Unofficial Referee

Unofficial Referee Observer’s

Observer’s Report
Report
© The
The Third
Third Team
Team(footballrefereeing.blogspot.com)
(footballrefereeing.blogspot.com)

UEFA Under-21 European Championship 2013

(NED) Netherlands 3:2 Germany (GER)

05 June 2013, 20:30 CET – HaMoshava, Petah Tikva, Israel

Match Officials Name Origin Mark1 Mark2 Difficulty3

Referee Ivan Bebek CRO 8.3 --- Challenging
Assistant Referee 1 Dmitry Zhuk BLR 8.3 --- Normal
Assistant Referee 2 Haralds Gudermanis LVA 8.3 --- Normal
Additional AR 1 Kristo Tohver EST 8.5 --- Challenging
Additional AR 2 Kenn Hansen DEN 8.0 --- Normal
Fourth Official Danny Krasikow ISR 8.0 --- Normal
UEFA Delegate Kazimierz Oleszek POL
UEFA Referee Observer Hugh Dallas SCO
Blog Referee Observer Nur H. ENG
1
Final mark according to evaluation scale. Expected level for AARs and fourth official is 8.0, crucial mistake 7.7!
2
Mark if the final mark had not been influenced by a crucial mistake (only in case of a crucial mistake, to be held empty if no crucial mistake
occurred).
3
Difficulty has to be integrated into the final mark. Levels of difficulty are: “normal”, “challenging” and “very challenging”.
4
Blog-Referee Observer =Inofficial referee observer appointed by the blog administrator.

Evaluation scale
(for referee and assistant referees Description of the Marks
only)

9.0 – 10.0 Excellent.

8.5 – 8.9 Very good. Important decision(s) correctly taken.
8.3 – 8.4 Good. Expected level.
8.2 Satisfactory with small areas for improvement.
8.0 – 8.1 Satisfactory with important areas for improvement.
7.9 One clear and important mistake, otherwise 8.3 or above.
7.8 One clear and important mistake, otherwise 8.0 – 8.2.
Below expectation, poor control, significant point(s) for
7.5 – 7.7
improvement.
Disappointing. Below expectation with one and clear important
7.0 – 7.4 mistake
or a performance with two or more clear and important mistakes.
6.0 – 6.9 Unacceptable.
Unofficial Referee Observer’s Report
© The Third Team (footballrefereeing.blogspot.com)

1) Description of the match:

The second match of the so called 'Group of Death' between two of the pre-tournament
favourites. Netherlands-Germany is one of the few longstanding football rivalries in world
football, stretching back almost four decades. Even though this match will be at U21 level,
these two combustible elements can still produce fireworks. UEFA have appointed Croatian
match official Ivan Bebek for the this top clash in Group B. It seemed the Croat's progress
had stagnated and was very card happy. However, in recent months he has matured and
looks more calm and collected. This new approach coupled with some good performances in
last season's Europa and Champions League campaigns have led to a promotion to the Elite
Development Category and an invitation to officiate at the U21 European Championships in
Israel.

The conditions were very challenging for the players as temperatures were as high as 26
degrees celsius. However, the pitch seemed in pristine condition. It was the Dutch who
started the brightest of the two teams and dominated proceedings in the first half. The
Netherlands took the lead in the 24th minute through Adam Maher. His shot did change
direction but the German 'keeper could have done better in this situation. They doubled their
lead in the 37th minute when Wijnaldum drifted inside and and dribbled past three German
players before unleashing a powerful shot. The German 'keeper blocked this shot but could
not prevent it crossing the line. Again, he could have done much better. With fifteen minutes
to gather their thoughts and rethink their strategy, the Germans came out fighting in the
second half. Then, one minute after the interval, Germany won a penalty. Sebastian Rudy
stepped up and calmly dispatched the penalty sending the Dutch goalkeeper the other way.
At this point, the balance of power had shifted in favour of the Germans. Their persistence
was finally rewarded ten minutes from the end with a wonderful solo goal from the German
skipper Lewis Holtby. Even the most modest of football fans could not have predicted what
happened next. Despite all the German dominance in the second half, it was the Netherlands
who got the winner right on the 90th minute via a Leroy Fer header from a corner.

Referee

2) Knowledge, Application and Interpretation of the Laws of the Game, Disciplinary

Control and Technical Management of the game with special reference to the situations
and the minutes when they occurred.
(Crucial decisions, if available, have to be explicitly mentioned in the grid and
highlighted).

