Espen Eskas to referee his second game at WC, the Round of 32 clash between Portgual and Croatia.
Match #83
Round of 32
3 July 2026, 01:00 CET
BMO Field, Toronto
PORTUGAL - CROATIA
Referee: Espen Eskas NOR
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Erik Engan NOR
Assistant Referee 2: Isaak Bashevkin NOR
Fourth Official: Abongile Tom RSA
Reserve AR: Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela RSA
Video Assistant Referee: Jarred Gillett ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Dennis Johan Higler NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Marco Di Bello ITA
Very fast-paced 15min...
ReplyDeleteClip 11': https://streamable.com/br0af2
Good free kick call
DeleteCorrect YC given by Eskas
ReplyDeleteNo live-sequence in the broadcast...
DeleteYC 17' Replay Clip: https://streamable.com/p0wmr5
Correct YC for reckless arm. Eskas in good shape so far.
ReplyDeleteNice yellow, and nice start for Eskas who has definitely improved over last 12 months
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI don’t disagree with the caution but not sure Collina will be too pleased with it.. Eskas had the best performance of the group stage and following it up nicely here so far
ReplyDelete27 minutes all good for the Norwegian ref first YC very correct
ReplyDeleteFirst wrong call free kick for Portugal on 37’
ReplyDeleteIt was right call!!
DeleteFor me correct call
DeleteCorrect for me too, my only issue would have been that in other matches with the FIFA philosophy, we might not have seen the foul. I don’t mind this, CRO clearly looking to be defensive and break up the play so happy for these fouls to be given.
DeleteClip: https://streamable.com/kghs59
DeleteIs Eskas not deserving enough to be blessed by the play by play narration from DD?
ReplyDelete34’ Got to love his positioning to call the non-foul on the counter attack on CRO player. Fantastic sprint ability, always on the move and in terms of anticipation, moved at the right time.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely agree
DeleteVery convincing and coherent first half by Eskas. Brilliant first YC and a brave decision to give mandatory cards like that even at an early stage of the game.
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteYes, happy to stick with his own guns but still all supportable decisions. One trap I have fallen into, I have praised first half performances but when the games unfold with difficult KMI and increased pressure/intensity things change. Looking forward to a strong finish just as he started.
DeleteYC 59' Clip: https://streamable.com/iwrv6p
ReplyDeleteDon’t think it’s enough for SPA but reckless could be supportable
DeleteGreat call from the AR
ReplyDeleteOffside 61' Clip: https://streamable.com/a3duvq
DeleteOffside 61' 3D Clip:
Deletehttps://streamable.com/ewo492
Extremely close offside to disallow Ronaldo goal. Good on-field decision by AR2
ReplyDeletePhenomenal AR2 to spot offside
ReplyDeletepenalty
ReplyDeleteOFR final decision penalty
ReplyDeleteIMO a good use of VAR and correct decision with the defender also deserving a YC
Delete(OFR) 64' Full-Sequence:
Deletehttps://streamable.com/3mdkol
Clear no need to much in ofr
ReplyDeleteI think to avoid it appearing that VAR (or another referee is calling the game), an OFR is necessary. Not factual, definitely a subjective decision.
DeleteCute announcement from Eskas 😂
ReplyDeleteHaha. It was clear, well explained and done calmly too.
DeleteThere were 3 offences. Striking the face, holding and tripping the leg.
DeleteThe softest of soft penalties completely against everything seen in the tournament so far. What a suprise
ReplyDeleteConsistent call regarding other tournament calls : when defender plays the ball, high tolerance from refs. When ball is not played and when it is clear tactical/antigaming foul play, tolerance is low. Good call.
DeleteAgree @Arthur have noticed this too, so there is consistency. The other big thing, for the review to happen it has to be clear the attacker will be playing the ball. Other bits of holding I have seen not given in this tournament, you wonder whether this review would be supported by the committee?
DeleteSoft penalty, not really holding IMO since the defender's arms just slide down the attacker.
ReplyDeleteMmm… The arms sliding down, don’t prevent the fact that he has held two arms on the body and that action has prevented the attacker from playing the ball.
DeleteIgnoring the strike in the face and trip of the leg?
