Bola – Duarte Gomez’s analysis of the cases of Rio Ave-FC Porto (La Liga)

A very difficult game to manage, with many questionable moves and expulsions to make

Eustachio extended his leg and hit Boateng’s leg with the heel of his boot.

Judging points: 4

Fabio Verissimo managed Rio Ave FC-FC Porto in the third round of the 2023/2024 league.

Here is a technical analysis of the performances most relevant to the match:

3′ – Eustachio Goga was struck with apparent negligence, with the absence of malice as a mitigating factor for the offense. This was notable by the fact that he always looked at the trajectory of the ball when he failed trying to kick it. And it ended up surprising the midfielder from the quick anticipation of his opponent (Boateng), who should have known he could be involved in the move. The risk was miscalculated and should have given him a yellow card. Fabio Verissimo was wrong in this analysis.

8′ Good night to Eustachio, prompted by another foul by the refereeing team (the player was allowed to continue on the pitch): the foul on Boateng endangers his physical integrity. The FC Porto midfielder jumped from a distance, his right leg outstretched and the sole of his boot exposed, just above the circumference of the ball. The leg contact of the Ghanaian striker was very dangerous and should have been punished with a straight red card. This move was technically very similar to the one that led to Musa’s fair dismissal from Besa (here also his foot made contact with the ball before it seriously hit the opponent’s foot).

12′ – One of those moves that, to the naked eye, sold legitimacy: Taremi appeared to be already in the game when asked about the opening goal of the match. But technology is dominant, and this proved that the Iranian started from an irregular position. It is increasingly important for football to consider investing in non-human acquisition systems, so that any suspicion of moves like this (and others of this kind) can be immediately retracted. At this level, it is not acceptable for mathematical truth to have a price.

16′ – The yellow card appears well for Aderlan after hitting Tony Martinez from behind and neglecting. The foul cut off a promising Spaniard’s exit.

19′ – Nico Gonzalez arrived late to the challenge and ended up kicking Boateng’s leg carelessly. You have been well warned.

30′ – Crossing to the Rio Ave area cut off by Ras Amin. The shot went into the area where Tony Martinez was, who apparently deflected the ball towards the left arm of Fabio Ronaldo, who was outside his natural area. There were no photos that fully illustrated the moment, but the idea remains that there may have been an irregular objection by the Rio Ave defender, and without evidence to that effect, it is only fair to accept the refereeing team’s decision as a good one.

32′ – Amin committed a negligent foul on Nico Gonzalez and was rightfully awarded the yellow card.

37′ An unusual move, as Joao Graca fell on Joao Mario, resulting in an involuntary but reckless foul.

43′ Kostinya and Pepe jumped the ball (neither of them touched it, because there was a previous deflection from Pantalone), with friction between them. The right arm of the Villacondense defender touched the central defender’s face due to the impulse they both gave to try and intercept the move. There was no violation by either side. The referee’s analysis of the display inside the home team’s penalty area was good.

50′ – Gallino, when trying to dispute the show with Boateng, ended up tripping the opposition in the middle of the blue and white area. It is also possible that in the sequence he knocked out João Pedro who was ahead of him. A foul made while trying to play the ball would not have been intentional but was frankly reckless. A well-placed penalty.

56′ – Jose made an unsportsmanlike tackle on Pepe, preventing him from continuing the move, which continued after that. Better judge by warning him in the first relay.

59′ – Joka raised his left hand and hit Zaido in the face. There was no malice or neglect, but this gesture was reckless and should have been reported.

62′ – Pantalone overthrew Galen in a clear negligence manner. Saw the yellow well.

68′ Wendell was booked for deliberately cutting the ball with his arm. The referee understood (and explained) that the offense prevented the player’s possible departure from Rio Ave.

76′ – Namasu used his right arm to challenge Aderlan, hitting the opponent in an unsportsmanlike manner. There was no violent behaviour, just carelessness which was punishable by a warning.

88′ – Did Costinha overthrow Gonzalo Borges within his region? It is impossible for anyone to say yes or no, because no photo has ever been seen to prove anything. this is the truth. The two variables that weigh in here? The unanimous decision of the refereeing team (on the field and in the room, where there are more and better conditions for evaluation) and the subsequent recognition by the player and coach of the injured team, that the display was well punished with a penalty kick. What should anyone whose job it is to analyze such offers to do under these circumstances? Accept the decision made by the entire arbitration team as good.

90+5′ Marcano was in a legal position (far behind the ball) when Andre Franco crossed in from the right. Porto’s second goal was fantastic.