Both teams are to be congratulated. A fine match, played in a slightly altered universe, thanks to the referee’s unusually strict adherence to the letter of the rulebook.
Many will say his calls were over the top. I’m not sure – the jury’s not in. Maybe dismissing Behrami was a bad call. Or maybe he gave Behrami a straight red because the Swiss international actually struck not one, but two Chileans in the face in that single gallant attempt to get away with the ball. One wayward hand, ok. Two in a row? A hard-line ref feels compelled to call it.
By putting them a man down about 30 minutes into the game, the ref enabled the Swiss to once again amaze. They kept Chile at bay until 74 minutes in, snagging a WC record in the process – the most consecutive minutes played without conceding a goal, or some such. They not only held off determined and highly skilled opposition and earned a place in the WC record book, the depleted squad mounted attacks and nearly equalized in the 89th minute! Thrilling stuff, boys. Danke, merci, grazie.
Chile played some impressive football and won. 1-0. Against 10 men.
Granted, it was against 10 tireless giant-men who played with power, synchronicity and superb organization. Chile played with spunk, hope, passion, defiance and commitment. The winning goal, struck superbly by my fave Chilean player, South African-born Mark Gonzales (I love that he had “home advantage”) was a truly triumphant moment.
Valdivia’s yellow for diving… not so much. The right call, though, for me. And the ref showed the card quick, calm, confident – same way he’d showed Behrami the red, in fact. Controversial decisions, if you will, but decided fairly, doled out equally. Everybody got the same treatment from a referee with a quick eye and a tight hold on the game. It made for excellent football.
Hmmm… guess the jury’s in, after all.
Yes. South America is totally rocking this WC, while the ex-colonial powers are falling apart. I’d like to imagine Mother Africa is holding a grudge and not favoring the northern hemispherians due to past karma — but then, why is the USA doing ok?
Didn’t see this game but I saw each teams first rounder. The South American teams are all playing some sprightly and involved Football as opposed to the bigger teams in Europe who have had some hiccups and in the case of France just melted down.
Loving this tournament so far.