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
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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
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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
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Greece went through to the knockout stages by the skin of their teeth: A stoppage time penalty award by Ecuadoran referee Carlos Vera. Here it is… What do you think? Penalty or not? Featured photo: Huffington Post
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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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This is version of Red Card or Not is a pretty easy one. Claudio Marchisio had control (having just evaded one challenge) when he went right over the ball and dragged his studs down the defender’s leg. Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez was practically right on top of it, and drew the red card immediately. Not much doubt here. You can also see
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Great performances from the referees today in some very physical and exciting games. Bakary Gassama (Gambia), Netherlands v. Chile First time I’ve seen Gassama (above), but I was fairly impressed with him. He was pretty good at foul detection, not missing much. These two teams are prone to, shall we say, over-exaggerating. He didn’t fall for much of that. Not
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Wednesday is a very interesting day, front loaded as it is with three generally well-respected referees who’ve done well in this tournament and may well see later matches: Nicola Rizzoli of Italy, Carlos Velasco of Spain and Nestor Pitana of Argentina. We (Switzerland) get the mighty Pitana – mighty because he’s a damn good ref and also because he is enormous.
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L’Arbitre is back, this time discussing what the referees are wearing. I, Jenna, find this kit really attractive. The colours tend to look good on most of the referees, and the style and pattern of the kit is flattering as well. The red kit, particularly, seems to be universally flattering. Like this post? Visit L’Arbitre at Refereeing the Beautiful Game! By L’Arbitre Fashion, just
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