World 
Referees 
Ivanov Ties Record in Nuremburg
Well, it’s probably safe to say that Valentin Ivanov’s World Cup is now over as he seems to have crashed out in the Round of 16. No doubt, this is a game he’d rather forget, but certainly never will. And while he’s definitely at fault for what was a fiasco by any viewer’s account, I also place blame with many of the game’s participants for losing their cool.
Still, as nightmarish as this might have been for Ivanov, it was incredibly dramatic stuff as the cards came at a record-setting pace the further the match progressed. In all, sixteen cautions were issued by the conclusion of the game; and eight of those went to the four players who would also be sent off – two for each team. And as the final seconds of the six minutes of stoppage time ticked away at the end, who could ever forget that shot of Barcelona teammates Deco and Gio Van Bronckhorst as they sat together like a couple of school kids who’d been sent to the corner for misbehaving. I’m sure they’ll have a lot to talk about when training camp starts next month.
But let’s see how things got so out of hand. After all, Ivanov seemed to be on a mission to keep things tight from the get go as little more than a minute into things he issued a caution to Van Bommel for a late clip after he’d been beaten. Of all the game’s sixteen yellows, I thought this one was the softest, but I guess it was just the Russian ref’s way of clamping down on things early.
Just five minutes later it was Boulahrouz’s turn when he came in very late with his foot up and sunk his studs into Cristiano Ronaldo’s fleshy inner thigh. Harkes thought that had this been a little later in the game it might’ve been a red card and I’m inclined to agree. He really got Ronaldo good and was lucky to still be on the pitch only seven minutes into it.
But as tight as Ivanov seemed to be calling things, he’d also let stuff go too – like a Van Bommel challenge on Deco that went unpunished at around the ten minute mark. Five minutes later, Ronaldo was receiving further treatment for his battered leg and it seemed like he might not make it much longer.
In the 17th Robben was called for hardly even touching Miguel, but I guess Ivanov was back to calling things extra-tight again. Consistency was starting to be a factor as it became unclear what was going on inside his head.
A couple minutes later the ref played the advantage for Holland, but when Van Persie went down to end the attack, the ref wouldn’t buy it. As things slowly began to slide towards the abyss for Ivanov, the ref had the opportunity to rein things in a bit when he booked Maniche for a challenge to the back of Van Bommel. He did correctly wait until after the Dutch advantage had concluded and the ball was turned over.
In the 22nd the AR mad a good call in Portugal’s favor. And as a result of that decision, the ball would remain in the Dutch end until the ball was eventually worked into the box. Pauleta layed it off to the recently-booked Maniche who then found some space and fired it just inside the near right post from about fifteen yards.
The Dutch, now feeling a sense of urgency, would become more attack-oriented. Kuyt would show some anger in the 30th when he was called for a handball. And perhaps this didn’t warrant a card, but maybe Ivanov could’ve had a few words with him to prevent the Dutchman from boiling over.
A minute later Costinha was deservedly booked for a studs-up tackle on Cocu. And shortly after that Ronaldo departed the match, unable to continue as a result of the leg wound he’d suffered from that reckless challenge by Boulahrouz in the seventh minute of the game.
In the 39th minute I really thought Costinha deserved his second caution for a late challenge on Ooijer, but the ref missed it. And then in the 43rd the Dutch were offside, but a Portuguese defender came in like a crazy man with a high boot on Arjen Robben. This too deserved some kind of action…a stern lecture at the very least.
Van der Sar – in this, his 113th time playing for his country (breaking the record he’d previously shared with Frank de Boer) – made a great save on Pauleta who was all alone about seven yards from goal in the 45th minute. And then during stoppage time Costinha did the kind of thing you might find in rec ball – he knocked the ball out of the air with his hand near midfield. It was absolutely stupid and he deserved to hit the showers early for being such an idiot in this most-important of matches. Naturally, he was shown his second yellow and then the red right before the halftime whistle.
In all, five cautions had been issued in the first half, but we’d see more than twice that many in what was one of the craziest forty-five minutes of action I’ve ever seen – the second half.
