Question Number: 25206

Character, Attitude and Control 7/13/2011

RE: Grade 8 USSF, and Ct high school High School

Mike Monce of Lebanon, CT USA asks...

I'm probably the 10,000th person to ask, but what's all of yours take on the US-Brazil game? After looking at replays, I think the PK was deserved, and the red card as a DOGSO was a possible... hard to say not being right there on the field. I also thought the subsequent re-take of the PK was wrong. I really couldn't see Solo far off her line (the Brazilian keeper seemed WAY off her line on every kick!), and the US player encroaching on the kick also didn't look obvious even on replay.

As soon as I watched the game I thought this will be one for refs to chew over.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Mike:

It was an exciting match, and worthy of the world cup.
In the end, it was decided by the fine play of both teams.
Who could ask for anything more?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mike
I might direct you to my answer of question 25192 on this very subject.
On the question of encroachment by the goalkeeper and other players inside the penalty area I might pose the phrase 'how long is a piece of string'.
The important part is consistency and the referee when she allowed a retake of USA's first penalty in KFTPM demonstrated that consistency. I have seen this level of encroachment ignored. See 1st and 2nd AC Milan penalties http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnlRPaKAwfA
Understand as well that in a tournament context match officials are briefed on what the tournament organisers want implemented. There is probably daily meetings, match reviews, training etc and these subjects are covered. If referee advisors, assessors say that they want to clamp down on encroachment then that is what they get. If a referee prizes that FIFA badge then following directives however harsh is all that can be done.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 25230