The Copa America 2021 final was a thrilling match between Argentina and Brazil, filled with passion, skill, and of course, crucial decisions made by the referee. Understanding who the referee was and their performance can add another layer of appreciation to this historic game. So, who had the responsibility of officiating this high-stakes encounter?

The назначен Referee: Esteban Ostojich

Esteban Ostojich, a Uruguayan referee, was selected to take charge of the Copa America 2021 final. Born on April 12, 1982, Ostojich has built a reputable career in South American football. He is a FIFA-listed referee, meaning he is qualified to officiate international matches. His experience includes matches in the Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, and various international qualifiers. Appointing Ostojich reflected CONMEBOL's trust in his ability to handle major matches with fairness and competence. Referees like Ostojich undergo rigorous training and assessment to ensure they are at the top of their game when officiating such important contests. The selection process often involves evaluating their performance in previous matches, their understanding of the laws of the game, and their ability to manage player behavior effectively. This ensures that the referee chosen is capable of maintaining control and making accurate decisions under pressure. Given the intense rivalry between Argentina and Brazil, the choice of referee was always going to be under scrutiny, adding extra pressure to Ostojich's role. His performance would be analyzed not only by fans and media but also by refereeing experts to assess his decision-making throughout the match. Therefore, the selection of Ostojich was a significant decision by CONMEBOL, aimed at ensuring a fair and well-officiated final.

Assistant Referees and VAR Team

Of course, a referee never works alone! In such a huge game, Esteban Ostojich was supported by a team of experienced officials. His assistant referees were Carlos Barreiro and Martin Soppi, both also from Uruguay. They were responsible for assisting Ostojich with offside calls, throw-ins, and other marginal decisions along the touchlines. Their accurate and timely calls were crucial in maintaining the flow of the game and ensuring fair play. In addition to the on-field officials, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team played a vital role in the final. The VAR team was led by Andres Cunha, also from Uruguay, with Daniel Fedorczuk as the Assistant VAR. VAR's job is to review key decisions made by the on-field referee, such as goals, penalties, direct red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. By using video replays from multiple angles, VAR can help the referee correct clear and obvious errors, ensuring that the final result is not affected by officiating mistakes. The presence of VAR adds an extra layer of scrutiny and accuracy to the game, reducing the likelihood of controversial decisions that could impact the outcome. The collaboration between the on-field officials and the VAR team is essential for ensuring fairness and maintaining the integrity of the match. Effective communication and coordination between all members of the officiating team are crucial for making accurate and timely decisions, especially in high-pressure situations like the Copa America final.

Ostojich's Performance During the Final

Now, let's dive into Esteban Ostojich's actual performance. The match was intense, with plenty of tackles and close calls. Overall, Ostojich's performance was generally considered solid. He made several important decisions, including awarding fouls and managing player conduct. While some decisions were debated by fans and pundits, no major controversies significantly altered the game's outcome. Referees are always under immense pressure in such high-profile matches, and Ostojich managed to maintain control and composure throughout the game. His ability to effectively communicate with players and manage their behavior contributed to a relatively smooth flow of the match, despite the high stakes and intense rivalry between the two teams. Of course, in any match, some decisions will inevitably be questioned by one side or the other. However, Ostojich's overall performance was deemed to be fair and impartial, helping to ensure that the game was decided by the players on the field rather than by controversial refereeing decisions. While there were some minor disagreements over specific calls, Ostojich's handling of the match was generally praised for its professionalism and competence. This reflects his experience and training as a FIFA-listed referee, as well as his ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes situations.

Key Decisions and Controversies

Like any big game, the Copa America 2021 final wasn't without its talking points regarding officiating. While Ostojich didn't make any glaring errors, there were a few instances that sparked debate. For example, some questioned whether certain fouls warranted yellow cards, and there were discussions about the consistency of his calls in similar situations. However, none of these incidents were considered game-changing, and VAR did not intervene on any major decisions. The use of VAR has significantly reduced the number of controversial decisions in football, but it has also led to increased scrutiny of refereeing performances. Every decision is now analyzed from multiple angles, and referees are held to a higher standard than ever before. This added pressure can be challenging for referees, but it also helps to ensure that they are making the best possible decisions in every situation. In the Copa America final, VAR played a relatively quiet role, which is often seen as a positive sign. It means that the on-field referee was making accurate decisions and that there were no clear and obvious errors that needed to be corrected. This contributes to the overall fairness and integrity of the match, allowing the players to determine the outcome on the field.

The Aftermath and Analysis

Following the final, Esteban Ostojich's performance was analyzed by experts and fans alike. Most assessments were neutral to positive, acknowledging that he handled a difficult match reasonably well. Some pundits highlighted his strong communication with players, while others pointed out minor inconsistencies in his decision-making. Overall, Ostojich's performance didn't become a major talking point after the game, which is often a sign that the referee did a satisfactory job. When referees become the center of attention after a match, it is usually because of controversial decisions or perceived bias, which can overshadow the achievements of the players and teams involved. In this case, the focus remained on Argentina's victory and Lionel Messi's long-awaited international trophy, rather than on the referee's performance. This is a testament to Ostojich's ability to manage the game effectively and avoid making any major errors that could have influenced the outcome. While there will always be debates and discussions about specific decisions, the fact that his overall performance was not a major point of contention suggests that he handled the pressure and responsibility of officiating the Copa America final with professionalism and competence.

The Importance of Refereeing in Big Matches

The role of the referee in a final like the Copa America is incredibly important. They are responsible for enforcing the laws of the game, managing player behavior, and ensuring fair play. A good referee can help maintain the flow of the match and prevent it from descending into chaos, while a poor referee can make controversial decisions that impact the outcome and spark outrage. The pressure on referees in such high-stakes matches is immense, as they are constantly scrutinized by millions of viewers around the world. Every decision they make is analyzed and debated, and any perceived errors can lead to harsh criticism and even threats. Despite this pressure, referees must remain calm, focused, and impartial, making quick and accurate decisions under intense scrutiny. The use of technology like VAR has helped to improve the accuracy of officiating in football, but it has also added a new layer of complexity to the referee's role. Referees must now work closely with the VAR team to review key decisions and ensure that the correct calls are made. This requires effective communication and coordination, as well as a thorough understanding of the laws of the game. In the Copa America final, Esteban Ostojich demonstrated the qualities of a good referee, managing the game effectively and avoiding any major errors that could have influenced the outcome. His performance helped to ensure that the match was decided by the players on the field, rather than by controversial refereeing decisions.

Conclusion

So, to recap, Esteban Ostojich was the referee for the Copa America 2021 final. While his performance wasn't without minor debates, he generally officiated the match competently, ensuring that the focus remained on the game itself. Ultimately, the referee's goal is to be unnoticed, allowing the players to determine the outcome through their skill and effort. In this regard, Ostojich achieved his objective, contributing to a memorable final that will be remembered for Argentina's triumph rather than any officiating controversies.