Ref Review – Pedro Proença – Spain 4 vs Italy 0 (Euro 2012 Final 01/07/2012)

In our fifth and final Ref Review of the European Championships David Costelloe gave us his take on Pedro Proenca’s performance in the Final between Italy and Spain, which ended 4-0 to del Bosque’s men. You can follow David on Twitter, @NFBblog.

Like most of the tournament, it was not a game that was chock full of controversial incidents or dirty play, meaning Pedro Proenca of Portugal had an easy enough time of it. There were just a handful of things to note, all of them coming in the second half.

Penalty shout for Spain – Bonucci handball

In the 48th minute, Ramos headed the ball goalwards inside the Italian penalty area. The ball appeared to strike the arm of Bonucci, leading for many shouts from the Spanish players. Replays did show the ball striking the arm of Bonucci very clearly, severely effecting its course. I doubt there was intention to handle but the arm is very high. Not a totally reasonable position for it to be in, so for that reason, I would have given a penalty. Incorrect decision.

Penalty shout for Italy – Balotelli

A few minutes later Mario Balotelli steamed into the Spanish penalty area from the left, going down under a challenge from Arbeloa. A few half-hearted shouts here, and replays show the contact was slight, the Italian going to ground all too easily. A dive, and a possible yellow card for Balotelli. Correct decision.

Penalty shout for Spain – Ramos

In the 76th minute Ramos attempted to sprint past Balzaretti in the Italian penalty area, falling to the ground as he did so. The ref waved the play on, and replays show Ramos falling to the ground somewhat theatrically after the very slightest of contact to his back. Not only not a penalty, but in a more just game a yellow for diving. Correct decision.

Torres goal – Potential offside

A few commentators were questioning the legality of Fernando Torres position when he received the pass that led to the third goal. The replay shows that he was dead in line with the Italian defender to his right, making it an excellent call from the linesman. Correct decision.

There were a few frees here and there that I considered harshly given, one corner awarded that should have been a goal kick. I have no comments to give on the small number of yellow cards (only two) given out, other than to note how much better this final was in terms of discipline and reckless tackling than the 2010 showpiece. Simulation was a problem, but not as much as it was in other matches (Portugal/Spain anyone?) Proenca had a good game, save for that one penalty shout, but he will not be judged too harshly given the eventual result.

Decisions Breakdown

Penalties2166%Offsides90100%Frees26778.78%Line (Throws, Corners, Goal Kicks, Goal Line)66198.50%Overall1051190.51%

Decision/Potential Decisions	Correct	Incorrect	% Correct
Yellow Cards	2	2	50%
Red Cards	0	0	100%
Big Calls	3	1	75%

Further:Total decisions/potential decisions given in favour of Italy: 59Total decisions/potential decisions given in favour of Spain: 57Total incorrect decisions made in favour of Italy: 7Total incorrect decisions made in favour of Spain: 4