6 SCGNED Merk

 

While both his assistants Christian Schräer and Jan-Hendrik Salver got their World Cup début in their home country, Markus Merk was among the eight referees who had already whistled at the previous edition. Still, it was certainly a special moment for Merk as well, being the “home referee”.

 

The best way to describe his performance would be that he is a referee that makes his presence on the pitch known, heard and felt. From the beginning, he whistled very strictly and often for small infringements. One can debate if such a line was needed or if it even disrupted a game that wasn’t free flowing to begin with. While his approach was consistent most of the time, there were a couple of scenes where he did not punish challenges that appeared to have been late fouls.

 

What was noticeable was that Merk changed his style in the second half: He tried to use the advantage rule more, did not whistle as strictly as before and brought in his soft skills more. For the lack of a better word, it felt a bit weird at times comparing some very strict and firm reactions compared to some more lenient management of dissent. The best comparison would be the card presentations – compare the last one given with the two before that – it should become quite clear then.

 

On the whole, Merk did just fine. His disciplinary sanctions were fitting, he correctly denied Serbia & Montenegro a penalty for handball – the ball had hit the ribs of a Dutch defender (64’).

 

The ARs were rarely challenged, Christian Schräer was correct in his decisions, including a rather clear onside on the decisive goal. Jan-Hendrik Salver was mistaken once in a tight situation.

Markus Merk - 8,4 Christian Schärer - 8,4 Jan-Hendrik Salver - 8,3 Mohamed Guezzaz Brahim Djezzar GER - MAR, ALG	Serbia & Montenegro 0-1 Netherlands Group Stage
Stanković (34') - Reckless play Koroman (64') - Dissent Dragutinović (81') - SPA (Tackle) Gavrančić (90') - SPA (Blocking)	van Bronckhorst (56') - Lack of Respect (Holding) Heitinga (85') - Delaying the Restart