Many readers have sent notes asking for some comments on the officiating in the WWC, particularly about some strange decisions, some even stranger indecisions, and even retaken penalty-kicks. But I have to admit that I have not seen one single game in the tournament, because I am in the middle of travelling to some important family events and situations. I probably won't be able to watch the final game. So it only makes sense not to comment except for individual questions I have been asked about.
All I have seen are a few replays here and there, some of the goals, and some of the celebrations as the U.S. marched towards the final. And also--I must add, as an ex-custodian--some of the poor goalkeeping that seems to be a feature of the women's game everywhere. (Why the goalkeeping is so weak, I do not know, but I am going to try to find out.)
The success of the U.S. means a disappointment for Kari Seitz, our referee in the competition and one of the most experienced female officials on the planet. The team's gain means her loss, for she will have to sit and watch yet another championship, as she has done several times, and for the same reason.
I will have a lot to write about retaken penalty-kicks. Law 14 is consistently ignored by more than 99% of officials, and I've never figured out the real reason. I've got some history to tell about them, involving my years in the NASL; the origin of the 35-yard shootout instead of penalty-kicks; what is and what is not "trifling" at a penalty-kick; and the seductive appeal of the siren's song: "No one else orders a retake. Why should I?" Yes, I will answer that question. I'll be home in a few days, on top of the ridge over the Pacific. Enjoy the final!
Bibi Steinhaus did a great job in the final. Shows how much better a referee she is than any other woman in the world. Compare her performance with Jacqui Melksham who was going fine until she saw something that was there. Jacqui Marta was not undercut from behind by Buehler. Marta took a flying two legged kick in her attempt to win the ball. You then by logical association sent off Buehler for what was not a foul in my opinion for denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity. The compounded the matter by ordering a retake of the penalty kick for what was in my opinion no movement by the keeper prior to the kick or trifling encroachment into the penalty are by Shannon Box who did not gain an advantage from entering a split second early. You also failed to sanction Marta for a horse collar of an American defender that won a ball ahead of her. Thankfully the USA was able to overcome your poor judgements, but you really impacted the outcome due to your incompetence I am sorry to say.
Posted by: Alberto | July 20, 2011 at 03:40 PM
Bob you never spoke to the issue of trifling on encroachment during penalty kicks.
See the post today, 13-IX-2011. Bob.
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