My two cents: I think a large part of it is that referees don't want to be known for one single match. If Rizzoli had red-carded Howedes in the 33rd minute, his lifetime of work would be wiped away in a flash, and all he would be remembered for by most of the world was that he made Germany play a man down for 60 minutes, essentially ruining a World Cup Final. I think it takes a super-obvious red (e.g. Zidane in 2006) for a referee to go that route, a red that the ref has to be 120% sure about. Either that or a very courageous referee, who feels secure about his legacy. Collina perhaps, if he had been the ref on Sunday, would have shown Howedes a red. Not too many others, though.
I wouldn't be so quite sure about that Look at the hour and seven minute mark (1:07) or 17 minutes into the second half. It was a different time and different game, but I think even at that time that was a red card.
I dunno. Looked to me like a 50-50 ball and both players slide in studs up. What would you do, send them both off? Anyway, thanks for reminding me of Ronaldo's horrible haircut.
PG remains very unhappy with FIFA and other things... http://www.socceramerica.com/article/59597/cheating-and-violence-win-top-games-does-fifa-e.html