After the final whistle of the second semifinal, it's time to make predictions. Who will officiate the big game between Spain and Argentina?
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Here the list of the referees who are still at the tournament.
AFC
Alireza Faghani
Adham Makhadmeh
CAF
Jalal Jayed
CONCACAF
Ivan Barton
Ismail Elfath
CONMEBOL
Jesús Valenzuela
Wilton Sampaio
UEFA
Espen Eskås
Szymon Marciniak
Maurizio Mariani
Glenn Nyberg
João Pinheiro
Slavko Vinčić
Slavko Vincic
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteFinal: Vincic
Delete3rd Place: Sampaio
Vincic is the only European with the experience
ReplyDeleteWould either team accept Valenzuela? I think he's been excellent
My guess to preserve neutrality will be Faghani
Vincic
ReplyDeleteFRA - ENG: Jesus Valenzuela VEN (FO: Jalal Jayed MAR)
ReplyDeleteESP - ARG: Alireza Faghani AUS (FO: Wilton Sampaio BRA)
Wilton Sampaio out after Argentina qualification for the final.
ReplyDeleteNot a 100% for Valenzuela, but still in my opinion it would be hard to see him.
On the contrary, if we apply same principle, we should say that a UEFA referee should be out, but we know that very often UEFA referees have been assigned to Argentina, even against UEFA national teams.
Looking at the option, we would have Vincic as only candidate for this one, but given the situation UEFA - FIFA, a decision like this is very hard to predict. Also, the Slovenian didn't look to be in the spotlights to get a WC final.
The only and fully neutral option, of course meaning outside UEFA and CONMEBOL, is Faghani.
The Iranian referee could officiate this one, but I have doubts.
After having handled the CWC final one year ago, I thought he wasn't planned.
But now for sure we have options.
All the other referees are rather unexpected and some of them already got appearance in semifinals as fourth officials.
After all, my bet would be Faghani, but I'm not 100% convinced.
Can Collina surprise us?
What if he surprises us by appointing his favorite referee, Marciniak, and makes him a legend? I hope that doesn't happen.
DeleteMy prediction:
Vinčić
Faghani
@Chefren
DeleteHowever, I wouldn't rule out Marciniak's chances in these last two matches. As for Alizera, his Iranian heritage might be a problem. Are you taking this into account?
First its obvious that Conmebol referees are out! Sampaio becouse of Argetina, Valenzuela due to fact that nobody is crazy to made an experiment in such games!
ReplyDeleteThis leads us to:
1. Alireza Faghani as absolutley favourite to officiate that game, and he deserve it, after all in his carrer, and especially how he showed courage on Azteca!
2.Vincic- high profile name,with top performances through all championship
3. It would be history, but not imposiblez to repeat semifinal referee(Elfath after tonight top performance) in final!
4. Adam Makhadmeh- good performances,but less possible!
Elfath top performance HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
DeleteFaghani is the only referee at this WC with 3 OFRs. So performance-wise he should be out.
ReplyDeleteSo it's between Valenzuela and Vincic. If they accept the South-American referee, it will be him. If not, the only option is Vincic. Performance-wise.
Yes, and one OFR was correct no call,other two was hard to spot! Valenzuela out!
DeleteOFRs are not automatically or necessarily taken as a sign that a referee had a bad or sub-par performance. It depends on the specific situations (e.g., Penso not calling dangerous high kick to the head before goal was scored; she should have called that foul on her own).
DeleteFaghani as the last game before retirement. He has be in Argentina game in 2022 as well. So I think he’s the most possible candidate.
ReplyDeleteDo you really want to give him the final as last Match of his career? What if something happens? That could might speak against him
DeleteWhen will the appointment actually be released?
ReplyDeleteMy bet :
ReplyDelete1. Faghani
2. Valenzuela
3. Vincic
If there were no tension between Ceferin and Infantino, I would definitely say Vinčić. Personally, I don't think they will give him the final for political reasons, as he is Ceferin's golden boy.
ReplyDeleteI dont beleive that Trump will approve a Irani referee in final into EUA. Then Faghani, Jayed and Makhadmeh are out.
ReplyDeleteMy prediction:
3rd place (FRA-ENG)
Referee: Vincic
4th Official: Eskas
Final (ESP-ARG)
Referee: Sampaio
4th Official: Valenzuela
Brazilian referees do not officate Argentina games,never in history!
DeleteCan be the first. I’d say Faghani, but will be minimum comic if Trump will put a medal in his neck
DeleteWC 1986 final
DeleteFab Gx- CWC 2025
DeletePhillip S - Speak about modern football, you remind me on me when spoke about Gonnella and Dinst :)))
Its true the brazilian Romualdo Arppi officiated final in 1986 Argentina vs Germany
Delete1986 Argentina Germany: Arppi Filho Brasil.
