7 MEXIRN Rosetti

A defensive mistake in the last fifteen minutes cost Iran and allowed Mexico to open World Cup 2006 with a win. The match was played in good spirit and referee Roberto Rosetti contributed to a pleasant piece of football with his officiating. Rosetti missed a penalty to Mexico in the second half which spoils his otherwise good performance.

Rosetti showed very good game-feeling here. He understood that the game was being played fairly and officiated accordingly, allowing the players scope to play and not coming down on them too hardly when they made foul tackles. His manner was also very good - as the players appreciated his decision-making and saw him as a force for good, they had no problem with his more supercilious leadership style (a referee would need more communication in a match between Western European nations, but no criticism at all against Rosetti here).

When Márquez was charged over in the penalty area in the second half, Rosetti should have awarded a penalty. The Mexico player's touch was not heavy, he had a good chance to play the ball, and he did not look for the contact in any way - he was simply felled (a theoretical question - DOGSO?). Referee from Italy was crucially mistaken - though Mexico's eventual victory played in his favour.

Cristiano Copelli correctly detected a SPA handling at the end of the second half, Alessandro Stagnoli was busier than his compatriot in terms of offside decisions - only one of which was replayed, and was too tight to call from the pictures.

Roberto Rosetti - 7,9(4) Cristiano Copelli - 8,4 Alessandro Stagnoli - 8,4 Jerome Damon Enock Molefe ITA – RSA	Mexico 3-1 Iran Group Stage
Torrado (18.) - Tackle Salcido (90.+1') - SPA (Handling)	Nekounam (55.) - Delaying the Restart