JOHANNESBURG Argentinas solitary goal that clinched them three points in a Group match against Nigeria on June 12 should have been disallowed after a Nigerian player was fouled in the build-up to the goal, the FIFA referees committee has said. (Pictured:
World football governing body FIFA last week slammed the referees of the Group B match between Argentina and Nigeria on June 12 for allowing Gabriel Heinzes sixth minute header to stand. The Super Eagles, put up a spirited fight after the 60th minute introduction of star winger Peter Odemwingie, but could not find the all-important equaliser to leave the South Americans 1-0 winners. But the key FIFA committee in a review of the match last week said the things could have been different had the German referees officiating in the match been more efficient.
In an analysis that is now only of academic interest to the Super Eagles who went on to lose 2-1 in their second game against Greece, the committee said that Argentina won thanks to the referees complacency, or connivance or ignorance or all, adding that FIFA will penalise any further blockade by anyone, as victory must be earned.
FIFA severely criticised referee Wolfgang Stark and his assistants and compatriots Jan-Hendrik Salver and Mike Pikel for their decision not to penalise Argentine player Walter Samuel for obstruction in the build-up to Heinzes goal, which the left back headed home after coming to the end of a Juan Sebastian Veron corner kick. Argentina missed several gilt-edged chances on its way to a 1-0 victory, but according to FIFA, Stark should have disallowed the one attack that resulted in the solitary goal.
Our post-match analysis ruled that there was a foul in the build-up to Gabriel Heinzes stunning header, and that Stark should never have allowed the goal, the FIFA referees committee said. The committee released its findings as a guide for referees when faced with similar situations as the World Cup moves into top gear this week.
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News