The second game for Raphael Claus, the Brazilian referee in charge of USA - Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
Match #81
Round of 32
2 July 2026, 02:00 CET
Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara
USA - BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Referee: Raphael Claus BRA
Assistant Referee 1: Danilo Manis BRA
Assistant Referee 2: Rodrigo Figueiredo BRA
Fourth Official: Dario Herrera ARG
Reserve AR: Cristian Navarro ARG
Video Assistant Referee: Juan Soto VEN
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Nicolas Gallo COL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Jerome Brisard FRA
Hopefully after the circus of Martinez calm and respect for refereeing will return with a top referee in Claus from Brazil, supported by my favourite referee in Argentina along with Nick Ramirez… Mr Herrera !
ReplyDeleteIn terms of profile of match, it will be massive. Big match for him
DeleteI would like a YC for simulation there...
ReplyDeleteThere was contact so no YC
DeleteThats somewhat of a made up concept in my mind. Consider Marciniak YC to Thuram in the final of -22 for one.
DeleteAgreed, should be YC for simulation. Using minor contact to deceive the referee.
DeleteExcellent no penalty decision at 29'
ReplyDeleteSimulation. Very slight contact and a ridiculous fall.
ReplyDeleteYes agree here, slight contact so you couldn’t get a YC for simulation. In saying that, everything was just wrong for the foul. Attacker trying to feel the contact, contact comes and then the fall is delayed.
DeleteYes you can. You are wrong…
DeleteOne of the reasons for simulation in UEFA is “using minor contact to deceive the referee” so yes you absolutely can give simulation is there is contact.
DeleteFair call, are they using that definition and applying this towards this World Cup? If they are, then I haven’t seen it applied in any of the group stage or R32 games.
DeletePhenomenal offside decision by AR1
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteExcellent offside by AR1
ReplyDeleteMissed YC to Dedic,clear shirt pull
ReplyDeleteFIFA philosophy at this World Cup? I’d say it’s supportable but would have loved to see some player management here rather than just ignore it as if it was a careless foul
DeleteLot of soft fouls whistled. Now missed YC in 45+6.
ReplyDeleteI find the decision to require the player to come off there odd. If head injury and full evaluation, are they not supposed to be allowed to stay on. It was likely a missed careless foul (not card, fine) to create the injury, but would be frustrating to USA manager I am sure to then have player come off by requirement after head evaluation.
ReplyDeleteThat is correct, however the referee must determine if it is a severe injury if they are allowed to stay on the field. To me, the way the player remained on the field and the extended treatment on field, it would be considered serious?
DeleteThe incident wasn't one of the listed exceptions to the requirement to leave the field in law 5.3. (not a "severe injury" etc)
DeleteIt may be frustrating (without temporary substitutes like in rugby) but surely if it's a suspected head injury the referee (and medics) should be cautious and have the player go off to give additional time to make sure they are ok?
Yes I agree. The only thing I can think of here, is that he thinks because of the careless tackle it wasn’t serious? Mistake here by Claus.
DeleteI think with the issue around concussion and potential issue around CTE then at some point we will have to move towards temporary substitutes to protect players. I guess in football, we haven’t reached the tipping point as they have had in other sports.
Interesting match here for Claus and it isn’t unfolding as I expected it to play out.
ReplyDeleteUSA played some very physical matches, big tackles and lots of intensity. This match doesn’t have the same feel in terms of the energy or intensity of the players. BIH I found them very physical in terms of defensive tackles and used it to break down the attacks. I still feel they are definitely defensive, definitely trying to disrupt the rhythm of the USA but not the real physical battle I was expecting. Maybe the weather playing a part?
As a result, Claus hasn’t had the difficulty in terms of player or match management. Assured in his match decisions and despite the huge USA crowd, not being overawed or impacted by the crowd.
I am at the match weather is playing big part very hot here
DeleteThanks Chris
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ReplyDeleteDedic super mandatory yellow card missed min 45+ 6
ReplyDeleteAt this World Cup? Nothing is mandatory at this World Cup
Delete45+9’ Small incident to end the first half that was blown out of proportion by the players.
ReplyDeleteBIH player head injury as a result of a challenge and made contact with USA knee as he heads to ground. Melee with players coming together after BIH made contact with the shoulder in USA back. Storm in a teacup. Management was okay but maybe a sign of things to come second half?
This is the worst ref I’ve seen in the tournament by far. “Letting them play” does not at all include cynical fouls like shirt pulls to prevent attacking opportunities. Those are automatic yellow cards, and he’s missed at least 5. What a disappointment in a match like this. He’s promoting anti-football.
ReplyDelete