41 CZEITA Archundia

An ageing Czech Republic and Calciopoli-consumed Italy were teetering - despite hardly disastrous results in their first two group matches, it was pretty sure that one of these two nations would be removed by fulltime in their final round game between each other. It was Italy, who benefitted from their opposition's inability to score their goal chances, who survived this dynamic and at times breathless battle of wills - they advanced to the knockout stages. Joining them would be Benito Archundia - referee from Mexico showed his top class here; he read this match to a tee and amongst the chaos, the officials can hold their heads high.

Especially in the first half-an-hour, this game was one of the most dynamic of World Cup 2006 so far - thrilling, end-to-end and dramatic. This was largely thanks to the officiating of referee Archundia, who attentively stayed in the background - you can argue that he should have issued sanctions in some cases, but if you ask me he brilliantly held his munition here. In another matches it would have been beneficial to send a signal to the players, a weapon Archundia perhaps lacks, but not here.

Two-thirds of the sanctions issued were for the same player - both of Polák's tackles are good cases to show that it is possible to make a reckless standing tackle; referee correctly punished both with cautions. The other one could have been easily avoided by correctly whistling a defensive freekick - but such is Archundia! Not perfect, but at the same time pretty stellar here.

Good afternoon for both José Ramírez and Héctor Vergara - AR from Mexico was more challenged than his Canadian colleague, even if his crucial decisions were not amongst the closest we've seen at the tournament.

Benito Archundia - 8,4 José Ramírez - 8,4 Héctor Vergara - 8,4 Óscar Ruiz José Navia MEX, MEX, CAN – COL	Czech Republic 0-2 Italy Group Stage
Polák (35.) - Tackle	Gattuso (31.) - SPA (Holding)
Polák (45.+2') - Tackle