There has lengthy been a debate that former footballers ought to develop into referees. Now we now have one taking cost of the 2022 World Cup closing.
I do know Szymon Marciniak. I acted as his fourth official at Euro 2016 for Iceland in opposition to Austria. I keep in mind talking to Pierluigi Collina’s deputy, Hugh Dallas, after that 2-1 win for Iceland. We agreed that Marciniak had a giant future forward of him.
Six years later, he is received the most important recreation there’s – Argentina and France within the World Cup closing.
Polish ref Szymon Marciniak will officiate the World Cup closing between France and Argentina
Marciniak was as soon as a participant in his native Poland. The story goes that he was proven a crimson card sooner or later and he colourfully informed the referee what he considered the choice. The official responded: ‘In case you assume it’s so simple, you attempt it.’ So he did! He educated to show right into a full-time referee.
Marciniak could have nerves forward of this World Cup closing. He’ll know that each single resolution he makes can be scrutinised like by no means earlier than and I would not be stunned if he had a sleepless night time – going over his preparation notes, occupied with his recreation plan, mulling over how he can let the match breathe.
However Marciniak can take satisfaction in understanding that his performances in Qatar have taken him to this showdown on the Lusail Stadium. This wasn’t solely knockout soccer for the competing nations, keep in mind. It was the identical for the referees. One main mistake and Marciniak would have been heading residence.
Marciniak was answerable for officiating France’s 2-1 win over Denmark within the group phases and Argentina’s 2-1 victory in opposition to Australia within the Final 16
Marciniak could have nerves forward of this World Cup closing. He’ll know that each single resolution he makes can be scrutinised like by no means earlier than
However the 41-year-old oversaw Argentina’s 2-1 win over Australia, and France’s 2-1 win over Denmark, and impressed Collina and Co sufficient to get this gig.
How I found I’d be refereeing the Euro 2016 closing was through a Skype name with Collina. It wasn’t one of the best connection. The video stored slicing out and in. However then Collina confirmed the information: I would be taking cost of Portugal v France in three days’ time.
I wasn’t too nervous as a result of I would already refereed the FA Cup closing and Champions League finals within the earlier months. I had that have in my again pocket and felt assured that I may full the hat-trick with none hiccups.
There have been moths flying throughout the Stade de France. 1000’s of them. Apparently the stadium lights had been left on in a single day, so the moths did what moths do and moved in.
The insect invasion apart, that Euro 2016 closing went properly. Me and my assistants, Simon Beck and Jake Collin, walked by way of a Portugal guard of honour on the finish and Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed my head with each palms in celebration.
Marciniak was once a participant himself, he used to play soccer in his native Poland
Marciniak will hope he is given a straightforward night by Argentina and France’s gamers and, if he’s pressured into making any choices, that he can use his expertise to name them appropriately.
It is the most important recreation of his profession and as soon as it is throughout, the aid will wash over him. I keep in mind after I returned to the dressing room after overseeing the 2016 Champions League closing between Actual Madrid and Atletico Madrid, the sponsors Heineken had left us a crate of beer. It is by no means tasted so good!
As soon as Marciniak and his assistants, Patel Sokolnicki and Tomas Listkiewicz, are again within the confines of their dressing room, I hope they’ll calm down and congratulate one another on an incredible World Cup closing with none regrets.
