Match #3 - 13 June 2014 - 3:00 EDT - Salvador Referee: RIZZOLI (ITA) AR1: FAVERANI (ITA) AR2: STEFANI (ITA) 4th: MOEN (NOR) RAR: HAGLUND (NOR) This thread is for all pre-match, play-by-play and post-match discussion and analysis of the refereeing team. Per the forum guidelines (http://forums.bigsoccer.com/threads/welcome-forum-guidelines.2003380/), this thread will be heavily moderated. For more general or partisan discussions of the match, please go to the general Group thread or the individual team forums.
This is the match I REALLY want to see today - so much so that I'll take a break from driving from Denver to South Dakota today just to see it! I'm working on the assumption that I can find a bar between Cheyenne and Lusk, Wyoming, that has ESPN on in the afternoon.
Well now for what should be the first really tough match of the tournament. Can only be uphill from here right?
One would hope. But Rizzoli always seems to have one really bad game per year and his ARs are always a little suspect. He's one of the best in the world, for sure. But when he's off, it tends to go horribly wrong. Let's hope today isn't one of those off days.
Are we taking bets again? Let's do how many minutes until someone shows up in this topic to say Rizzoli is partial to one team or another.
Rizzoli setting a strong tone early on and establishing a relatively low but fair threshold. Also, VERY clear visual communication to let the players know he's on top of things. Moving very quickly to be in position. Much more in the middle of things than Nishimura was yesterday.
Nigel de Jung is still a savage thug. Webb had a clear view of the foul from behind. No player stood between him de Jung and Alonso.
Commentator: "He tried to shield the ball but you have to be within playing distance" I'm so proud. Tears in my eyes.
Well, I mean, that's sort of right. The referee wasn't calling him for impeding the progress, though, which is what we are usually talking about when we say playing distance. But pretty sure he game a DFK, which meant it was a charging foul (or perhaps it was the elbow he didn't like).
I'll go out on a limb -I'm not completely sure there was contact. Would be interested in seeing that again.