World of Football Refereeing

Referee Observation Report

MATCH FACTS
Group C, Matchday 1
10 June 2012 – 20:45 CET • Arena Gdansk • Gdansk

SPAIN 1:1 ITALY

GOALS
0-1 Antonio DI NATALE (ITA, 60’)
1-1 Cesc FÁBREGAS (ESP, 64’)

YELLOW CARDS
Mario BALOTELLI (ITA, 36’), Leonardo BONUCCI (ITA, 66’), Jordi ALBA (ESP, 66’), Giorgio
CHIELLINI (ITA, 79’), Álvaro ARBELOA (ESP, 83’), Fernando TORRES (ESP, 84’), Christian
MAGGIO (ITA, 89’)

SENDING OFFS

MATCH OFFICIALS
Function Full Name Origin Final Mark
Referee Viktor Kassai HUN 85,1
Assistant Referee 1 Gábor Erös HUN 75,0
Assistant Referee 2 György Ring HUN 91,0
Additional Assistant Referee 1 István Vad HUN 76,0
Additional Assistant Referee 2 Tamás Bognar HUN 79,0
Fourth Official William Collum SCO 75,0
Reserve Assistant Referee Alasdais Ross SCO 75,0
UEFA Delegate Christian Schmöelzer AUT
UEFA Referee Observer Jaap Uilenberg NED
Blog Referee Observer(s) Niclas E GER

Remarks concerning the final marks

The final marks that have been awarded by the Blog Referee Observer(s) for every official are
aimed at expressing a general assessment on the respective official’s performance.
They comply with certain and different evaluation scales that are exposed and explained in the
Referee Observation Checklist (a separate document).

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The Referee
I. MATCH
 Background
The match was an alleged top clash, and it did exactly what is said on the tin! A match
characterized by high pace, tactical and technical quality and an Italian team that were
much better than expected. The pitch was subject of debate after the match, the
Spaniards complaint about it. In general, it seemed to be quite good. A deserved draw
was the result of the match as well as one of the best referee performances of this still
young tournament, also against the background that the match became very intense in
the end with many smaller fouls and hard, but mostly fair midfield duels.

 Parameter Mark 1: Degree of Difficulty and Importance

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 85,0

II. CONTROL
 Comment
The Kassai phenomenon. Natural authority, charisma and a manner of controlling a
match which have no equal to my mind in the international refereeing pool. Excellent and
finally not to improve.

 Exemplary situations that strengthen the general impression

Minute Situation and Assessment
58 excellent way of urging Arbeloa after a foul that actually required a booking.

 Parameter Mark 2: Control

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 100,0

III. DECISIONS
 Application of the Laws of the Game – Comment (advice: always refer to aspects
like card management, infringement detection, the application of the advantage
rule, holding in the penalty area after set pieces, simulation and lay extra ordinary
high emphasis on match influencing or even decisive decisions)
Without any doubt, the quality of the decisions suffer a lot from Kassai’s line and style. To
a certain extent, he has his own rule book, which is however no problem. The players may
recognize when a certain borderline is crossed and what they are allowed to do. Excellent
no-foul-detection and many correct bookings issued. Nonetheless, he missed one clear
yellow card and a violent conduct.

 Important Decisions ((non)given cards should be mentioned, other important

decisions in the opinion of the observer)
Minute Situation and Assessment
2 studs-up tackle should have been whistled, despite of all leniency
5 foul correctly awarded upon consultation with AR2
advantage correctly applied after a tactical foul committed by an Italian
11 defender to stop a promising attempt, but could have issued a yellow card
afterwards which he did not do
12 wrong free-kick decision in favour of Italy (close to the goal)

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 16 dangerous play (Motta) overseen, should have been a free kick
YC to Balotelli (ITA) for a foul. Actually a harmless one, the reason behind the
37 YC was however the amount of fouls, the purpose of it showing a warning to
all the players. Good decision.
should have issued a booking to Busquets (ESP) for a hard foul on Chiellini
43
(ITA)
foul on Casillas by Cassano, should have been cautioned or at least urged by
first half
Kassai
missed a violent conduct committed by Busquets (ESP) on Thiago Motta
48
(ITA) (retaliation after the ball had already been away)
clear tactical foul committed by Busquets (ESP) on Cassano (ITA), should
58
have been yellow-carded, even in compliance with Kassai
YC to Bonucci (ITA) for a hard foul, absolutely justifiable. Another YC to Alba
66
(ESP) for insinuating riots.
70 overhead kick evaluated as a dangerous manner of play, correct decision
79 YC to Chiellini (ITA) for a repeated foul, correct.
83 YC to Arbeloa (ESP), correct decision.
YC to Fernando Torres (ESP) for an ellbow-offense, correct and important
84
decision.
89 YC to Maggio (ITA) for a tactical foul, correct decision

