SoccerBlog.com

David Beckham being sent off by Luis Cantalejo

The quality of refeering can influence any sport, and soccer is no exception. I am not a referee and I don't have any expertise on it but one of the fine lines I imagine you have to tread is between being too punitive and being too lax. Both extremes can ruin a match. Good refereeing can make a good match a great one.

The Germany- Poland game was really entertaining not only because of the level and intensity of play but the refeering by Luis Medina Cantalejo was impeccable. Cantalejo is from Spain. He is 42 years and is a labor relation specialist. More on Luis Medina Cantalejo

There are 24 referees and 53 assistant referees representing 38 countries. They have a pretty eclectic background when it comes to professions. Amongst them are three phys-ed teachers, an Air Force major, a professor of English, a civil servant, an economist, a physical therapist, a journalist, a dentist. There is even a concert pianist and a manager of a shipping line.

Kevin Stott, Gregory Barkey, and Chris Strickland represent the USA. The three referees are part of FIFA's support and development group.

Kevin Stott is a junior high math teacher and has refereed a number of CONCACAF qualifying matches in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.