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
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Marco Rodriguez of Mexico – known as “chiquidracula” partly for his love of hair product – will take the first semifinal, between Brazil and Germany. Rodriguez has had a good tournament, and what’s more, he’s proven that he can handle making tough calls. It was, after all, Rodriguez who sent off Italy’s Claudio Marchisio for a studs up challenge. This
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By now, everyone’s heard FIFA’s pronouncement on Luis Suarez and his inability to control himself. FIFA said he violated “Article 48”, which I assume prohibits players from being giant dickheads. Nine matches (including the rest of the World Cup) Four months of no football activity whatsoever: No training or playing for club or country, no supporting from the stands, no
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I didn’t watch all the games today, because I took some time to off go into the city and watch a game with my Colombian buddy. I’ll review the referees I watched. Feel free to add your comments and thoughts on the other referees below! Marco Rodriguez (Mexico), Italy v. Uruguay These teams required a strong referee, which is just what
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Update: Luis Suarez has been banned for nine matches and from “any football related activity” for four months. That means he can’t train with his club or his country, and we won’t see his smug face in the stands supporting his team in the rest of this World Cup. This may not be as harsh as some of us feel was warranted, but I
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Marco Rodriguez of Mexico and his love of hair product (see above) will open the proceedings on Tuesday with Italy v. Urugay. Mark Geiger of the US is his fourth official. Djamel Haimoudi of Algeria has been invited back for Costa Rica v. England, who have only their pride to play for now. Portugal’s generally excellent (and quite dreamy) Pedro Proenca has
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The showpiece today was Brazil v. Mexico and what a showpiece it was, thanks in part to the refereeing crew. But we start with the Mexican referees… Marco Rodriguez (Mexico), Belgium v. Algeria First of all, this guy loves his hair product, doesn’t he? Rodriguez tended to let a lot of potential fouls go, but it was equal for both teams,
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PLAY THE ADVANTAGE 