Hero

near

De Rossi, who got sent off with a straight red (and we hope to never see him again) obviously didn't pay attention. Maybe he thought - since he never heard of him - the Uruguyan might not be up to it. But Larrionda had already warned the players: Italian problem-child Totti and American Pope were both booked early in the game to set an example. Larrionda doesn't like foul play and he's not afraid of a big name like Totti's..

off

So the Americans were a player ahead and had a chance to win against a team that was a bit in shock after loosing Totti and scoring an own goal, so what was Mastroeni thinking when he double legged an Italian from behind? What was Pope thinking when he fouled again? That they'd get away with it? Larrionda sent them all off.

hero

Not all referees get tested like Larrionda, some have an easy match, so they are harder to judge, after Italy vs United States we know Jorge Larrionda is a great one and just the right referee for a game like this. Larrionda was always very near, and fully concentrated. My hero.

but

Maybe Larionda could teach his assistants to be heroes as well and not to wave their flags all the time for off-side. The Italians had a few close ones, would probably have won but for the assistants.