Pronounced actions at penalties

[Middle Man]

Anybody notice referees seem very pronounced in their actions watching encroachment from players outside the box during penalty kicks at the World Cup? Where do you focus your line of vision?

 

[alexgr]

Agreed, been noticing this - also seem keen on making sure the keeper stays on their line. Looks good to me. Only time it was off was in the Argentina game today where the ref wasn't looking at the penalty being taken at all.

 

[bester]

Apart from the African referee they have been standing far too close and potentially blocking players if there's a rebound.

 

[cwyeary]

It seems to be something FIFA told referees to focus on. They also probably told the players than VAR can get involved with encroachment which probably helped limit it today.

 

[santa sangria]

Apart from the African referee they have been standing far too close and potentially blocking players if there's a rebound.

I thought that but....
I had a game yesterday and I did what they have been doing on the telly and went much closer to the D than usual, and did the pointing at feet.

I think it works:
-If the GK palms the ball to her right then, from the normal ref position, the ref is going to be in traffic
-Players are used to avoiding the referee, especially when they are running straight ahead
-The only reason to be level with the penalty spot is to see if the ball is pass backwards, which thankfully is attempted once a decade

So... in my game, I started from a position closer to the D, being proactive about encroachment, my penalty yesterday was saved, the keeper palming back towards the penalty spot. It then meant that, rather then being in the middle of play beside the penalty spot, I was behind all the players, at the edge of the box, in the typical corner/cross position - all the onrushing players were in the box - I was in a position where I can see the play, play was in between me and the AR unobstructed etc.

As ever, it's swings and roundabouts - not watching the kick is a big no-no - but I think there's lots of positives...