DeleteVery silly action from the defender. I do think you could have some debate over whether it's absolutely a clear error as despite the 2 arms there is minimal actual pulling or pushing in the defenders actions.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, penalty is the preferred outcome here
You have seen other instances of grappling in the penalty area not given during the tournament. My question would be, why would this be given and others not? The attacker about to play the ball?
DeleteI think the proximity to the ball and the likelihood of him playing it is a big part of it
DeleteNot clear and obvious error, too soft for VAR penalty. Could support as an on-field decision.
ReplyDeleteOkay I’ll correct myself on this, I can support VAR’s decision after I watched it over and over again because the two-hand grab foul’s impact on the attacker is so big.
DeleteConsidering criteria at the tournament, I think this penalty is too soft
ReplyDeleteShameful penalty
ReplyDeleteHolding, no attempt to play the ball, on the player where the ball is dropping. It's not a footballing action. Correct intervention, and good announcement
ReplyDeleteA little surprised to be honest with the OFR there. Feels quite soft given the general threshold for penalties throughout this tournament. English VAR and I still don’t think you’d see that given in the Premier League…
ReplyDeleteI don’t think they are allowing the grappling that’s happened in the EPL the last season. In saying that, there is still plenty of it happening.
DeletePenalty yes, but YC as well. It’s common that VAR forgets to suggest the exhibition of a card in most of the OFR. It’s a point to improve
ReplyDeleteThe referee needs to know that himself.
DeleteIndeed but it’s a moment of a lot pressure and adrenaline
DeleteI think it’s a penalty, but if Gillett in the Premier League, he would never have sent the referee to the monitor for this
ReplyDeleteIt was a clear and obvious error attacker ready to make contact with goal in front him being pulled by the defender, its not soft but a very crystal clear PK even in PL would stood thanks for PL VAR Gillett
ReplyDeleteI agree? Those are the sorts of holdings (where it has an impact as on player where the ball is landing, and the defender is doing something that is clearly not a footballing action) that even the English tend to punish
DeleteAlright I’ll buy this interpretation. Agreed
DeleteThe truth is, if this were the Premier League, Gillett would never have called the ref over to the screen for this penalty
ReplyDeleteThe same EPL punishes a lot of holding in the box? Say something else please. Those are the kind of situations where EPL referees come alive
DeleteCan anyone clip penalty please
ReplyDeletejust uploaded.
Deletethank you
DeleteI don’t believe what I read here! This is 100% penalty! Not only holding without trying to play the ball (and far away from the ball, could never play it), but also defender fell down on attacker who was very close to the ball. And Vlašić didn’t protest at all, he knew what he did!
ReplyDelete+1
Delete+1
DeleteExcellent work of both AR today. This is absolute masterclass
ReplyDelete+1000. Im in awe...
DeleteOffside 80' Clip: https://streamable.com/qeojjq
DeleteOffside 80' 3D Clip:
Deletehttps://streamable.com/rdolyj
Both ARs exceptional today
ReplyDeleteI think this performance of Norvegian crew is worth a final.
ReplyDeleteAgree
DeleteThat's sounds overboard and very much exaggerated even though Norwegian officials have been pretty best
DeleteBy the way its there anyone doubting the SOAT at this World Cup or it's me being naive. How can fail to call on/offside by the eyes yet in the UCL and PL , I never failed to tell even if tight it may look
ReplyDeleteI think position of cameras might be a problem
DeleteSAOT, the Ball Chip, and the replay images are all SUS!
DeleteI’d like to see another angle of that off ball incident
ReplyDeleteWell spotted off the ball YC
ReplyDeleteClip 90+8' YC: https://streamable.com/qitg1c
DeleteGood YC to Perišić
ReplyDeleteAR 👏
ReplyDeleteAbsolute nightmare for Croatia today.
ReplyDelete(OFR) Offside 90+13' Full-Sequence:
Deletehttps://streamable.com/lksusp
Offside 90+13' 3D Replay Clip:
Deletehttps://streamable.com/twh129
Someone explain to me what happened to a goal making it 2-2
ReplyDeleteWasnt clear if the ball came from a croatia or a portugal player so he had to check if the attacker was active
DeleteI didn't even understood the announcement too and IFAB guild lines
DeleteCorrect intervention by VAR and also correct decision to cancel the goal. Good announcment again. I really like the behaviour of Eskas
ReplyDeleteA good intervention. You can see from the graph that there was a flick on.
ReplyDeleteFOOTBALL IS DEAD!