 Parameter Mark 3: Decisions

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 72,0

IV. STYLE
 Physical and Technical Aspects
Expected
Criteria + level
-
Always close to the play, follows play at all times, and
X
does not interfere with play
Flexible Diagonal System X
Able to anticipate the action X
Enters the penalty area when necessary X
Appropiate, efficient and economic Positioning also at
X
set pieces
Physical Condition in general X
Adequate behaviour in dealing with injuries (awareness
of serious injuries, possible advantages applied, X
card-timing etc.)
Comment
Excellent positioning and movement, his stamina in general was very good as well, although he is
mostly positioned quite far away from the action. Swiftness in applying disciplinary measures.
Minute Situation and Assessment
The swiftness of issueing the YC to Torres (ESP) has to be positively
84
emphasized.

 Parameter Mark 4.1: Physical and Technical Aspects

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 85,0

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  Tactical Approach
Expected
Criteria + level
-
The referee has a certain tactical approach, which is
moving in the measures the Laws of the Game define, X
which is understood and consistent
The referee’s tactical approach is active, he is able to
X
predict situations and to avoid conflicts by that
Personality and authority on the pitch X
Adequate communication X
Shows determination and courage in his decisions and
has also tools to gain authority (adequate and clear X
gestures, using his whistle as kind of language)
Shows respect X
Comment
Great line, consistent in applying it, even though he certainly knows himself that certain
bookings would have been necessary. He is more than a referee, he really leads the
match.
Minute Situation and Assessment

 Parameter Mark 4.2: Tactical Approach

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 100,0

 Summary of both sections (if necessary, give the minutes)

Positive Points 1. Great and consistent line
2. Authority and charisma
3. Fitness

Points for improvement 1. Could be positioned closer to the actions

2.

 Comment on the cooperation within the referee team

Some calls seem to have been made upon consultation with (A)ARS. That worked well.

 Parameter Mark 4: Style (factorized (50%) sum of both partial sections)

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 92,5

FACTORIZED SUM (FINAL MARK) – REFEREE

Parameter Percentage Mark
MATCH DIFFICULTY / IMPORTANCE 10 % 85,0
CONTROL 20 % 100,0
DECISIONS 40 % 72,0
STYLE 30 % 92,5
Final mark 85,1

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Assistant Referee 1
I. MATCH
 Comment
Not so many challenges for him.

 Parameter Mark 1: Degree of Difficulty (only aspects concerning the AR1)

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 70,0

II. DECISIONS
 Application of the Laws of the Game – Comment
One wrong decision, however correct onside call prior to the 0-1.

 Overview
Expected
Criteria + level
-
(Non-)Offside detection (evaluated independently (!)
X
from the difficulty of the (non-)offside situations)
Quality of other decisions with regard to the
X
application of the Laws of the Game

 Important Decisions (of course heavy attention to be paid on (non-)offside

decisions)
Minute Situation and Assessment
20 wrong offside decision against Fábregas (ESP)
35 Silva (ESP) in offside, correct
58 Di Natale (ITA) is adjudged to be in an offside position, correct
61 good onside decision prior to Italian goal

 Parameter Mark 2: Decisions

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 75,0

III. STYLE
 Physical and Technical Aspects
Expected
Criteria + level
-
Physical Condition X
Positioning and movement X
Adequate alertness, mental awareness and
concentration (e.g. decisions on situations happening X
in his area of vicinity)
Holds and moves his flag in accordance with the
X
Laws of the Game

 Parameter Mark 3: Style

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 80,0

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FACTORIZED SUM (FINAL MARK) – AR1
Parameter Percentage Mark
MATCH DIFFICULTY 20 % 70,0
DECISIONS 60 % 75,0
STYLE 20 % 80,0
Final mark 75,0

Assistant Referee 2
I. MATCH
 Comment
Had more work and did very well.

