Wayne, We were robbed of the shot at the gold medal. Question for our British members....would the ref not have warned the Canadian goalie with a yellow card for taking too long to put the ball in play?
I think the delay of game call was debatable, not sure I can recall when I last saw that one called, if ever. The rules don't say anything about a warning, just an indirect free kick after they describe what "in control of the ball" means. I'm not sure if a warning is at the ref's discretion or not, but if your calling one, call them all at 7 seconds and do it early in the game. As for the hand ball (hitting the arm), not even a question that was a horrible call on the ref's part, never should have been made. And of course, here comes the American Whinging "But the Americans have their own take on the game. Thursday, in a press conference that was supposed to advance the gold-medal game, they accused Canada of dirty tactics and said the Canadians tried to slow their team down by being overly physical. And one other thing. They Americans aren’t particularly pleased with Canada’s Melissa Tancredi who — they allege — stomped on the head of Carli Lloyd in the second half. Apparently, that’s against the rules in soccer. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the replay,” said Lloyd. “As it was happening in the game, I just thought someone accidentally stepped on me. When I saw that, I couldn’t believe it. I hope actions are taken.” " Read more: U.S. soccer women accuse Canada of dirty tactics in epic Olympic match The video on the stomp is tail end of a collision, Lloyd on the ground, Tancredi trying to avoid her while being completely riveted on the ball and the play. Tough to stomp with both feet off the ground. I don't see intent, but I'm not American. [YOUTUBE]Yf1qjIf_oH4[/YOUTUBE]
Wayne, We were robbed of the shot at the gold medal. Question for our British members....would the ref not have warned the Canadian goalie with a yellow card for taking too long to put the ball in play? didnt see it but refs call, would hurry the keeper on then if it turns to blatant time wasting ref would give a yellow card
The travesty in all this was that it tarnished what should have gone down as one of the greatest Olympic football matches ever. The Americans had a tainted win and the hat trick from Christine Sinclair wasn't given it's full recognition. I'd like to think it was simple incompetence but the calls made defy explanation.
and a red card should have given the best player with world wide and well respected second highest US goalscorer who - by counting in earshot of the referee influenced that official into calling the infraction - then she went on to demolish her own reputation by saying that it was "Gamesmanship" and "Smart".... Silly old me - I thought the 0lympics was all about SPORTSMANSHIP- so we have to make exceptions for Americans apparently- who want everyone to realise that they are the greatest.....sorry - can't buy that rubbish Cheers
