quote:

---

Originally posted by Thor:
To me, the referee did an excellent job overall.

---

Then you must have been watching the wrong channel...

But if the World Cup wants to remain in everyone's high esteem it had better do something about this amateur refs from God-knows-where who suddenly end up reffing huge matches with the world watching.

With all due respect, how can a linesman from The Maldives have possibly gained enough experience to officiate in a match as important as Brazil - Belgium. To stree my point, the referre was from Jamaica. Not exactly the world hub of fottball is it...

The numerous glaring mistakes, which nowadays are so painfully obvious on TV replays, have marred matches such as Brazil vs. Turkey, Brazil vs. Belgium, Italy vs. Croatia and then yesterday's game.

To err is human, but to make multiple mistakes all in favour of certain teams if fishy. For heaven's sake, the ref was miles away when Totti fell in the box, with 4 players obstructing his field of vision. It wasn't a penalty, but refs need to realise that not every person who falls in the box is simulating a foul. Might I add that previous to this World Cup the ref in question had only reffed a Continental Cup match when it comes to international competitions.

And if all mistakes are blamed on the ref's 'humanity', then for heaven's sake let's introduce pitchside TVs. These aren't petty Sunday-league squabbles, these are professionals whose careers can be affected by these decisions, and whole nations whose pride is at stake.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Camillu:
It wasn't a penalty

---

I'm not so sure.
At first I thought it was just a slight contact and Totti fell somewhat more dramatically than he should have, but then on a slow-mo replay from behind, it appears that the Korean not only sticks his left foot in front of Totti, he also gives him a push from behind with his right foot. That's more than just a slight contact.
I'd have to see it again to be sure though.

And just because I get to say it: Italy sucked. You don't go back in defence with a 1-0 lead. Spain made the same mistake, and almost got thrown out.
Italy had the better players. Korea had the better team. This is a team sport. So Korea moves on. Too bad though. I thought the referee was relatively fair during the first two halves. But the Extra Time was ridiculous.
And given all the incidents against Italy over the past weeks, it seems like FIFA has decided to make up for all the unfair advantages the Italians were given in previous years.
Tragically ironic isn't it? That the Italians should be the ones facing unfair referees?

I think the only pompous comments came from the Perugia manager himself, as he raved about how Ahn had "destroyed Italian football" and that this was an offense to the "Italian pride" and sh1t like that. Gus Hiddink, the Dutch manager for Korea, called the comments "childish", and I have to agree with that.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dinko:

And given all the incidents against Italy over the past weeks, it seems like FIFA has decided to make up for all the unfair advantages the Italians were given in previous years.

---

Such as?????

Enjoyed the Brazil win. England really disappointed. They played half an hour with an extra man, 1 goal under, with 3 strikers, and all they could produce was one header from a corner.

Pity about the US. You sure played better than the Germans, but I guess their finishing was more efficient. But it's still nice to see US football at an all-time high. Very enjoyable match. That Sanneh guy (and Reyna and Donovan of course) is great.

Oh and btw, Ahn's contract with Perugia had ended before the World Cup started, so don't get all excited about the unfairness of it all.

[Message edited by Camillu on 06-21-2002]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Camillu:
Such as?????

---

Only a die-hard italian supporter would be so blind as to even ask.

As much in '94 as in '98 the Italians player with at least 1 player more than the other team. The extra player was different from game to game, but his position on the field was always the same. He occupied the position of the referee.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dinko:

Only a die-hard italian supporter would be so blind as to even ask.

---

Thanks for having the conversation skills to suddenly make it personal.

Believe me, I have my VHS tapes. In '94, apart from the ignored elbow-in-the-nose that cost Spain a player, Italy had quite a laborious run to the final. The various sending offs in the first round were all against Italy, and I can't see how referees can help a team only get 4 points from the 3 first games.

98 wasn't so tough, but again the only point you might be thinking of was the penalty against Chile, which was quite clear.

Less of the 'geriatric' Thor (I'm older than 'our' goalie Seamen)...though I do agree, I've been saying for the last few years that, in fact,since 98 that Seamen need's replacing with a younger model.

In other news, I'm sorry that Senegal left the Cup the other day. I really enjoyed their football and would have vastly preferred them over Turkey in the semi-final. Imagine...if they'd made it, we would have had one team from almost EACH CONTINENT in the semi!

Pity they played the dance version rather than the orchestral one, but I guess you can't make everybody happy...

That makes FIVE WORLD CUP WINS for Brazil!! Truly amazing.