Comments:
From the outset, it was clearly visible that Ivan Bebek was trying his upmost to let the game
flow as much as possible. However, this approach did not detract him from whistling when
infringements occurred. He tried to keep his cards in his pockets. This theory is backed-up by
the showing of only two yellow cards in the entire match which were by the way more than
justifiable. Bebek's performance is summed up by his willingness to approach his assistants
to get their points of view. This was outlined in the 52nd minute where he approached
additional assistant referee 1 Kristo Tohver to ask if he had a better position to see the
infringement.
Unofficial Referee Observer’s Report
© The Third Team (footballrefereeing.blogspot.com)

Minute Description of the situation

First remarkable incident of this game. The German #6 was running at the
Dutch defence. He was stopped by the Dutch skipper Kevin Strootman with a
5th minute very robust challenge but Bebek did not whistle for a foul. At first it did look like
foul. However, further replays indicated that Strootman won the ball first.
Correct decision from Bebek.
Could have awarded a free-kick to Germany in this situation. Push from De Jong
12th minute
on German player. Bebek ignores it and the match continues
Correctly awards Germany a free-kick as Strootman pulls a German player back
33rd minute while they were on the attack. However, he could have booked the Dutch
skipper in this instance for stopping what could have been a promising attack.
First meaningful decision for Bebek and co. Wijnaldum’s shot is blocked by the
German keeper. However, the ball spins across the line before the German
38th minute
'keeper could save it. Good positioning from Tohver and he immediately
notified Bebek. Great communication and teamwork from the officials.
Thesker (German #3) flies into a tackle from behind. Bebek gives the first
41st minute
caution of the match. Red could have been possible. But, we can accept yellow.
Ivan Bebek correctly awards a penalty for Germany. Lewis Holtby was through
on goal and tried to round the goalkeeper. However, the Dutch goalkeeper
46th minute
brings him down. Bebek also correctly showed a yellow card to the keeper as it
was not a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
German #21 was through on goal and was brought down by Netherlands #4.
After consulting with Kristo Tohver, Bebek came to the conclusion that the
52nd minute infringement occurred outside the box. However, although it was not a penalty,
Bebek should still have awarded the Germans a free-kick just outside the box.
The caution to German #21 for simulation also seemed harsh.
Netherlands #9 pushes German #13. Good positioning from Bebek to see the
62nd minute
infringement.
Collision between Netherlands #3 and Germany #8. Could have potentially
76th minute
awarded a free-kick to the Germans.

3) Tactical approach and its Degree of Consistency, Personality, Match Control and
Management of the Teams and Players with special reference to the situations and the
minutes when they occurred.

Comments:
Ivan Bebek consistently tried to let the game flow and tried his best to play advantages. For
example in the 44th minute, Bebek played an excellent advantage which allowed the Dutch to
continue with their attack. There was absolutely no fights nor riots in this match. Ivan Bebek's
decisions were respected and accepted even though they were probably not liked.

Summary of 2) and 3):

Consulted with his assistants at every opportunity in order to

Positive Points 1.
carry out an action.
Let the game flow as much as he could which led to a very
2.
good game.
3. Every decision was accepted and respected by players.
Unofficial Referee Observer’s Report
© The Third Team (footballrefereeing.blogspot.com)

Not meeting require-

ments, points that 1. A bit too close to play at some instances.
need improvement
Could have possibly detected more fouls and gave more
2.
cautious.
3.

Minute Description of the situation

Strooman cynically pulls back a German player. In this situation, it is normal
33rd minute procedure to book the offender. However, Bebek was lenient in this and some
other situations.
Played an excellent advantage which allowed the Dutch to continue with their
44th minute
attack.

4) Physical Shape, Stamina, Positioning, Movement as well as Mental Awareness, if

needed, with reference to the minutes when they occurred, always in case of a “-“.

Physical Condition (very good, good, average, poor): Good

Further Aspects:
+ Expected -
Always close to play, follows play at all times with a flexible
X
diagonal system and impedes interference with play
Efficient positioning (at set pieces e.g.) and movement to be
X ready to take a (crucial) decision (specially in the box; be
able to enter the box in some cases when it is necessary)
X Shows awareness and is able to anticipate the action

Minute Description of the situation

Bebek got in the way of the German attack. Although this was the only
21st minute
occasion, it seemed to me he was a liitle bit too close to the play.

