World of Football Refereeing

Referee Observation Report

MATCH FACTS
Semifinal 1
27 June 2012 – 20:45 CET • Donbass Arena • Donetsk
0:0
PORTUGAL 2:4 SPAIN
pso
GOALS
---
P.S.O.
0-0 Xabi Alonso misses, 0-0 Joao Moutinho misses, 0-1 Iniesta conv., 1-1 Pepe conv., 1-2 Piqué
conv., 2-2 Nani conv., 2-3 Sergio Ramos conv., 2-3 Bruno Alves misses, 2-4 Fàbregas conv.

YELLOW CARDS
Sergio RAMOS (ESP, 40’), Fabio COENTRAO (POR, 45’), Sergio BUSQUETS (ESP, 60’), PEPE
(POR, 61’), Joao PEREIRA (POR, 64’), Alvaro ARBELOA (ESP, 84’), Bruno ALVES (POR, 86’),
Miguel VELOSO (POR, 90’), XABI ALONSO (ESP, 113’)

SENDING OFFS

MATCH OFFICIALS
Function Full Name Origin Final Mark
Referee Cüneyt Çakır TUR 74,8
Assistant Referee 1 Bahattin Duran TUR 77,0
Assistant Referee 2 Tarik Ongun TUR 81,0
Additional Assistant Referee 1 Hüseyin Göçek TUR 77,0
Additional Assistant Referee 2 Bülent Yıldırım TUR 79,0
Fourth Official Damir Skomina SVN 82,0
Reserve Assistant Referee Matej Žunič SVN 75,0
UEFA Delegate Janis Mežeckis LVA
UEFA Referee Observer Jozef Marko SVK
Blog Referee Observer Niclas E GER

Remarks concerning the final marks

The final marks that have been awarded by the Blog Referee Observer(s) for every official are
aimed at expressing a general assessment on the respective official’s performance.
They comply with certain and different evaluation scales that are exposed and explained in the
Referee Observation Checklist (a separate document).

© footballrefereeing.blogspot.com
The Referee
I. MATCH
 Background
The first semifinal of this edition’s UEFA EURO 2012 was held at Donbass Arena,
Donetsk. Both pitch and weather were above the standards so that a good football match
was theoretically guaranteed.
As it is typical of both Iberian teams, the technical and tactical abilities contained in this
match were quite high, although there were no real huge goal attempts during 120
minutes. Therefore, a quite boring match with however many intense duels and many
decisions to make for the Turkish-Slovenian referee team. Çakır whistled a total amount
of 52 fouls, which is a very high number, and struggled a bit in controlling the match –
also due to the immense importance and difficulty of the match in certain passages.

 Parameter Mark 1: Degree of Difficulty and Importance

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 90,0

II. CONTROL
 Comment
In general, the match was under control. Most of the difficult situations were handled in a
good way, there were however exceptions. Specially at the end of the second half and in
the middle of the first half, there has been a visible lack of control, also resulting from an
expandable level of communication.

 Exemplary situations that strengthen the general impression

Minute Situation and Assessment
intense moments, rising tension in the match, still handled well, could have
80-90
been more active

 Parameter Mark 2: Control

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 70,0

III. DECISIONS
 Application of the Laws of the Game – Comment (advice: always refer to aspects
like card management, infringement detection, the application of the advantage
rule, holding in the penalty area after set pieces, simulation and lay extra ordinary
high emphasis on match influencing or even decisive decisions)
The big decisions were correct. He issued the biggest amount of yellow cards at this
tournament – 9 yellows. Every single one was correct, although one of them was not thus
clearly to understand. His foul detection was quite good, he was not really pedantic, but
whistled a lot. Nevertheless, there was room for body inset and hard football. Hence, his
decisions indicated a still lenient, but strict style. There have been two possible penalty
kicks due to handball, both decisions absolutely justified. Some smaller weaknesses
every now and then. Therefore expected level with some area for improvement.