Things started off well enough although Portugal were, of course, now down to ten men. In the 49th, Cocu crushed a volley into the crossbar from only seven yards out in what would have dramatically changed the complexion of the game had it gone in.
But it didn’t, and recent entrant Petit was cautioned a minute later for taking down Van Bommel as the Dutch countered back into the Portuguese end. Both teams would have a chance or two in the minutes leading up to Giovanni Van Bronckhorst’s 59th minute caution when he came in late on Figo. And while the referee was busy being the disciplinarian, the aggrieved Portuguese midfielder showed his temper by head-butting Van Bommel behind the referee’s back.
Perhaps this is why the referee cautioned Figo a minute later as Van Bommel was now on the ground acting as though he’d been cracked with a lead pipe across his face. But you’d think with all that fancy shmancy high-tech headgear that the refs wear that they’d have taken more severe action against Figo’s transgressions, which most certainly could have been construed as violent conduct – one of the seven sending-off offenses.
By only issuing a caution, it really seemed that things were really slipping away from Ivanov at this point. At the very least he should have insisted that Figo and Van Bommel shake hands and behave like adults. Instead, by simply hoping that the situation would improve, it only got worse.
Because only a few minutes later the Dutch would be reduced to ten men when Boulahrouz would rightly earn his second caution with an arm/elbow to Figo’s face as they both chased a ball near the touchline. Definitely not as malicious as the one by De Rossi against the U.S., but most assuredly a yellow card offense.
And for a while things were end-to-end and the action was fierce. A break in the action was required, however, after Ricardo got injured making a save.
The stop in action didn’t occur right then, though, as perhaps it should have. Instead, Ivanov allowed the Portuguese to try to counter-attack, only blowing his whistle to stop the play when Deco seemed ready to run through the entire Dutch defense who weren’t sure why the referee had continued with the man down at the other end.
Now is where things take an ugly unsporting turn and I think Ivanov is complicit in the breakdown here. For as we all know, the proper restart for situation like this is a drop ball, but the unwritten rule is that the team who possessed the ball prior to the stoppage for injury should have the ball returned to them by their opponents.
There even seemed to be some confusion on this right before the drop ball as Figo let his opponents have it, expecting that they would then send it deep either to Ricardo over over the end line. That did not happen, however, and Johnny Heitinga began to race up the field with ball into the Portuguese end.
Had I been the man in the middle, I would’ve blown my whistle and insisted that the drop ball be taken again and that the Dutch players return it to the other side. Anybody above the age of twelve knows that this is just how it’s done. And if they don’t know that, then it’s the referee’s job to inform them about this bit of sportsmanship that you won’t find in any rulebook.
Rightfully pissed about what was an obvious injustice and disgraceful act by the Dutch player, Deco came in with a heavy, reckless, slide tackle to take out Heitinga. Normally, a player might be sent off for what Deco did, but probably because he was more-or-less justified in doing this as a result of Ivanov’s incompetence, only a yellow card was issued.
Naturally, there was quite a bit of argy bargy at this point and things really did seem like they’d gone beyond the tipping point. And since Van der Vaart came in with a hard shove to one of the Portuguese players, he too entered the referee’s book in the 74th minute.
Two minutes later there were a pair of yellow cards for two different Portuguese players – first to Ricardo for wasting time and then one to Nuno Valente for a challenge from behind. Valente actually got the ball on this and it seemed pretty fair, but because he was behind the Dutch player who ended up on the turf, Ivanov basically had to continue throwing around cards in order to keep a semblance of order.
Two minutes after that – in the 78th minute – Deco grabbed the ball even though it was a Dutch free kick. He was deservedly shown his second yellow, but I thought Cocu probably should have been awarded one as well since he threw the Portuguese player to the pitch in an effort to get the ball from him.
Now, with the Dutch up a man again – 10 v 9 – Kuyt got a piece of Ricardo after being played onside and forcing a save from the Portuguese goalie. He would eventually recover and then in the 87th Van der Vaart was called for a handball. A minute later Van der Sar got a little extra after the Portuguese were called for offside. The Dutch keeper was pissed, but quickly restarted the match.
