Difficult to emulate Irmatov's career, but here is a potential start nonetheless: Uzbekistan's Ilgiz Tantashev ready for his World Cup debut.
Match #30
Group C
20 June 2026, 00:00 CET
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
SCOTLAND - MOROCCO
Referee: Ilgiz Tantashev UZB
Assistant Referee 1:Andrey Tsapenko UZB
Assistant Referee 2: Timur Gaynullin UZB
Fourth Official: Adham Makhadmeh JOR
Reserve AR : Mohammed Alkalaf JOR
Vidéo Assistant Referee: Armando Villarreal USA
Assistant Vidéo Assistant Referee 1 : Erick Miranda MEX
Assistant Vidéo Assistant Referee 2 : Hernan Mastrangelo ARG
Good no flag from AR2 for the MOR goal
ReplyDeleteClip: https://streamable.com/r7k9md
DeleteBrilliant onside by AR2 Gaynullin ! Congrats !
ReplyDeleteMissed foul on 10’ before Morocco almost score again
ReplyDeleteAgree. Too risky play on here. Referee should whistle.
DeleteDogso on 23? Similar to Ben White red card against Bournemouth
ReplyDeleteNo. Ball is too away to have a DOGSO. Ok YC IMO.
DeleteNo possibility to to gain or control the ball so correct YC imo.
DeleteClip YC 23': https://streamable.com/hnvt4f
DeleteCorrect first YC for SPA
ReplyDeleteYC given for SPA, not sure there's enough for DOGSO there but haven't seen a replay. Think YC is correct.
ReplyDeleteHaving seen the replay (thanks RefNewGen) it's one of those that YC is supportable but if RC for DOGSO was given, I don't think it would have been overturned.
DeleteIt would be harsh but surely if the referee opted for red he wouldnt be brought to the monitor?
ReplyDeleteWhilst not in control, opportunity to play the ball if not fouled and very central. More of a DOGSO that match 1.
ReplyDeleteI think VAR would have stayed silent if the referee decided red.
DeleteNever a DOGSO. Ball is too far to have any obvious goal opportunity for scottish player. Perfect YC and VAR silent.
DeleteThe ball was basically two pitch grass stripes away, even as a Scotland fan that's not DOGSO.
DeleteRC offence ,Issa clearly prevented a clear run on goal with no covering player
ReplyDeleteShocking no foul decision
ReplyDeleteAgree. Again, foul had to be whistled. Referee can perhaps come on first one which made fallen foul by Morocco player but not let the game flow here.
DeleteClip: https://streamable.com/sl31a8
DeleteThe possible DOGSO is one that could go either way
ReplyDeleteNever close to dogso. Actually liking his style. Letting the game flow. Allowing a good level
ReplyDeleteOf physicality, teams so far accepting his approach.
Missed foul 35’. Very clear.
ReplyDeleteShocking not to blow a foul.
ReplyDeleteMissed YC imo
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteClip: https://streamable.com/wkmu97
DeleteHow on earth can the Moroccan player be playing with a bloodied tissue in his mouth?
ReplyDeleteAnd a bloodied shirt ,contra to FIFA rules.
DeleteSPA 37’? Looked like a blatant barge in the back on a counter
ReplyDelete41 rather a foul on Moroccan player before grabbing the ball
ReplyDeleteHigh bar for physical contact which is working so far. May need to tighten if it remains close
ReplyDeleteTantashev has elected to let a lot of physical play go. Result is that a couple of fouls have been missed throughout the first half
ReplyDeleteI rather enjoyed that half from Tantashev. Let the game flow, I like his gestures and style so far, YC clearly correct. If a missed foul at 36' is the worst thing, in admittedly a rather easy game, then he should be very content
ReplyDeleteShocking foul detection, for both teams 😉
ReplyDeleteDisagree. Clear and assumed management of less whistles on physical actions. For both teams.
Delete+1
DeletePerhaps letting too much go. Fast paced game needs to slow it down before a big foul gets committed. But overall he’s allowing the game to be then spectacle.
ReplyDeleteGreat to watch a referee manage with his voice and gestures rather than a thousand blows of the whistle :)
ReplyDeleteGlobally good refereeing by Tantashev which a very high tolerance on physical contacts. One good YC but perhaps one missed at 38’. Not clear one IMO.
