adminAccording to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett, referee Ismail Elfath made a mistake by not giving Enzo Fernandez an early yellow card for a foul on Elliot Anderson during England’s 2-1 loss to Argentina.
Hackett told Football Insider that Elfath missed a chance to set the tone for the match by letting the Chelsea midfielder escape without a booking.
Argentina scored twice late in the game to knock England out in the semifinals on Wednesday, with Fernandez netting the equalizer.
But the midfielder might have had to adjust his play after appearing to catch Anderson on the back of the head with his elbow during a challenge. Despite the reckless nature of the incident, the referee opted not to book Fernandez early on.
Hackett later criticized the decision, suggesting Elfath is generally too hesitant to issue yellow cards. Reviewing the footage, he told Football Insider: “The referee failed to assert control when he didn’t show a yellow card for what was clearly a reckless challenge.
Elfath has shown in past games that he’s reluctant to use his cards, and in a tense opening, he needed to make a stronger statement.”
Fernandez went on to score the goal that shifted momentum in Argentina’s favor and is expected to play a key role in the final.
When is the World Cup final?
Argentina will face Spain on Sunday at 8 PM UK time. Spain is chasing their second World Cup title, while Argentina aims for their fourth. The teams haven’t met since a 2018 friendly, which Spain won 6-1.
Their only competitive matchup came in the 1966 World Cup, where Argentina won 2-1. Who will prevail this time remains to be seen.
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