With six minutes of stoppage time – and memories of Spain’s last-second goal in the 97th minute of a 1 – all draw against Bosnia in a World Cup qualifier last year when I was in Valencia – it was all Holland now. But they would be stopped time and time again against nine man Portugal. In the 93rd Kuyt was called for a foul on Ricardo and then out of sheer frustration in the 95th, Van Bronckhorst rightfully earned the SIXTEENTH yellow card of the match – his second – resulting in the fourth red card as well. The match would end just a minute or two later with only eighteen men left on the pitch.
In a game that most football fans had hoped would showcase some of the world’s greatest talent, it was the referee who was center stage on this occasion. And unlike the USA – Italy match in which Jorge Larrionda actually kept things pretty well in control despite the three red cards, Valentin Ivanov had arguably one of the worst performances of his career as a FIFA official.
Frankly, I feel badly for him as I’m sure he knows that he let this one get away. Every referee’s been there to some extent. But to be in the middle of such a meltdown as this at the World Cup must be the kind of thing that would make a referee want to never blow a whistle again. However, although I doubt we’ll see him again in Germany, I’d be surprised if this is the last we see of Ivanov on the European scene.
Sleep well Valentin.
Until next time…
peace,
ac
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Displaying the most recent 25 comments from a total of 27 comments.
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By Jan-Willem Burgers | June 26th, 2006 at 11:03 am 
Exactly. Van Bommel’s very first challenge should not have been booked. The referee should have brought the players together, taken a time out, and make them shake hands. By immediately giving a yellow (and also the way he showed it), immediately set the tone for this game.
Posted from 
United Kingdom
By Pat | June 26th, 2006 at 2:49 pm I agree with AE and Jan. Firstly, in regards to the drop ball, sportsmanship is up to the players and the players alone. The referee is there to enforce the rules, and if one player does not participate in a drop ball expecting to get the ball back, it is not the referee’s problem. The referee has no right to stop the game if a drop ball was taking unsportingly, and should (and probably would) be punished for such actions.
Also I fully agree with what Jan was saying in terms of match control. The referee needed to look at the situation and assess it. Especially so early on in the game, perhaps the yellows were warranted but far more communication with the players was necessary.
Posted from 
Canada
By janus van puffelen | June 26th, 2006 at 3:37 pm At one point there were two fouls in the box in front of the Portugsl goal. The referee seemed to turn a blind eye, when at least one penalty kick should have been awarded to the Dutch. One player was kicked in the chest, and no foul was called. That stupid referee was smelling really foul at that point.
This is the worst and most ill-tempered ex-commie spirited referee I have ever seen, and this is World Cup time! Gimme a break! The worst ever! What a complete and total idiot. He did not have the personality or human skills to control the game, the players, etc. The loss the Dutch suffered is in large part due to him.
The heated game between Mexico and Argentina on the other hand were blessed by an excellent referee, who didn’t hand out yellows for every little foul, as that Russian guy did. That Russian was card-trigger happy. This is so stupid. BY not controlling the players and the players gwettign so extrenely frustrated and angry kills not only the spirit of the players, but also has the terrible potential of exciting the crowds and possibly starting an uproar (like a civil war) between fans. A referee has to think twice about his actions in front on tens of thosuands of spectattors. Ivanov clearly wasn’t up to the task and thanks to him, the game fell apart completely. Very bizarre and very unfair to the game. It doesn’t reflect well on FIFA. My son, who is a sports management student at George Mason University made the correct observation that for enwscomers to the world of soccer (like many Americans watching the world cup for the first time and who are not familiar with soccer that much) it reflects badly on the game of soccer at this world cup level, when such bad incompetent referees are messign things up or are handing out too many cards. He said “World Cup soccer looks like a bad joke.” A very keen observations by a sports enthusiast.
The main problem in the world cup has been the terribly inconsistent refereeing. Period. Duscussion closed.
My basic point is this (paraphrasing US President Trumann): if referees cannot stand the heat on the field, let them never enter the kitchen!
