“It is also believed Fifa has officially adjudged the performance of the referee, China’s Qin Liang, as good and found “every decision and the use of VAR was correct, using the protocols” and were applied to the letter. Officials also think Qin did all she could to ensure a prompt restart after the VAR delays.”
This was my view at the time despite the hysterical reaction of pundits, TV commentators and some on here, trying to blame the referee.
FIFA’s general standard response to most things is ‘move along-nothing to see here’. It doesn’t mean a thing as if there is a problem or not.
That elbow on the England winger early on - was a red card & sending off - the Cameroonian defender could have easily fractured a cheek bone. VAR should have been used for that.
“It is also believed Fifa has officially adjudged the performance of the referee, China’s Qin Liang, as good and found “every decision and the use of VAR was correct, using the protocols” and were applied to the letter. Officials also think Qin did all she could to ensure a prompt restart after the VAR delays.”
This was my view at the time despite the hysterical reaction of pundits, TV commentators and some on here, trying to blame the referee.
She used VAR correctly but didnt come to the correct decisions in my eyes
Certainly dont remember her checking VAR over the elbow but should have been a penalty and a red card for the late calls
Not unexpected. The authorities will always look to back the ref, even with the tiniest fig leaf to hide their embarrassment.
It was a weak refereeing performance. When Cameroon were all carrying on she was nowhere to be seen. She even let a blatant shove in her back go, didn't seem to check with an assistant about it.
Of course, if her performance was fine she'll get another game. I suspect she won't though
So many rules are being implemented in this WC, I have lost count. Some new and some that have existed for some time.
The elbow in the face was similar to the Millwall thug, Pat VDH on Newton early doors in a game at the Valley. (No red card then as Ref bottled it) The foul on Houghton was a shocker and both were Red card offences. I believe the race card was played in this match by only being Yellow and not Red ! You can't have a team arrange a union meeting when they should be kicking off after a goal.
So many rules are being implemented in this WC, I have lost count. Some new and some that have existed for some time.
The elbow in the face was similar to the Millwall thug, Pat VDH on Newton early doors in a game at the Valley. (No red card then as Ref bottled it) The foul on Houghton was a shocker and both were Red card offences. I believe the race card was played in this match by only being Yellow and not Red ! You can't have a team arrange a union meeting when they should be kicking off after a goal.
So many rules are being implemented in this WC, I have lost count. Some new and some that have existed for some time.
The elbow in the face was similar to the Millwall thug, Pat VDH on Newton early doors in a game at the Valley. (No red card then as Ref bottled it) The foul on Houghton was a shocker and both were Red card offences. I believe the race card was played in this match by only being Yellow and not Red ! You can't have a team arrange a union meeting when they should be kicking off after a goal.
“Race card”? Could you explain?
I guess he means when we were told by the BBC commentators at half time that the Cameroon team were blaming the decisions that went against them on racism?
“It is also believed Fifa has officially adjudged the performance of the referee, China’s Qin Liang, as good and found “every decision and the use of VAR was correct, using the protocols” and were applied to the letter. Officials also think Qin did all she could to ensure a prompt restart after the VAR delays.”
This was my view at the time despite the hysterical reaction of pundits, TV commentators and some on here, trying to blame the referee.
FIFA’s general standard response to most things is ‘move along-nothing to see here’. It doesn’t mean a thing as if there is a problem or not.
That elbow on the England winger early on - was a red card & sending off - the Cameroonian defender could have easily fractured a cheek bone. VAR should have been used for that.
Absolutley - in case anyone hasn't noticed, FIFA are spineless, self-serving, bribe taking cheats themselves...
So many rules are being implemented in this WC, I have lost count. Some new and some that have existed for some time.
The elbow in the face was similar to the Millwall thug, Pat VDH on Newton early doors in a game at the Valley. (No red card then as Ref bottled it) The foul on Houghton was a shocker and both were Red card offences. I believe the race card was played in this match by only being Yellow and not Red ! You can't have a team arrange a union meeting when they should be kicking off after a goal.
“Race card”? Could you explain?
I guess he means when we were told by the BBC commentators at half time that the Cameroon team were blaming the decisions that went against them on racism?
I thought the ref lost control of the Cameroon game - she was appalling. Her main concern by the end was to stop them walking off.
Correct. And I believe the FIFA official at the game was advising her during the game. The FIFA official’s primary concern was to complete the match without affecting the result.
I lifted the following quote from the Telegraph today.
Qin Liang was concerned Cameroon would walk off the pitch when she rejected advice on a Fran Kirby penalty claim and refused to dismiss Alexandra Takounda for a scraped challenge on Steph Houghton.
It is understood that Fifa has backed Liang's decisions, too, given the ugly incidents that preceded the two decisions in a match that threatened to spiral out of control.”
I think the ref and the FIFA official who was presumably providing advice throughout the game, took the sensible decision to complete the game at all costs whilst ensuring the correct result was achieved.
FIFA are, correctly in my opinion, apportioning 100% of the blame for this debacle to the players and officials of the Cameroon team.