ReplyDeleteGET RID OF THE HUMANS.
LET ROBOTS, TECHNOLOGY, AND AI PLAY FROM NOW ON.
After praising them, now big miss by AR1 to not spot offside. However, good job by VAR room to call Eskas for OFR, not to give it just as factual decision.
ReplyDeleteMaybe AR wasnt sure about the passive or active offside position
DeleteNo, almost impossible to see the touch that made it offside.
DeleteIt was impossible to see the touch from the hair of the attacker so not a big miss, we all know that if it was clearee touch, AR1 would have raised his flag
DeleteI'm not sure AR1 (or Eskas) deserves any blame. Even from replays very difficult to see the touch, although it was there. Good outcome in the end
DeletePresumably it's the sensor in the ball which helps with the snickometer?
ReplyDeleteYeah it showed while Eskas was in the monitor
DeleteI think very limited blame can be put onto Eskas for either OFR. He's done very well jn a challenging game
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteThe touch was invisible to the human eye. And there was no visible change of direction of the ball. This all goes against common sense and the true spirit of the game.
ReplyDelete+1 I’m glad Portugal have won but it ruins the game
DeleteSweden literally had a goal like this. Correct decision and it’s fair.
DeleteFOOTBALL IS DEAD!
ReplyDeleteGET RID OF THE HUMANS.
LET ROBOTS, TECHNOLOGY, AND AI PLAY FROM NOW ON.
Without the Technology that showed there was a touch VAR wouldn't get involved as there is no clear evidence with the naked eye. But got to trust the technology.
ReplyDeleteIf im not mistaken there are sensors on the ball and VAR can see if there was touch?
ReplyDelete👍
DeleteIf life is fair Eskas should be on the first flight to Oslo in the morning
ReplyDeleteIf life is fair you'd be barred from the Internet for talking such nonsense
DeleteEskas’ and his AR’s performance was masterclass today! This is arguably best performance so far in very demanding game! I understand you are not satisfied with the final result, but ref has nothing to do with it! I don’t know for what you blame him? You could clearly see that sensor show that there was contact from Croatian player.
DeleteI am not talking about disallowed goal. I am talking about soft PK and disaster of added time management.
DeleteClear Pen . Portugal celebrated for 2 mins 20 seconds adding back that time is not only justified but fair
DeleteAnd we're expected to just trust and believe FIFA's technology?
ReplyDeleteThe same FIFA that has been plagued by corruption.
The same FIFA that isn't exactly known for being forthcoming and transparent.
If anything, the more tech is involved, the easier it is to manipulate to your favor.
The same FIFA that organize this tournament??? Yes, that’s the same one. Why do you watch this WC then? It’s July, go to the holiday, why to believe to FIFA technology??? Lol
DeleteMiki you do not know Fifa, right!? :) If U have watched this match. you can be sure that they just do what they want at all…
DeleteI didn’t understand this last OFR. If technology says there is a touch, why call the referee to the monitor?
ReplyDeleteIt was not a positional offside. This situation only put the focus on the referee. Thanks for Eskas it was the last minute
Possibly to just make a call on the deflection of the defender being a deliberate play or not
DeleteWhy not tbh? It's the last minute of a game and the referee has to announce a decision to the crowd, don't see a problem with looking at it for himself.
DeleteIt doesn’t need to be deliberated. Law 11 is clear: “
DeleteA player in an offside position at the moment the ball is played or touched* by a teammate…”
DeleteSo, still didn’t understand ahaha
The attacker I.e the goal scorer's teammate does not need to touch it deliberately any ' assist ' or pass to a player in an offside position = offside. But to my understanding, if you're claiming that the touch comes off a DEFENDER (thereby negating the offside) the ball must be played deliberately.
DeleteVery dificcult game. A lot of decisions that only the VAR could see. Very good officiatting but 2 OFR take him out off another game.
ReplyDeleteSo VAR had to re-referee the match for Eskas and his crew? Got it!
DeleteNo wonder why VAR and technology has given us poor indecisive referees. Who are only able to function with a safety net.
Did it touch potugese player hand before the offside
ReplyDeleteNo
DeleteThe ball deflects off Veiga’s back
DeleteThe var should showd the graph for the full action to make it clear for us
DeleteAlready did… they showed both touches.
