid a very high price. Vincic was fourth official at that time, 12 years ago, 19 November 2013. He learned from Skomina. Now it seems as Obrenovic must learn from Vincic in all games they are assigned.
ReplyDeleteObviously, for such a high-profile game like France-Ukraine, with additional focus due to the national team being connected to a current topic, the Committee takes maximum precautions by sending Dankert once again, while Borosak, as we can confirm, continues his on-and-off saga: he is used in a very irregular manner, and only when the match is not of strict interest, like the one between Norway and Estonia, which is fine, otherwise it is no longer his responsibility. This is how the UEFA Referees Committee operates.
Mariani on friday referee of Poland Netherlands en for or friend Godinho is monday the referee @ Netherlands - Lithunia
ReplyDeleteYou mean Netherlands vs poland : maraini and holland vs Lithuania: luis godinho
DeleteIs this confirmed?
DeletePredictions for the other matches? Some of them will be very interesting probably Austria vs Bosnia will be the decisive game. Whoever wins goes to the World Cup. UEFA must assign one of the top 5 elite referees for that match.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think, all the top Elite referees will work (if they are available).
DeleteAUT-BIH maybe for Letexier.
The game at Wembley has relatively little importance, given that England has already qualified and Serbia is fighting to stay in the playoffs, even though they are in 3rd place in their group. In theory, Kruzliak shouldn't be working this game.
ReplyDeleteVinic, in theory, also won't need to work the game in Paris, because France needs to secure its qualification.
As for Nyberg, I foresee strong emotions in Dublin. The Swede sees an interesting promotion in the Champions League games and the great challenge of facing Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. It's worth mentioning that the Portuguese are known for demanding many decisions from the referee. Self-control, calm and composure will be important for Nyberg to deal with these players.
Tom Abongile will referee Nigeria vs Gabon playoff round, and Ismail Mahmood will take Cameroon- DR Congo
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere that, at least for those games, CAF will use VAR. Is that correct?
DeleteYes
DeleteAnd Jalal Jayed for Final play off
DeleteYes we'll finally have VAR
DeleteThe decision to appoint Italian referee Maurizio Mariani for Poland vs. the Netherlands is, on paper, a curious one. The match carries little “real” pressure: the Dutch can afford to lose and still advance on goal difference if they beat Lithuania. Hardly the kind of high-stakes test expected for a referee chasing a World Cup spot.
ReplyDeleteBut… that may be precisely the point. This looks like a politically calculated move, part of UEFA and FIFA’s ongoing power games to quietly secure Mariani’s path toward the World Cup 2026. A safe environment, minimal controversy, and low risk of complaints - the perfect assignment for someone they want to protect.
Meanwhile, another candidate with a less influential passport will likely face a far tougher, more volatile fixture, where one mistake can end a World Cup dream.
As one insider once put it: “In football, the dirtiest games are played long before the whistle blows.”
Let's say that, in my opinion, they are aware that Mariani is not at the same level as other referees, especially the top elite ones who can handle very important, even crucial, qualification matches. So his appointments are, in a sense, quite normal. They give him something significant in the league stage of the Champions League, because, after all, that's not an extremely important clash; it's just three points in the context of a medium-length competition with 8 matchdays.
DeleteI think it's quite clear how Committee works: even though they know the referee in question isn't at very top level, they still have to bring him, so they give matches that suit the level and, in a way, they try to assign him to the most high-profile ones only in contexts where, even if something goes wrong, it wouldn't be such a big problem. It's not really about managing referees to protect them and help them reach objectives. It's just to find the best way to avoid consequences in case of poor performance. In my view, this isn't something that can always work, and at the same time, I don't think the committee is obsessed with that idea; rather, they are obsessed with avoiding all kind of problems in matches. They give full priority to the teams, both clubs and national sides, even over refereeing evaluations. What matters to them is that there's no controversy in the end. So instead of trusting an official who might make a certain mistake, in their view, they appoint another referee they completely trust, just to avoid borderline situations. This, in my opinion, deserves strong criticism, because a real developmental path for a referee would involve facing difficult stages that should be handled by the Committee itself even under the huma point of view, continuing to place trust in that referee. But evidently, that doesn't happen. When they realize a referee can't reach a certain level, they keep him on standby. He probably won't play a leading role. Of course, it only takes one good performance to get a bit of extra credit, and then everything gets covered up at a certain point, it's easy when things go well. Now I'm very curious about the path of Mariani, at moment in an extremely poor period under the eyes of all people, somehow he managed to be ahead of Guida and Massa, also for external factors (injuries of other contenders), it's tricky! Because for me he is not a refeere at WC level, I don't think we can entirely rule out the possibility that they might somehow manage to take two Italian referees (at WC), even though that would be completely unfair. But with Mariani alone it's not enough for sure if they want to give something important once again to Italy at WC. They need to add someone else to make sure at least one of the two can go a bit further in the competition, at least in my opinion. Anyway, we'll see what happens.
Chefren what do you think, in what position is Peljto for UEFA? World Cup?
DeleteI think at moment he is in good position after all he showed in recent times, maybe the game in Madrid, last in Champions League, was a bit problematic, but if we look at the overall progress, very good. Waiting for the next assignment after being back from Chile and Under 20 World Cup. Maybe a crucial WC qualifier?
DeleteEs verdad que Mariani hizo un despropósito renel Napoli Inter pero también árbitro la final del sub 20 , lo hizo bien y eso es una medalla que cuenta a lo hora del mundial
Delete@Oscar:
DeleteOfficiating the U-20 final is a good experience.
But the real question is: will Mariani take the spot of a more experienced colleague — someone with World Cup experience or who has officiated at the FIFA Club World Cup? Because that would be, in my view, quite questionable.
