The stage is all set for the Copa America 2024 semifinals. Among the many 4 groups, we’ll first see the reigning champs Argentina locking horns towards Canada. The conflict on the Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ goes to be the second installment of this match’s opening fixture. With simply hours remaining till the kick-off, we take a take a look at the referee, Piero Maza, who can be officiating the match.
With the stakes already excessive for the match, all burden lies on the shoulders of excellent officiating, and taking this duty is none apart from Maza. The Chilean is without doubt one of the most revered names within the refereeing world and has been handed over the job for Argentina vs Canada. Curiously, this isn’t the primary time Maza can be officiating Lionel Messi and Co. The South American referee was appointed for the Finalissima 2022, the place Argentina-Copa America 2020 winners, confronted Italy-UEFA Euro 2020 winners.
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La Albiceleste received the competition 3-0, with Maza issuing simply 4 yellow playing cards—just one to Argentina, particularly to Nicolás Otamendi. Moreover, final yr, the 39-year-old officiated a controversial 1-0 win for Argentina over their outdated rivals, Brazil, throughout which Brazilian midfielder Joelinton was despatched off. One other high-profile match in Maza’s refereeing profession was the 2018 Copa Libertadores Finals’ first leg between Boca Juniors and River Plate.
For the Argentina vs. Canada match, Maza can be joined by assistant referees Claudio Urratia and Jose Retamal. The fourth and fifth official duties can be dealt with by Cristian Garay and Juan Serr, whereas the VAR can be overseen by Juan Lara and Edson Cisternas. Nonetheless, Maza has not at all times had top-notch officiating shows, as he was as soon as taunted by none apart from Cristiano Ronaldo.
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The referee for Argentina vs Canada as soon as had a hilarious encounter with Cristiano Ronaldo
Piero Maza was in control of final yr’s King Cup of Champions’ spherical of 16 conflict between Al Nassr and Al Ettifaq. Although Cristiano Ronaldo’s aspect clinched a slender win, courtesy of Sadio Mane’s strike, the match was marred with many controversial moments. Shortly after Ronaldo was booked within the first half, Anderson Talisca’s strike put Al Nassr forward. Although the aim was initially allowed the aim, he took the assistance of VAR.
😐 LO LOGRÓ… EL MALDITO LO LOGRÓ.
Cristiano Ronaldo no da más y exige cambio de árbitro en Arabia Saudita… pero, ¿quién es el referí?
Nada más y nada menos que Don Piero Maza, quien así amonestaba a Mr. Siuuu.
Cine. 🚬 pic.twitter.com/IH1r0a5l8J
— Titular | cada día te leo más (@DiarioTitular) October 31, 2023
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That finally noticed the aim get overturned with the Chilean alleging that CR7 was in an offside place when the aim was scored. This prompted Ronaldo to humorously sign Maza in direction of the bench, suggesting he get replaced by one other referee. The second was shared extensively on the web. Both method, let’s hope the same incident doesn’t transpire in the course of the semifinal conflict between Argentina and Canada.