DeleteGuys,Conmebol referees are out. Possible as Uefa referees. But, if you compare Vincic and Valenzuela, not possible, Vincic is much more bigger class! But, all of us now that FAGAHNI deserve it, and for his carrer, and for controling of high stakes matches!
ReplyDeletePredictions:
ReplyDeleteFinal (ESP-ARG): FAGHANI, 4O SAMPAIO
3rd Place (FRA-ENG): VINCIC/VALENZUALA, 4O MAKHADMEH
Final - Alireza Faghani
ReplyDelete4th official - Slavko Vincic
3rd place - Jesus Valenzuela
4th official - Adham Makhadmeh
Final: Spain - Argentina Faghani
ReplyDelete3rd place: France-England Valenzuela
My predictions:
ReplyDeleteFrance - England: Jesus Valenzuela, Jorge Urriego, Tulio Moreno (all VEN), Wilton Sampaio (BRA) - Juan Lara (CHI), Marco di Bello (ITA), Joe Dickerson (USA)
Spain - Argentina: Alireza Faghani, George Lakrindis, Andrew Lindsay (all AUS), Adham Makhadmeh (JOR) - Khamis Al Marri (QAT), Tatiana Guzman (NCA), Guillermo Pacheco (MEX)
Chefren, when we will know final referees?
ReplyDeleteTomorrow
DeleteMaurizio Mariani
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be surprised if Faghani is appointed. Given a penalty wasn't given for France and had two OFR reviews in the same match for Mexico vs. England (I'm assuming this is more frowned upon) I didn't peg him to be the favorite. Don't get me wrong, Faghani showed his composure and ability to withstand the pressure at the Azteca.
ReplyDeleteVincic to me showed great personality and management in the clash of Mexico and Paraguay (he did have an OFR for mouth covering but I honestly think it would have been hard for any of the officials to catch it in real time).
Everyone will get a meltdown when FIFA appoints João Pinheiro as the referee for the final
ReplyDeleteHere in Portugal this new would be amazing to shut up a lot of commentators on TV.
Seriously speaking it’s hard to imagine another option than Faghani. He got lucky with England and France out (the games with more controversy)
Collina will be calling Paris to see if Turpin can get a red eye flight back to the USA
ReplyDeleteCollina will turn to his protege Marcinek. Someone with personality to control egos on the park.
ReplyDeleteIf Trump were to choose the referee for the final, he would select Slavko Vincic because of his Slovenian wife. :D
ReplyDeleteFaghani had a photo with Trump from the ceremony last year on his Instagram account. It even got a record-breaking two million likes. He has deleted that post
ReplyDeleteFinal - Slavko Vincic
ReplyDelete4th official - João Pinheiro
3rd place - Adham Makhadmeh
4th official - Jesús Valenzuela
Vinci”s uncle Alexander and Collina are not fans of each other given veteran told Collina he could not be with uefa and fifa and put Rossetti in place. Add in veteran complaining about infantino and fifas handling of suspensions probably unlikely anuefa referee in middle
DeleteThat sounds to me more like a soap opera than a serious position let alone a meaningful analysis!
DeleteArbitres restants pour le tournoi après les désignations des demi-finales :
ReplyDelete(AFC)
🇦🇺 Alireza Faghani
🇯🇴 Adham Makhadmeh
(CAF)
🇲🇦 Jalal Jayed
(CONMEBOL)
🇻🇪 Jesús Valenzuela
🇧🇷 Wilton Sampaio
(UEFA)
🇳🇴 Espen Eskås
🇵🇱 Szymon Marciniak
🇵🇹 João Pinheiro
🇸🇮 Slavko Vinčić
Now it is obvious.
ReplyDeleteFinal Faghani, 4O Eskas
3rd Vincic, 4O Makhadmeh
+1
DeleteMy prediction
ReplyDeleteArgentina vs spain : joao pinheiro
France vs england : jesus valenzuela
Oga you have started again.
DeletePinheiro for the final? You must be dreaming
My prediction:
ReplyDeleteFinal: Faghani (ref) Eskas (4th)
3rd place: Makhadmeh (ref) Sampaio (4th)
we football fans need our little boy BARTON for the final.
ReplyDeleteI'm still baffled/confused as to why Makkelie was not even retained..... Thoughts on why?
ReplyDeleteEither ranked lower in terms of the others above him from overall performances on matches or the referee committee didn’t assess his performances as highly as we did on here
DeleteWhat's the thinking when it's two countries that share a language, better to have a Spanish speaker or someone who doesn't speak a word?