Experience at a WC or CWC is far more valuable, as the U-20 tournament - with all due respect - remains a youth competition. The pressure and scrutiny at a senior World Cup or CWC are on a completely different level.
Moreover, Mariani hasn’t even attended a EURO yet. Ideally, a WC nomination should come after a EURO appearance. But we all know how this tends to go, and frankly, it’s unfair.
The real issue is: why does having an Italian passport seem to carry so much weight? Let’s be honest: Serie A refereeing is currently at its lowest point, without a clear #1 and a philosophy of “allowing everything.”
Mariani was poor in the U20 final, missing the first and very crucial incident, and also suffering the game later on. If you say that officiating that game, regardless of the performance, and getting the medal is enough for palmares, I disagree.
DeleteIt was just a choice to send him, could have been another referee, one must be honest, going at WC for him, considering the background before U20 WC would be more than surprising. But it will happen...
Brooks being observed by rizzoli
ReplyDeleteWhat appointment we expect rest of matches?
ReplyDeleteGIBRALTAR - MONTENEGRO and CROATIA - FAROE ISLANDS Group L (no Group I)
ReplyDeleteWhy Uefa/Rosetti has the need to appoint twice an Italian on the match between Netherlands and Poland? Why? Sozza in Rotterdam, and now Mariani.... don't get that, and this should not be allowed!
ReplyDeleteWhy is Luca Pairetto FO with a Greek crew? Hard to believe all Greek FIFA Referees will be used.
ReplyDeleteFotias at Under 17 WC
DeletePapapetrou referee of the game
Tsakalidis with an under 21 game
Vergetis at U19 (see friendlies post)
So we have only Sidiropoulos and Papadopoulos but very likely they have games on next days.
I also wonder why GIBRALTAR - MONTENEGRO (both teams already eliminated) even needs a Category 1 referee. In the past, it was common to assign referees from countries that you otherwise wouldn't encounter in the Europa League or even the Conference League for such matches. You can of course require a certain level of refereeing, but I would have nominated a promising referee for this rather than a 40-year-old with the experience of nine appearances in the Europa League.
DeleteGreece has only 6 FIFA referees (instead of 7).
DeleteLast year mr Lannoy (without any apparent reason) decided to nominate only 6 FIFA referees to replace Diamantopoulos and Manouchos. This year he nominated a 7th name but it's unclear if FIFA will give the spot back.
I do not actively follow refereeing in Greece, but I suspect that there were specific obstacles that led Stéphane Lannoy to 'forego' a FIFA referee. Austria also traditionally provides 7 FIFA referees, but after Harald Lechner's retirement, we only had 6 for a year because his resignation came too late (after the registration deadline). And even this year, Austria 'only on paper' has 7 FIFA referees, because Alan Kijas has been out of action for a year (also in Austria) and is only working as a VAR.
DeleteHello guys, does anyone have information about the number of referees' seats from each continent to the 2026 World Cup?
ReplyDeleteAccording to Árbitro Internacional, the initially planned confederational slots for referees is thought to be like this:
DeleteOFC: 1 referee + 1 reserve (Kawana-Waugh referee, Aukwai support referee)
AFC, CAF & Concacaf: 6 referees + 1 reserve
Conmebol: 8 referees + 1 reserve
UEFA: 12 referees + 1 reserve
However I hope/expect UEFA gets more than that. UEFA had 11 referees in CWC, a 32-teams tournament, honestly UEFA should have ≈14+1 slots in a 48-team tournament.
Somehow, the development of the proportions between the confederations reminds me a bit of that of the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church, who rapidly shift from Europe to the rest of the world. While UEFA provided 15 out of 34 referees (44%) at the 1998 World Cup (the first with 32 teams), according to information from Árbitro Internacional, there would be only 12 out of 39 referees (31%) at the 2026 World Cup. All other confederations would either gain or remain stable: CONCACAF +7 pp, AFC +4 pp, CONMEBOL +3 pp, CAF +1 pp. (Due to rounding, these integers do not sum to 0.)
DeleteI'm just waiting for someone to ask "and why should uefa have more judges than 12?"
DeleteI think that this question would have little relevance in practice: At the 2022 World Cup, 71% of the referees came from UEFA/CONMEBOL/CONCACAF and the remaining 29% from CAF/AFC/OFC. From the round of 16 onwards, 15 of the 16 matches (94%) were officiated by referees from UEFA/CONMEBOL/CONCACAF, and only the (often criticized, not even held at the UEFA EURO) third-place match (6%) by one from the host confederation. Therefore, the distribution of referees does not reflect that of their actual assignments.
DeleteI think Erik Lambrechts have Switzerland - Sweden match
ReplyDeletePortugal vs Armenia : irfan pleto
ReplyDeleteconfirmed?
DeleteYes confirmed according to some reports
Deletebest appointment for Oliver, good one for Turpin, no surprise in this set as well.
ReplyDeleteGermany vs Slovakia I think pinheiro
ReplyDeleteLife goal: Find someone in life who will take care of you as our friend takes care of Portuguese referees... Cheers all the best!
DeleteNo. Just no.
DeleteI’m expecting a more experienced Elite in the Germany–Slovakia. Think Taylor, Marciniak or Letexier.
Although die Mannschaft should get the job done at home. The standings, the media spotlight (final matchday!) require a very experienced name, and Pinheiro still lacks sufficient international backing. Crucial matches like this can easily harm the career of a rising Portuguese referee.
Never ever Taylor, forgotten what happened a year ago?
DeleteYeah, maybe not this time. ;-)
DeletePersonally, I would assign Letexier and Marciniak to SCO–DEN and GER–SVK.
