THE BEST FOR THE BEST
L’Equipe has an idea on how to improve the officiating, which has been the subject of debate because of questionable calls.
The newspaper suggests scrapping the democratic but inefficient idea of having a referee from each country that is represented in the tournament.
“The best teams in the world should be officiated by the best referees in the world, those who each year officiate the biggest championships and the biggest cup [competitions], those who have proved themselves and who make fewer mistakes than the others,” Gerard Ejnes wrote. “Listen well. If among the 40 best referees in the world there are 12 Papous, they should be there. If among these 40 referees there are 30 Italians, they should be there.
“The referee is neutral. He has no nationality. There is only his skill, his talent, his authority. In this sensible domain, there’s no more place for romanticism.”
TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT
French midfielder Zinedine Zidane, suspended for two games for a foul in his team’s game against Saudi Arabia, watched from the bench Wednesday as France defeated Denmark, 2-1. But it was hardly a relaxing evening for Zidane.
“When one is on the bench and sees them just in front, 10 meters away, three meters, it’s not a gift,” he said. “I stood up at every action. I asked myself if it’s not even harder than being on the field.”
FROM RONALDO TO JAGGER
Nicolas Gorodetzky, the medical chief of the World Cup, is also a rock fan--and performer. He plays bass in a group called Weekend Millionaire, which has made three albums. When the World Cup ends, he will be providing medical care at Rolling Stones concerts.
CURSES, FOILED AGAIN
An Italian TV network got a bit more than it bargained for when it installed a microphone near the Italian team’s bench for the game against Austria.
It seems Coach Cesare Maldini used more than a few swear words, which were picked up and broadcast to millions of viewers.
A weekly Catholic newspaper, Carroccio, was offended and scolded Maldini for “an act of incivility.”
