World Cup blog: Cut off the head

We all know referees make mistakes. I am one of the millions who shouts at the TV when they give a dodgy penalty or fail to see a blatant dive, but despite what I may call some of them in the heat of the moment, they’re only human. But I am starting to wonder if Sepp Blatter shares these human qualities?

He’s spent the last few months apologising for things he could have easily dealt with before they happened.

First it was the incident I have come to know and mourn as Henrygate - The night French striker Thierry Henry broke Irish hearts in a World Cup playoff by practically throwing the ball in the Irish net. The goal wouldn’t have stood if someone had simply checked the replay. It would have taken all of five seconds!

The Football Association of Ireland then cheekily asked if they could still be given a spot in South Africa. A stupid request I admit, but one that could have been dealt with over the privacy of the phone.

But Mr Blatter decided it was better to tell a room full of officials and TV cameras about the request, whilst having a good old chuckle at the expense of the Irish – not exactly the way to endear yourself to us Sepp my man. He later delivered a pitiful apology, saying his comments had been misunderstood. I’m not quite sure how one can misunderstand laughter but I’ll move on.

Same problem, same Fifa

So that was then and this is now and guess what…nothing’s changed. The World Cup second round saw England score a perfectly good goal, which the referee failed to see cross the line, and Mexico concede a goal against Argentina that was quite clearly offside.

Both teams lost their respective games and went crashing out of the competition. Cue Blatter’s lacklustre apology and promise to re-open the technology debate …after the World Cup.

For me it’s a little too late. The man has had ample opportunities to sort this problem out. Goal line technology, a video referee, a microchip in the ball…Fifa aren’t short of a few quid so why are we still waiting?

With speculation surrounding the job security of several managers following their team’s World Cup exit, I’m amazed that more people have not been demanding the resignation of a man who has been bringing the sport into disrepute for years.

But despite the best efforts of Blatter and his Fifa minions to make this World Cup entertaining for all the wrong reasons, there are still a few fans, coaches and players reminding us what its all about…the beautiful game.

Yesterday the Netherlands and Brazil booked their place in the final 8. They play each other in a match that promises to have some tasty attacking flair, while today Japan play Paraguay and the all-European affair of Portugal and Spain takes place.

Three European teams have made the final eight, so there’s still a hope that the trophy may be on its way back to the continent.