World of Football Refereeing

Referee Observation Report

MATCH FACTS
Quarterfinal 3
23 June 2012 – 20:45 CET • Donbass Arena • Donetsk

SPAIN 2-0 FRANCE

GOALS
1-0 Xabi ALONSO (ESP, 19’)
1-1 Xabi ALONSO (ESP, 90+1’) – pen.

YELLOW CARDS
Sergio RAMOS (ESP, 31’), Yohan CABAYE (FRA, 42’), Jérémy MÉNEZ (FRA, 76’)

SENDING OFFS
none

MATCH OFFICIALS
Function Full Name Origin Final Mark
Referee Nicola Rizzoli ITA 85,5
Assistant Referee 1 Renato Faverani ITA 78,6
Assistant Referee 2 Andrea Stefani ITA 86,4
Additional Assistant Referee 1 Gianluca Rocchi ITA 76,0
Additional Assistant Referee 2 Paolo Tagliavento ITA 79,4
Fourth Official Craig Thomson SCO 75,0
Reserve Assistant Referee Alasdair Ross SCO 75,0
UEFA Delegate Armen Minasyan ARM
UEFA Referee Observer Kyros Vassaras GRE
Blog Referee Observer(s) Pascal J SUI

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
Third quarter final of EURO 2012, played in Donetsk. It was generally a fair match of low
to medium intensity, it only got a little more intense when France tried to press for the
equalizer more aggressively in the first minutes after the break. Nonetheless, the result
remained close right until the end of the game and there were some important calls to
make for the referees.

 Parameter Mark 1: Degree of Difficulty and Importance

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 70

II. CONTROL
 Comment
Rizzoli had excellent control of the match. His sign language and communication with
players was very effective. As a result, there were almost no notable complaints during
the whole match, even in the penalty situation.

 Exemplary situations that strengthen the general impression

Minute Situation and Assessment
36 Verbal warning to Jordi Alba who had claimed to having been fouled
76 Ménez complains vehemently and is instantly booked.

 Parameter Mark 2: Control

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 95

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)
Rizzoli applied a consistently lenient approach to the game, which worked very well.
Maybe he was a little too lenient in some situations and should have given one or two
more free-kicks. The most important call was the penalty awarded to Spain in added time;
it was a correct decision.
Rizzoli’s card policy was very convincing; he did not hesitate to issue a yellow card when
necessary. The advantage rule was applied whenever possible.

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

decisions in the opinion of the observer)
Minute Situation and Assessment
Fabregas goes down in the box after minimal contact and claims a penalty.
Rizzoli is not able to clearly see the situation from his position and neither
6 AAR2 nor AR2 do indicate a foul. In the end I think it is a reasonable decision,
especially because it is in line with the general approach by Rizzoli who did
not whistle for every small contact.
Ramos blocks Benzema without being able to play the ball and is
31
consequently booked; correct decision
32 Spain’s goalkeeper Casillas is challenged by two French players at acorner

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 kick and almost loses the ball. A foul call might have been possible, but
Rizzoli lets play go on.
40 Good advantage situation
42 A hard foul by Cabaye is correctly sanctioned with a yellow card
45+1 Good advantage situation
Ménez complains vehemently and is instantly booked; correct and in line with
76
UEFA guidelines. I am not able to comment on the specific use of words.
Penalty for Spain. Correct decision, as it becomes clear from the replay that
90
Réveillère steps onto the heel of Pedro.

 Parameter Mark 3: Decisions

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 85

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.)

 Parameter Mark 4.1: Physical and Technical Aspects

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 75

 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 tactical approach; had a clear and consistent approach which was well accepted by the
players. Excellent communication and clear sign language. Made himself respected by the players.

 Parameter Mark 4.2: Tactical Approach

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 AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 95

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

Positive Points 1. Personality and authority on the pitch
2. Adequate and consistent tactical approach

Points for improvement 1. Positioning not always perfect

2.

 Comment on the cooperation within the referee team

Good and efficient cooperation

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

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 85

FACTORIZED SUM (FINAL MARK) – REFEREE

Parameter Percentage Mark
MATCH DIFFICULTY / IMPORTANCE 10 % 70
CONTROL 20 % 95
DECISIONS 40 % 85
STYLE 30 % 85
Final mark 85,5

Assistant Referee 1
I. MATCH
 Comment
Only a few challenges (all of which in the second half)

 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
Good decisions overall

 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
62 Fabregas with a big chance for Spain – clearly not offside; correct

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 71 Offside call against Torres; correct
71 Another offside call against Torres; correct
Torres has a huge chance for Spain, but is signaled offside. Extremely close
80 decision. Maybe he is just onside, but this is almost impossible to see – even
in the replay freeze frame.

 Parameter Mark 2: Decisions

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 81

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

FACTORIZED SUM (FINAL MARK) – AR1

Parameter Percentage Mark
MATCH DIFFICULTY 20 % 70
DECISIONS 60 % 81
STYLE 20 % 80
Final mark 78,6

Assistant Referee 2
I. MATCH
 Comment
Had a number of offside decisions to solve throughout the game

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

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 80

II. DECISIONS
 Application of the Laws of the Game – Comment
Perfect in the field of offside

 Overview
Expected
Criteria + level
-
(Non-)Offside detection (evaluated independently (!)
X
from the difficulty of the (non-)offside situations)

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 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
Fabregas goes down in the box after minimal contact and claims a penalty.
6
Situation not easy to evaluate; AR2 choses not to intervene.
12 Offside call against Arbeloa; appears correct
17 Offside call against Fabregas; correct
25 Offside call against Arbeloa; correct
38 Iniesta not offside; very well seen
52 Ribéry not offside; correct
86 Offside call against Giroud; correct

 Parameter Mark 2: Decisions

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 89

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 85

FACTORIZED SUM (FINAL MARK) – AR2

Parameter Percentage Mark
MATCH DIFFICULTY 20 % 80
DECISIONS 60 % 89
STYLE 20 % 85
Final mark 86,4

Additional Assistant Referee 1

I. MATCH
 Comment
No notable situations to solve

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

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 65

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II. DECISIONS
 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

 Parameter Mark 2: Decisions

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 80

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)

 Parameter Mark 3: Style

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 75

FACTORIZED SUM (FINAL MARK) – AAR1

Parameter Percentage Mark
MATCH DIFFICULTY 20 % 65
DECISIONS 60 % 80
STYLE 20 % 75
Final mark 76,0

Additional Assistant Referee 2

I. MATCH
 Comment
Probable involvement in the non-penalty decision (6’)

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

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 80

II. DECISIONS
 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

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  Important Decisions
Minute Situation and Assessment
Fabregas goes down in the box after minimal contact and claims a penalty.
6
Situation not easy to evaluate; AAR2 choses not to intervene.

 Parameter Mark 2: Decisions

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 79

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

 Parameter Mark 3: Style

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 80

FACTORIZED SUM (FINAL MARK) – AAR2

Parameter Percentage Mark
MATCH DIFFICULTY 20 % 80
DECISIONS 60 % 79
STYLE 20 % 80
Final mark 79,4

Fourth Official
 Comment
Nothing of note

 Final mark
FINAL MARK 75

Reserve Assistant Referee

 Comment
Not involved

 Final mark
FINAL MARK 75

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