DeleteJust a question but there is no way that the touch by the Portugal defender was considered as a deliberate play which cancel the offside ? That was quickly looked during the OFR maybe too short imo.
ReplyDeleteNot even close to a deliberate play with control. It’s a deflection.
DeleteOk but that’s the only thing he was sent to check right, otherwise it’s an factual review so no need of OFR.
DeleteYes, it’s that. Because any touch by a player except a save is not a factual decision. So he should’ve explained ”not a deliberate play, therefore offside”.
DeleteTks
DeleteI think good Performance from Eskas. Perfect start YC and excellent foul detection. Also in second half impressive work from the AR‘s (maybe without the last situation). Correct decisions in the two big key moments (Penalty and cancelling the goal) with good announcements. The first OFR is a small critical point but holding wasnt easy to spot. Congratulations to team Eskas. I hope they get one more game
ReplyDeleteI will be serious two OFR wont make another game happen
DeleteFor me, the second OFR was to ensure the referee made the final decision (deflection vs deliberate play). It’s not an obvious error, with the minor touch it was not obvious very smell deflection (using the chip and snick on the ball).
DeleteIf this is the end for Team Eskas in this WC, they can only leave feeling very proud of their performances...Chapeau, gentlemen!
DeleteSensors very important here, impossible to see in any replay. I think this technology was introduced only since the last WC.
ReplyDeleteThere was a controversial penalty given like this in the Wc, Denmark vs. Germany match, but we haven't seen that sensor technology used since
DeleteFor me this technology is so important now especially with SAOT, than can determinate so much things as as handball touch or here for offside, even the kick for the perfect start for offside. Maybe hard to implement in different leagues but really important tool imo.
DeleteSpain Portugal will need to be Letexier. That might give Spain a chance
ReplyDeleteFor the love of the game and as much I wanted that goal to stand, unfortunately if it’s scored unfair then it shouldn’t probably stand! And technology this there for this kind of reason. We should accepted the fair Decision at end of it!
ReplyDeleteFor Eskas performance! He impressed me a lot, he had full control of the game and players respected a lot and he did well.
This
DeleteOne of the best performances of the tournament so far. Bravo.
ReplyDelete+123456789
DeleteWow that incident at the end of stoppage time was something I never encountered in observation and if was by the LoG very good use of VAR and 2 OFR for Eskas looks bizarre.
ReplyDeleteOn remarks Gillette for WC Final because he so brave and entitled to his opinion
A SOFT PK and a dubius Off-Side call ensure that one of FIFA's Golden Childs keeps playing.
ReplyDeleteAfterall, didn't FIFA inexplicably erase said players suspension?
Yeah, too much smoke to not say that there's a fire.
And before you bore me with your justification's on the SOFT PK.
DeleteIf this is a PK according to your inconsistent interpretation. Then there should be a PK whistled on each and every set piece. Because it looks like Rugby or wrestling every time.
Soft penalty? Punched him in the face, held him and tripped his leg. 3 fouls in one play…
DeleteI get it. You'll see what you want to see in order to justify the call and uphold the honor of a UEFA referee. Laughable.
Delete2014 - Lauren Koscielny straight red two games prior to the world cup. Suspended for one game
Delete2014- Mario Mandzukic straight red one games prior to the world cup. Suspended for one game
2006- Phillip Cocu straight red three games prior to the world cup. Suspended for two games
So there's plenty of precedent and no, it's not inexplicable.
You just made my point my dude.
DeleteAll of those players served some sort of suspension at their respective World Cup even if they were reduced.
How many games did CR7 miss? I'll wait.
Furthermore, FIFA was only going offer CR7 clemency while forcing other lesser-known players to serve their suspensions. Those smaller (less important) countries had to unite and speak up in order for their players to receive the same treatment from FIFA.
Arbiter, be gone with your bias. I don’t care about the referee. If you close you eyes on that punch, never comment again.
DeleteAfter reading the comments here, I am none the wiser regarding the reason for the offside decision. Was it because the sensor dictated a touch by the Croatian attacker meaning that his teammate was therefore offside or was it because, despite there being no touch by a Croatian player, the touch by the Portuguese defender was not deliberate?
ReplyDeleteHe touched it with the head. It’s a new situation. Teammate was in an offside position when he headed it.
