36 PARTRI Rosetti

 

Despite coming close several times, Trinidad & Tobago could not score their first ever World Cup goal, ultimately exiting the tournament with a 0-2 defeat against Paraguay after a fairly entertaining match. Considering Paraguay was already eliminated and the “Soca Warriors” needed both a win and a Swedish loss against England, the chances were slim for the Caribbean side from the start, which did not keep them from showing a good performance again.

Italian referee Roberto Rosetti chose a strict foul detection, whistling very strictly especially in the first half. It seems he had payed attention to the previous matches of the teams, in which both collected quite a few bookings. It seems Rosetti tried to eliminate any potential roughness right from the start. Combined with his high attention and motivation, quick decisions and clear gestures, the Italian had great success. He made a strong impression on the players and the match was remarkably fair as a result.

Without doubt, Rosetti was one of the best managers – not only of this World Cup. His feeling for the game and a high technical accuracy were a perfect combination, as he showed in this match once more. The cautions were all correct and he had absolutely no trouble at all, at times even being able to share a laugh with players.

The most interesting incident involved his AR1 Cristiano Copelli, who cancelled a goal for Paraguay in 36’. According to him, goalscorer Caniza had received the ball after his teammate Barreto had slightly touched a through-ball with his chest. Caniza had been offside at this moment, but onside on the original through ball from Acuña. Did Barreto touch the ball however? Copelli did not have the best view: It happened fairly close to him, but Caniza and a Trinidad player obstructed his view. The replays aren’t exactly clear. Judging from the flight path of the ball, it seems more likely that Barreto did move towards it, but did not touch it. It is impossible to say for certain though if there wasn’t the faintest of touches, so we back Copelli here.

Both Copelli and AR2 Alesandro Stagnoli were otherwise only midly challenged and their other calls were correct. The Italian trio had thus recommended themselves for further appointments in the knockout stages with a good performance.

Roberto Rosetti - 8,4 Cristiano Copelli - 8,4 Alessandro Stagnoli - 8,4 Frank De Bleeckere Peter Hermans ITA - BEL	Paraguay 2-0 Trinidad & Tobago Group Stage
Paredes (30') - SPA (Tripping) dos Santos (54') - Delaying the Restart	Sancho (45') - Reckless use of arms Whitley (48') - SPA (Handball)