ReplyDeleteThe way that Argentina verbally abuse the referee ,earplugs are a better option
DeleteThe referee will be the one that Argentina can manipulate the easiest.
ReplyDeleteMaybe that makes Sampiao the choice for appearances.
DeleteMy ideas about final: let’s consider out Barton and Elfath for thier apparence in the SF. Let’s rule out Pinheiro, Eskas, Nyberg, Mariani and Jayed for thier lack of experience. Sampaio is quite difficult to me for Angentina’s presence. Knowing Collina’s ego difficult to see Marciniak officiating 2 WC finals when Collina didn’t. Valanzuela is a good candidate to me. Vincic a strong one, skilled and experienced, allowing FIFA to re-establish good relationship with Uefa but Uefa already did final WC 2022. Faghani very strong candidate skilled, experienced and neutral in term of confederation but he already did CWC final last year. So why not the Jordan Mamhamed; he had an outstanding tournaments and Collina is indeed in favour towards Middle east countries (Qatar firstly). So finally I would say 30% each foe Vincic and Faghani, 35% Makhamed and 5% Valanzuela. But if I was in Collina’s shoes I would call back immediately Turpin, to me, overall the real best one
Delete2010 and 2014 WC finals had UEFA officiating teams so we could have back to back UEFA officials for WC finals.
DeleteBut who knows if Faghani is getting pushed to officiate the final.
2022 as well
DeleteWell, it is very hard to predict referee for the final this time. I thought it will be no UEFA referee this time, but now it seems CONCACAF (they had both semifinals) and CONMEBOL (because of Argentina) referees are out. Marciniak almost certainly not (don't think he will get second final, but with Collina and Busacca is everything possible). Faghani or Vinčič makes sense to me, but both of them could be eliminated because of political reasons. Maybe Collina is going to surprise us and use one of the semifinals referees again, or it will be Faghani/Vinčič, who knows...
ReplyDeletePorqué CONMEBOL está descartado por Argentina y no UEFA por España?
DeleteBy confederation (1930–2022):
ReplyDeleteUEFA (Europe) – 13 finals
CONMEBOL (South America) – 5 finals
CAF (Africa) – 1 final (Saïd Belqola of Morocco, 1998)
CONCACAF – 0 finals
AFC (Asia) – 0 finals
OFC (Oceania) – 0 finals
As Concafaf referee officiate both the semifinals so alireza from Afc is clearly favorite unless any exception occurred
Mexican Edgardo Codesal Mendez from Concacaf did final in 1990 in Italy
DeleteCONCACAF 0 finals? Codesal Mendez from Mexico in 1990?
DeleteOMG. Even your summary is not correct. There were 22 finals (not 19), if we count the last decissive match of final group Brazil - Uruguay in 1950 as final.
DeleteSo UEFA 16 finals
CONMEBOL 4 finals (Codesal had Uruguayan heritage but he was of course Mexican)
CONCACAF 1 final
CAF 1 final (only here you are correct)
AFC and OFC 0 final.
Nomination for final is more or less political decision, my secret hope is Vinčić.
13+5+1 = 19
DeleteMy final predictions:
ReplyDeleteFinal: Alireza Faghani
3rd place: Adham Makhadmeh
Given the current situation, using two AFC referees in the final two matches seems the most sensible option. Although Faghani's refereeing of last year's Club World Cup final had previously seemed unlikely, I've now changed my mind after realizing there are no other suitable names to replace him. Makhadmeh's presence in the third-place match should be a reward for his excellent performances in this tournament.
My ideas about final: let’s consider out Barton and Elfath for thier apparence in the SF. Let’s rule out Pinheiro, Eskas, Nyberg, Mariani and Jayed for thier lack of experience. Sampaio is quite difficult to me for Angentina’s presence. Knowing Collina’s ego difficult to see Marciniak officiating 2 WC finals when Collina didn’t. Valanzuela is a good candidate to me. Vincic a strong one, skilled and experienced, allowing FIFA to re-establish good relationship with Uefa but Uefa already did final WC 2022. Faghani very strong candidate skilled, experienced and neutral in term of confederation but he already did CWC final last year. So why not the Jordan Mamhamed; he had an outstanding tournaments and Collina is indeed in favour towards Middle east countries (Qatar firstly). So finally I would say 30% each foe Vincic and Faghani, 35% Makhamed and 5% Valanzuela. But if I was in Collina’s shoes I would call back immediately Turpin, to me, overall the real best one
ReplyDeleteMight as well name an Argentinian referee because they have been favoured all the way in this Tournament.
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteYou're English, right?
