Big game for both teams

Drawing the line in the sand

First 12 minutes we have 6 fouls and 2 YC. Both of the yellow cards are well deserved against Panama. 1st a tactical foul a second for simulation. I was not sure about the simulation, but based on the body language of the player, it was probably the correct call. A little later Honduras receives their YC for a nasty elevated, cleat showing tackle. Not a red, but a good solid yellow where there should be no doubt as to what will be tolerated in the game.

Not much personality, but great feel for postioning

I guess we will never know if Mr. Geiger can smile, or not, however his fitness is never in doubt and he always works on the best angle to see the action and never too far from the action where is presence cuts down on any silly action on part of the players. I feel that his presence kept the game under control even with the high number of fouls from Honduras. Officially 21 to 12, but I counted closer to 25 from Honduras.

However, not sure about two key calls.

It seems to me that the first Honduras goal is from a player that is off sides. When the shot is taken the goal scorer was in an offside position so when the goalie punched the ball away, he has gained advantage to be able to score. Was there a touch by a defender prior to the goalie clearing the ball? I could not tell from my view. The AR was properly lined up with the 2nd to the last defender, but the Honduras player was clearly past. Looks like a bad goal to me, which is not Geiger's fault, but have to question the Canadian Fletcher's decision. 64th minute Geiger give a YC to Honduras Izaguirre for a foul. It seemed to me that it was a hard surface to soft surface contact and should have been a red. Did Geiger think that the contact was lower? He was a bit far from the action, this time, but again the Canadian AR did not provide the required information. I am certainly not impressed with his work.