SCO-DEN has the opportunity to be a direct qualification match or a very unimportant match depending on the results on Saturday so I would agree with Anonymous's remarks. I expect Marchinak in GER and Letexier in SCO.
DeleteDo you see Jablonski in front of Harm Osmers?
ReplyDeleteof course!
DeleteTherefore, for me, Jablonski is the future number 1 in Germany regarding UEFA, ahead of Osmers, Badstübner, etc.
DeleteHis style is a little different. He is stronger on the field, good presence (my point of view).
DeleteOliver with the standout game on Saturday. Walsh with a very straightforward game on paper. Curious to find out which version of Manzano turns up for GRE-SCO. Schnyder gets an opportunity to bounce back on the European stage after an unfortunate outing last time I saw him. Then the rest of the appointments I can only presume are expected unless our more knowledgeable European contributors can educate me.
ReplyDeleteMy predictions for (probably) crucial games in the last round:
ReplyDeleteGER - SVK: Szymon Marciniak
SCO - DEN: Joao Pinheiro
AUT - BIH: Francois Letexier
Schotland-Denmark -> referee observer is from Portugal.
DeleteI didn't see that, where did you find the information?
DeleteYes the observer is from Portugal vito melo pereira the information is uefa website
DeleteThere are also UKR-ISL, HUN-IRL and WAL-MKD as potentially crucial games.
DeleteI would say:
GER-SVK: Pinheiro
SCO-DEN: Makkelie
AUT-BIH: Letexier
UKR-ISL: Taylor
HUN-IRL: Marciniak
WAL-MKD: Eskas
Then Peljto in POR-ARM (as reported), Siebert in ITA-NOR, Guida in ESP-TÜR, Kruzliak in KOS-SUI in the next best games.
Kruzliak referee england vs serbia tonight
DeleteRight, then maybe Massa instead in that game.
DeleteJust realized, that I forgot Zwayer. He obviously is a candidate for one of the big games as well. So maybe Zwayer in AUT, Letexier in GER and Pinheiro in KOS instead.
DeleteWe have an interesting set to comment.
ReplyDeleteStarting from Rumsas, one should wonder whether Kazakhstan - Belgium can be considered a game for a referee looking for promotion, at this point of his career. When we discover that Belgium can fight for first place, and they could have troubles in such a game against a very physical team, wecan maybe saythat the answer to the previous question is positive, a good game for the Lithuanian. But very likely to officiate in a very strict way. North Macedonia and Wales follow closely. Of course the Albanian referee is OK for Wales game, even sub standard assignment for him.
Turkey - Bulgaria maybe is not the best game for Walsh, a win by home-side is expected, but it can be a challenging game, if Turkey will not score, given how Bulgaria can play. Still, the Scottish could have had something better and that's the "minimum" for him, maybe also because he was out for a while.
After a very good period, now it seems as Georgia can't manage again big achievements, even less in this game against Spain. A win by Spain is definitely what one could expect with maybe just a small degree of difficulty (Georgia at home), nevertheless, sub standard for an Elite referee. Given that Bastien is the third from his country, then you can maybe explain wy he got this one.
Slovenia - Kosovo: very open group, I would say game more important for Kosovo than Slovenia at moment, maybe a very last chance for the very well known country, but first of all a head to head with Switzerland. So they send Turpin, a very top name.
Also a good move to hide him, but hard to believe that a referee could get two games in this international window.
The other game of the group, also important but maybe less "dirty" and indeed we have Lambrechts, a Category 1 on his way.
One here should expect Switzerland win, but frankly, it's hard to think that Sweden has now this level, so the tie could be even more open. In all cases, the more decisive one for the group is the one for Turpin, no doubts.
Denmark - Belarus should be a piece of cake at moment, with first placed team against the last one, and we have the German in development. Answering the question above by RefGERCologne, I agree. It seems now they are moving very clearly on Jablonski, after a period in which he was not that much used. And Osmers had some attempts, but he was never really pushed, especially after some controversial games, the idea is that committee didn't like him in full, but of course only opinion. Now we will see what Jablonski can reach.
The Swiss referee is back after the observation by Rosetti and it's already a very good thing for him to get a game, honestly, this can be even surprising, I don't want to exaggerate, we know it's easier to find a game in European qualifiers than the club competitions (and it will be curious to see when he will be back there, maybe in Conference League), but this was not immediately expected. Game important only for Austria, even if Cyprus has a very few chances, they absolutely don't consider that.
Bosnia Herzegovina - Romania is definitely the big one, important for qualification and also the very aggressive way of playing. So one can say that committee took a decision, the English referee can make this sacrifice, however the game is definitely not on the international community spotlight, it can be extremely heavy, but then in case it will remain rather "confined" and I think Rosetti thouht exactly about that (meaning that he could still get important games in Champions League without teams from these countries, even in case of controversial decisions...). Maybe one can call this one the hottest clash of this Matchday 9 so far.
Last comment about Gil Manzano, below standard for the Spanish. At moment, Sanchez with best assignments. Greece being out from qualification, just Scotland fighting fro first place, however still difficult given that a win by Denmark is expected.
Question, because you are comparing the line-ups in the World Cup qualification with the performances recently delivered: are these appointments made by UEFA or by FIFA? If FIFA decides, they would be independent of any recent UEFA performances.
DeleteThe appointments are made by UEFA, so Rosetti, and then only approved by FIFA.
DeleteTurpin is a top referee, he could just as easily have taken the decisive match in Leipzig or Scotland. And while Group B is admittedly still wide open — agreed — it does seem to me that a certain president may have requested a high-profile official for the game in Slovenia.
DeleteMy mind is a bit biased when it comes to politics though ;)
Rumsas repeating Kazakhstan after MD1…
ReplyDeleteIMO utterly incomprehensible call by Abongile Tom in Gabon-Nigeria play-off.
