So in a flash, so to speak, we're shifted from Escobar seeming to avoid giving any misconduct to two cautions inside 15 minutes. How things can shift. Sanchez not getting booked at 18', though...? If you're going to set the line, you need to keep it. I think he's going to have some big problems with consistency here.
We caught the end of him giving the "1,2,3,4". The card was for PO and not SPA. Even though it was 4 fouls (and three of them cautionable) in 13 minutes. That would probably be his argument that the line hasn't been set for SPA.
Yeah, I was thinking more of a general line of "I'm going to be addressing misconduct." But you're right; I forgot Escobar doesn't necessarily believe in SPA unless it's just an excuse not to give DOGSO.
Might I reiterate my belief that there should be an available option to wear PANTS for the referee uniform for games with windchill of freezing and below.
I love Escobar's pointing to his watch during the current injury, as if... A) the Canadian goalkeeper is wasting time & B) Escobar woud actually fully account for the time lost at the stoppage Neither is true.
Seemed like assistants, I think? The second one definitely was aimed at someone past Tata. His body language after the deliverly of the cards was awful. Really weird. Seemed to undermine whatever it was he was doing, but I think it was trying to convey an "I don't really care, I'll toss assistant coaches" message. Wonder what the whole thing was about.
I love point B. I also appreciated the trainer fanning the air toward the Keeper's ankle. This match is full of funny so far.
I know Escobar is wearing running tights under his shorts and socks. I know both ARs walked out wearing training pants, and so far I don't think they changed out of their training pants.
Hahahah, his facial expressions with Raul at 39'! He's giving off this "I really don't want to be here," attitude. Which is probably true. But it seems more like a tactical decision. It will work... until it doesn't. And Raul's face when Escobar walked away from him indicates that it's not going to work for much longer.
I think it's part of this overall attitude he's trying to convey out there. He's trying to manage the game by essentially telling the players that "hey, it's 9 degrees, none of us truly wants to be here in this right now so let's cut the stupdity and just get out of here." I've used this approach before. In January amateur games. It can work. I'm not sure it works in a World Cup qualifier. But it could. I will say it's more personality than I've ever seen Escobar show.
Shorter message: :"let's not make this more unpleasant than it already is." Again, we'll see if it can get him through 90.
Plus every player in black wants to be here. It's their biggest WCQ in a generation+ and their chance to use Canadian winter to their advantage. Not sure the "I don't care and neither do you" is gonna cut it.