09 BRARUS Lim

Lim Kee Chong was a somewhat unlikely man in the middle of Brazil's World Cup 1994 opener, in which they defeated a formative Russia side by two goals to nothing. The Mauritian referee brilliantly belied the notion that referees from small countries shouldn't officiate at the World Cup finals with an accomplished performance. A physical presence which could be described as modest was no trouble at all for Lim, unimpressed throughout, who succeeded with his excellent diligent style. 

This was no easy game either - if not the hardest thus far per se, certainly the most dynamic. Lim showed he was well at home on such a stage; he fully deserved a further appointment, maybe even to a big knockout game. It is to FIFA's discredit they treated him as a token CAF official, that he certainly was not.

I would support Lim in all of the following situations regarding Key Match Incidents:

16' - not DOGSO, though he should have issued a caution for the holding offence

31' - saved by the lack of replays combined with the zero reaction of Brazil players, seems to be a clear penalty though

53' - clearly correct penalty, careless foul tackle

65' - very interesting incident; both a red card (tackle as an attack) and a yellow card (simple reckless foul) are quite acceptable here in my view

76' - more of a reckless striking offence than a violent one

79' - maybe you could argue that the Russia player's leg is bent, and therefore reckless only? [I would assess this as Serious Foul Play (nowadays)]

Mauritian used advantage liberally and helped contribute to an aesthetically pleasing match. He should have issued a caution for a reckless kick in the first sixty seconds, but it is hard to blame him for not doing so. His use of cards was astute. His fitness, positioning and movement was very good and he did not tire at the end of this match in the hottest hours of the day.

Very quiet afternoon for Domenico Ramicone, and Rharib El-Jilali was not much busier. Moroccan linesman correctly determined an offside at +92'.  

Lim Kee Chong - 8,4 Rharib El-Jilali - 8,4 Domenico Ramicone - 8,4 Fabio Baldas MAU, MAR, ITA	Brazil 2-0 Russia Group Stage
	Nikiforov (61') - Tackle Chlestov (65') - Tackle Kuznecov (79') - Tackle