ReplyDeleteAt least 3YC missed for late challenges 2 Moroccan 1Scot
DeleteCome on John. At 23 YC missed. No?
DeleteSo refreshing to watch a referee not whistle soft fouls. Allows the game to flow and doesnt fall for players trying to con the ref
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMissed a lot of late challenges and dangerous aerial contact and is basically allowing the Moroccans to kick Scotland out of the game.
DeleteTantashev has adopted a high bar for fouls and contact which has resulted in some minor inconsistent foul detection. Good YC on 23' for SPA. But in comparison to Ghorbal who whistled the game to death, this has been a more enjoyable watch.
ReplyDeleteAlso great to see the double handed advantage signal and prominent use of advantage throughout.
DeleteYes, why did they get rid of the double hand?
DeleteTo make it easier when running. I don't have the same nostalgic love of the double hander, but many do :-)
DeleteMakes so much sense, never thought about that 😂
DeleteI am such a nerd about it, nothing more beautiful than the sight of the double handed advantage leading to a great attacking opportunity or goal.
DeleteFor me, I now only use the double-handed advantage when Im giving a second advantage on the very same play. - learned from the best...some will know who :)
DeleteI do however love like others have mentioned that he doesnt abuse his whistle.
ReplyDelete+1 Absolutely. I wonder if Collina said to tone it down on throw ins for the countdown generally, but yes, this was very likeable
DeleteWe will find out soon with Wilton soon.
DeleteThe referee was losing control towards the end of the half because was letting far too much go,needs to get a grip in the second half
ReplyDeleteGood no penalty imo
ReplyDeleteAt least with the way he has officiated the game. He’s let a lot go but been consistent
DeleteClip: https://streamable.com/21ugsw
DeleteWow
ReplyDeletePossible pen on 57'
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHow? Explain?
ReplyDeleteOnce again S7 down too easy. Not a penalty kick. Crossed arms dangerous leaves little room for support
ReplyDeleteNever penalty. Good décision yes.
DeleteGood no penalty call
ReplyDeleteRobertson clearly used to the Only the Captain rule, ushering his players away from the referee. Also slightly unusual for him to be asking a player to pull their socks up, unless he asked him to cover the bottom and the player misunderstood. It seems fairly common for some players to have their sock rolled right down to the ankle, but he didn't like it
ReplyDeleteNever a penalty. Could have been booked for diving
ReplyDeleteClear foul missed and potential YC as well
ReplyDeleteClip + Replays: https://streamable.com/kdt9f1
DeleteExcellent Tantashev so far. Very underrated referee with an excellent style. Will never be Irmatov but can be Faghani’s successor as best in AFC
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteAgree
DeleteFoul detection becoming slightly more inconsistent for me now
ReplyDeleteLosing control now with the high bar for contact.
ReplyDeleteMaroccans can do everything they want, nothing will be whistled like in AFCON. Like USA before.
ReplyDeleteEasy to spot which team Infantino wants to go further
What a nonsense. His line is clear, consistent and equal for both teams.
DeleteThere’s contact so simulation not supportable. Neither is penalty. Bar perhaps still too high. Needs to make small awards in middle of the pitch to slow play and prevent bigger issues
ReplyDeleteWho is losing control? Great consistent refereeing for 55 minutes
ReplyDelete+1. There will always be big talks about this type of refereeing approach, but he has been doing it since the beginning, tbh...so no loss of control whatsoever for sure.
DeleteExcelent game management.
DeleteClear dive missed, poor foul detection imo
ReplyDeleteLosing the plot with low bar for Morocco on 65 YC
ReplyDeleteMoroccans are falling very easily now sometime correct no call and I feel like sometimes he’s getting abused by it
ReplyDelete3/4 of game gone. You can argue about the technicalities but overall picture he is in the background and in control. Players getting on with the game. Doesn’t have the poise of a Turpin but all being well if he sees game out this is a good performance
ReplyDeleteAgree overall but poor in foul detection imo, no consistency sometimes.
DeleteClip YC 65': https://streamable.com/0ocu9i
ReplyDeletePenalty! 😂
ReplyDeleteI am LOVING the old school dramatic signalling
ReplyDeleteHis hand gestures are very unique indeed
Delete+1 again
DeleteEven before reply not a penalty for S4.