So to summarise, if you don't like a decision given against you, threaten to walk off and you can go round fouling people in the box and putting possible leg breakers on the opposition, just so long as you've really been an arse about it for the whole game. Brilliant idea FIFA. The safety of the players and the correct decisions being made within the bounds of the rules of football are the most important things a referee is responsible for. Who gives a shit if Cameroon had walked off? They could have been booted out of the tournament, fined, and banned from the next tournament. England would still correctly have gone through and there would have actually been a punishment for the players acting like total idiots. FIFA's interpretation of this is, as always, related to sponsors and mitigating public scandal and blowback from teams who throw their toys out of the pram. It's pathetic
It was hard not to feel for Japan last night. They seem to need a bit of time to get going with their passing game, but when it is working it is great to watch. But the are always vulnerable to a bit of power and lack a cutting edge sadly. If they can address that, they will become a force. I have been a bit underwhelmed with Holland. There is no way they can win this tournament unless they are extremely fortunate.
I would make the USA and Germany favourites then England and France. I can't see the winner coming outside of these four.
A fact that Can't be argued with ? If the Cameroon team had walked off, mid way into the second half our Captain Houghton wouldn't have been injured and be a doubt for the Norway game which is 50/50 match on the form so far.
A red card should be given regardless of the potential ramifications of team mates or goals given or disallowed according to the rules.
We will have anarchy if the reaction of one team influences refs whether in the World cup or when the Dog and duck pub team kick off !
I thought the ref lost control of the Cameroon game - she was appalling. Her main concern by the end was to stop them walking off.
Correct. And I believe the FIFA official at the game was advising her during the game. The FIFA official’s primary concern was to complete the match without affecting the result.
I lifted the following quote from the Telegraph today.
Qin Liang was concerned Cameroon would walk off the pitch when she rejected advice on a Fran Kirby penalty claim and refused to dismiss Alexandra Takounda for a scraped challenge on Steph Houghton.
It is understood that Fifa has backed Liang's decisions, too, given the ugly incidents that preceded the two decisions in a match that threatened to spiral out of control.”
I think the ref and the FIFA official who was presumably providing advice throughout the game, took the sensible decision to complete the game at all costs whilst ensuring the correct result was achieved.
FIFA are, correctly in my opinion, apportioning 100% of the blame for this debacle to the players and officials of the Cameroon team.
Whilst I can understand it, I do have a big problem with this. By not adequately addressing the issues around the emotions of the Cameroon players on the pitch, the environment was created for the potentially leg breaking tackle to take place. It isn't just the ref's job to ensure the correct result occurs, but they do have a responsibility for the safety of the players.
The ref should have made it clear straight away that their emotional reaction must stop and cards should have been shown. I think that by not nipping things in the bud, or at least not trying to, Cameroon were more likely to be more emotional.
Still on track for England v USA and Germany v Holland semi finals.
Still on track.
I can see it being France, not the USA.
Even though quite rightly the USA are favourites, I said from the beginning that the France v USA would be Q- final that will/ may determine the winner of this competition. If the flying French winger can see enough of the ball then the aging American team may be going out but easier said than done. Henry is class but Sommer form was poor in last match. The quarter finals are always the most enjoyable games for me in every tournament. By this match you can't normally play your B game and not go home.
All 8 teams know this, the outsiders Italy have been Playing their A game in every match. England, Holland and France have been good in patches but flaky at times. Germany, though not the force of recent times are looking dangerous. USA have had one mediocre game against the improving young Spanish side.
I just hope the quality of football is the talking point and not VAR and referees but FIFA have used a major competition and refs, many who has never reffed in front of a few thousand people and no cameras to implement new and existing rules.
Germany look hard to beat and I would be surprised if they don't make the final from their half of the draw. I have doubts about the French keeper although she hasn't made any major mistakes, I can sort of tell if they are a keeper or not if you know what I mean. I think they can be exciting when the crowd is behind them but you can see the weaknesses too. I'm a bit concerned about Houghton as I think she is the glue that holds our defence together although I understand she trained yesterday which is a positive.
Agreed, Houghton is the glue that holds that defence together with Bronze at RB. Not much in Greenwood or Stokes at LB despite the shocking pass back from the mascara queen Alex. Assuming captain Steph is Fit and she did play in training yesterday so hopefully Neville just playing mind games with Norway. Millie Bright has become a problem because since the injury last season she has had more poor games than in all her successful career put together. If she also has a virus then play McManus who is better on the ball than Millie even though not as strong.
This isn't being disrespectful but I think England are a four or five pass team before they lose it. That means to me, get the ball in a goal scoring position in 5,4 or less passes when you can. That includes simple passes across that back that have been kop out passes for many teams and the rule still applies, the defensive pass that goes wrong is always more possible if you make it so don't make it if you can help it. I think that needs to be drummed into the defence.
