Jorge Larrionda
Remember this name. This man cost US a win against Italy.
He isn’t the best italian striker. He isn’t the US goalie who let a goal go by.
This man is a referree. The judge of the game. His job is to moderate play. Keep it fair.
He accomplished this, as long as your idea of fair is cutting off both of a mans legs and then asking him to walk. This was the worst calling of a game I have ever seen in any sport. No wonder the US doesn’t care about soccer. Some ref from Uruguay who has actually been suspended and kicked out of the world cup before because of his inconsistancies, decides who lives or dies. Obviously FIFA who rank just two above the french on the “things for americans to hate” list, won’t do anything about it. If they don’t be careful they could pull out in front of germans during the olympics.
This man should at least be fired. I would go as far as to say the bookings shouldn’t be carried out. He managed to take off two of the most important players of the game. Not only that but he did it in a matter of 5 min. A slightly late (wasn’t even late they both got the ball) slide tackle isn’t as bad as an purposeful elblow in the face. This same ref then went on to call a US goal back and the later let a Italian handball in the box slide.
The upside to all this, is that it was one of the most thrilling games I’ve ever watched. Almost as good as the Denver vs. Greenbay superbowl. The US won the game in all aspects and if we don’t move on in the world cup, at least this US team has advanced the cause of soccer in America.
June 22 you should be watching US vs. Ghana at 9:00 a.m. PST.
Mastroeni made that challenge with studs on both his feet exposed. Those tackles are taken serioulsy by refs and they have to show a red care because they can seriously injure players and take them out of the game for months. I find it shocking that Mastoreni could perform such an atrocious foul in the first place. As for Pope he should have been more careful after his first yellow. Honestly this was one of the dirtiest games I’ve ever seen in my life from both sides.
Valid Point. It was a dirty game. A lot cheap fouls, pushing and holding. Part of my frustration comes from simply wanting my team to win. But it is undeniable that both tackles were made on the ball and both gave no real advantage to the US. Sure they were dangerous play, but two reds in five minutes is unheard of. This ref was being reactionary and overly strict. It doesn’t help that he’s been disciplined before.
Larrionda did call an inconsistent game, but I have to agree with his calls on Mastreoni (coming in with studs up and from behind) and the disallowed U.S. goal (US player clearly in an offside popsition and gaining an advantage by distracting the keeper). Pope’s second yellow was borderline, but not totally out of line. He did come in hard and from behind. He should have been more craefull playing with a yellow on board.
Watch the foul videos here