Don't think so but not sure. The AR was better positioned than any of the TV angles I've seen though so I'll trust him.
That's twice now that Giroud, from an offside position, has forced the German keeper to pick up the ball. Isn't that interfering with an opponent?
I wondered about that also. In both cases a fair amount of time had passed, and he had moved behind a teammate before challenging the keeper.
Solid game by Pitana but that's probably got to be the easiest Knockout game for any of the referees so far ? Was played at a weird testimonial pace almost. Edit - Seems he got the freekick decision for the goal wrong on the replay.
No. The 'keeper was time wasting (legally) and probably knew that the attacker couldn't play the ball and waited until,the last second to pick'it up. No big deal.
I agree it wasn't that big of a deal, but does the keeper have to play the ball with his foot and/or pick it up to take possession (for offside purposes)? Or is standing over an untouched ball that has rolled to a stop enough?
If he stood over it without touching it, so be it. Time goes on. Brilliant move for the squad that is ahead. All day long.
If the GK had played the ball with his foot, OS reset, if not, it becomes an OS offense once the attacker challenges the GK for the ball - which FIFA seems to equate with playing distance. But why call it? I'd imagine the GK would rather have the ball in his hands than on the ground for a FK. Now that we know advantage can be played on OS, that seems the right call.
I think 30°C (in the shade) with high humidity played at midday in the sun will do that to a match. Kickoff times should not have been adjusted for European viewers even if that meant I would have to get up at 3 or 4 o'clock at night.
I've really been impressed by Pitana. He had to make two calls this game right in front of AR1, but other than that the AR's were solid. He's got "the look" as much as any other referee I've seen, and I hope we get to see him in Russia!