Bad Ref Decisions at the World Cup

SI Staff | Jun 28, 2010

Bad Ref Decisions at the World Cup /

Bad Ref Decisions at the World Cup

Proponents of goal-line technology had another reason to lobby for video replay after what happened in England's 4-1 loss to Germany in the round of 16. England trailed 2-1 in the first half when Frank Lampard's (8) shot hit the crossbar and landed about a yard behind the goal line. But the teams played on as referee Jorge Larrionda didn't rule it a goal. ''The game probably would be different after the goal," England coach Fabio Capello said, but instead Germany scored twice more in the second half and advanced.

Kevork Djansezian, Christof Koepsel/Getty Images

The Americans appeared poised to become the first team in World Cup history to turn a 2-0 halftime deficit into a 3-2 victory when Maurice Edu knocked in Landon Donovan's free kick in the 86th minute. But referee Koman Coulibaly waved off the goal without explanation. The play-by-play on FIFA's Web site said Edu had been whistled for a foul, but World Cup newcomer Coulibaly neither confirmed nor denied it

The U.S. had another seemingly legitimate goal wiped out when Clint Dempsey was ruled offside on his 21st-minute rebound of Herculez Gomez's shot in the 21st minute against Algeria. The Americans overcame that controversial call and other near-misses as Landon Donovan scored in injury time to send the U.S. into the knockout phase.

Fabrice Coffrini/AFP, Phil Cole/Getty Images

Luis Fabiano admitted after the game that he handled the ball (twice) en route to scoring Brazil's second goal against Ivory Coast, but that was little consolation to the African side. French referee Stephane Lannoy even asked Fabino about a possible hand ball after the goal but let it stand.

Spanish referee Alberto Undiano handed out nine yellow cards in Germany's group match against Serbia, none more controversial than the second yellow he gave German star Miroslav Klose for a relatively mild challenge of Dejan Stankovic in the 37th minute. Serbia scored the only goal of the game one minute later.

Jeff Mitchell - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

In Brazil's group game against Ivory Coast, Kaka received his second yellow card in the final minutes for incidental contact with Kader Keita, whose theatrical reaction helped sell the foul. Brazil coach Dunga called the red card "totally unjust," and Kaka was forced to miss Brazil's group finale against Portugal.

Carlos Tevez was clearly offside when he scored on a 26th-minute header to give Argentina a 1-0 lead in its round-of-16 match against Mexico. Referee Roberto Rosetti of Italy allowed the goal after consulting with his linesman.

Published Jun 28, 2010

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