World of Football Refereeing
Referee Observation Report
MATCH FACTS
Group C, Matchday 1
10 June 2012 – 20:45 CET • Stadion Miejski • Poznán
                   IRELAND                   1:3              CROATIA
GOALS
1-0  Mario Mandžukić (CRO, 3’)
1-1  Sean St Ledger (IRL, 19’)
1-2  Nikica Jelavić (CRO, 43)
1-3  Mario Mandžukić (CRO, 49)
YELLOW CARDS
Keith Andrews (IRL,45+1)
Luka Modrić (CRO, 53’)
Niko Kranjčar (CRO, 84)
SENDING OFFS
NONE
MATCH OFFICIALS
                         Function Full Name                         Origin           Final Mark
                           Referee Björn Kuipers                             NED         65,3
              Assistant Referee 1 Sander van Roekel                          NED         80,0
              Assistant Referee 2 Erwin E. J. Zeinstra                       NED         77,0
    Additional Assistant Referee 1 Pol van Boekel                            NED         74,0
    Additional Assistant Referee 2 Richard Liesveld                          NED         55,0
                   Fourth Official Viktor Shvetsov                           UKR         75,0
       Reserve Assistant Referee Oleksandr Voytyuk                           UKR         75,0
                   UEFA Delegate Adonis Procopiou                     ?      CYP
          UEFA Referee Observer Yuriy Baskakov                               RUS
        Blog Referee Observer(s) Filipe T                                    POR
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
       Second match for group C, first for both teams in theis EURO2012. The old fox Trapattoni
       was able to bring back the Irish team to the Cup. In the other side the Croatian team
       headed by Bilic. The match was crucial for both teams because their group partners are
       the holding champion and Italy, the favorites to go to next phase..
       In the middle Bjorn Kuipers. First match for him in a EURO of seniors, but he has already
       some experience with the 2009 EURO u-21 final and several other UEFA matches.
       Good atmosphere, rainy night. For several times during the match a whistle was blown in
       the crowd. This was very disturbing for the players, for example moments before the irish
       goal or in the end of the match.
       Parameter Mark 1: Degree of Difficulty and Importance
                            AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER                              65
II. CONTROL
      Comment
       Word of order: leniency. Kuipers tried to be lenient the best he could. In some moments
       this was good, but he missed several situations. About riots he had a good approach and
       proper communication. His body language was appropriate.
       Although some dubious and controversial situations he was always in control of the match
       and tried to be a communicative referee. Some flaws in the application of the laws of the
       game (see III. Decisions).
       Exemplary situations that strengthen the general impression
          Minute Situation and Assessment
           52    YC missed to Croatia no.7
       Parameter Mark 2: Control
                            AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER                              75
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)
        He tried to be lenient, in the end he was fussy. Foul detection was variable during the
        match, sometimes good, others poor. Missed some fouls, pointed to some non-fouls, but
        the two major cases were Croatia second goal and the penalty for Ireland. This last was
        the biggest stain in Kuipers work.
       Important Decisions ((non)given cards should be mentioned, other important
        decisions in the opinion of the observer)
          Minute Situation and Assessment
           25      Foul favouring Ireland. No reason for award a foul in this situation.
                   Croatia second goal. No off-side in this situation. The ball comes the irish
           43
                   defender to the Croatian attacker so no reason to raise the flag.
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                     Missed YC to Croatia no7. In the next minute he awards a YC for the same
            52
                     reason and type of foul
            53       Correct YC
                     Ireland asks for a Penalty. No reason for penalty. Kuipers awards foul against
                     Ireland. For my view that was a more intense dispute of the ball so no reason
            57
                     for foul. If Kuipers judges that as simulation the YC against the Irish was
                     mandatory.
                     Clear foul in the entrance of the penalty area. Kuipers and Liesveld (AAR2)
            63       have a clear and privileged view. So no reason to let the match continue.
                     Error with importance in the outcome of the match. Technical mistake.
                     Foul against Ireland. Kept the YC in his pocket, but that was more a moment
            67
                     of wrestling not football. YC card missed.
            68       Non-foul situation. However he wards a foul for Ireland.
            84       Correct YC for Croatia no19.
            85       Harsh dispute of the ball by Croatia no19. No reason for foul, correct non-call.
            87       Foul missed on the Croatia no.1
       Parameter Mark 3: Decisions
                            AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER                                    55
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.)
        Comment
        Several times with poor position and blocking pass lines. Not fast enough moving in the pitch.
