Outdated

Inconsistent

In this match though he was also inconsistent. At times he would wave play on for a while, not because the fouls didn't warrant a free-kick here and there, but because he felt he had been too strict I suppose. He also made a bad mistake awarding a penalty to the Ghanaians for a correct challenge by USA's Onyewu on Pimpong. A penalty that proved fatal to the Americans.

assistants

Merk couldn't see it well from where he was standing. His assistant could, but Merk is not the ref to listen to his assistants. Assistents to Merk are still linesmen.