48 SUIHON Baldassi

 

A game that felt like it spelt the end for its' two combatants. Switzerland only had to beat already-out Honduras by a couple of goals to advance, but in truth neither side possessed the quality required in this technically weak game, which ultimately finished goalless. 

If Italy and France crashed out of the competition, then Spain-defeating Switzerland just ebbed away. Any discussions about Al-Ghamdi aside, they had the chance to go through here, and just didn't take it. 

If Switzerland and Honduras were on their way out, then the opposite was true of the match referee, Héctor Baldassi, whose stock continued to rise through the tournament. After two successful appearances thus far (SRBGHA - NEDJPN), Baldassi handled his third group stage game in a satisfying way, and had well-earned a place in the knockout stage.

The Argentine had a smart game plan in my opinion - in this rather weak match, he wanted to show that while he wouldn't tolerate deliberate fouls (eg. early caution at 4'), he allowed the players some scope for mistimed tackles. For instance, by the book, he should have issued cations after advantage at both 6' and 38'. A rather dangerous high foot at 28' being another case in point. 

Ultimately, Baldassi was happy to allow both sets of players some scope for ill-judged play, so long as it wasn't ill-mannered. His use of cards was not really that consistent (no card at 68' vs. 89'; 64' was perhaps incoherent with some other calls), but was effective. Despite his ultra-relaxed style, one never had the impression that he lacked concentration at any point. 

Potential issues: penalty at 33'? DOGSO at 67'? SFP at 58'?; I would support the referee in all three cases (careless, trifling; attacker could have carried on if he so wished; not enough intensity). 

Two important calls for Ricardo Casas at the end - correct to disallow a Honduras goal (85'), he was wrong with a tight and important flag at 78'. The other AR, Hernán Maidana, was quiet. 

Balance

German football magazine Kicker evaluated Héctor Baldassi as "the best man on the pitch" in this game. It's hard to argue with that.  After three successful group stage insets, the Argentine referee with his unique style would deservedly take his place in the knockout stage. 

Héctor Baldassi - 8,3 Ricardo Casas - 8,3 Hernán Maidana - 8,4 Olegário Benquerença José Cardinal ARG – POR	Switzerland 0-0 Honduras Group Stage 25 June
Fernandes (34') - SPA (Holding)	Thomas (4') - Tackle Suazo (58) - Tackle Chávez (64') - Tackle Palacios (89') - Tackle