Match #35 Iran : Portugal Monday, 25 June 2018 21:00 local time (14:00 EDT) Saransk Referee: Enrique Caceres (PAR) AR1: Eduardo Cardozo (PAR) AR2: Juan Zorrilla (PAR) Fourth Official: Mehdi Abid Charef (ALG) Reserve AR: Anouar Hmila (TUN) Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA) AVAR1: Gery Vargas (BOL) AVAR 2: Hernan Maidana (ARG) AVAR 3: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
I think this will be one interesting match. Iran have skilled players and there is still a possibility of them winning the group. Let's hope for a well officiated match.
5th minute. One of those fouls on the goal line that is always given to the defender but rarely given to the attacker.
23' minute knee to the head on the goalkeeper is a dirty play. That contact can be and is most always avoided. When it's not, there's a reason.
A pretty clear PK about a yard into the penalty area. Iran is frustrated but it was the correct decision.
How is half the Iran team not sent off for dissent/VC? I'd think the chest-bump and posturing at the referee would be reason enough...
So the Iranian keeper started behind the line so that when the ball was struck he was basically even with the end line. Could it be argued that the keeper must be on the field of play when the whistle is blown? What do the laws say (I haven't reffed in a couple years)?
Iranian player clearly in penalty area before the kick is taken. Imagine if the referee had ordered a retake
Laws state the goalkeeper must be on the goal line, between the goal posts, and facing the field before the kick is taken.
The gk Must be on the line. Full stop. Not behind. The foul on Ronaldo was 100%, not given until reviewed. Ref chest bumped and gives caution. Not very tidy.
Caceres has completely lost control of this game. This is like bush league baseball or hockey right now...
Quaresma gets his retaliation in and picks up a yellow. Not like that would be the first SFP of the tournament...
While obviously a foul, I've got to say that this highlights the two different standards for VARs between leg fouls vs. aerial challenges in the penalty area. How this is a grave injustice that VAR must correct while the blatant holding, flailing elbows and two-handed pushes are not is something completely beyond my comprehension.
Wow, clear foul missed (clear given the context here at least), and then the retaliation there was telegraphed from 15 yards away. He's gotta call every little thing here start passing out cards like candy or someone's gonna get hurt. https://streamja.com/M44l