ReplyDeleteClear shirt-pulling by NGA12 on GAB2 in a set piece, called to OFR by countrywoman Akhona Makhalima, but after a very long review decided to reject VAR's suggestion for a PK and uphold the play-on decision.
Clip: https://x.com/LeTalkSo/status/1989021871963070554
Massive bias towards Nigeria and their 225 million population. This is a clear PK, var was correct
DeleteSeveral minutes at the screen. Restart was also incorrect as it went out for a throw in but the referee awarded a corner
ReplyDeleteHmm, I have the impression that the ball bounced beyond the goal line before eventually going out of bounds again from the touchline, so I think the corner-kick restart in case of play-on is understandable.
Delete(Still doesn't excuse that IMO it's a stonewall PK)
OK, we have confirmation that Italy - Norway will be meaningless game.
ReplyDeleteCurious about the appointment, maybe Zwayer, it was made before today so committee had to leave an open door about a possible draw by Norway today, but it didn't happen. It will be now an easy task for the referee involved.
As I believe it was Lincoln who mentioned this, absolutely no need for Kruzliak on the ENG game. Incredibly straightforward and nothing to report.
ReplyDeleteNyberg seemed a bit confused. He put his hand to his ear, told them to wait, and then blew the whistle to end the first half. A curious moment in Dublin.
ReplyDeleteThat happens a lot in La Liga. It's just the referee waiting for the VAR to finish checking something.
DeleteReason for Dias' caution (and VAR check for VC) in the 1st half:
Deletehttps://streambug.org/cv/11e4b3
A surprising result at the moment in Ireland - Portugal, if the result holds and Ireland wins, the Hungary - Ireland match will be a match with high stakes as to who will advance to the play-offs
ReplyDeleteAnd we should expect a big name, if they lose everything will be decided
DeleteSomebody should explain to me this call by Dankert.
ReplyDeleteVincic refused the call. I must say, the Slovenian had his arguments.
Will Nyberg send Ronaldo off?
ReplyDeleteYes he will
DeleteBig call by Van Boekel with the sending off for Cristiano Ronaldo, not all VARs would dare that...
ReplyDeleteExcellent decision by both officials
Deletehttps://streamff.com/v/ac103564
DeleteThe call must be praised. These are situations involving Cristiano Ronaldo himself that before VAR's era were very often punished by YC because it was him... now a very clear action as reaction against opponent can be only red card. One must only hope that all VARs would have agreed on that.
And adding to the hype: Van Boekel and Nyberg's standing within the committee will grow due to their decision regarding Ronaldo. Because, as I've said before, some other judges hesitated to expel him because of what he represents in football.
DeleteAzerbaijan - Iceland, Dabanović kept everything under control, strong personality, understands football very well, you need to look at that physical preparation, really very good.
ReplyDeleteProbably any player would get a red card for this move... they will only comment on this because it's Ronaldo. Good decision by Nyberg and VAR room.
ReplyDeleteAs a football fan, I'd say: if it were a troubled kid like Yamal, I'd understand the sending-off. But a player of Cristiano Ronaldo's caliber, at 40 years old, losing his temper? At the very least, it's unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteGood decision from nyberg red card well deserved
ReplyDeleteNyberg showing free kick and throw-in signals with two hands. Never seen a referee do that.
ReplyDeleteIt's not very bold to say this, but I believe Nyberg and Van Boekel have secured their places in the World Cup squad. Because it's not every day that a player of Ronaldo's caliber gets sent off.
ReplyDeleteI’m a Nyberg fan, but let’s not exaggerate :)
DeleteHe could have made himself immortal by spotting the incident live on the field. Once forced to the monitor, most refs just follow the VAR anyway.
And speaking of Van Boekel: he wasn’t at the FIFA Club World Cup, so his standing with FIFA is rather unclear. On top of that, he has another compatriot (Higler) who was recently the VAR in the UCL final - and isn’t he going to the Arab Cup?
Kruzliak with a straightforward performance. No issues to report
ReplyDeleteFor Sunday, HUNIRL and UKRISL become direct clashes for a play-off spot.
ReplyDeleteI think some are exaggerating with this red card...Yes, that a player like CR7 shows this attitude is very poor, it leaves a lot to think about...considering that many see him as their idol. But let's also not act as if this type of action had never been seen in important players...It was OBVIOUS that Van Boekel was going to intervene (I find it hard to think that any VAR referee would have remained silent)
ReplyDeleteNyberg already has his place in WC (although this would not have happened) We'll see if Van Boekel can get on the list...I’m not sure about him.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Delete"Cristiano Ronaldo has always been a resilient and highly disciplined athlete to avoid tense problems in matches that culminated in an expulsion."
DeleteHuh?
Hungary vs. Ireland will be a tough one; actually Marciniak seems a likely choice. Wales vs. North Macedonia looks a direct battle for second place as well.
ReplyDeleteScotland vs. Denmark should decide first place, if Scotland don’t slip against Greece.
Italy–Norway is awkward. Zwayer makes sense given Rocchi’s recent observation, though it feels like a questionable use of the German considering the other (more crucial) fixtures.
Group B could be wide open if Slovenia and Sweden win, and Group H (with Austria) also remains open for both top spots.
Isn’t it striking that Turpin, Vincic and Kovacs aren’t appointed on the final matchday >> referees with recent UCL finals and strong UEFA backing? It now looks like e.g. Taylor, Makkelie, Zwayer, Eskas, Guida, Peljto and Pinheiro will feature, plus Marciniak and Letexier. Quite surprising imo, given the extra scrutiny and additional pressure on the final matchdays. I think, I would have switched some names…
It's not quite as easy as you suggest.