Posted from 
United States
By Cody | June 26th, 2006 at 3:50 pm The announcers kept referring to the “international language of soccer,” which is a convoluted way of saying “body language.”
Here we saw a match where gestures clearly weren’t enough. Players needed to be talked to. Not coddled, but scolded and verbally admonished. I wonder if that could have helped diffuse some of the mess before it got out of hand.
Has anyone else noticed this? I don’t think it’s the complete answer–there has been unreasonably rough play in some of these matches, and sadly on some days control is going to be lost–and no I don’t think this means referees should have to learn 32 languages.
But it does seem to me that those referees unwilling or unable to have an idle chat with players more frequently are more likely to have problems. Or to appear to have problems.
(Of course, this rant comes from someone whose English has a thick southern drawl, and who knows only enough Spanish and German to move between the airport, hotel, and bar.)
Posted from United States
By alan | June 26th, 2006 at 3:56 pm if players set out to con the ref, why do they complain when the ref is conned?
Posted from United Kingdom
By MauG | June 26th, 2006 at 4:00 pm Ivanov was the best on the field. The others were not players, but were slayers. There are captain and coach to speak with players and calm them dawn, they did not do it. Referee booked everyone fairly!!!
Posted from 
Russian Federation
By Philip | June 26th, 2006 at 4:13 pm I definitely think that the ref should be allowed to ref again. It is wrong to place the blame on the ref when it is the players who committed such atrocious play. A professional sport should not require a referee to keep a match calm – players should, by default, play in a sportsmanlike and professional manner. In my honest opinion, neither team deserves to play another game in this world cup, as both teams are guilty of playing like retarded rottweilers. The ref faced an exceptionally dispicable game and did his best – I thought his actions were understandable given the circumstances. Ivanov, after all, is not a robot, and the immense pressure of the game affected his judgement, but still, he held out alright. Once again, both teams are at fault, not the ref, and both should be disqualified from the rest of this tournament. I am quite surprised to see the refree’s blog blame the referee, and I wonder how the author would have acted if he/she faced the same circumstances. I doubt anyone could have done a noticeably better job.
Posted from United States
By spencedog | June 26th, 2006 at 4:19 pm No one has mentioned above what I think was absolutely the game’s worst decision by the referee–I don’t have the tape and can’t tell you the minute or the defender (Portuguese) involved–serious foul play at the penalty spot gone unacknowledged. The offended player was Robben, and the offense made Boulahrouz’s foul that knocked out C. Ronaldo look minor in comparison, AND it occured about at the penalty spot. One last disclaimer for my gripe: I had been offended too many times by commentator JP DellaC and had switched to Chilavert on Univision, who usually (and especially during this game) speaks too fast for me to follow.
I believe that, in the second half, past the point where the game had descended into lawlessness and contempt for the referee had completely replaced respect in the minds of the players (witness Kuyt’s theatrics: who knew for what Ivanov might have ejected someone), Robben was called for a dangerous play as he was taking the defender’s studs in his chest. Robben’s leg was up too, but his toes were pointed. He was playing for the ball when he got creamed by the defender’s lance-like straight leg. Perhaps he was offside, and if so the restart was correct, but I think Ivanov’s call was dangerous play AGAINST Robben. If I remember correctly he was not offside, and the referees’ improper action here (the classic case, where Ivanov knew himself too out of control to call the penalty kick without absolute bedlam) only reinforced his impotence to govern a fair game.
Astute comments above. . . .
It is a bad idea to give a soft card (AC’s comment) in the 2nd minute–of course you’ll be reaching in your pocket all day. Jan-Willem’s notice of the WAY HE GAVE IT should be a lesson to anyone who ever shows a card. But, about this decision, FIFA’s committee may deserve some of the blame. While referees around the world seem to agree that distributing so many cards hasn’t been such a bad idea, in this instance it proved disastrous. Ivanov was following orders here, wasn’t he? And though he should have performed the deed in such a manner that didn’t situate him so quickly as the adversary of the players, I have the feeling that before the infamous directive he wouldn’t have given a caution for such a foul. But, back to Ivanov, he paid NO attention to another one of those directives that instructed referees not to tolerate diving, simulation, attempts to deceive the referee. This game was full of it (because the referee seemed especially susceptible to falling for these players’ tricks), and not one of the sixteen yellow cards were pursuant to deterring this special kind of Unsporting Behavior.
