01 RSAMEX Ėrmatov
Selecting Ravšan Ėrmatov to handle the opening game was certainly a brave choice, which proved to be an inspired one, as one of the referees that FIFA had the sharpest focus on since the end of the last World Cup delivered a very good performance.
The fair-spirited, fast-flowing match played perfectly into the Uzbek referee's hands. In terms of isolated situations, one could argue that he missed a number of cautions early in the match: SPA at 8', reckless at 13', SPA at 16', SPA handling at 18', reckless at 20' (not for me).
While that wouldn't be wrong (and explains why the mark isn't higher), I think Ėrmatov's approach was very well-judged. Especially given that this wasn't the most sonorous clash for the opening game, the Uzbek referee did well in my book to allow nervous players the scope for some transgressions.
Balancing the allowance of some Mexico tactical fouls and South Africa's too rough play was a good choice; both sets of players were were rewarded for their focus on playing an exciting if not tactically coherent match. I was particularly impressed by Ėrmatov holding his nerve at 13', in front of an angry Mexico bench, and sticking to his approach by not opening the cards there.
When players threatened that order of fast play, whether by preventing the taking of a quick freekick (18') or holding a player in a promising position (27'), Ėrmatov was quick to punish it with a booking. Despite his early leniency, the players understood the Uzbek referee's line, and it helped keep them calm.
The pace of the game slowed down in an easier second half to officiate. Tsepo Masilela's foul at 70' was a bit wild, but surely not enough to warrant a red card, not least in the opening game of the World Cup.
Ėrmatov's fitness was of excellent help to him here, and combined with quite a deep understanding of what the players were trying to achieve in this opener, he really succeeded in this performance. Well done!
Rafael Iljasov also deserves praise for correctly disallowing a Mexico goal in the first half - while the offside position was ultimately quite clear, many (even top) assistants would not have so quickly determined that the goalkeeper became the second-last defender. Bachadyr Kočkarov missed a clear (and very painful) foul for in his vicinity, but more importantly played a good, if expected onside for the Mexico equaliser.
Rafael Iljasov also deserves praise for correctly disallowing a Mexico goal in the first half - while the offside position was ultimately quite clear, many (even top) assistants would not have so quickly determined that the goalkeeper became the second-last defender. Bachadyr Kočkarov missed a clear (and very painful) foul for in his vicinity, but more importantly played a good, if expected onside for the Mexico equaliser.
| Ravšan Ėrmatov - 8,5 Rafael Iljasov - 8,5 Bachadyr Kočkarov - 8,4 Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh Mù Yùxīn UZB, UZB, KGY – MAS, CHN | South Africa 1-1 Mexico Group Stage 11 June |
 Dikgacoi (27') - SPA (Tripping) Masilela (70') - Tackle | Juárez (18') - Delaying the Restart Torrado (56') - SPA (Impeding) |
I think this performance is actually a perfect summary of refereeing at WC 2010, created by the referee who would be become THE break-out star of the tournament.
ReplyDeleteWhereas 2006 could be described as "be as strict as you like" (especially when it comes to DtR!) and 2014 as "don't use your cards!!!!", 2010 was more like "manage it how you feel it is best". Ėrmatov missed three mandatory cards at least in my book, but in the larger picture, his performance was excellent. Fitness, positioning, management and how to het accepted by the players - everything was there and this was for sure an very good start into the tournament for the referees.
Appreciate everything you do here, Mikael!
ReplyDeleteAs this is the first tournament you've done where I had real-time contemporary analysis, I think it's only fair that I post what I thought at the time and see if it still stands up! My main analysis at the time is below. Looking back, my only complaint was 70', where I thought it could have DOGSO/Pen against Mexico and then potentially SFP against South Africa, with Irmatov sanctioning neither. I still think there's a legitimate shout for the penalty. For the only available replays, I would conclude the yellow card (particularly since you didn't give the penalty at the other end!) is/was acceptable.
https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/analysis-rsa-mex-irmatov-uzb.1451355/page-2#post-20962340
re. potential penalty at 70' - it looked much more of a penalty in the live sequence than in the one replay angle didn't it. It's a bit 'suspect' that the attacker starts falling when it wouldn't be in his interest to, but I can't detect a CLEAR offence there to be honest. Maybe the South Africa player's reaction is the biggest hint here.
DeleteReview by MARCA.com: 7/10, correctly disallowed Vela's goal and had a good performance.
ReplyDelete