This is why I don't think we were robbed

[veis]

I know I'll be attacked for saying this but hear me out.

It goes without saying that I was and am gutted that we lost under those circumstances. But here's why I don't think we were robbed. Yes, the referee probably wouldn't have given a second yellow card to Pouladi had he realised that he was already booked and he should be criticised for a reffing error. But the fact of the matter is, Pouladi had kicked the keeper then pretended to have been hit in the face when the Iraqi keeper shoved him in the chest. The second offence definitely deserves a card (diving like that is awful in my opinion) and the first could easily have also been a card. Either way, how pissed off would we be if an Iraqi player pretended to get hit in the face, tricking the referee to send one of our players off? Well, that's not a hypothetical question as that exact same thing happened in 2004 in a semi-final against China. Our player got sent off in an almost identical situation (the Chinese player did a Pouladi dive, clutching his face). We lost that game and I still feel the pain. If only the ref gave the Chinese player a yellow for play acting and unsportsmanlike behaviour, we may have won against China and perhaps even won the cup. See the below link at 3:30min.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGGsdeJ6N2Y

Having said that, Team Melli played like lions and should be proud. Our future is bright with all the incredible young talent CQ has unearthed and developed. Let's focus on the positive and look to the future. We made great strides in this tournament and won a lot of respect. I know that's not much of a consolation but I just thought a bit of perspective would help.

[sarbaz]

We appreciate that

I do blame pooladi for being so stupid

If he remained in the match we would have beat Iraq by 3 goals

[OFFSIDE_1]

I know I'll be attacked for saying this but hear me out.
It goes without saying that I was and am gutted that we lost under those circumstances. But here's why I don't think we were robbed. Yes, the referee probably wouldn't have given a second yellow card to Pouladi had he realised that he was already booked and he should be criticised for a reffing error. But the fact of the matter is, Pouladi had kicked the keeper then pretended to have been hit in the face when the Iraqi keeper shoved him in the chest. The second offence definitely deserves a card (diving like that is awful in my opinion) and the first could easily have also been a card. Either way, how pissed off would we be if an Iraqi player pretended to get hit in the face, tricking the referee to send one of our players off? Well, that's not a hypothetical question as that exact same thing happened in 2004 in a semi-final against China. Our player got sent off in an almost identical situation (the Chinese player did a Pouladi dive, clutching his face). We lost that game and I still feel the pain. If only the ref gave the Chinese player a yellow for play acting and unsportsmanlike behaviour, we may have won against China and perhaps even won the cup. See the below link at 3:30min.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGGsdeJ6N2Y
Having said that, Team Melli played like lions and should be proud. Our future is bright with all the incredible young talent CQ has unearthed and developed. Let's focus on the positive and look to the future. We made great strides in this tournament and won a lot of respect. I know that's not much of a consolation but I just thought a bit of perspective would help.

Pouladi did NOT kick the GK. In fact he did his best to actually avoid him and barely touched him.

[veis]

Why close the thread? Because you disagree with me? My main point was about the dive anyway...

[OFFSIDE_1]

Why close the thread? Because you disagree with me? My main point was about the dive anyway...

did you actually watch the game because your post and your thread adds ZERO value.

[veis]

Yep, watched it twice actually. And I happen to be a footballer and coach. But that's not the main issue. My point was about the dive. It's an ugly thing to do and should be stamped out of the game. And Pouladi should have been more careful as he was already on a yellow - even the Fox Sports commentator said so.
My point is, while we are rightfully angry at the ref and should protest, let's not overlook our player's part in the incident. Unfortunately we have a habit of attacking our opponents for grass rolling, diving, time wasting etc but when our player does it, we overlook it.

[EKBATAN]

guys be respectful. everyone has an opinion. just because we're mad you cant fault someone for seeing things the other way.

i am furious and we did get robbed but at the same time we did dumb shit that cost us too. its hard for me to parade around and scream injustice when we brought it on ourselves.

[nwo073]

veis jan. Please watch the game again. like some others said pooladi didn't even touch the keeper. the keeper push him and he acted like that. any one would do that. that was not a red card.

[Keano]

I am wondering if Williams carded him based on his fake injury or the fact that he might have "stomped" the keeper? Because going by the video he barely touched the keeper and that by itself should not have warranted a yellow card to begin with!

[veis]

veis jan. Please watch the game again. like some others said pooladi didn't even touch the keeper. the keeper push him and he acted like that. any one would do that. that was not a red card.

You're right bro. The first contact was minimal. I probably shouldn't have even mentioned it. My point was more about the dive.
Trust me guys when I say I'm hurting really bad after last night. I was even supposed to be going to Canberra but had to cancel as my wife was sick. I was so pumped for the semi against Korea in Sydney. This just adds to a long list of missed opportunities for Team Melli.

[iranrealist]

100% agree with you..pouladi should be blamed for this loss

[fairplay]

I am wondering if Williams carded him based on his fake injury or the fact that he might have "stomped" the keeper? Because going by the video he barely touched the keeper and that by itself should not have warranted a yellow card to begin with!

The first thought came to my mind was time wasting, initially the referee did not seems wanted to act, but as he was standing there Pouladi continue to lay on the ground, therefore in referee's mind he was trying to waste time close to end of first half with Iran leading.

[H.Behzadi FAN]

Count how many seconds Pooladi was laying on the ground (while the TV feed showed the replay of the foul / push ) ... probably FAKING injury ...
The REF did not pull the card out right away ... whe Pooladi was pushed the REF actually ran up to talk to the Goalie ....
Pooladi caused this by his actions ...
YES , The REF was an idiot ... He just gives out cards & then smiles ... he doesn't stamp his authority on the game by WARNING the first few players who commit BAD fouls ...
.....BUT ....
Pooladi caused this himself by his corny play acting .... Get the F&&k up and play football akbar !!!
What I HAVE AN ISSUE with is the FIRST foul he got a yellow for ... NO WHERE IN THE WORLD IS THAT A YELLOW ...
When you see that, it really makes you wonder WHY this guy was the Referee in a QTR FINAL match ?????

[Siavash]

He defensively got the second yellow for clearly acting up and trying to make a fool out of ref. Apparently if Williams knew about the first yellow card, he may have not given Fooladi the second one that easy. Obviously Pooladi is not a good actor but is a great left back. The first yellow was a cheep call by the ref too. The dramatic act by the Iraqi player made that stupid ref to give a yellow to Pooladi. Well Pooladi was the missing leg that CQ discovered and make TM defense so great. But that low life, no good ref broke that leg and robbed TM from advancing to semis.

[Rumez]