I agree that it all began going wrong from the beginning–if Van Bommel had been warned (not cautioned), Boulahrouz could have rightly been sent off shortly thereafter. Ivanov should have known that his chance to “keep things tight” (AC’s) would come soon enough, but a yellow so quickly followed by a straight red seemed to him like overkill, and it would have been.
Second to Deco and Van Bronkenhorst chillin’ on the steps, the best picture of the referee’s ineptitude is the picture of Figo delivering the head-butt with Ivanov’s face in the frame LOOKING THE OTHER WAY.
Yes, the players were awful that day, but they’re not bad players. Once Ivanov got rolling, he should’ve given more cards, in my opinion. What about the challenge against Van Der Saar? In a proper, civil match, and ejection would have been considered (and probably decided against in favor of a yellow). If Ivanov would have continued the way he began in minute two, he would’ve had to throw nearly everyone out.
Last comment: As an American referee, outrageously offended by Merck’s bad penalty call vs. Ghana, I heap glowing congradulations on Marco Van Basten for hardly commenting on the horrific way his team was sent out of the tournament in a game that was hardly fair. He talked only about the players, and Bruce Arena should’ve been so classy.
Thanks for reading. I didn’t intend to spout so when I began.
Posted from United States
By spencedog | June 26th, 2006 at 4:54 pm Just one last horrible occurrance I overlooked: a substiute for Portugal (a goalkeeper, but wearing a penny so I couldn’t see his number) pushed a Dutch player in that original frey. The Refeee took no action, probably because he was busy elsewhere. The Assistant Referee took no action, probably because he was busy elsewhere. The Fourth Official took no action, probably because he was busy elsewhere. FIFA will probably take action, but this brings about the question of how much punitive action is proper for FIFA to take, as it is not entirely Porugal’s fault that they wer involved in such a farce of a match. England did not earn a bye.
Posted from United States
By spencedog | June 26th, 2006 at 5:57 pm On emore atrocity overlooked: a Portuguese reserve (a goalkeeper, wearing a penny so I couldn’t tell which one) came off the bench to push a Dutch player during that first skirmish along the sideline. This is a supreme offence. The referee took no action, probably because he was occupied elsewhere. The Assistant Referee took no action, probably because he was occupied elsewhere. The Fourth Official took no action, probably because he was occupied elsewhere. FIFA, I hope, will take action, but it brings up the question of how much FIFA should do after the fact. Figo should not play; neither should Costinho or Deco, but probably many others as well. England did not earn a bye. It is not altogether the fault of the Portuguese that they were so unlucky to get involved in such a farce of a match.
Posted from United States
By Greg | June 26th, 2006 at 5:59 pm As both a coach and referee in youth soccer, I was disgusted by the participants.
The youth soccer players of the world watch the World Cup and take what they’ve seen back to their Clubs.
As a coach, we teach sporting behavior and to respect the Game. This is reiterated by FIFA’s motto: “My Game is Fair Play”.
Today’s youth lookup to these elite players as heroes.
When I watch a World Cup game, I expect to see the best soccer demonstrated by the best players of the world.
These players know the rules. They know what is fair.
I agree the referees should not be giving that many cards or become the focus of the match, only because these elite players shouldn’t be breaking the rules so willingly and flagrantly.
As a youth referee, I expect to see youth players commit these fouls, because of their experience. The World Cup referees should not be seeing these fouls, they should not become the babysitters to these prima donna players.
I believe the referees selected are today’s best. Before being too critical of the referees, consider the players actions prior to the instance when the referee “lost control”. It sure is easy to point the finger at one person.