DeleteI feel like a lack of European referees in the last 2 games will definitely cause more tension between FIFA and UEFA, but genuinely other then maybe Vincic, the best UEFA referees have been sent home (Oliver, Turpin) for me! I would like to see Faghani in final but this World Cup is already unpredictable so who knows!
ReplyDeletePortuguese and Brazilian referees won't be considered because they are neighbouring countries. Argentina will probably object to the Jordanian because he is a disciplinarian.Spain would object to the Venezuelan .so it leaves Faghani .
ReplyDeleteFor the final Faghani looks like being the only logical option...
ReplyDeleteFor 3rd place Makhadmeh would be a good choice, but Valenzuela or Sampaio are logical, too - but if they take a Uefa - Ref, Collina might favour his comrade Mariani, or they give Marciniak or Vincic their farewell-match. That's quite unpredictable.
I don't think it will change much... We know how the game is going to go. Argentina is going to start the game with very hard fouls and playing dirty and whoever is assigned will have explicit instructions not to penalize it at all...
ReplyDeleteAre there any referees left with enough personality and courage to protect the integrity of this final?
I'd suggest "adnane" for the final — if there's a "pelanty" in it, he'll spot it.
ReplyDeleteFaghani or Vinvic. Eskas 4th.
ReplyDeleteArgentina should disqualified from the final because of their political actions at the end of the semi ,contrary to FIFA regulations
ReplyDeleteJa, ja, ja.
DeleteDears, sometimes I have the impression that very often the comments expressed are more oriented toward harsh criticism of the referee, highlighting only his mistakes (and FIFA) rather than focusing objectively and calmly on the analysis of his performances, highlighting both his strengths and weaknesses, and placing them within the context of the match and the tournament as a whole.
ReplyDeleteEvery referee has his own characteristics, and aspects that qualify him both positively and negatively. The fact that we are in the 2026 World Cup makes no difference.
Modern football is all about speed and contact, increasingly difficult to interpret, with pressure that involves all players (players, coaches, and therefore also referees), especially in a showcase like a WC where the stakes are so high, and you have television and electronic eyes dissecting every move, fueling daily controversy and providing journalists with material.
But we are referees. And our sole yardstick must be the Laws of the Game, their interpretations, and their application criteria, which evolve as football evolves.
Let's leave the speculation to the journalists, please, and avoid fueling controversy with malicious ulterior motives and conspiracy theories—we, who should be making balance our primary rule.
So far in WC 2026, we've seen over 100 matches: the truly negative refereeing performances can be counted on the fingers of one hand (as confirmed by the grades assigned by Mikael W in his magnificent panel). Every week, 20-25 matches are played in national leagues around the world, and I honestly believe no one can see such low percentages of negative performances in their own country's leagues.
Can we do more and better? Sure, but the best referee is not the one who never makes mistakes, but the one who makes the fewest mistakes possible.
Also, the VAR issue: I've read endless controversy and criticism over VAR calls in this WC: we must remember that VAR was created to correct errors and, at the same time, the arbitrariness of refereeing decisions, promoting greater objectivity.
But it cannot eliminate the margin for error or interpretation, where there always remains—and it is good that it does—a subjective element of evaluation that can sometimes highlight discrepancies in criteria that are, and always will be, a human factor.
And from this perspective, VARs have generally worked well.
In Italy, let me tell you, as a National Ref Observer, they don't always work so well.
Finally let me say two words about Elfath's performance: his limitations are athleticism and positioning, and on a disciplinary level, a weakness both in his decision to penalize and when to do so, sometimes making him less credible. His strength is his ability to accurately identify whether contact is merely contact or a foul. Today, he confirmed his qualities.
Designating him for this match was a bit of a gamble, certainly a risky one. However, although his performance level (barely above adequate) cannot be said to be comparable to other referees present at this WC, in the end Elfath succeeded.
Concerning Finals presictions, IMO possible names could be:
1/2 Place: Faghani
3/4 Place: Jayed (or Valenzuela)
+10000000
DeleteAthleticism I can understand where you are coming from but how so in positioning? Do you mean too far from play or staying too central?
DeleteCompletely agree with you, ITAREF. Bravo!
Delete@David H: too central, and so sometimes also too far from play consequently.
DeleteGotcha, being too central was a very common theme throughout the tournament though no?
DeleteMaybe. But for Elfath, in my opinion, it's a conscious choice: having a non-performing athletic profile, a central position allows him to save himself physically and not be excessively distant from the action. But unfortunately, not even as close as he should be. It's just my opinion: I don't know if you, who know him better as a US player, agree with this.
DeleteVery well stated. Couldn't agree more.
