Lots of fouls

Too many free kicks?

I am not so sure we can crticise de Bleeckere too much here. While a good number of them were 'soft' there was almost always contact and so I will disagree with those suggesting a lot of 'phatom fouls'. Since it did not spoil the flow of the game, and did not make it dry or dull, I am left to conclude that it was an effective method from de Bleeckere and it worked today.

Discipline

Five yellow cards, all absolutely correct. He used them well to combat cynical tackling, and did protect the more attacking players; an early booking for Kihun signalling that no messing about would be allowed. Heinze could have no complaints about being booked for a stupid and deliberate handball. The only potential mistake was a touch of offside to Higuain's second goal, although it was very hard to judge.

(Frank on this match

The Belgians wore yellow, Frank's favorite colour. They were not nervous, just a little tensed. Frank tactics were to show his experience to the (Argentinian) stars. 5 cards to very little complaints. Afterwards Maradonna shakes his hand and thanks him. In their dressing room the Belgians had to let of steam by yelling loudly. Frank gets the match ball.)