The United States Men’s National Team knows that any kind of positive result against Portugal this Sunday will put them in the driving seat for qualification. Now, they also know who their referee will be.
Today FIFA announced the referee designations for the three World Cup matches this Sunday, including the crunch match between Portugal and USA (6pm ET kickoff on Sunday on Univision and ESPN).
Thirty nine-year-old Argentinian Nestor Pitana will take charge of the crucial Group G encounter featuring the Americans, his second game of this tournament. His first was the 1-1 draw between Russia and South Korea, where he issued four yellow cards.
The day’s first game features Group H leaders Belgium taking on Russia. German Felix Brych is the match referee, also his second match after officiating Costa Rica’s 3-1 victory over Uruguay. Brych has considerable international experience. He refereed matches at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and the 2013 Confederations Cup, in addition to taking charge of this year’s Europa League Final, won by Sevilla on penalties.
Wilmar Roldan, the youngest referee at this year’s World Cup, is set to referee the day’s other match, South Korea vs. Algeria. The Colombian also officiated at the 2012 Olympics, as well as the second leg of the Copa Libertadores Finals in 2012 and 2013.
