23 NGABUL Sánchez Yantén

Nigeria went two-from-two at World Cup 1998, having defeated the hitherto goal-less Bulgaria by a solitary score. The African nation were now virtually assured of a last sixteen place; the 1994 semifinalists, staring down the barrel of elimination. 

Mario Sánchez Yantén from Chile was the first referee out after Red Thursday - quite understandably (and rightly), did not want a repeat of the Toro Rendón experience (João Havelange told the refs that very clearly on the morning of this match). In an encounter which was often tense due to the tight score, Sánchez delivered the game well. 

Big Decisions

Victor Ikpeba gave the referee his biggest headache of the game at 49' - first a VC-ish incident for which he was cautioned, correctly, this was never enough for a red, before then rather unwisely briefly applauding Chilean Sánchez's decision. It's hard to say if the ref genuinely missed it or turned a blind eye, but either way it was smart refereeing. 

Besides 49', and an interesting penalty appeal for Bulgaria at 30' aside (correct call, Hristo Stoičkov stopped running deliberately in order to be charged), the South American officials did not really have a crucially imperative call to take in this tie. 

Managing the Game

A fairly tricky one for Mario Sánchez Yantén; it wasn't always easy, and the referee from Chile managed to see the match over the line in what was a good performance. 

This match did not demand too much in the form of player management, but rather in the field of mental strength and keeping everything in view - this was the crucial factor to success in this encounter, and indeed Sánchez kept his concentration high throughout. 

The Chilean referee catered for this game well with his simple, strict disciplinary control - it was exactly what these players needed. Anything else would have simply been over-complicating, though eminently possible given the day before. 

You could perhaps argue that the first caution was a bit harsh (actually careless stamp?), and 53' was a clear ignored SPA holding, but in general this was a strong afternoon in terms of sanctions. I would highlight the yellow card at 65' in particular - great refereeing. 

Despite being one of the shorter referees in terms of height, the Chilean aroused respect with his serious and determined manner, well done. His distant leadership style was well-suited to this particular match. 

Sánchez did show some deficiencies in managing the players (eg. 49') and the game (eg. 44') which weren't ultimately too relevant; on the other hand, he paid attention to playing advantages (eg. +46', 82'), and stepping in when necessary (38', 78') with considerable success. 

The celebrations at the end, by the Nigeria team, give a clue to both the (perceived) importance of the game in addition to it's tense nature - referee Sánchez came through it with concentrated piece of officiating, well played by him. 

Assistant Referees

Despite a disappointing mistake early on (13'), Jorge Díaz Gálvez was correct in the two most important decisions he had to take, even if they were ultimately immaterial - onside at 66', flag at 70'. Both he and a quieter Arnaldo Pinto performed on an expected level. 

Balance

Good performance by Mario Sánchez Yantén, a second appointment should follow. 

Mario Sánchez Yantén - 7 Jorge Díaz Gálvez - 7 Arnaldo Pinto - 7 Márcio Rezende de Freitas CHI, CHI, BRA	Nigeria 1-0 Bulgaria Group Stage 19 June
Adepoju (20') - Challenge Okechukwu (43') - SPA (Challenge) Ikepba (49') - Aggressive Behaviour Okocha (72') - Tackle	Iliev (65') - Challenge Kišišev (79') - Tackle