Match 40: KSA : MEX - OLIVER (ENG)

15'

Did Alvarez just shove Oliver in the back?!

EDIT correctly cautioned Alvarez for reckless before Alvarez shoved Oliver.

 

Wow. The Mexican player is a lucky boy. He didnt just touch Oliver but actually pushed him. And Oliver handled that well with an AC and a display of anger you rarely see from him.

 

Yes.

Lip reading, I believe Oliver said "you need to zip it and go" but wow, that could have been a 2CT.

 

Early yellow to Alvarez, as he insists he doesn't deserve a persistent infringement yellow because it was his first foul. Dude, the card wasn't for persistent infringement.

Alvarez gives Oliver a little whack in the back as Oliver turned around to do something else - I swear I saw consideration of a second yellow cross Oliver's mind.

 

Really kept his cool. This game will probably be much the better for it.

 

I kind of think he had to go for that. I know that would be viewed as harsh by many, but you can't lay hands on the referee.

I get it, Oliver doesn't want to become the spectacle, so hard to blame him. But, if the referee is walking away from you after you just got a yc, you don't shove him in the back. Unacceptable!

EDIT - so yes, I can appreciate Oliver is willing to give him a pass because he doesn't want to be the story. But, man, I don't know if that's smart or just lacking courage. But, I'm sitting at home, who am I to call him out for lack of courage?

 

28'

Caution for Saudi hand to Mexican face. Correct.

Oliver giving another "zip it."

 

31'

Passed on this unnecessary foul near the goal line. Should have given that one for control methinks.

 

33'

Mexico sending players to work Oliver for a caution, even after the restart which was NOT quickly taken.

34'
Caution issued to Al Hasdan for reckless kick to the Achilles. Good decision, slow with the card which is very English But not sure they're used to in this event.

 

This match is not for the faint of heart. Oliver is handling all the extracurricular stuff very well so far.

 

I don't know... He's having difficulty managing frustrations now which all kicked off when Alvarez shoved Oliver in the back.

 

I think he gave the offender a stern look.

 

There might be more frustrations if he had sent off Alvarez for that, though.

 

Can someone post a video? I really want to see before I comment.

 

40'

Surely that was a SPA (but not given) there were space, speed, options.

 

I am just saying when it started. That doesn't mean that was the catalyst.

 

Wow, didn't pick up on that in real time. Di Maria flashbacks! If it really is a push it needs to be a yellow card bare minimum, I would even prefer red. Oliver should be braver there. In MLS at least, reds have been given for far less contact with the referee.

 

A few times this game Oliver has done the CONCACAF thing where he sprints to the spot of the foul. Nice to see this adaptability because it feels pretty "un-Oliver-like" of a mechanic.

 

49+

Close onside followed by Saudi attacker on the break going down very easily, so no call.

Good read by the AR and Oliver.

 

52+
Oliver blows for half with the ball flying towards the penalty area on a free kick. Weird choice (again).

 

Pretty silly time for Oliver to blow the whistle for halftime there. Imagine if the Saudi player got his head on that kick and put it in?

I will never understand the tradition of blowing halves dead while the ball is in the air on a set piece. If there's enough time left to kick it, there's enough time for it to land.

 

In any game I do, that's a straight red sendoff.

In this game, given that's BY FAR the angriest I've ever seen Michael Oliver on a field, I think it will work. It's been a chippy and difficult game, but it does seem like he's doing a pretty solid job managing it. Everyone knew this game would be an unlit box of fireworks from the kickoff.

 

1978 World Cup, Sweden v Brazil, corner in stoppage time. Swedish GK asks the center how much time, replies he will whistle as soon as the kick is taken.

So as soon as the kick taker strikes the ball, the Swedish keeper starts walking away. Whistle comes with the ball in mid-air, Brazil puts it in, no goal and everyone except the goalkeeper super confused.

One of the strangest soccer moments I have ever seen.

 

If Mexico wins 1:0 and Argentina 2:0 is it enough to go ahead?