Folarin Balogun helps stretch referee after official goes down with cramp during U.S. win over Australia
- The United States clinched Group B's top spot with a 2-0 win over Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle on Friday, though German referee Felix Zwayer required assistance from Folarin Balogun after suffering cramps late in the match.
- Temperatures reached around 26 degrees with 45 per cent humidity toward the end of the Group D clash, and this 48-team World Cup features mandatory hydration breaks reflecting the physical demands officials face in such heat.
- Australian player Aiden O'Neill joined Balogun in stretching out Zwayer's left leg after the official fell to the turf, while fourth official Katia Garcia rushed an energy gel onto the pitch to assist the 45-year-old referee.
- Zwayer recovered after the brief delay and continued officiating the remainder of the match, allowing the United States to secure their victory and reach the knockout stages without requiring the rare referee substitution process.
- Felix Zwayer is one of Europe's top referees, having taken charge of the Euro semi-final between England and the Netherlands and the 2025 Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham.
48 Articles
48 Articles
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Referee goes down injured with cramp at World Cup - 'He needs the bucket and sponge'
Experienced referee Felix Zwayer went down injured with a cramp in stoppage time of the USA's win over Australia in Seattle.The 45-year-old needed assistance from the United States' Florian Balogun and Australia's Aiden O'Neill, who stretched out the official's left leg after he fell to the turf.The referee required an energy gel to see out the last few minutes, which was rushed over to him by fourth official Katia Garcia.Zwayer got back to his …
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