These are tough times for referees. The World Cup has seen them stumble from one blunder to another and the heat on them is unmistakable. The best referees remain invisible during matches but anonymity has eluded the men in black here.
Argentinian official Hector Baldassi’s handling of the high-profile clash between Portugal and Spain at Cape Town on Tuesday was refreshingly classy. The 44-year-old referee ran the potentially explosive match with aplomb, simply letting the game flow.
Young referees can learn from the Argentinian’s keenness to leave centre-stage to players. Baldassi resisted temptation to impose his authority. As a result, the match continued with few interruptions. It is even difficult to remember the official’s face because he wasn’t playing for the cameras.
Portugal have always been a difficult team to handle. But the experienced referee ensured that unruly behaviour was kept under check. He wasn’t whistle happy, too. Baldassi produced only two yellow cards, one each for Spain and Portugal. His ability to differentiate between the real and fake dives was exemplary. He hardly put a foot wrong.
In the dying minutes of the game, Baldassi sent off Ricardo Costa for an elbow on Joan Capdevila. The referee was so sure of his action that he didn’t hesitate for a moment to send the thuggish Portuguese defender down the tunnel. The red card was just deserts for Costa who had been roaming around with venom after Spain took the lead.
Baldassi, who is an avid golfer, has a bright chance to emulate his compatriot Horacio Elizondo’s feat in 2006 by taking charge of the final here. But Argentina fans will shudder at the thought of Baldassi in the middle at Soccer City on July 11 because that would mean Maradona’s team haven’t made it to the final.