Morocco complain about semi-final ref - Qatar gears up for final matches 10pm Thai time this weekend

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Morocco complain about semi-final ref - Qatar gears up for final matches 10pm Thai time this weekend

 

by Rooster | ASEAN NOW

 

As Qatar prepared to host the final two matches of the World Cup 2022 this weekend came news about complaints made against a Mexican referee.

 

The Moroccan football federation has protested to FIFA about Cesar Ramos after their semi-final defeat to France.

 

They felt that Sofiane Boufal should have got a penalty after contact was made with Theo Hernandez in the box.

 

Boufal was booked instead. 

 

Many high profile pundits including Rio Ferdinand and Chris Sutton at the BBC said it was a penalty.

 

The Moroccans were also incensed by another player being hauled down when awaiting the delivery of a free kick into the penalty area.

 

Many thought that the VAR (video assistant ref) should have taken a second look at both incidents.

 

 

France won 2-0 and will play Argentina, 3-0 victors over Croatia in the other semi, in Sunday's final at 10 pm Thai time.

 

Tomorrow at 10 pm there is the hors d'oeuvre of the 3rd and 4th place play-off between the Africans and Croatia. 

 

Compared to the English Premier League where the standard of refereeing is poor week in week out, the World Cup has generally had strong officiating.

 

But several high profile decisions in the France vs England game and Morocco vs France have sparked debate.

 

 

Some posters on this blog have moaned about the standard of refereeing in Qatar.

 

Ahead of the final superstar Lionel Messi has praised his strike partner Julian Alvarez for his "spectacular" and "extraordinary" double against Croatia.

 

Man City's Alvarez with four goals is one behind Messi and Kylian Mbappe of France in the Golden Boot race. Mbappe leads on assists. 

 

 

Messi, 35, will be playing in his last World Cup match on the biggest stage imaginable.

 

Argentina last won football's showpiece in Mexico in 1986. France have won twice since and are looking to retain the famous golden trophy.

 

Alvarez played a bit-part role in the early matches but is now set to upstage Messi, if that is possible!

 

France have proved themselves resilient though Mbappe will be hoping he can shine after being kept under wraps by both the English and Moroccan defences in the last two matches. 

 

 

I'm hoping for a good match that will be a fitting end to what has been a stellar tournament, the first ever in the middle east.

 

I'll be cheering for Argentina who have got stronger and stronger after a first match shock loss to Saudi Arabia. 

 

Expect the bars and clubs in Thailand showing the match to be full to the rafters on Sunday especially as the match is being played at a good time rather than in the middle of the night.

 

Stay tuned for the final blog on Monday after we find out if the title is remaining in Europe or heading to South America after 20 years. 

 

Latest Betfair approx. odds show that punters think the 2022 final is a toss-up:

90 mins: 

2-1 Argentina, France and the draw

Winners:

 

Even money the pair. 

 

Rooster
 

 

-- © Copyright  ASEAN NOW 2022-12-16

[Bluespunk]

Both England and Morocco have complained about the referee while playing france…good to see some traditions are going strong.

 

It’s always someone else’s fault. 

[ed strong]

name a world cup that wasnt corrupt.

 

they'll probably receive a payment from fifa just like Ireland got stitched up against Frane with the handball in the play off game.