In some ways, Uruguay got screwed against Brazil. But if they were on the wrong end of a call that is hardly ever enforced, did they really get the short end of the stick?
Uruguay and Brazil tied 2-2 and went to penalty kicks. With the score 6-6, Brazil's Gilberto converted his attempt. Then, Diego Lugano stepped up to take a make-or-break spot kick. Brazil 'keeper Doni saved it, but he clearly took a few steps off his line before Lugano ever made contact.
Brazilian players celebrated their apparent win. Uruguayan players protested to the referees causing the Brazilians to stop celebrating as an altercation nearly broke out. Once it was evident the refs weren't going to do anything about Doni's approach, the Brazilians danced again. Brazil won 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw and will play Argentina/Mexico in the final on Sunday.
It's a tough way to lose and even tougher when you know that, according to the rule book at least, you deserved another chance to continue the match.
Two things need to be either changed or enforced during PKs: players shouldn't stutter-step on approaching the spot kick and goalkeepers shouldn't be able to move off the line before a kick is taken. Those rules should be consistently enforced.
6 comments:
I agree completely LB. Some rules like this one, are never enforced, so in essence they become subjective interpretations very few referees ever have the courage to enforce.
What ends up happening is rules become obsolete yet are still in the books. And in this case, keepers rule the roost.
In this case, I seem to remember seeing the referee Ruiz, specifically warn Uruguay's keeper about coming off the line before one of the earlier kicks. This is suspect refereeing in my book.
I also remember watching one of the soccer specific channels yesterday, and one of the commentators said way before the match today, that Ruiz from Colombia is Brazil's personal ref. I did not understand the context fully but it seems that he refs Brazil games a lot to the frowns of Argentinian sportswirtes. I still don't have the background there. Other than that omission from Ruiz he was fair and even turned a blind eye on 2 potential Pk's.
One more thing, why are keepers allowed to walk all the way to the spot placement and get to talk up the kicker. This is an unfair advantage to the keeper. Doni from Brazil did this before every kick.
It was a good entertaining game, I am not sure Uruguary got screwed but it was suspect. If Pablo Garcia and Forlan hit their kicks, they win.
BBSC
I didn't realize that it was Oscar Ruiz who called the game. Oscar Ruiz was the ref in a Brazil-Argentina World Cup qualifier on June 4, 2004 when he awarded Brazil three penalties. Ronaldo scored all three and Brazil won 3-1.
No wonder Argentines hold this guy in contempt.
Here's a story on that game.
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/06/03/1086203569188.html?from=storyrhs
Here's a better-looking link.
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/06/
03/1086203569188.html?from=storyrhs
reminds me of the other rule that is never called. I get upset when a defender is shielding the ball from an attacking player when the ball is running out for a goal kick. The defender rarely plays the ball or even tries to make a play with his feet, yet if the attacking player makes an attempt to get to it, he is whistled for the foul. That one always gets on my nerves. It would creat alot more chances for all teams and exciement for the fans if the would call the obstruction on the defender.
It was a bad no call. He took at least two steps forward.
First of all, it's not illegal to stutter step before you take a PK. What rule is it against? In contrast, there is a specific rule that says that the goalie cannot move forward off his line on a PK.
Also, the defender is well within his rights to shield the attacker as the ball goes out of bounds as long as he is within playing distance of the ball. It's not an obstruction just because he doesn't touch the ball.
Post a Comment