Surprisingly good

Stark style

So well demonstrated by his dealings with Glen Johnson. First of all he is lenient, gives Johnson a stern lecture after two challenges in a minute. This is better than a card, showing a degree of compassion and earning respect. But then later in the game he spots a mystery offence and books Johnson. Can you imagine the conspiracy theorists if that had been a second booking?

And more

He looks very good when he is refereeing. His interactions with the players are perfect for this level; business like, efficient, no arguments. And keeping the cards in the pocket is something I approve of. But his decison making lets him down. He often awards a free kick for a soft challenge, but completely ignores a hefty one such as Defoe being poll axed. The assistant on the near side got two offsides wrong.

Redemption?

After openly criticising Stark, FIFA perhaps gave him this more pressurised match as a challenge: show us you are good enough to continue at this tournament. And, if only because there are a lot of very bad referees to compete against, Stark emerges with a good deal of credit and a great chance of progressing to the later stages. However, this may well be his only major tournament, as from what I have seen Felix Brych is a better referee and will surely overtake him as the leading German soon.