ReplyDeleteClip: https://streamable.com/doj75u
DeleteHe has been consistent in decisions for Morocco contact and Scotland contact, but not between the two. Giving FKs to Morocco that he waves off for Scotland
ReplyDeleteSeriously from a neutral point of view as a football fan, I am really loving the flow of this game. Great refereeing!
ReplyDeleteMc Tominay's shout is credible on second look it's a pen
ReplyDeleteReplays: https://streamable.com/w98u0p
DeleteThat's way to soft for a penalty. Thanks for the vid!
DeleteToo soft for PK.
DeleteIt wasn't clear enough maybe to be overturned but if the referee had given it at first instance ... have seen softer pens given
DeleteWhat is the point of VAR ,if you are not using it in the game.
ReplyDeleteIt was used. They looked. It wasn't a clear penalty. Review over. Exactly how it should be used!
DeleteImagine if Ghorbal was refereeing this game, or if Tantashev had the Haiti-Scotland!! It’s like a different sport!
ReplyDeleteBad full time whistle, but great performance
ReplyDeleteClip: https://streamable.com/4snrdz
DeleteCongrats Tantashev on a top performance
ReplyDeleteGame was enjoyable. Refereeing was refreshing in a weird way. Really liked his style overall. Not giving crap fouls and was consistent. Potential YC at end but can forgive it. Definite candidate for latter stages
ReplyDeleteHe was neutral, he was different, i think he had a good performance. I Believe it was a penalty kick but im Scottish so... He is unique and i really like him even tho its so hard to say this. A classic old fashion referee.
ReplyDelete@ScotRef Very nice fair-play from you, respect.
DeleteHe should change to England. His style would fit to Premier League!
DeleteVery unique and - convincing!
Very good - at his personal manner - for Tantashev. Let the game flow perhaps sometimes to excessive but clear line of management. Well done.
ReplyDeleteNo management,allowed a free for all , wouldn't expect that from a junior referee at schoolboy level
DeleteI really liked this performance. Couple KMIs were correctly decided. He took risky approach with really high bar for fouls, sticked to it till the end and it payed off
ReplyDeleteThis guy is going to be a maverick referee because he lets far too much go ,and tonight not helped by VAR( was It actually in use),If he referees the likes of Argentina ,he will lose complete control because they will exploit him.
ReplyDeleteI thought that was a really solid performance. Foul line got a little blurred in the 2nd half, but not dramatically so (and no worse than most). Two penalties judged correctly I think. The second looked a little like the defender planted his foot, and McTominay moved his leg slightly into it initially, but I would need another look. It wasn't the most challenging game outwith the KMIs, and I've no idea how he would manage in something stronger, but I thought he did really well and had a really refreshing style. Deserves to be seen again
ReplyDeleteThis performance will undoubtedly split opinion. Some will love, some will dislike. I'm somewhere in the middle. Elements of that performance I absolutely loved (gestures, body language and being a positive contributor to the match) and elements I absolutely disliked (inconsistent foul detection and contact allowance).
ReplyDeleteThat aside, he is absolutely deserving of a second game, key decisions were all supportable and not VAR intervention worthy. On another day, decisions may have went the other way for both teams.
Well done Tantashev on a positive performance and I look forward to your second game.
I agree with absolutely everything you’ve said.
DeleteI think this is a very fair summation
Delete+1
DeleteYou'll struggle to find a greater contrast in styles than that of Ghorbal and Tantashev. I thought Tantashev was very consistent in allowing so much physical play to go and I can understand why it would be enjoyable to watch for a neutral.
ReplyDeleteI also think McGinn was clearly impeded and had a very strong shout for a penaltyN McTominay wasn't for me.
Before the “penalty” case of McTominay, there has been a very very clear foul on Ounahi (?) in the middle. Even if it would have been considered to be called as a penalty, the VAR should also check the situation before and invalidate the pen.
ReplyDeleteThe VAR official should be removed from the competition.
ReplyDeleteThe referee in this tournament has already shown that Collina should be sacked ,because there is too much inconsistency between games and what constitutes a foul ,a yellow card and a red card.
ReplyDeleteDo you want to try getting through a match thread without calling for every man and their dog to be sacked?
DeleteFantastic and consistent performance.
ReplyDelete