She would, but it wouldn't kill us. Norway benefit more from having a very organised backline than they do a scintillating attack. In extra time Australia were completely shot at the back but Norway couldn't get the ball in despite creating the right sorts of openings. We need Fran Kirby to be on form with some passes between the lines tonight, Parris to drag people out of position with direct running and Bronze to do what she hasn't been able to do effectively much this tournament, which is drift inside off Parris and create a goalscoring opportunity for herself or someone else. We will have to be clever with how we create openings, but if we are we don't have too much to fear from having to rotate our centre halves. I would start McManus regardless
Are we in agreement that the team who could string the most passes together in this World cup was 1st the Japanese and Second the Spanish. Yet both sides have flown home to Tokyo and Madrid. lack of clinical finishing was the problem.
The European teams left and the USA are more powerful and seem to take their chances but retaining the ball more than 4 or 5 passes is still a work in progress.
I will be disappointed if Mead doesn't feature prominently tonight. She can go pass players where Duggan hasn't so far in the two games she has played. I would get Beth Mead and Parris to keep swapping as both are best on the right. White in the middle with Taylor playing a part if we are chasing the game. Tough call but I would go for the youngster Stanways for Kirby ( not in her best form at moment but can switch on at any time) and Moore for Walsh in midfield. Walsh has played fine but Moore was superb in Canada and is back on her game.
Both Kirby and Duggan need special performances tonight. This is big time football and they need to deliver on the biggest stage. I hope Phil Neville is correct in his selection. If our A game doesn't turn up tonight we will go home. We can win. We need to win. We will win.
Comments
That elbow on the England winger early on - was a red card & sending off - the Cameroonian defender could have easily fractured a cheek bone. VAR should have been used for that.
Certainly dont remember her checking VAR over the elbow but should have been a penalty and a red card for the late calls
It was a weak refereeing performance. When Cameroon were all carrying on she was nowhere to be seen. She even let a blatant shove in her back go, didn't seem to check with an assistant about it.
Of course, if her performance was fine she'll get another game. I suspect she won't though
The elbow in the face was similar to the Millwall thug, Pat VDH on Newton early doors in a game at the Valley. (No red card then as Ref bottled it)
The foul on Houghton was a shocker and both were Red card offences.
I believe the race card was played in this match by only being Yellow and not Red !
You can't have a team arrange a union meeting when they should be kicking off after a goal.
I lifted the following quote from the Telegraph today.
“The referee of England’s last-16 victory twice overruled VAR late on to prevent Cameroon players from abandoning the match, The Telegraph can reveal.
Qin Liang was concerned Cameroon would walk off the pitch when she rejected advice on a Fran Kirby penalty claim and refused to dismiss Alexandra Takounda for a scraped challenge on Steph Houghton.
It is understood that Fifa has backed Liang's decisions, too, given the ugly incidents that preceded the two decisions in a match that threatened to spiral out of control.”
I think the ref and the FIFA official who was presumably providing advice throughout the game, took the sensible decision to complete the game at all costs whilst ensuring the correct result was achieved.
FIFA are, correctly in my opinion, apportioning 100% of the blame for this debacle to the players and officials of the Cameroon team.
I would make the USA and Germany favourites then England and France. I can't see the winner coming outside of these four.
If the Cameroon team had walked off, mid way into the second half our Captain Houghton wouldn't have been injured and be a doubt for the Norway game which is 50/50 match on the form so far.
A red card should be given regardless of the potential ramifications of team mates or goals given or disallowed according to the rules.
We will have anarchy if the reaction of one team influences refs whether in the World cup or when the Dog and duck pub team kick off !
The ref should have made it clear straight away that their emotional reaction must stop and cards should have been shown. I think that by not nipping things in the bud, or at least not trying to, Cameroon were more likely to be more emotional.
If the flying French winger can see enough of the ball then the aging American team may be going out but easier said than done.
Henry is class but Sommer form was poor in last match.
The quarter finals are always the most enjoyable games for me in every tournament. By this match you can't normally play your B game and not go home.
All 8 teams know this, the outsiders Italy have been Playing their A game in every match. England, Holland and France have been good in patches but flaky at times.
Germany, though not the force of recent times are looking dangerous.
USA have had one mediocre game against the improving young Spanish side.
I just hope the quality of football is the talking point and not VAR and referees but FIFA have used a major competition and refs, many who has never reffed in front of a few thousand people and no cameras to implement new and existing rules.
Not much in Greenwood or Stokes at LB despite the shocking pass back from the mascara queen Alex.
Assuming captain Steph is Fit and she did play in training yesterday so hopefully Neville just playing mind games with Norway.
Millie Bright has become a problem because since the injury last season she has had more poor games than in all her successful career put together.
If she also has a virus then play McManus who is better on the ball than Millie even though not as strong.
The European teams left and the USA are more powerful and seem to take their chances but retaining the ball more than 4 or 5 passes is still a work in progress.
I will be disappointed if Mead doesn't feature prominently tonight. She can go pass players where Duggan hasn't so far in the two games she has played.
I would get Beth Mead and Parris to keep swapping as both are best on the right.
White in the middle with Taylor playing a part if we are chasing the game.
Tough call but I would go for the youngster Stanways for Kirby ( not in her best form at moment but can switch on at any time) and Moore for Walsh in midfield. Walsh has played fine but Moore was superb in Canada and is back on her game.
If our A game doesn't turn up tonight we will go home. We can win. We need to win.
We will win.