A solid performance.

Referee and assistants

Mr. Abdu had probably decided in advance to clamp down on this duel, thus flushing a yellow card to an Iraqi player just twenty odd seconds after kick-off. He probably thought this medicine would suffice as two minutes later he let another Iraqi player to personally get away with a much harsher infringement. Then the two teams proved to be quite restrained, and the ref. could well go on with demonstrating pure refereeing abilities as a good use of the advantage rule, and less disciplinary ones. He was also in very good shape, keeping close with the pace of match and floww of ball, thus preventing dissent when few of his were controversial. Assistant referees, as a rule, have never a too easy job and always almost make mistakes. On this occasion, Mr. Al Thawadi had more to be criticised for: He flagged for offside when an Iraqi player was not (45`) and on more than one occasion handed the ball for a throw-in to the wrong team. Mr. Dharman had a better game than his fellow-assistant. But all in all, most controversial decisions of the trio could be summed-up as trifles. My "verdict": a job done well.