DeleteHow can Faghani be a final candidate? He was excellent in 2018, worse in 2022 and burned in England-Mexico this year. And just remember his CWC final last year, that was one of the worst refereed matches.
ReplyDeleteI still think Valenzuela will get the final.
Argentina should be kicked out after their political demonstration at the end of the game.
ReplyDeleteSi, si, como quieras. Hay algún antecedente para tu propuesta?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteDo one
DeleteAm I the only one who thought the referees performances in both semi-finals were pretty good? Each missed 1 yellow card for each team in each game but other than that handled it pretty well, unlike Tantashev who killed the game in France vs Paraguay
ReplyDeletePrediction
ReplyDeleteFinal: Faghani (4o Vincic)
3rd: Valenzuela (4o Sampaio)
I think FRA-ENG is the most suitable game for Valenzuela.
The possible surprise would be Makhadmeh in the final instead of Faghani.
Final: Faghani
ReplyDelete3rd place: Vincic
The only logical solution.
Final for Jalal Jayed
ReplyDelete3/4 for Faghani
Jayed is not getting the final 🤣
DeleteThe clear choice for the final is Alireza Faghani. This is his 4th WC; he has been the Referee for an Olympic final, an Asian Cup final, FIFA World Club final, and WC semi-final in 2018. Collina and Bussaca trust him. He will do a great job refereeing the final - you will all see.
ReplyDeleteiIMO Valenzuela is the only one who really deserves it and as a south american he should bebused to the Argentinian temperament more than any other referee still in tournament.
ReplyDeleteI always feel like Vincic is not more than a mediocre referee, I never like he's in control when things get heated. IMO Eskas is more skilled and had a morr stable tournament than Vincic, he just lacks the experience.
Faghani should be out performance and fitness wise. But he would be a good choice for 4O, with his experience and still giving him a farewell match. Same applies to Sampaio and Marciniak. The rest of the remaining referees should not even be considered.
I'm afraid their gonna push Faghani, who cleaely doesn't deserve it. My appointments would be:
FRA - ENG: Eskas (4O: Jayed)
SPA - ARG: Valenzuela (4O: Faghani)
Faghani for the final. So no European referees nor in the semi neither in the final
ReplyDeleteFINAL: Faghani (Jayed)
ReplyDeleteFinal: Faghani
ReplyDeleteThird place: Eskas
Final: Marciniak 4th Vincic or Vincic 4th Marciniak
ReplyDelete3rd: Faghani 4th Makhadmeh
agreed with Collina, altrought the boss is still wondering about the final, whether Slavko or Szymon
The fact that there is no European referee in the final or the third-place play-off shows just how much Europeans are suffering from the FIFA/UEFA dispute. It’s appalling.
ReplyDeleteWithout the European teams ,the World Cup would be a under supported competition with non real purpose .Infantino is playing a dangerous political game ,which could do serious harm to the game .
DeleteWhat are you saying ? They haven't released referees for 3rd /4th and finals ??? And if you mean semis - maybe it's bc 3/4 teams were European
DeleteI think it has to be Szymon or Slavko they the only decent Referees that would manage this game
ReplyDeleteSzymon Marciniak decent ? In a game involving Argentina ?
DeleteFinal: Vincic/ 4th Valenzuela
ReplyDelete3rd: Faghani/Makhadmeh
Final: Faghani 4O: Valenzuela / Makhadmeh
ReplyDelete3rd: Sampaio / Vincic
(Could even see Marciniak given 3rd / 4th)
I'm personally pulling for Sampiao simply for the hilarity that would be Argentina fans complaining for 3 days.
ReplyDeleteTeam Sampaio here, just because i cant get why everyone is saying “Sampaio is a brazilian, cannot officiate Argentina” but nobody is saying that would be crazy if Faghani from Iran whistle in the USA WC Final…
DeleteSampaio out due to Argetina presence, about Faghani all can see CWC final ceremony last year!
ReplyDeleteNo commebol or eufa ref. Because their countries are in the final(s)
ReplyDelete2002 final-one commebol and one uefa team (uefa refereeing team)
Delete2010 final- two countries from uefa (uefa refereeing team)
2014 final- one commebol and one uefa team (uefa refereeing team)
2022 final-one commebol and one uefa team (uefa refereeing team)
Does not seem to matter.
Also to the best of my knowledge UEFA and Commebol are the only confederations to ever have a team in a final and we've only had one final referee from Africa (1998 Said) and one final referee from Mexico (/Uruguay) so the final referees have been almost all UEFA or Commebol officiating teams so the "unspoken rule" of having a referee not from the same confederation as the finalist teams does not seem to hold weight @Dutch ref.