DeleteYou don't want to use everyone on MD6 for a few reasons. First, some of the MD5 games are critical in their own right, as we're seeing. Second, you might need some distance between certain teams and certain referees for the playoffs. Staggering some referees between MD5 and 6 allows for more flexibility.
Also I'm not sure if this is acknowledged implicitly in your post or if you're suggesting otherwise, but the MD6 assignments had to be made in advance. Assignments aren't reactive to MD5 results, they are made based on best guesses regarding (and insuring against certain) MD5 results.
Take Italy v Norway, for example. We know now with certainty it's largely irrelevant but there was a small scenario where it could have been the hottest game of all. So it will be interesting to say what decision UEFA made there.
On the other hand, was Hungary v Ireland guaranteed to be big? Perhaps not. Had Ireland lost today (a perfectly reasonble outcome) that would have been a nothing match. Now, it's massive. So which eventuality did UEFA plan more for?
You can't but your biggest names on ALL the biggest possible matches, so I suspect there might be one or two assignments that end up standing out as somewhat risky for MD6 when we finally see them.
Wales are already pretty much in the playoffs because of their nations league performance (bad rule imo) so that game isn't as important as it may seem.
Delete@usaref:
DeletePerhaps my earlier point wasn’t entirely clear, but it’s striking that Oliver, Vinčić, Kovács, and Turpin are all on MD9 instead of the final matchday. These are Europe’s top candidates to go deep at the 2026 World Cup — potentially even to a semi-final or final. Marciniak and Letexier also fit that mold, but Marciniak has already done everything, and Letexier is a “special case”: after handling a EURO final, he might never be in contention for a World Cup final under Collina (though we can’t know for sure).
By contrast: Taylor, Eskås, Makkelie, Peljto, Pinheiro, but also e.g. Guida will likely appear on MD10 now. What do they share? Their World Cup tickets are far less certain. Some of them are on shakier ground. And that’s notable, because MD10 carries far heavier media scrutiny. You could even argue that Oliver, Vinčić, Kovács, and Turpin are being shielded on purpose. Same applies to Nyberg and Mariani, who are also deemed in a secure spot.
Regarding Hungary–Ireland, you’re absolutely right. I suspect RefCom didn’t fully anticipate Portugal losing, and we may see that reflected in the appointment. On paper, the key matches (on beforehand) were SCO–DEN, GER–SVK, UKR-ISL, Group B, and Group H, and the assignments should reflect that. Turpin on Slovenia–Kosovo raised my eyebrows though: both are small football nations with limited media attention - so the appearance of Turpin is interesting. But with a Slovenian UEFA president, Slovenia clearly enjoys some preferential treatment.
ITA–NOR could have become heated, but Norway slipping up was unlikely; Estonia had nothing at stake. I expect a German referee in Milan - the referee observer is Dutch. Zwayer has recently been observed by Rocchi and Rizzoli which is… Interesting. For the record, I think Daniel Siebert is currently in better form than Zwayer.
@TC021002: that’s a good point! I hadn’t realized that.
Hungary Ireland, Ukraine Iceland and Austria Bosnia will be the toughest games and will need the strongest possible referees ... Marciniak, Letexier and who in your opinion?
ReplyDeleteMakkelie, Taylor and Zwayer are the other top options. As discussed above, SCO-DEN and GER-SVK should also be added, so that might be your 5 for 5.
DeleteSmall observation: The first legs DEN-SCO, ISL-UKR and IRL-HUN were all handled by German referees. It could limit the options for Zwayer, although UEFA doesn't seem to care too much.
France - Ukraine
ReplyDeleteOFR for a possible penalty to Ukraine, referee doesn't change decision.
https://streambug.org/cv/2a8630
Penalty to France and YC for reckless
https://streambug.org/cv/9f0b63
VAR check for a possible foul on keeper after 3-0 by France
https://streambug.org/cv/a69a55
In my opinion the OFR is wrong and the Slovenian referee did a good thing in confirming NO PENALTY. Don't know how much this one was shown maybe for particular purposes, we all remember the last crucial games for Ukraine and Gil Manzano officiating on the way to Euro 2024, so one can't fully exclude, but rather hard to believe in reality, that referee were instructed to do so in case of borderline decisions, to make clear to Ukranian fans that referee would make an assessment in all cases. Otherwise for me, a mistake by Dankert to invite, because to me it seems even that ball is touched by French player. I would deem this one as normal play contact. Technically, this call should be made from VAR when he is sure that attacker has clearly kicked ball and there is contact with opponent, with the latter being late on his action. I can't see this configuration in this incident, or at least one can just think about it, but then the evidence is different (so maybe the argument above).
Then, to follow all correct, both the penalty for reckless and the regular goal in the end.
Obviously a penalty. Studs on the foot.
DeleteNot only it was a wrong intervention, it also took far too long before Vincic was invited
DeleteHungary-Ireland Espen Eskás NOR source: Hungarian FA
ReplyDeletePortugal vs Armenia - Peljto
ReplyDeleteHungary vs Ireland - Eskas
Big game for Eskas in Hungary Ireland, and same for Taylor as he gets a decisive Ukraine Iceland.
ReplyDeleteHernandez Hernandez gets Italy Norway, very likely a reassignment after the last games which makes this one even more irrelevant.
Too bad we won’t get to know who would have refereed Italy VS. Norway in case Norway had dropped points against Estonia. I assume not Hdz Hdz…
DeleteI must be honest and share my opinion about Eskas:
DeleteI never understood what is so special with him and I don't see how he justify the support he has and the matches he gets.