 Parameter Mark 1: Degree of Difficulty (only aspects concerning the AR2)

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 75,0

II. DECISIONS
 Application of the Laws of the Game – Comment
Good free kick decisions as well as mental awareness in throw-in calls. Furthermore,
100% correct offside decisions which were not always easy to solve.

 Overview
Expected
Criteria + level
-
(Non-)Offside detection (evaluated independently (!)
X
from the difficulty of the (non-)offside situations)
Quality of other decisions with regard to the
X
application of the Laws of the Game

 Important Decisions (of course heavy attention to be paid on (non-)offside

decisions)
Minute Situation and Assessment
3 offside position, contrary movements, excellently detected
25 Cassano (ITA) is said to be in an offside position, correct
74 great onside decision when Torres (ESP) nearly scored

 Parameter Mark 2: Decisions

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 100,0

III. STYLE
 Physical and Technical Aspects
Expected
Criteria + level
-
Physical Condition X
Positioning and movement X
Adequate alertness, mental awareness and
concentration (e.g. decisions on situations happening X
in his area of vicinity)
Holds and moves his flag in accordance with the
X
Laws of the Game

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  Parameter Mark 3: Style
AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 80,0

FACTORIZED SUM (FINAL MARK) – AR2

Parameter Percentage Mark
MATCH DIFFICULTY 20 % 75,0
DECISIONS 60 % 100,0
STYLE 20 % 80,0
Final mark 91,0

Additional Assistant Referee 1

I. MATCH
 Comment
Small area for support in one corner kick decision

 Parameter Mark 1: Degree of Difficulty (only aspects concerning the AAR1)

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 60,0

II. DECISIONS
 Application of the Laws of the Game, Involvement – Comment
text possible !

 Overview
Expected
Criteria + level
-
Important decisions in the penalty area (e.g. fouls like
X
holding after set pieces, goal-decisions etc.)
Quality of other decisions with regard to the
X
application of the Laws of the Game

 Important Decisions
Minute Situation and Assessment

 Parameter Mark 2: Decisions

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 80,0

III. STYLE
 Physical and Technical Aspects
Expected
Criteria + level
-
Positioning and movement X
Active involvement, adequate alertness, mental
awareness and concentration (e.g. decisions on X
situations happening in his area of vicinity)

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  Parameter Mark 3: Style
AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 80,0

FACTORIZED SUM (FINAL MARK) – AAR1

Parameter Percentage Mark
MATCH DIFFICULTY 20 % 60,0
DECISIONS 60 % 80,0
STYLE 20 % 80,0
Final mark 76,0

Additional Assistant Referee 2

I. MATCH
 Comment
No big work to do either, but more than AAR1

 Parameter Mark 1: Degree of Difficulty (only aspects concerning the AAR2)

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 65,0

II. DECISIONS
 Application of the Laws of the Game, Involvement – Comment
text possible !

 Overview
Expected
Criteria + level
-
Important decisions in the penalty area (e.g. fouls like
X
holding after set pieces, goal-decisions etc.)
Quality of other decisions with regard to the
X
application of the Laws of the Game

 Important Decisions
Minute Situation and Assessment
excellent shot by Iniesta (ESP), Buffon touches the ball with the peak of his
52 finger, Bognar correctly recognized that and advised Kassai to award a corner
kick
79 good advice to book Chiellini (ITA), perhaps he was influenced

 Parameter Mark 2: Decisions

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 85,0

III. STYLE
 Physical and Technical Aspects
Expected
Criteria + level
-
Positioning and movement X
Active involvement, adequate alertness, mental
awareness and concentration (e.g. decisions on X
situations happening in his area of vicinity)

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  Parameter Mark 3: Style
AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 75,0

FACTORIZED SUM (FINAL MARK) – AAR2

Parameter Percentage Mark
MATCH DIFFICULTY 20 % 65,0
DECISIONS 60 % 85,0
STYLE 20 % 75,0
Final mark 79,0

Fourth Official
 Comment
nothing remarkable

 Final mark
FINAL MARK 75,0

Reserve Assistant Referee

 Comment
nothing remarkable

 Final mark
FINAL MARK 75,0

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