First of all, being in their group, I can tell you that Ecuador played a lot better than their record indicates. They were a definite threat throughout the group stages. Unfortunately, late in their game against France, Antonio Valencia was sent off for a studs up challenge on Lucas Digne. You can see it on Fansided (which is where the below images
Read more
I only covered two matches today. If you watched the other matches, feel free to leave your thoughts on the referees below. Nicola Rizzoli (Italy), Nigeria v. Argentina Yes, I have an enormous schoolgirl crush on Nicola Rizzoli (above), but these are the days when he reminds us of what a great referee he is. His fitness was great, allowing
Read more
These appointments came quite late compared to the other appointments, which usually came early in the morning two days before the match was played. The one other exception: Brazil’s second match against Mexico. Officials had been accused of favoritism in Brazil’s first game, including a soft penalty, and had disallowed two onside goals for Mexico. Cuneyt Cakir was announced for
Read more
Saturday’s games will feature two repeat referees and one we have only seen as a fourth official: New Zealand’s dreamy Peter O’Leary. Argentina and Iran have Milorad Mazic. The Serb is very well thought-of around FIFA, though I thought his original outing (Germany v. Portugal) was rather hit or miss. One of the best referees I’ve seen in the tournament
Read more
Over a week into the tournament, we finally get our first glimpse at England’s Howard Webb (above). I wouldn’t even call it a showpiece, pitting as it does Colombia against Cote D’Ivoire. The biggest game of the day (which Webb could obviously not take) would probably be Uruguay v. England. Uruguay pretty much must win to have a chance at
Read more
The group stage gets started in earnest on Saturday with four matches. Arguably the biggest (at least in terms of attention) will be England v. Italy. Bjorn Kuipers of the Netherlands has been given the reigns of that one. Kuipers (above) had a solid Champions League Final, despite popular perception, and his strength in man management makes him a good
Read more
Here are the referees for this weekend’s MLS matches. There’s also a Wednesday match this week, April 16. Saturday Toronto FC vs. Colorado Rapids REFEREE: DAVE GANTAR AR1: Philippe Briere AR2: Richard Gamache 4TH: Justin Tasev Montreal Impact vs. Chicago Fire REFEREE: JOSE CARLOS RIVERO AR1: Daniel Belleau AR2: Scott Kachmarik 4TH: Drew Fischer Philadelphia Union vs. Real Salt Lake
Read more
How’s that for sensationalistic headlines? It was supposed to be a quiet weekend for Howard Webb. All he had to do as the fourth official at Hull City v. Newcastle was to stand around, looking intimidating. (As he does.) Unfortunately, all that training as a policeman had to come into play, because Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is just a crazy
Read more
One of the biggest matches is Sunday between AC Milan (still a threat despite their ninth place position) and league leaders Juventus. The call-up for this is a bit of a surprise: Marco Guida (above). Guida is one of the younger up and comers in Italian refereeing, and recently attended a UEFA seminar for the first time. He’s very talented
Read more
Here are the referees in Serie A for this weekend, February 22-24. Chievo and Catania will be a fairly big game, considering that the two teams are fighting to avoid relegation. Daniele Orsato, one of Italy’s top-rated refs, will handle that one. League leaders Juventus will take on mid-table Torino, refereed by top Italian ref Nicola Rizzoli (above) and his
Read more
PLAY THE ADVANTAGE 