Then I thought that most probably I'm the problem so I gave him time to convince me that I'm wrong. Watched him for the last 2 years for almost 10 games, the last 5 in a row… and he is a good referee, no doubt, no one is saying that he doesn't have quality.I just think he's a much more limited referee than we all think. And in his matches everything is great until players get more passionate or nervous... I don't mean to offend anyone with my comment just think the quality he has and the performance he is currently showing are nowhere near the support he is getting. To repeat again, maybe I'm totally wrong but the time will be the best judge
The comment above just described what I think about Nyberg. 🙃
DeleteIf I can give my opinion, I think I can at least partially catch the point from which your idea about the Norwegian referee originates, which, in my view, could also be extended to other referees coming from that cultural context. Historically, we are not used to seeing many Nordic referees who can somewhat keep control of the game in European matches, at least in recent times. We know the decline that occurred after names like Eriksson for Sweden or Moen from Norway; after that almost no one at the very top level. So discovering new referees from these nations also means, in my opinion, looking at their characteristics, which would be fundamentally different, but from an international perspective. And I think the Norwegian has, at least, handled all this fairly well, even if I must agree that the excellence some people attribute to him, in my opinion, hasn't been reached, though he would still have time to do so. I also believe a lot of focus is on him because he represents the future of his country. It's a somewhat similar story for the Swedish referee Nyberg, who, currently, in my view, has had a longer path than the Norwegian, has gained more experience, and has shown more significant qualities. However, it seems that both of them still lack that certain something that truly characterizes the "complete" referees of the UEFA Elite. That could come in the future, but we certainly can't deny that what they have achieved so far are quite good results. And I can also understand why the same referees might be seen differently by different people. Of course, they are not bad; they don't deliver poor performances, quite the opposite, they are good, but for some people, they might be "normal" referees. The future will tell more.
DeleteGibraltar - Montenegro: very controversial penalty call by Papapétrou.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion it was rather a simulation, but a contact could have still made it penalty. For this reason, verry tricky incident, 4 minutes or more needed by VAR Tzílos before calling referee. Then, after rewatching (not a short OFR) the Greek decided for nothing. I think this middle way wasn't the best way to deal with it. In such incidents to me you should either confirm penalty or give a card for simulation, I can't see a normal contact of football here... unconvincing management...
It's not the most high-profile match in terms of media interest tonight, but it's perhaps the most interesting from the refereeing perspective. In 40', shortly before half time, a second OFR for the Greek referee, called by VAR. My feeling is that it didn't look like something very evident to allow VAR, the referee made another rather long review and he gave penalty to away-team.
DeleteNormal game for Mariani so far but one incident should be analysed.
ReplyDelete36' Missed advantage and YC or missed RC to #2 NED?
https://streamff.link/v/6b2a4c15
A good offside decision by Kovacs and AR1. Lengthy delay before being whistled due to the subjective nature of the call but it was correct
ReplyDeleteHard to understand for the enthusiastic crowd in Košice.
DeleteSituations that it would be better if they didn't happen.
Meanwhile, it looks like that after a strongly requested second YC in Luxembourg - Germany, the game became challenging for the English referee.
Now Slovakia goal disallowed by VAR for handball by goal scorer. Very hard to spot live
ReplyDeleteSecond goal disallowed for Slovakia, handball by attacker.
ReplyDeleteOverrule by VAR.
Third Slovakian goal will stand, there was suspicion of a foul but nothing given
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not VAR stuff
Deletenever a foul
DeleteKovacs an embarrassment. Every 50/50 he gave to slovakia. Weak and gullible
ReplyDeleteEh? 🤣🤣🤣🤦♂️
DeleteAgree unfortunately, too many soft fouls given in favor of Slovakia even several dives with no touch at all were given as fouls. Not his best performance...
DeleteAnybody who uses the term 50/50 is immediately not credible. That’s what players say.
DeleteHm. Normally IK is not a 50/50 referee and has a great integrity to the Game.
DeleteBusy first half for the Greek crew in Gibraltar, as said.
ReplyDeleteHere the clips. Extremely long decision making process and the feeling that VAR was really in doubt, especially regarding the first incident in 21'.
21' Penalty removed after OFR
https://streambug.org/cv/0ae60a
38' Penalty whistled after OFR
https://streambug.org/cv/65c71e
To add, as important aspect, 7 minutes of added time were given in first half, but if we just look at the lenght of both videos, we have already 5 minutes and 30 seconds in the first incident, while more than 2 in the second (considering the game stopped in 39:00 when VAR called). So it was even less, should have been a minimum of 8 (without considering the other stoppages). When referees have so long OFRs very often they don't perceive that the recovery time must be even longer. One could see 7 minutes as OK decision, but with the exact count, it isn't.
VAR keep the record of stoppage time and advise the referee. Neither of these are penalty kicks, the 2nd one both start pulling, VAR should not be getting involved and pappapetrou should be stronger. Weak referee!!
DeleteUnfortunately Greek referees are at a very bad form. Despite Lannoy's efforts they don't improve and there are many problems on their league.
DeleteIMO, both of the aren’t PKs.
DeleteAstonishing stopping time for doubtful VAR calls and weak referee performance without decision capability in key moments.
@Whistlerwmum: agree.
21’ is a blatant simulation and yet no yellow card. Unacceptable.
DeleteKAZ BEL
ReplyDelete77' Rumsas called to OFR for SFP.
Definitely a dangerous foul with studs on Achilles even though the intensity wasn't that high. Correct RC.
https://streamin.me/v/e01a2981
DeleteVery clear RC from behind. Maybe fourth official could have helped?
In 16. a penalty to Turkey awarded due to a punishable handball in the Bulgarian wall. But was the Law 13 passage (cited below) respected at the moment of the free kick leading to this handball?