 Important Decisions ((non)given cards should be mentioned, other important

decisions in the opinion of the observer)
Minute Situation and Assessment
2 no handball by Veloso, correct
foul Arbeloa on Coentrao, the referee’s whistle stopped promising attack,
3
correct

© footballrefereeing.blogspot.com
 correct and tight throw-in decision in favour of Portugal, resisted and ignored
10
Spanish protests
slight foul on Ronaldo (by Arbeloa), difficult to see, happened 2 metres before
16
Ronaldo finally fell, a correct decision
18 foul by Almeida, well detected also by AAR2
no foul by Pereira correct, related to the following counterattack: Nani fell too
20 easily after a very tight contact by Ramos, provoked yellow card for an
alleged tactical foul, letting the game flow was spot-on
NO handball penalty to POR, as Ramos solely touched the ball with his chest
27
in the box
correctly whistled a foul on Nani in the midfield, should have however applied
30 the advantage rule. But no need to protest in this way by the Portuguese
bench and players. Skomina calmed down the officials in a good manner.
35 no foul on Nani absolutely correct, allowed relatively quick medical treatment
YC to Sergio Ramos, correct, but should have waited until the player has
40
stood up, would have displayed more respect
42 wrong free-kick awarded in favour of Ronaldo
YC to Coentrao, probably correct, word battle with Spanish bench, decision
45
upon consultation with AR1
foul against Bruno Alves, quite intense, correct. A small admonition could
45+1
have been appropiate
53 small slip into Alba’s face by Pereira, but no intention
CR7 enters the penalty area and falls in front of AAR1. Neither dive, nor
60
penalty. Correct and excellent decision. YC to Busquets for protests, good.
61 YC to Pepe, correct
YC to Pereira for a tactical foul close to the box (pulling), absolutly justified,
64 however the referee determined the position of the free-kick far away from the
original position where the foul had actually occurred
correctly awarded a free-kick to POR after a foul by Arbeloa on Ronaldo.
71
Quite arrogant way of communication by the referee.
76 NO handball penalty in favour of POR (by Fàbregas), correct decision
duel between Sergio Ramos and Nani, small kick by the Spaniard, no violent
80 conduct at all, the referee appeared very quickly, good presence and correct
decision
foul by Xabi Alonso on Ronaldo, first applied the advantage and then awarded
82 the free-kick. Good decision thanks to excellent positioning. Then YC to
Fàbregas due to handball in the wall, good and attentive.
no booking against Ronaldo, correct, then YC to Bruno Alves for a repeated
86 foul, the decision itself harsh, but against the background that it was Alves’ 5 th
foul it was more than overdue
YC to Veloso (against Alba), hard foul, studs not totally up, but definitely too
90+3
dangerous tackle. The referee encountered upcoming conflicts by swiftness
94 foul by Moutinho on Ramos, could have been a YC, (A)AR2
99 fair tackle by Pepe (on Pedro), even though the ellbow was slightly carted out
no foul Ramos on Ronaldo, correct, allowed fast medical treatment, which
108 was objectively stated ok, but not necessary, as it was more or less simulation
by Ronaldo
no deliberate return pass by Pepe which was taken by the goalkeeper with his
111
hands. It was sooner an unvoluntary reflex, therefore, correct decision
113 YC to Xabi Alonso for a tactical foul, correct

 Parameter Mark 3: Decisions

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 77,0

© footballrefereeing.blogspot.com
IV. STYLE
 Physical and Technical Aspects
Expected
Criteria + level
-
Always close to the play, follows play at all times, and
X
does not interfere with play
Flexible Diagonal System X
Able to anticipate the action X
Enters the penalty area when necessary X
Appropiate, efficient and economic Positioning also at
X
set pieces
Physical Condition in general X
Adequate behaviour in dealing with injuries (awareness
of serious injuries, possible advantages applied, X
card-timing etc.)
Comment
The referee has a good physical condition including an adequate movement and positioning also in
the extra-time. He had however small problems with positioning in the early stage of the match.
Besides, he sometimes entered the penalty area and the most remarkable thing was the high
number of injuries, the treatment of which he allowed very quickly. One problem with the
advantage rule, but also one perfect example how to apply it well.
Minute Situation and Assessment
6-8 problems with positioning
9 chance for ESP, enters the penalty area in a good manner
30, 82 advantage rule, once bad, once very good
35, 108 quick medical treatment allowed