DeleteThey were checking if the Croatia attacker touch the ball or not! The defender touch was obviously not deliberate play so the question was only if the attacker touch the ball or not. Which he did
DeleteWere you actually able to see it touch his head? Because some people are saying his hair. Can y'all get your justifications in order? Or is it because FIFA's supposed technology said so?
DeleteIt is the same technology that every semi-automated offside check uses to determine the moment a ball is kicked. I haven't heard any suggestion to date that there is an issue with it.
DeleteYou mean those "images" that are shown long after the actual incident? Images that come off as straight up sus!
DeleteOh and lets not forget about the time the system "supposedly" went down allowing a PK for the Swiss to proceed. Yeah FIFA later came out with an attempted face saving PR statement and "images".
Can't believe the praises for Eskas in this match. Whoever was in the middle knows how soft penalty kick looks live from the pitch. This should never, but never be VAR intervention.
ReplyDeleteRegarding disallowed goal in 90+13' - it is correctly disallowed, but smart referee, referee who is manager and proactive should never get himself in situation that he allows game play after 90+12'. Whistle should absolutely be blown for the end 30 to 45 seconds before the goal.
And then, after the goal he allows play for few more minutes. Disaster added time management.
He blatantly punched him in the face. It was already a penalty before the holding.
DeleteFactually incorrect. Penalty was a stonewall penalty- Veiga would have gotten to the ball I.e would have a header on target if not for him being shoved to the ground deliberately.
DeleteHe could* have blown it slightly before I agree. But with the Portugal's celebrations taking all of 2 minutes, I can understand the extension - if he blew the whistle while Croatia were attacking there'd be similar complaints.
After the VAR decision, the play hardly went on for a minute -
People seeing what they want to see not matter how inexistent it is. If that's a PK, then I want a PK on every corner and or set play into the box until it stops looking like wrestling in the box.
DeleteThey kicked off 2:20 after Portugal's goal, and the disallowed Croatia goal was on 102:27 so hardly "Disaster added time management.".
DeleteAfter disasters yesterday, Eskas has given an elite performance today, up there with the very best performances . Got the major decisions spot on, prevented the game from descending into complete chaos. Handled the situation very well with excellent temperament.
ReplyDeleteMassive credit for Jared Gillet too - outstanding use of VAR and along with Eskas nailed the decisions that came their way.
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DeleteHow can you say masterclass when if it was not for VAR he would have crucial mistakes.
DeleteBut that's the new way,if refs miss something VAR will correct them and then we expect refs to get better?
70% of the penalties Espen Eskas has awarded in his career were given with VAR assistance. He is very incompetent when it comes to penalty decisions
ReplyDeleteSo what's the point of VAR then if not to assist the referee? fouls committed during set pieces such as typical holding offences aren't the clearest so I see no qualms with having VAR ' assistance ' - getting the call correct and communicated is far more important
DeleteSource?
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Delete@hoesea Just look at last year as an example: he officiated 11 matches in all UEFA competitions and awarded 6 penalties, 5 of which were given with the help of VAR. The statistics from two years ago are also similar
DeleteIt shows that he's indecisive, unable, incapable, and unwilling to make a game changing call without being able to re-referee the incident at the VAR screen. He's remote-control referee.
Delete+ He also awarded a penalty with the help of VAR in the FIFA Club World Cup last year..
DeleteGillette number one VAR so far at this tournament in line for a Final by now
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteI expected more from Eskas based on his performances in other matches. But in POR-CRO he fell well below his usual standard. He didn't call clear fouls, he was completely insecure in his penalty decisions, the extra time was excessively long, and I dare say he favored Portugal too much in his decisions. He was truly disappointing because I usually play at a high level and today he was well below average. Perhaps it was an unlucky night or the pressure of a big game on his shoulders. He needed to exert more influence.
DeleteWhy praise a r for 2nd half offside calls. In this tournament...they have semi automatic message come in their ear.. telling them it's offside.. put your flag up. Only when it's very close/unclear on touch (like in e t.) does it not alert the a r.
ReplyDeleteVAR and all of this technology have managed to give us indecisive and lazy referees who are unable to function without a safety net.
ReplyDeleteThat is why referees from countries that do not have VAR are better decision makers on the pitch.
Are there any countries left that don't have VAR?
DeletePlenty.
DeleteGoogle is your friend.
Agree,there are less decisive refs who will make decisions.
DeleteThey are just relying on var to correct them if somehow they made a mistake.