Referee woes

It is now the half time break in the Brazil-Ghana match. Brazil is leading 2-0, a scoreline they thoroughly deserved and do not deserved.

I concede that man for man, the Brazilians are technically superior to the Ghanians. They can outplay Ghana just by simply stepping up a gear.

However, it is obvious that Ghana is playing with a lot of heart, spirit and fire. After having to endure boring matches that end in goaless draws, uninspiring matches decided by one free kick, and matches that resembled WWII, this is a refreshing change. This is what free flowing football is about. This keeps you glued to your seat. You can just sit back, drink beer, smile contentedly and watch football at its best. It is matches like these where I do not begrudge Starhub the extra charges for being able to watch every single WC match.

But referees who appear to have left their eye prescriptions/glasses at home ruin everything. How can the linesman not see that Brazil were obviously offside? Not once, not twice, but numerous times. Maybe he was unable to keep up with the pace of the game. If you cannot match the fitness level of young soccer players, allow me to suggest that you either retire or go train yourself.

The referee has also appeared to miss the fouls on Ghana by Brazil. Blatent fouls mind you. The kind that have me jumping out of my chair, hand in the air, screaming for blood, mainly Brazil's. On some occassions I want to hurl the remote control at the referee. I wonder if he is aware that there are 2 teams playing on the field, and he is the objective man in the middle.

For all the football playing males in Brazil, they have to bring a fat man who is past his prime, cannot run fast any more and can only shoot goals at open goal posts. Like as though Brazil is starved of talent and players. It is such a pathetic, sorry and pitiful sight on the field. The Ronaldo I remember could do wonders with his feet and creates magic for all. Now, I see another Ronaldo, the one who huffs, pants, and waits for others to create magic for him. It is sad to have to remember a great player this way.

But back to incompetent referees. The match is starting again. If only viewers could dish referees yellow cards. Or if there was some kind of feedback/rating for referees like the feedback system we have in school for lecturers.

Bleah!