Balancing act

Scales

Some would call it inconsistent, but I think Stark knows exactly what he is doing. His is a balancing act between the pace and entertainment value of the match on the one scale and the fact that no one should get hurt on the other.

yelling

While lenient, he is also strict. Many a kick and blocking can't really make him reach for his whistle - these guys are professionals, as long as no one breaks something, it's okay. Both teams do it. But don't tell him you don't agree. Yelling at Stark will get you booked.

a change?

We (Worldref team and most members) often complain about Wolfgang being grumpy and aloof, but lately he seems more at ease. Maybe Stark is even enjoying himself since UEFA and FIFA consider him the number one from Germany. And he really is.

match

Losing to the Russians was no option for the Poles. So after Russia scored the home team went all or nothing. This team that could have lost to Luxembourg or Malta would never lose to Russia. For a half an hour or so the Poles played better than they have played since the 70s, equalizing with a great shot.
And then nothing happened. Most players seemed tired long before the end of the match.