Posted from United States
By Vsevolod | June 26th, 2006 at 6:12 pm Agree to Philip. I watched the second half only and I am far from soccer so it is difficult to me to defend my compatriot… But the idea that he had to VIOLATE the rules on the non-sport behaviour after drop ball looks pretty nice. And when people talk about players being the men and referee should read prayers over their heads… Somehow it sounds like they are dangerous beasts and referee should posess an art to peace them. And it is definitely unreachable for an “ex-commie spirited” russian.
Still take care, dear Janus van Puffelen! I am sure your “Period. Duscussion closed.” is EXACTLY “ex-commie spirited”. Keep away from Ivanovs!
Posted from Russian Federation
By steve | June 26th, 2006 at 8:32 pm Yes, a depressing scene and I confess in 16 years of refing I have been there once or twice. You miss the moment of truth, lose your credibility and the game goes down hill. You could see it in Ivanov’s body language. For me that Portuguese reckless unjustifiable high foot into the chest (almost chin) of the Dutch defender at about 43 deserved a card (I would say red) and perhaps a PK as I couldn’t tell if Ivanov had already whistled for stoppage due to the offside.
Now also, Felipao needs to be chastised as well. It is certainly his style especially with the Portuguese team. He did everything he could in terms of guiding and incrementing the gamesmanship that went on.
Finally, it appeared to me that the communication systems was not working as Ivanov had to go over and get info from his AR. Lots of problems!!!!
Posted from United States
By Willard | June 26th, 2006 at 11:20 pm Another example of why the DUAL OFFICIATING SYSTEM could have saved the day. The situation clearly overwhelmed the “One-Ref-in-the-Middle” System–just look how many times foul play or violent conduct occurred out of his sight.
In the Dual System, events on the field are NEVER behind the referee, always in front. And two officials are by definition better than one. They are always close to play and the players always sense their presence.
And the Dual System is superb for off-the-ball coverage, which this match desperately needed.
For those of you who continue to claim that the Linesmen are also referees, how effective were they in this game? Two pretenders with only flags in their hands. Ridiculous. Clearly, Ivanov (the only referee) was all alone in the middle, and the consequences were there for all too see.
Posted from United States
By Kaiser Sousa | June 27th, 2006 at 2:11 am I agree with most of what you said in your minute by minute action summary with two notable but very important exceptions:
Van Bommel’s so called clip is intended solely at stopping Ronaldo not at any delayed or mis-timed tackçe or attempt at playing the ball. It’s malicious and was made so as to to send out an early statement.
Khalid challenge a few minutes later is just plain mean and nasty. Irrespective of when it takes place. Just because it’s early in a match does not allow for the bending of the rules. This is also the main reason why so many defenders everywhere get away with murder early on when they try to “soften” talented players, right from the word go.
These two tackles where totally different but the punishment was equal. However worse it send a signal that the Dutch had made Ronaldo their target and marked man and this did not go down well with the rest of the Portuguese team mates.
What followed was a shambles but shows how not a referee not taking control early on, only leads to even worse behaviour.
Posted from United Kingdom
By Troglodyte | June 27th, 2006 at 2:54 am “The situation clearly overwhelmed the “One-Ref-in-the-Middle” System–just look how many times foul play or violent conduct occurred out of his sight.”
I think it’s pretty clear that it was the Dutch who overwhelmed the system.
When players aren’t even loosely interested in fair play what is ref to do? Cancel the game?
Posted from United States
By PureMuscle | June 27th, 2006 at 3:21 am Did you guys hear. Figo will not recieve a suspension or anything for the headbutt.
Posted from Canada
By AE | June 27th, 2006 at 4:57 am To the DUAL – REFEREE Advocates:
Are you crazy ? At this level the play is far two quick, holding, grabbing too sly for the referee to do three things:
Watch the ball, look for fouls
Watch the offside play develop
at ther same time
Run like hell to the goal line to chase down the play to see if the ball has left the field of play.
You need to understand just how fast this game is at this level!
The dual referee system may work in youth setting but it will never work in professional
games.
MAybe FIFA need to see if they should review the game and sanction players for their actions during a game where unusually unacceptable behavior is exhibited.
