Refs lose their minds

We all know that the World Cup is high pressure. From now on, I’ll be a nervous wreck myself, but what’s the deal with the refs in the last week or so? I mean look at the Italy – US game. Jorge Larrionda made a mess out of this game by ejecting 3 players from a game that had some great pace and rhythm to it. The red card was well deserved, but the others where doubtful. Somehow he managed to ref the France – Togo match today. Wake up FIFA. Get this guy some more training or something.

To further illustrate my point, in yesterdays Croatia – Australia match, Graham Poll gave the same player 3 yellow cards. Huh? How does that work? Poll usually does a fantastic job in the EPL. He has a way of controlling a game with dialog and warnings before going to the pocket, but in this game he obviously had no clue what was going on and neither did his staff.

I’d like to see refs provide better management of the full 90′. All these cards are killing the matches. Good refs can control play with just a good talking to. After the first warning, then go for the yellow. I expect a fantastic game on Sunday and I hope the Russian ref, Valentin Ivanov, keeps his cool. At this stage, poor officiating could be terminal for any team. Players should decide the outcome of matches not refs.

Força Portugal!