29 FRAKOR Archundia

European heavyweights France were punished for being too content leading 1-0 for most of the match against Korea Republic with the AFC team converting their only good chance for a late equalizer. And while the “Équipe Tricolore” only had themselves to blame, they could argue feasibly that the CONCACAF trio spearheaded by Mexican Benito Archundia was at least partly responsible for their disappointing result.

Why? 31^st minute, corner kick for France. Zidane takes it, Patrick Vieira’s header is saved by Korea’s goalkeeper Lee Woonjae – but was it on the line or had the ball fully crossed it? The replays leave no doubts, but in real-time and considering the speed of the header, it becomes more understandable how Archundia and especially AR1 José Ramírez got the wrong impression. A crucial mistake that showed how useful goal-line technology is once in awhile, but it would take eight more years for it to be implemented.

Aside from this, little happened on the pitch with France content to administer their 1-0 lead courtesy of Thierry Henry’s ninth minute strike. Korea Republic seemingly lacked the capabilities in attack to threathen. For the refereeing team it was an easy match that required little intervention.

Archundia did fine, with his disciplinary control being remarkably strict for his standards – one could even argue the fourth and final caution given to Zidane was a bit harsh. There were some minor mistakes in foul detection, he missed a corner kick right after kick-off despite sprinting to be close and his permanent-whistling while directing the wall during free kicks (e.g. 26’) is certainly not the most acoustically pleasing solution. But these are smaller details, Archundia was at no point troubled at all.

Apart from his crucial mistake, AR1 José Ramírez had two good onside decisions (7’, 9’). His colleague AR2 Héctor Vergara was called into action late, making two correct decisions (85’, 88’).

Benito Archundia - 8,4 José Ramírez - 7,9 (8,4) Héctor Vergara - 8,4 Essam Abd El-Fatah Mamdou N'Doye MEX, MEX, CAN - EGY, SEN	France 1-1 Korea Republic Group Stage
Abidal (79') - SPA (Tackle) Zidane (85') - Reckless play	Lee Ho (11') - SPA (Tackle) Kim Dongjin (29') - Reckless play