DeleteTill 2006 the refereeing teams were comprised of members from different countries and federations. 1982, a linesman (as they were called then) from Israel (not yet a UEFA member state); 1986 - Costa Rica; 1994 - Iran; 1998 - RSA.
DeleteDont know how true it is but some random journalist on X says that "history will be made" with the referee of the final.
ReplyDeleteCould be Vincic as 1st Slovenian or Faghani as 1st from AFC?
If we want to read in particular, "history will be made", it should be more about Faghani, from Iran, final in the USA.
DeleteBut the problem is "random juornalists.."... you shouldn't believe anything.
I am not convinced that Slavko Vinčić would be a realistic option, considering that a European referee officiated the final four years ago. On the other hand, his most recent Champions League appointment could also prompt the Spanish side to object to his selection. Given that such decisions are always highly influenced by (sporting) politics, he might generate too much controversy even before any appointment is made.
DeleteHistory will be made? Marciniak 2nd final? Stranger things have happened, especially in this World Cup.
Delete@Fraha:
DeletePerhaps Pierluigi Collina will hold a press conference to criticize the lack of consistency among referees and their overreliance on VAR. He closes with "Always expect the unexpected," puts on the referee shirt for the final and says: "Fine. I'll referee it myself."
I mentione up there that history will be made, by the option to repeat Ismail Elftah from semifinal to final, like Tori Penso at last Ladies world cup! Unexpected but can happen! Already, I strongly expect Faghani!
Delete@Ref Fot:
DeleteThat wouldn't be unprecedented. I remember it like it was yesterday: John Langenus officiated both the Argentina–USA semi-final and the Uruguay–Argentina final at the 1930 World Cup.
Peter,
DeleteAfter how Elfath led game last night I will said that it would be deserved,but also historical! But, Faghani is true contender!
Ref Fot,
Deletemy honest assessment is that, on this occasion, I would not characterize any of the candidates as truly exceptional or outstanding. While each of them demonstrated certain strengths and noteworthy moments, those positives were ultimately offset by more significant shortcomings of varying kinds. In some matches, I found the level of foul recognition to be overly inconsistent, whereas in other cases I was left with the impression that their peak years in terms of physical fitness may already be behind them. Overall, I did not see a candidate whose performance stood out decisively from the rest.
@Peter +1000. I agree with you but do you think there should be a distinction between not recognizing and seeing careless to reckless fouls versus instructions to remain in the middle of the pitch and letting some fouls go?
DeleteI would say the Vincic did very well in managing games that could have ended in catastrophe without someone who communicated very well with players.
DeleteFaghani, Faghani, Faghani. Period
ReplyDeletePrediction
ReplyDeleteFrance vs England : Wilton Sampaio
Spain vs Argentina : Alireza Faghani
When will the final referees be revealed?
ReplyDeleteFrance - Angleterre : Wilton Sampaio ; 4O Espen Eskås NOR
ReplyDeleteEspagne - Argentine : Alireza Faghani ; 4O Jalal Jayed MAR
Prediction or Official News?
DeleteIn my opinion, eskas deserves something. I wonder if FIFA considers him even for the final... Due to this being his first WC, I doubt it, but 4O is possible. I also wonder, why Marciniak is still around while Makkelie was sent home..? Only reason I see is to support a less experienced younger referee as 4O.
ReplyDeleteFaghani is not my taste, but he would deserve a big match, more for his career, less for this WC performances... But I doubt that an Iranian is possible, it is different to the CWC, bc there was no war and the WC has far more prestige.
I see Vincic therefore as favourite and as often a CAF referee for the third place match.
I agree, Eskas should get another match. Probably fourth official, but he also could be the referee for the 3rd place match...
DeleteThanks to proactive reaction to Admins of the blog for deleting some posts here fast!
ReplyDeleteSincerely wish they'd ever delete your posts
DeleteThere was mine comment also:)))
DeleteStrange that no announcement 48 hours before the third place game
ReplyDeleteIt's not strange. The semifinal appointments were announced in the middle of the night (CET) for matches taking place two days later. So, if they follow the same pattern, we should see at least the appointment for the third-place match published in about five or six hours. That said, I'm not sure whether they will release everything at once this time (both third place and final). It would be worth checking what happened four years ago (I don't remember), although it can't be a confirmation, but just a relative information.
DeleteBeyond that, there is really no way of knowing anything. It could be announced at any moment.
Appointments for both the final and the third place match were announced at the same time last time. It was announced on @fifamedia Twitter account on December 15th, approximately 48 hours before the 3rd place match and 72 hours before the final
DeleteAccording to this Afghan newspaper Faghani will be in charge of the WC Final:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.ariananews.af/alireza-faghani-appointed-to-officiate-fifa-world-cup-final/
And here we go with the unverified news :)
DeleteYou would have to assume it's true surely?