ReplyDelete“Where three or more defending team players form a ‘wall’, all attacking team players must remain at least 1 m (1 yd) from the ‘wall’ until the ball is in play.”
https://streambug.org/cv/4a8bfd
DeleteThat's uncacceptable. Not the first time. Di Maria scored a free kick a few months ago like that. How can 4 pro refs on the field not know this?
DeleteOFR for Bastien, very clear penalty for hanbdall.
ReplyDeletehttps://streamff.link/v/fe33808b
It's impossible to miss that deflection live. Maybe ref and AR misread the contact point, but it's still a significant mistake
DeleteLambrecht, how is it possible to caution number 18 Sweden??
ReplyDeleteMinute 19, no leadership!
ReplyDeleteA few websites wrongly listed Lewis Ferguson as getting 2 yellows in the first half but I think the first one was given to McGinn
ReplyDeleteYeah the TV director had a bit of a disaster trying to identify who was cautioned and then I presume just guessed prompting a correction from the commentator who clarified who actually had been cautioned.
DeleteOliver for every Bosnia foul gives a yellow card, a complete contrast in relation to PL
ReplyDeleteAll cards fully justified for agricultural challenges by the bosnian players, also correct YC for Romania for a late tackle stopping a promising situation.
DeleteQuite good Oliver in 1st half, only mistake was a blatant corner missed in min 14 when the Bosnia GK made a crucial save in a 1 on 1 situation.
Stojanovic with 1st YC in 47',2nd YC in 53'.
ReplyDeleteCards were justified,but I was surprised that Turpin was that easy on the trigger.
Sorry but for me not enough for second yellow. From tv replays no hand in the head...
DeleteDo you see a clear reckless action by arm in the case of the second YC? And very disturbing action by opponent here, maybe better management was possible?
DeleteAgree,but Stojanovic pushed player off the field minutes before that,Turpin forgave him that.
DeleteThere,that was not the case and Stojanovic should have known better.
Switzerland minute 58. Obvious simulation before the contact. Never a penalty. Unbelievable decision.
ReplyDeleteWhat about Karlström's YC earlier?
DeleteI understand the decision but IMO this should have been a RC, it definitely would have been in the 90s and 2000s, almost violent kick from behind.
Why not. That's not football. Deliberately kicking down a player. Could absolutely claim excessive force and violent conduct. No attempt what so ever to challenge for the ball.
Deletehttps://streamff.com/v/aad71b8c
DeleteTextbook red card.
As for the clear swalbe penalty, I'm surprised that Van Driessche didn't take into Lambrechts (explicably) very bad position for the incident. Okay, the call was very likely made by the linesman, but this is surely a perfect kind of incident to give the referee a second look (and first good look) using VAR!
Quick second YC by Turpiin for reckless arm for a player who had joined the game only a few minutes before. I think that he was a bit provoked by opponent (holding), and I have doubts this action with arm on face was reckless...
ReplyDeletehttps://streamain.com/en/sZBdG2Wv34Arxsc/watch
Ceferin will be very angry about this decision by Turpin..
Deletethat will not change a lot of things for slovenia tbh.
DeleteThe Slovenian player just wants to get out of the duel, a natural hand movement, this must not be the first yellow card either.
DeleteUnderstandable decision, but with the help of replays I would describe it a as not only harsh, but even wrong 2nd YC.
DeleteIMO, natural and usual contact fot dynamic action between the players: no foul and neither 2nd YC for SLO A YC for simulation (opponent) would had been supportable eventually. That is a “clear mistake of referee”: and a VAR call for correction would had been full needed.
DeleteNEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER penalty SUI!The attacker use the body of the goalkeeper!!!
ReplyDeleteWhere are real referees?
Agree Chefren. Unfortinatelly he influenced the match with that second yellow..slovenia down to 10...
ReplyDeleteMin 53' - blatant card missed by Oliver for BOS #10 for elbow in the head, resulting in the ROU player receiving medical treatment for several minutes to stop the bleeding.
ReplyDeleteMin 66' - fully correct straight RC for Romania. Very well spotted by Oliver
DeleteExcellent RC for SFP by Oliver!
ReplyDeleteclear red card for Romania, congratulations Oliver!
ReplyDeleteWell, it's easy in modern football (and refereeing) to get a penalty.
ReplyDeleteGo close to keeper and fall down, you will get the call...
https://streambug.org/cv/c28e86
Interesting VAR is quiet here, not a penalty kick (obviously) and should have definitely have been a simulation, best and only correct decision in my opinion.
DeleteVAR stays silent because you can't deny a contact once the keeper doesn't kick ball, and the problem in modern football is that people are all used to see these situations as very clear penalties... that's the trend. An attacker can easily create a penalty.
DeleteThe simulation happens before the contact. So it's obviously a VAR situation. You always punish the offence that happens first in terms of restart. Absolutely -0.5.
DeleteI can’t agree with your explanation Chefren. First of all one of the later replays clearly shows the attacker anticipated the contact, already dived before any contact took place. So that should be enough for VAR to intervene.
DeleteAnd second, the commentator in my broadcast disagrees with the penalty awarded and is not happy with the decision. So I doubt this is seen as a very clear penalty throughout the football community.
I also think, this is a situation, where VAR should get involved in spite of the contact. Just too clear, that the attacker created both the contact and his fall without any wrongdoing by the goalkeeper.
DeleteChefren, you're saying that "you can't deny the contact, therefore everyone is expecting a PK"... This is simply extremely false... This contact was clearly and obviously created by the attacking player BEFORE the GK had even a chance to possibly commit a foul. This is a mandatory OFR IMO...
DeleteAbsolutely a mandatory OFR. What's the point in having VAR if you're going to say "you can't deny the contact?" Hogwash. The Swiss attacker cheated to win a penalty and a video referee is supposed to say "well, he cheated so good that the contact is there and I can't deny it..." Sometimes the lack of logic here astounds me. But then I realize Van Driessche probably used the same thinking. Terrible.