 Parameter Mark 4.1: Physical and Technical Aspects

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 80,0

 Tactical Approach
Expected
Criteria + level
-
The referee has a certain tactical approach, which is
moving in the measures the Laws of the Game define, X
which is understood and consistent
The referee’s tactical approach is active, he is able to
X
predict situations and to avoid conflicts by that
Personality and authority on the pitch X
Adequate communication X
Shows determination and courage in his decisions and
has also tools to gain authority (adequate and clear X
gestures, using his whistle as kind of language)
Shows respect X
Comment
The biggest weakness of Cüneyt Cakir is the fact that he is a referee who solely concentrates on
reacting to incidents, hence, his style is not active. His tactical approach was overall based on
leniency, but he was quite strict in some moments. He sometimes talked to the players tooth and
nail. He had to explain what he wanted to express by using gestures and body language, which
might indicate language borderlines, equalized by a few smiles. He once appeared quite arrogant,
his personality on the pitch is difficult to grasp. Nonetheless, he was able to adapt his style to the

© footballrefereeing.blogspot.com
 requirements during the match, which was good.
Minute Situation and Assessment
correctly awarded a free-kick to POR after a foul by Arbeloa on Ronaldo.
71
Quite arrogant way of communication by the referee.

 Parameter Mark 4.2: Tactical Approach

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 60,0

 Summary of both sections (if necessary, give the minutes)

Positive Points 1. Physical Condition
2. Dealing with injuries
3. Partly: advantage rule
4. Gestures

Points for improvement 1. Communication and Interaction with the players

2. Being more active, preventing conflicts
3. Partly: advantage rule

 Comment on the cooperation within the referee team

Good, the team assisted him in some difficult moments, although their decisions were not
always, but mostly correct.

 Parameter Mark 4: Style (factorized (50%) sum of both partial sections)

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 70,0

FACTORIZED SUM (FINAL MARK) – REFEREE

Parameter Percentage Mark
MATCH DIFFICULTY / IMPORTANCE 10 % 90,0
CONTROL 20 % 70,0
DECISIONS 40 % 77,0
STYLE 30 % 70,0
Final mark 74,8

Assistant Referee 1
I. MATCH
 Comment
Sometimes involved, no big difficulty.

 Parameter Mark 1: Degree of Difficulty (only aspects concerning the AR1)

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 70,0

II. DECISIONS
 Application of the Laws of the Game – Comment
Once advised the referee to book Coentrao, probably correct. No many offside situations
to solve. Good decisions.

© footballrefereeing.blogspot.com
  Overview
Expected
Criteria + level
-
(Non-)Offside detection (evaluated independently (!)
X
from the difficulty of the (non-)offside situations)
Quality of other decisions with regard to the
X
application of the Laws of the Game

 Important Decisions (of course heavy attention to be paid on (non-)offside

decisions)
Minute Situation and Assessment
45 YC to Coentrao, advised by AR1, correct
tight offside decision in favour of POR, correct and difficult, as it was quite far
91
away

 Parameter Mark 2: Decisions

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 80,0

III. STYLE
 Physical and Technical Aspects
Expected
Criteria + level
-
Physical Condition X
Positioning and movement X
Adequate alertness, mental awareness and
concentration (e.g. decisions on situations happening X
in his area of vicinity)
Holds and moves his flag in accordance with the
X
Laws of the Game

 Parameter Mark 3: Style

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 75,0

FACTORIZED SUM (FINAL MARK) – AR1

Parameter Percentage Mark
MATCH DIFFICULTY 20 % 70,0
DECISIONS 60 % 80,0
STYLE 20 % 75,0
Final mark 77,0

Assistant Referee 2
I. MATCH
 Comment
A bit more work for him, but nothing too amazing.

 Parameter Mark 1: Degree of Difficulty (only aspects concerning the AR2)

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 75,0

© footballrefereeing.blogspot.com
II. DECISIONS
 Application of the Laws of the Game – Comment
Good offside decisions, which were not always easy. Some involvements in tight throw-in
decisions and other tackles in his area of vicinity.

