Best Referee Video Ever: Nicola Rizzoli’s Hair
Yes. He did see himself on the big screen and then fix his hair. … What? The guy’s gotta look good…
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The Nicola Rizzoli Tribute Song
To get us all warmed up for Nicola Rizzoli’s performance as the World Cup Final referee, I present to you proof positive that there are people out there more obsessed with referees than me. You don’t even have to speak Italian to appreciate the sheer awesome of this: Yes, bitches, that’s a tribute song!! Not some silly video of still photos
Read moreThoughts on the Referee: Djamel Haimoudi in Brazil v. Netherlands
One of my favorite things about Djamel Haimoudi is that he always just looks so darn happy to be there. I mean I guess they all are, but Haimoudi just can’t hide his joy. It’s adorbs. But, to quote myself after his first match, because of that: “I wish he’d done better.” Or to quote my friend Mark: “Fastest referee
Read moreReferee for 2014 World Cup Final: Nicola Rizzoli
The referee for the final match of the 2014 World Cup is Nicola Rizzoli of Italy. He will be assisted by his longtime team, Renato Faverani and Andrea Stefani, both also of Italy. Carlos Vera of Ecuador will be the fourth official, which I must say is a big appointment for him. I, personally, could not be more thrilled or less surprised.
Read moreReferee for World Cup Third Place Playoff: Djamel Haimoudi
Djamel Haimoudi of Algeria has been appointed as the referee for the third place playoff between Brazil and Netherlands, to take place on Saturday. He will be assisted by Redouane Achik and Abdelhak Etchiali. Fourth official will be Yuichi Nishimura of Japan. I feel like this is a little bit of a surprise, though he did fairly well in the games I
Read moreThoughts on the Semifinal Referee: Cuneyt Cakir
Overall, Cuneyt Cakir had a good game, in the sense that he really didn’t affect the outcome. The match never felt out of control. He started off keeping control but not calling every little thing, so setting a good tone. His communication with the players was good. The call at 13 minutes to give Argentina a free kick right outside the
Read moreThoughts on the Semifinal Referee: Marco Rodriguez
Few people expected this game to end the way it did: with a 7-1 Brazil defeat. In fact, what most people expected – a brutal, ugly display and possibly retaliation for Neymar’s injury – didn’t happen at all and much of the credit for that can be given to Rodriguez. He could have called an early foul for Brazil right
Read moreReferee for World Cup Semifinal between Netherlands and Argentina: Cuneyt Cakir
The second semifinal of the World Cup will be officiated by Cuneyt Cakir of Turkey. This isn’t a huge surprise, for me, at least. Cakir’s well-respected by FIFA and he does have quite a bit of experience. He’s done pretty well in this tournament. Here’s what he’s been in: Brazil v. Mexico Algeria v. Russia Fourth official will be Jonas
Read moreOfficial: List of Remaining Refereeing Teams
It is now official. Here are the remaining refereeing teams for the 2014 World Cup. The next semifinal, third place playoff and final referee will come from this list. Ravshan Irmatov (UZB) Yuichi Nishimura (JPN) Djamel Haimoudi (ALG) Noumandiez Doue (CIV) Marco Rodriguez (MEX) Mark Geiger (USA) Enrique Osses (CHI) Carlos Vera (ECU) Sandro Ricci (BRA) Cuneyt Cakir (TUR) Jonas
Read moreThe Daily Rumor: World Cup Referees
It’s definitely silly season in World Cup refereeing terms, with only three games left to go. Here are some of the totally unsubstantiated things I’m hearing. Bjorn Kuipers is Out – Dutch media are reporting that Kuipers has been given his walking papers, due to the success of the Dutch side. This is really sad for me, because it really does mean
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