DeleteJust looked back... this same newspaper reported in 2018 that he was officiating the final, so its been wrong before!
DeleteAlireza Faghani is ineligible due to his assignment at last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final, while Szymon Marciniak is ruled out for having officiated the last final. Wilton Sampaio is also excluded because his from brazil. Given that no other candidates are suitable for a match of this magnitude..
ReplyDeleteSlavko Vincic is the logical choice for the final..
🤗
DeleteSurely doing last year's CWC would increase his chances not diminish them
ReplyDeleteI was just about to point out that this should not be considered a disqualifying factor either. Based on his career trajectory, including two FIFA final appointments, I would also have regarded Glenn Nyberg as a strong contender. However, his assignments during this tournament have not followed the usual path that typically leads to a final appointment, and he also served as Fourth Official in the semifinal. He may not yet have fully reached the very top tier at UEFA level, but FIFA has often taken a different view in such matters.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt should be Makhadmeh, not Makmadheh...
DeleteMAKMADHEH
ReplyDeleteIt's still bad, we write Makhadmeh
DeleteWhat about him???
DeleteHas anyone got a list of the VARs with the most appearances? Specifically in VAR, AVAR and SVAR separately? Many thanks!
ReplyDeletePhilipp posted this one after Group Stage.
DeleteYou have to add KO games.
VAR stats after group stage (VAR / AVAR1 / AVAR2)
Gallo: 4 / 3 / 1
Lara: 4 / 2 / 1
Pacheco: 4 / 2 / 1
Guzman: 4 / 1 / 3
Gonzalez: 3 / 4 / 1
Dickerson: 3 / 3 / 1
Al Marri: 3 / 2 / 3
Gillett: 3 / 2 / 3
Soto: 3 / 2 / 3
Bebek: 3 / 2 / 2
di Bello: 3 / 2 / 2
Villareal: 3 / 2 / 2
Mastrangelo: 3 / 1 / 5
Brisard: 3 / 1 / 3
Dankert: 3 / 0 / 5
del Cerro Grande: 3 / 0 / 5
Garcia: 2 / 5 / 1
Miranda: 2 / 5 / 0
Higler: 2 / 4 / 1
Ashour: 2 / 2 / 2
Kwiatkowski: 2 / 1 / 5
Alshehri: 2 / 1 / 4
van Driessche: 2 / 1 / 4
Delajod: 1 / 6 / 0
Toski: 1 / 4 / 3
San: 1 / 4 / 2
Obaid: 1 / 3 / 2
El-Fariq: 1 / 3 / 1
Fu: 1 / 2 / 3
Evans: 0 / 2 / 3
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteVAR stats after semifinals (VAR / AVAR1 / AVAR2)
DeletePacheco: 7 / 2 / 2
Lara: 6 / 5 / 2
Gallo: 6 / 5 / 1
Gillett: 6 / 2 / 4
Guzman: 6 / 1 / 6
Brisard: 6 / 1 / 4
di Bello: 5 / 3 / 5
Al Marri: 5 / 2 / 3
Mastrangelo: 5 / 1 / 7
Dankert: 5 / 0 / 6
Gonzalez: 4 / 7 / 1
Villareal: 4 / 4 / 3
Soto: 4 / 3 / 4
Kwiatkowski: 4 / 1 / 7
del Cerro Grande: 4 / 0 / 8
Higler: 3 / 7 / 1
Bebek: 3 / 5 / 3
Dickerson: 3 / 3 / 5
Garcia: 2 / 7 / 1
Miranda: 2 / 6 / 0
van Driessche: 2 / 2 / 5
Ashour: 2 / 2 / 3
Alshehri: 2 / 1 / 5
Delajod: 1 / 9 / 0
Toski: 1 / 6 / 3
San: 1 / 5 / 2
Obaid: 1 / 5 / 2
El-Fariq: 1 / 3 / 1
Fu: 1 / 2 / 4
Evans: 0 / 2 / 4
Lara should be disqualified,he has not got involved and let the South American teams get away with being thugs
Delete3 place
ReplyDeleteWiltlon sampaio
Final
vinic
Announcement in 2 hours
ReplyDeleteTic tac
DeleteThank you, Mr. Pelanty.
DeleteBreaking: The referee will be Wiltlon Vinic form Brazilvenia.
Delete@Sale Lmao that was a good one! +100
DeleteThere is a high possibility that Vincic will be in final, but as a fourth official!
ReplyDeleteNot a bad prediction tbh
DeleteMy chooses:
ReplyDeleteFrance-England:Makmadmeh
Spain-France:Faghani
And your choice for ARG-ESP?
