Overall, a good tournament for Daniel Bennett, but he can improve

Cards immediatly needed

There are some matches in which a referee should understand that cards are immediately needed to avoid making the match a war. I think this match was a clear example. In the first minutes there were rude fouls. At least a yellow was possible after only 3 minutes. Bennett tried to wait, but just for a while. When at 7' another foul was committed by a Mali player, he was forced to show the first card. It was correct. Mali players were too nervous: so another card was given due to complaints to another player. In this way, he calmed the players.

After that, it was a easy and calm first half

Cote d'Ivoire had many chances to score, but they were unlucky, until the 45', in which Gervinho scored the goal that decided the match. Before that, there were just some offside calls for both assistants. Not so bad, but at least a mistake against Cote d'Ivoire, by second assistant.

Bennett is a good referee, and he has a not bad foul detection

As I wrote in my previous report, Bennett is not bad and he is able to recognize a foul. But sometimes, and I noticed it again in the second half of this match, he doesn't show the card or the correct one. Maybe some confusion, or maybe it's just his style, but several small mistakes were noticeable. Drogba possible (at least) yellow card for a kick in the chest of an opponent, after just one minute in second half. Other doubtful calls. Cards in the final were correct.

Match difficulty

It was a semifinal yes, but without big call. Bennett had just to control the match and to give the right cards. Sometimes it didn't happen. So, I give 7 as difficulty.