As for the notion that this is a terrible way to showcase the sport to youth, the reality is that this is one step short of war. The gravitiy of loss by a ntional team has far reaching consequences to the players and their national pride and internal organization.
The fairytale part of soccer should be left on the U-14 soccer field.
Just look at USA pro sports and the behavior exhibited on TV. It is shameful but it sells, and who is complaining ? The media loves it, thrives on it
and if they could would find a way to provoke it.Players are fined a small fee and it continues.
The sport has to police itself.
It starts with co-operation of the players not the enforcement
by the referees.Poor attitudes
usually result in poor games for
the spectators.
AE
Posted from United States
By Harry | June 27th, 2006 at 5:14 am I blame the players first. They didn’t seem to care how many cards game or how many would be thrown out. How do you possibly control a game when the players don’t give a shit?
Ivanov could have been much harsher. Cocu should have been thrown out with Deco, but somehow throwing a guy down isn’t punishable? Blame the players 1st, managers 2nd, Ref 3rd.
Posted from United States
By B Rad | June 27th, 2006 at 11:46 am I have to agree…Kaiser Sousa is absolutely right. This all started when the Dutch inflicked two intentional red card deserving fouls on Ronaldo. Many of the world superstars are marked men…it is the refs job to be on the look out for head hunters (or in this case ‘thigh hunters’). All heck broke out as a result of the ref missing those calls.
Posted from United States
By João Pedro | June 27th, 2006 at 9:15 pm Just to everyone know, Cristiano Ronaldo is injuried and, maybe he’s not going to play against England, why, because Van Basten ordered his players to kick Ronaldo out of the match…
The referee, he killed the game, it wasn’t the players, Portugal in almost 4 years (playing the qualification to the World Cup and the Euro 2004) had never got a player out with red card.
Go Portugal
By Pedro P | June 28th, 2006 at 2:42 pm Quite honestly, I think this post should be on the main blog.
I’m a huge POR fan, was also a dutch football “friend”, as I live in HOL, have dutch friends and both teams play quite good and attractive football.
This was nasty and it disgusted me how it all went, mostly from the dutch and dutch TV and etc, to build up a wrong image of my country, that’ll of course be used by all enemies – Parreira, BRA’s coach, is already commenting/thriving on it.
But I think you hit the nail, virtually in all the situations the “game” presented, as I remember them, Aaron.
For the sake of honesty, I thank you.
I wish Colina, Anders Frisk, Sandor Pull (remember him?) and other friends would be there… I really do. Those guys didn’t need earphones to see what was going on, nor to show cards to get a grip on things.
Posted from 
Netherlands
By Doug | June 28th, 2006 at 10:40 pm It has been pointed out already, but the referee does not have the power to halt the game and redo a perfectly performed drop ball. The players are responsible for sporting behavior, not the referee. It was a terrible but nonillegal thing that Heitinga did.
John Harkes here in the US pointed out whether or not Ivanov was fluent enough to communicate with the Dutch and Portuguese players. That’s a good point. The refs were all supposed to know English, but that didn’t necessarily make him comfortable communicating with people in Dutch and Portuguese. I agree he shuld have done a better job communicating with the players using methods other than flashing cards. But he may not have felt comfortable using verbal communication with teams from countries that have very challenging languages to learn…
Posted from United States
By Massimo | July 1st, 2006 at 12:04 pm Dude,
These referees suck donkey balls.
Posted from 
Italy
By René Kist | July 6th, 2006 at 1:51 pm From the Dutch POV: it was undoubtedly an ugly match. The fouls were harsh and I found very few yellow/red cards to be honestly unjust. Even though I have as much contempt for C. Ronaldo as the next guy, seeing him get injured by Boulahrouz like he was made me think one card more would have been in order.
So what can we do to avoid these ugly matches in the future? First of all, apparently neither team was confident that their soccer skills would bring them victory, hence they resorted to violence. I think the ref should have had a word with v. Bommel before showing him a card. But players and coaches are not stupid: they know the rules and when they choose to ignore them after already receiving 14 cards, it serves them right to receive yet another one. Perhaps coaches or famous players can insist more on fair play?
Posted from Netherlands
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