Spain knocked out of World Cup: Rapallini controlled a difficult match and his future in the tournament now depends on Argentina

The Argentine referee Fernando Rapallini officiated his third match at the Qatar 2022 World Cup and equaled the score of another historic national referee: Juan Carlos “Pichi” Loustau, who officiated as many matches at Italia 90. The platense, from 44 years old, had already refereed two crosses in the group stage.

He closed a correct performance, with hot moments that he was able to solve with astuteness. There was no controversy and he didn’t even need the VAR to clarify an action or reverse a failure. Even the elimination of Spain by Morocco puts it in the context of historical fact.

Between the pace and physical presence of Morocco and the eternal ball possession of Spain, the game had moments of great friction, especially in midfield. There Rapallini showed good management of the situation, with correct use of cards and enough dialogue so that the matter does not get out of hand.

The referee was accompanied by his compatriots Juan Pablo Belatti and Diego Bonfá as assistants, plus Mauro Vigliano at the VAR.

Avoidable mistake in the 35th minute of the second half, but shared with Bonfá’s line. Both ignored that in a split ball it was a goal kick for Morocco and kicked in for a corner. For his part, Belatti solved two advanced positions very well without the need for the VAR in the first half.

Rapallini had already directed Morocco 0-Croatia 0, for the first date of group F, and Switzerland 3-Serbia 2, last day of zone G, last Friday.

The history of Argentine refereeing at the World Cup has Néstor Pitana as a maximum reference, in terms of appearances: he has directed 9 gamesin two worlds.

In Brazil 2014 he was in 4, reached the quarterfinals and Argentina’s continuity (played the final) in that tournament took away his chance to advance. Already in Russia 2018 the missionary added 5 more, with a figure that equals Horacio Elizondo: directing the opening and final match.

Elizondo, as a result, is next in stats, with 5 games officiated in Germany 2006. Also among the leaders is Cordoba’s Héctor Baldassi, with 4 games in South Africa 2010.

As happens every time this competition reaches the final stages, La Plata’s luck now, as we know, depends a lot on how observers have evaluated its level and a lot on Argentina’s continuity in the World Cup, which, if it continues in race will leave Rapallini No margin to redirect.

Doha, Qatar. Special Envoys.

GL