DeleteNever a mandatory OFR beacause there is a contact between the keeper and his opponent. It's well play by the Swiss player. For me, the PK can be accept by UEFA.
DeleteIn Italy an OFR wouldn't be called, I can only say that.
DeleteIn NL 100% var intervention. But we are trigger happy ;)
Delete@Chefren: with all my respect but I do not agree. I’m Italian like you, but when you see a simulation when a PK has been decided, VAR call is needed as being a “clear mistake of referee”, anyway.
DeleteBy other hand you are right on writing that in the modern football you protect more attackers than defenders: but not if the attacker simulation happened. It’s football, not diving 😜
IMO VAR stuff, clear mistake (simulation)
Deletehttps://streambug.org/cv/ad65ab
ReplyDeleteThe red card by Oliver.
Crystal clear. Great decision but a very expected one.
DeleteThank you Lambrecht, no feeling!!
ReplyDelete2nd yellow by Manzano given to Greek player for arm/elbow into Scottish players chest.
ReplyDeleteVery challenging end of the game for the Spanish.
DeleteI wasn't convinced by his body language shortly after the red card when there was another challenging moment to handle...
You could even considered VC in the 2YC incident, I think.
DeleteIn the following situation I think, Gil Manzano didn't notice anything, so he could hardly react to it.
Certainly no RC offence there, YC could have been given, but it wasn't really much.
Very busy referees this evening. One must say that with this performance, including the red card, Oliver has gained further credit by committee. Not the same accuracy by the other referees in the other games, it seems...
ReplyDeleteIf he didn't give a RC there especially after the crystal palace and Mateta situation earlier this year that would have been a shocking decision, just normal to detect that, nothing crazy for this level of referee.
DeleteJablonski in Dänemark very good.
DeleteOK game for Turpin, would have been a good game if he didn't give that 2nd YC. But otherwise it was an easy game for him with a lot of talks which is more surprising to give a quick 2nd YC like that. Recently he always doing very well but there is one situation that can be 60/40 and he's always choosing the wrong side, that will probably change and i will probably get more lucky in the future.
ReplyDeleteAs an objective Scotland fan, I have absolutely no idea how to sum up Manzanos performance. It may have been slightly messy at times but it contributed to an entertaining game.
ReplyDeleteFrom a Scotland perspective only 4 minutes of added time after 9 subs and other delays was a bit poor...
DeleteDid find it light personally but overall not a major issue for me
DeleteSo the situation in group B has eased, while SCO-DEN and AUT-BIH remain the expected direct duels for a direct WC spot.
ReplyDeleteBut obviously appointments were made before, so still meaningful, who gets the group B games.
Did anyone watch Jablonski? So far, I haven't read anything about his performance.
ReplyDeleteVery composed and calm game management. Complete acceptance. For me, the next number one in Germany.
DeleteI first watched all the games. In the second half I saw a lot because Belarus was leading. He sanctioned unsportsmanship quickly and severely, which was good. Very high acceptance and clean Performance to be honest.
DeleteObviously wrong RC by Turpin.
ReplyDeleteCan this be a problem for him for the rest of his season given the political background of this game ?
I think no.
DeleteNot for the remainder of the season, but I am curious whether we will see Turpin in the Champions League in about 1,5 week now. Last season (and again this season), I noticed that some referees in UEFA competitions were occasionally ‘sidelined’ for 1–2 matchdays after making an incorrect decision that affected the outcome of a match. Turpin is a very experienced referee with a strong political backing, so let’s see if he will be rejected…
DeleteAm I the only person who sees (in the clip above) that the Slovenia player quite clearly strikes out at the opponent's face on purpose? Clearly, we aren't talking about De Rossi on McBride here, but I think it is up to the discretion of the referee to determine the force of the arm use and that the call to say it is reckless is clearly acceptable (imo). It seems to me that assessing striking incidents in a fair and detached manner is a weakness of the blog, cf the penalty that Meler justifiably awarded against Atalanta last season, where the reaction here was guided by the (admittedly exaggerated) reaction of the Brugge player and not the nature of the offence itself, which was a foul.
Delete@Mikael: if you consider the Turpin decision as right, you should expect to see 3-4 RC for 2d YC per match. I’m used to agree with you, but in this case IMO the Turpin decision is wrong.
DeleteHmm. Actually, the matches in groups B, E, G, I, K, and L still seem to carry a certain degree of significance.
ReplyDeleteThe 12 nations that qualify for the play-offs will be allocated into three pots (Pots 1, 2, and 3) based on their performance in the qualifiers, with the strongest teams placed in Pot 1. The four teams that qualify via the Nations League will form Pot 4, the lowest-seeded pot in the play-offs.
In the semi-finals:
Pot 1 teams face Pot 4 teams, while Pot 2 teams face Pot 3 teams. Furthermore, for the semi-finals, the higher-ranked teams will play at home.
This means that for countries such as Italy, Czechia, Albania, Turkey, and Poland, there is still something to play for. I didn’t realize this.
Where are you seeing this? I've read Pots 1-3 will be divided based on FIFA ranking. With Pot 4 being the teams that got in through Nations League.
DeleteI’ve just found another source that actually uses the FIFA ranking as the starting point. That seems more logical, especially given the varying group sizes (4 or 5 countries).
DeleteIf we use the FIFA ranking as the basis, then it’s already certain that strong countries like Italy and Turkey will definitely play at home in a semi-final. The loser of Scotland/Denmark also starts with a home match.
Poland and Hungary are in a good position for Pot 2. Kosovo and Albania would end up in Pot 3.