Might as well have a thread, since we're down to a single match. This will be a big test. A true derby with a meaningful medal on the line. I wouldn't go as far to say it's been contentious, but Irmatov has nonetheless had to be involved in the first 5 minutes. This could end up being a very difficult game to officiate.
34th minute, things are heating up and the play is very physical. Looks like he could have sent off a South Korean player (#13?) for SFP for a tackle from behind through the player. Some handbags after that and a lot of visual dissent from the South Korean player. Missed the replay on the tackle so only had the "live" look at that tackle.
Things are getting vicious. Nasty elbow to side of face at 42:00. Koreans still angry about the whole World War Two thing. Cheers, Mi3ke
Didn't look like SFP to me. It was from behind/the side, for sure, but both of the South Korean's legs were flat on the ground, one leg was folded in with his other leg was extended, he did not lead with his studs, and he did not catch the Japanese player with his extended/straight leg. Admittedly, it happened right in front of the benches, which raises the temp. of the entire play, but Irmatov was right there and diffused it well. He was demonstrative and firm, I thought, and handled it well. But there have been at least three yellows to Korean players in pretty quick succession, so things are definitely heating up.
Yeah I thought the same thing initially from distance, but the replays showed it was nowhere near SFP. Honestly, the South Korean player had some right to complain. He tucked his leg in and was relatively controlled with the challenge and it got all of the ball before then going through the player. I think for the sheer force and the location (right in front of the benches), plus the fact that #13 (the captain) had been a pain already and was talked to with a stern lecture 2 minutes in, Irmatov had to give a caution. But it definitely wasn't a red card. All in all, he handled the whole thing really well. Let #13 blow off steam and then calmed him down, with another stern lecture. Also addressed the most volatile Japanese player. There was an elbow late in the first half on an aerial challenge that was on the border of red and yellow... seen it given as red in MLS. But I don't think red would be expected in this setting. I've been in an out, but from what I've seen, Irmatov had a good first half.
Koo for South Korea - the Captain. Tackle from behind and caught the Japanese player's plant foot above the ankle. Definitely should have been a send-off.
Doesn't matter that Koo didn't get him with his studs. He caught him with the trail leg in a manner that could have easily done serious damage. Add to it that it was right in front of the bench and that Korea certainly had not responded to the previous ass chewings and cautions for reckless tackles.
It certainly wasn't a red card. Caution, absolutely. Though he cleanly got the ball he went through the opponent.
I don't know. I think you're reaching for a red card on that. I admit I thought it was bad on first viewing, but all replays make me think Irmatov handled it correctly.
No card on a kick to the face by Otsu in the final 12 mins. He had received a soft yellow about five mins earlier. Only reason that I can think of for not sending him off there. Also an elbow that split open a Japanese player in the final 20 mins was completely missed.
Koo should gave been sent off in the first half with a second yellow card for chesting a Japanese player in the ensuing scrum. Irmatov has no presence or personality. He honestly looks like a doofus. His posture and body language is such that it does not elicit confidence. He appears to channel his inner Neville Chamberlain. Also his foul recignition appears to be worse. Either that or he is reluctant to whistle. Why is he here? Is someone at FIFA making money off a gas pipeline?