           Minute Situation and Assessment
       Parameter Mark 4.1: Physical and Technical Aspects
                             AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER                                   65
       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
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                            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
        text possible (mandatory in case of an awarded minus)
           Minute Situation and Assessment
       Parameter Mark 4.2: Tactical Approach
                             AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER                                   80
       Summary of both sections (if necessary, give the minutes)
                Positive Points 1. Clear line, shows respect and demands respect
                                2. Good communication
           Points for improvement 1. Diagonal movement
                                  2. Needs to react faster
       Comment on the cooperation within the referee team
        The Dutch team has some matches together for some time. Today some difficulties,
        especially with AAR2. Both AR’s with a good performance and good assistance to the
        main ref.
       Parameter Mark 4: Style (factorized (50%) sum of both partial sections)
                            AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER                     72,5
FACTORIZED SUM (FINAL MARK) – REFEREE
                                Parameter                            Percentage               Mark
          MATCH DIFFICULTY / IMPORTANCE                                 10 %                   65
                                CONTROL                                 20 %                   75
                               DECISIONS                                40 %                   55
                                   STYLE                                30 %                  72,5
                                                                Final mark                   65,25
Assistant Referee 1
I. MATCH
      Comment
       Good match. With good cooperation with the main ref in foul and throw-in decisions.
                                                                          © footballrefereeing.blogspot.com
       Parameter Mark 1: Degree of Difficulty (only aspects concerning the AR1)
                            AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER                     65
II. DECISIONS
      Application of the Laws of the Game – Comment
        With good cooperation with the main ref in foul and throw-in decisions.
       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
           24      Correct off-side
           26      Correct off-side
       Parameter Mark 2: Decisions
                            AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER                                     85
 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 %                   65
                               DECISIONS                                 60 %                   85
                                   STYLE                                 20 %                   80
                                                                 Final mark                     80
Assistant Referee 2
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I. MATCH
      Comment
       With good cooperation with the main ref in foul and throw-in decisions. Good when in
       minute 43 he decided to let the flag down.
       Parameter Mark 1: Degree of Difficulty (only aspects concerning the AR2)
                            AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER                     65
II. DECISIONS
      Application of the Laws of the Game – Comment
        text possible !
       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
           43      Good letting the flag down
                   With some responsibility in the penalty not awarded to Ireland. However he
           63
                   didn’t had the better angle.
       Parameter Mark 2: Decisions
                            AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER                                     80
 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) – AR2
                                Parameter                             Percentage               Mark
                       MATCH DIFFICULTY                                  20 %                   65
                               DECISIONS                                 60 %                   80
                                   STYLE                                 20 %                   80
                                                                 Final mark                     77
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 Additional Assistant Referee 1
I. MATCH
      Comment
       text possible, referring to the challenges the AAR1 had to cope with
       Parameter Mark 1: Degree of Difficulty (only aspects concerning the AAR1)
                            AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER                    65
II. DECISIONS
      Application of the Laws of the Game, Involvement – Comment
        text possible !
       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
       Important Decisions
          Minute Situation and Assessment
       Parameter Mark 2: Decisions
                            AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER                                    75
 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                                    80
FACTORIZED SUM (FINAL MARK) – AAR1
                                Parameter                            Percentage               Mark
                       MATCH DIFFICULTY                                 20 %                   65
                               DECISIONS                                60 %                   75
                                   STYLE                                20 %                   80
                                                                Final mark                     74
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Additional Assistant Referee 2
I. MATCH
      Comment
       With some situation to judge he failed in most of them.
       Parameter Mark 1: Degree of Difficulty (only aspects concerning the AAR2)
                            AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER                    65
II. DECISIONS
      Application of the Laws of the Game, Involvement – Comment
        text possible !
       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
       Important Decisions
          Minute Situation and Assessment
           63     Missed a clear penalty when he has a clear view.
           87     Missed clear foul on the Croatian GK
       Parameter Mark 2: Decisions
                            AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER                                    50
 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                                    60
FACTORIZED SUM (FINAL MARK) – AAR2
                                Parameter                            Percentage               Mark
                       MATCH DIFFICULTY                                 20 %                   65
                               DECISIONS                                60 %                   50
                                   STYLE                                20 %                   60
                                                                Final mark                     55
Fourth Official
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      Comment
       Developed a proper work.
      Final mark
                                    FINAL MARK             75
Reserve Assistant Referee
      Comment
       No influence in the match.
      Final mark
                                    FINAL MARK             75
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