 Overview
Expected
Criteria + level
-
(Non-)Offside detection (evaluated independently (!)
X
from the difficulty of the (non-)offside situations)
Quality of other decisions with regard to the
X
application of the Laws of the Game

 Important Decisions (of course heavy attention to be paid on (non-)offside

decisions)
Minute Situation and Assessment
24 clear offside position correctly flagged
offside decision in favour of POR, correct and not thus easy (contrary
52
movements)
94 foul by Moutinho on Ramos, could have been a YC
Iniesta is flagged for offside, correct; prior to that a tight NO offside decision
117
correctly seen

 Parameter Mark 2: Decisions

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 85,0

III. STYLE
 Physical and Technical Aspects
Expected
Criteria + level
-
Physical Condition X
Positioning and movement X
Adequate alertness, mental awareness and
concentration (e.g. decisions on situations happening X
in his area of vicinity)
Holds and moves his flag in accordance with the
X
Laws of the Game

 Parameter Mark 3: Style

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 75,0

FACTORIZED SUM (FINAL MARK) – AR2

Parameter Percentage Mark
MATCH DIFFICULTY 20 % 75,0
DECISIONS 60 % 85,0
STYLE 20 % 75,0
Final mark 81,0

© footballrefereeing.blogspot.com
Additional Assistant Referee 1
I. MATCH
 Comment
Medium difficulty for him.

 Parameter Mark 1: Degree of Difficulty (only aspects concerning the AAR1)

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 70,0

II. DECISIONS
 Application of the Laws of the Game, Involvement – Comment
Two involvements, one right and the other one wrong.

 Overview
Expected
Criteria + level
-
Important decisions in the penalty area (e.g. fouls like
X
holding after set pieces, goal-decisions etc.)
Quality of other decisions with regard to the
X
application of the Laws of the Game

 Important Decisions
Minute Situation and Assessment
34 wrong goal-kick, ball clearly did not cross the line
CR7 enters the penalty area and falls in front of AAR1. Neither dive, nor
60
penalty. Correct and excellent decision.

 Parameter Mark 2: Decisions

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 80,0

III. STYLE
 Physical and Technical Aspects
Expected
Criteria + level
-
Positioning and movement X
Active involvement, adequate alertness, mental
awareness and concentration (e.g. decisions on X
situations happening in his area of vicinity)

 Parameter Mark 3: Style

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 75,0

FACTORIZED SUM (FINAL MARK) – AAR1

Parameter Percentage Mark
MATCH DIFFICULTY 20 % 70,0
DECISIONS 60 % 80,0
STYLE 20 % 75,0
Final mark 77,0

© footballrefereeing.blogspot.com
Additional Assistant Referee 2
I. MATCH
 Comment
Easy match, only one crucial situation.

 Parameter Mark 1: Degree of Difficulty (only aspects concerning the AAR2)

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 65,0

II. DECISIONS
 Application of the Laws of the Game, Involvement – Comment
Two involvements, similar to AAR1.

 Overview
Expected
Criteria + level
-
Important decisions in the penalty area (e.g. fouls like
X
holding after set pieces, goal-decisions etc.)
Quality of other decisions with regard to the
X
application of the Laws of the Game

 Important Decisions
Minute Situation and Assessment
94 foul by Moutinho on Ramos, could have been a YC
no deliberate return pass by Pepe which was taken by the goalkeeper with his
111
hands. It was sooner an unvoluntary reflex, therefore, correct decision

 Parameter Mark 2: Decisions

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 85,0

III. STYLE
 Physical and Technical Aspects
Expected
Criteria + level
-
Positioning and movement X
Active involvement, adequate alertness, mental
awareness and concentration (e.g. decisions on X
situations happening in his area of vicinity)

 Parameter Mark 3: Style

AWARDED MARK FOR THIS PARAMETER 75,0

FACTORIZED SUM (FINAL MARK) – AAR2

Parameter Percentage Mark
MATCH DIFFICULTY 20 % 65,0
DECISIONS 60 % 85,0
STYLE 20 % 75,0
Final mark 79,0

© footballrefereeing.blogspot.com
Fourth Official
 Comment
Had to calm down the Portuguese bench many times. Dealt with that better than four
years ago: in a friendly and calm manner.

 Final mark
FINAL MARK 82,0

Reserve Assistant Referee

 Comment
---

 Final mark
FINAL MARK 75,0

© footballrefereeing.blogspot.com