5) Teamwork (co-operation with (A)ARs and fourth official with reference, if needed, to
special situations and the minutes when they occurred)

Comments:
Bebek excelled here. He was constantly communicating with his assistants. There was also
occasions where he approached his assistants for help. For example in stoppage time just
before the first half ended. Dmitry Zhuk communicates to Bebek that the ball went out of
play. However, the best example of his teamwork skills occurred in the 38th and 52nd
minute. Firstly, Tohver noticed that the ball had passed the line. He immediately contacted
Bebek over his micro and Bebek signalled for a Netherlands goal. He then approached his
additional assistant referee (Tohver) for conformation if it was or was not a penalty. Tohver
said it was indeed not a penalty but advised the referee to book the German player for
simulation. However, the booking for stimulation was very harsh indeed.
Unofficial Referee Observer’s Report
© The Third Team (footballrefereeing.blogspot.com)

6) If needed: General comments or advices for improvement; explanation of the chosen

mark; further matters (can be let empty).

Comments:
Bebek could have whistled more fouls in this match. It is a very good style to let the game
flow. But, there were instances where he could have put his whistle to his lips. His mark
would have been much higher than 8.3 if he awarded more fouls and possibly given out more
cautious.

Assistant Referee 1
7) Assistant Referee 1’s performance (please mention some important decisions either by
integrating them into a coherent comment or mentioning them in the grid below; mandatory
if a “-“ (negative point) is selected)

Relevant Aspects:

+ Expected -
Correct offside decisions by means of a good application of
X the
“wait and see”-technique
X Good positioning and movement
Mental alertness and reaction to incidents in his area of
X
vicinity
Reasonable degree of co-operation with referee (not
X flagging too much / too little; being able to support referee
in crucial decisions)
X Efficient control at set pieces

Comments:
Dmitry Zhuk did not have much to do in this match and was certainly not challenged.
However, he did communicate very well with the referee to detect fouls.

Minute Description of the situation

46th minute Zhuk informs the referee that the ball went out of play. Bebek concurs.
Unofficial Referee Observer’s Report
© The Third Team (footballrefereeing.blogspot.com)

Assistant Referee 2
8) Assistant Referee 2’s performance (please mention some important decisions either by
integrating them into a coherent comment or mentioning them in the grid below; mandatory
if a “-“ (negative point) is selected)

Relevant Aspects:
+ Expected -
Correct offside decisions by means of a good application of
X the
“wait and see”-technique
X Good positioning and movement
Mental alertness and reaction to incidents in his area of
X
vicinity
Reasonable degree of co-operation with referee (not
X flagging too much / too little; being able to support referee
in crucial decisions)
X Efficient control at set pieces

Comments:
Haralds Gudermanis was also not challenged in this particular match. He only had one offside
call to make in the 14th minute which was correct. He also communicated well with Bebek in
foul detection.

Minute Description of the situation

14th minute Correct offside decision.
Unofficial Referee Observer’s Report
© The Third Team (footballrefereeing.blogspot.com)

Additional Assistant Referee 1

9) Additional Assistant Referee 1’s performance (please mention some important decisions
either by integrating them into a coherent comment or mentioning them in the grid below;
mandatoryif a “-“ (negative point) is selected)

Relevant Aspects:

+ Expected -

X Good positioning and movement

Mental alertness and reaction to incidents in his area of
X vicinity based on a reasonable degree of co-operation with
referee
X Efficient control at set pieces

Comments:
Kristo Tohver worked well with Bebek and assisted him in two important situations in a very
challenging game for him.

Minute Description of the situation

38th minute Correctly advises Bebek that the ball has crossed the line. Good decision.
Assists Bebek in not awarding the penalty to Germany. However, advising
52nd minute
Bebek to book the German player was quite harsh.

Additional Assistant Referee 2

10) Additional Assistant Referee’s performance (please mention some important decisions
either by integrating them into a coherent comment or mentioning them in the grid below;
mandatoryif a “-“ (negative point) is selected)

Relevant Aspects:

+ Expected -

X Good positioning and movement

Mental alertness and reaction to incidents in his area of
X vicinity based on a reasonable degree of co-operation with
referee
X Efficient control at set pieces

Comments:
Kenn Hansen was not involved in any remarkable situations.

Minute Description of the situation

Unofficial Referee Observer’s Report
© The Third Team (footballrefereeing.blogspot.com)

Fourth Official

11) Fourth Official’s performance (reference to technical management like substitutions or

signalling of additional time, dealing with benches in case of conflicts)

Comments:
The Fourth Official was not challenged in this match. Substitutions and added time were dealt
with accordingly.