All pre-match discussion of the appointment, play-by-play descriptions and post-match analysis of the officiating performance for this match belong in this thread. Analysis threads in this forum are strictly moderated. Supporters of participating teams are welcome and encouraged to participate. But all posters should take non-analytical posts to the group or rivalries forums. Thank you. Match #48, Switzerland - Honduras, Group H Referee: Baldassi (ARG) Assistant 1: Casas (ARG) Assistant 2: Maidana (ARG) Fourth Official: Benquerenca (POR)
Was it just me or were there at least a few really bad offside decisions in this game that cost Honduras? One kept a legit Honduras goal (there first) off the board.
What happened in the 65 minute? Foul, yellow card to Chavez, but all the Hondorans were pointing at the JAR, as if he had called offside. There is no way that was indeed offside, right? Baldassi looked like he was communicating with him. How did they restart? Even if he did call offside, I liked that he still gave the card. I just saw it on the ESPN gamecast, so I didn't see the restart.
It was quite strange, and I have no explanation for it. The Hondurans did seem to be pointing to the touchline but a little too far up the field to be the AR. Were they complaining about a whistle in the stands? Seems doubtful. The restart was a Swiss DFK. Clear YC foul.
The 77:12 call against Honduras was "very tight", the right central defender probably kept him on. If the "goal" you are talking about is the play at 84:15, Alvarez was very likely offside on the initial pass but clearly offside on the deflection. ESPN misled the audience by showing that the goalscorer was onside, but he wasn't the player called offside.