DeleteMy fault.Spain-Argentina:Faghani
DeleteIf anything other than Faghani would be total shambles with what they got left. Not saying his tournament he has been amazing. NO - but the man deserves it as his final fifa honour he has been an amazing servant to the game.
ReplyDelete3rd place - I reckon will go to Vinic
After review: Javier Alberto, Argentina, covered Vinčić's "č". Decision is: Red card!
DeleteMany news outlets reporting Faghani as the favourite, with Vincic the backup if Iranian heritage causes problems for the former
ReplyDeleteFaghani for me. I was really impressed by his personality, authority and foul selection in Mexico vs England.
ReplyDelete3 place Valenzuela/Nyberg
ReplyDeleteFinal Faghani/Vincic
As long as the final referee is even handed and referees in the same way
DeleteEven an idiot knows there won't be a UEFA referee in the final. On top of that, FIFA will definitely assign a UEFA referee to the third-place play-off just to humiliate UEFA.
ReplyDeleteSay again :)
DeleteI guess you are worse than an idiot then? ahah
DeleteVincic is the referee Makhadmeh fo. Source: Facebook Mohammed Mansour Soltan
ReplyDeleteArbitro International confirmed. What a scandal
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteVincic finale
ReplyDeleteValenzuela classement
Officiel
İts official:
ReplyDeleteFrance-England:Valenzuela
Vincic confirmed by FIFA!
ReplyDeleteEither faghani mexico england performance rejected or pondering to the big man.
ReplyDeleteI was not expecting this choices.
ReplyDeleteVincic is a fair choice, but I feel Faghani deserved at least a Fourth Official spot in the final. And Makhadmeh could've been in the F/O in the third-place playoff in place of Jayed imo
ReplyDeleteWow!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletecomgrats vincic
ReplyDeleteWell, I have to fairly say that Vinčič deserves it based on his long and wonderful career. Also Valenzuela was great at this WC, so good luck to both teams!
ReplyDeleteI told you :) good luck slavko
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePolitical choice: CONCACAF referee get both semifinals, CONMEBOL for 3rd place match and UEFA for the final. So fourth official in last two games for CAF and AFC.
DeleteHe looks very happy :) https://x.com/issasaid232/status/2077903938066776130?s=46
ReplyDeleteJayal as 4th official in France-England must be a joke, he has been extremely weak the whole tournament. All my (basketball) referee friends that watched his Portugal-Uzbekistan game said, unprompted, that the referee was bad and should not get another game.
ReplyDeleteI truly don't understand. I guess it's juts pure politics. But literally every other referee still there deserved it more (possibly even João Pinheiro, and he was bad in his last game).
The third-place match is a fair assignment, but in my opinion, the Jordanian referee deserved it more than Vinčić. In fact, even Faghani deserved it more than Vinčić. A referee slated to officiate the World Cup final ought to earn that right by successfully navigating difficult matches throughout the tournament. Yet, we see that—aside from the Brazil vs. Morocco game—Vinčić did not officiate any match that could be considered truly challenging; his last assignment was in the Round of 32. This suggests that the decision regarding the final's referee had already been made, implying that performances in the Round of 16, quarter-finals, and even semi-finals were not heavily factored into the choice. Finally, given that FIFA has recently suffered a significant loss of credibility, it was clear they would not assign Faghani to the final—where Trump is set to present the trophy—even if he had earned the right to officiate it.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, it's a scandal appointment. Vincic is a referee who has a influenced mentor, nothing more. It's not a WC Final level.
ReplyDeleteIts really embarassing. I am ashamed for my refereeing hobby, when decision was made only by politics...
A influence by Ceferin is huge. Conflict UEFA v FIFA? What a joke, its not serious when a Ceferin's pupil gets a most important achievement in football.
Performance principle? It's a ridicolous.
A treatment for Faghani. He is Iranian, so he is banned, but the rest?
We have a better referees, with better tournament, with better matches. And at the end, politics is winning.
I am really ashamed for my interesting to world refereeing.
🇫🇷 France - England 🏴
ReplyDeleteA: Jesus Valenzuela 🇻🇪
A1: Jorge Urrego 🇻🇪
A2: Tulio Moreno 🇻🇪
4to: Jalal Jayed 🇲🇦
5to: Zakaria Brinsi 🇲🇦
VAR: Leodan Gonzalez 🇺🇾
AVAR: Armando Villarreal 🇺🇸
SVAR: Carlos Del Cerro Grande 🇪🇸
SBVAR: Juan Soto 🇻🇪
SBAVAR: Juan Lara 🇨🇱