Premier League 17-18 (R) assignments and discussion [Rs]

code1390 said: ↑

I'd guess 5 to 8%. I think Geiger and Irmatov (*insert MassRef rolling eyes here*) are the two non-UEFA/CONMEBOL refs who have a legitimate chance at the final. I don't know the South American referees very well but there's always two or three that FIFA like enough to give the final too. Europe has the typical five or more who could get the final.

I think Geiger is going to need three or four fantastic matches to have a chance of the final. However, he could be the favorite (or close to the favorite) to get the VAR spot in the final.

Also, don't forget we have the World Cup Referee forum now.

https://www.bigsoccer.com/forums/world-cup-2018-refereeing.1665/
Click to expand...

I'll reply here and then move over to the World Cup forum. A LOT would have to go right for Geiger to get a final, but it's not completely unrealistic. He has worked two major international finals (U20 World Cup, VAR for Club World Cup). He has been to a previous World Cup and had a knockout round game and was a fourth official on a semifinal. It appears that the debacle of Mexico-Panama is behind him now.

I maintain that a semifinal is a very real possibility if Geiger and his crew do well. There is no US team in this World Cup, and I don't see any of the CONCACAF teams making it past the Round of 16.