For the first time in the 92-year history of the FIFA World Cup, a trio of all-female match officials will be in charge of a match.
French referee Stephanie Frappart will be the first woman in the middle of a men’s game in a World Cup when Costa Rica takes Germany in a Group E clash at the Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar.
“The men’s World Cup is the most important sporting competition in the world. I was the first referee in France and in Europe, so I know how to deal with it,” she was quoted on FIFA.com.
The 38-year old will be joined by Assistant Referees Brazil’s Neuza Back and Karen Diaz of Mexico.
American Karyn Nesbitt will also be working as the offside specialist in the video review team in the same match.
Frappart has wealth of experience behind her.
She was also the first woman to officiate a Ligue 1 and EUFA Champions League game.
The Frenchwoman was the fourth official in the goalless draw between Mexico and Poland in Qatar last Tuesday (22 November 2022).
In March last year, she became the first female to be in the middle when Netherlands beat Latvia 2-0 in a men’s World Cup qualifier.
She refereed in the men’s Champions League match between Juventus and Dynamo Kyiv in the group stages in December 2020 – becoming the first female to do so.
A year earlier (2019), Frappart was also in charge of the Super Cup duel between Liverpool and Chelsea as well as the FIFA Women’s World Cup final between the US and the Netherlands.
The Germany vs Costa Rica clash is a big match for both sides as the Europeans need victory to stay alive in the competition, while a point will be enough for the Central Americans if Spain defeat Japan in the other Group E fixture.
Group E Permutations (FIFA.com):
- Spain will qualify for the Round of 16 with a win or a draw. Defeat to Japan will leave them relying on their currently superior goal difference to progress, unless Costa Rica beat Germany, in which case Luis Enrique’s side will be out.
- Japan can go through with victory against Spain, while a draw, coupled with deadlock in the Costa Rica v Germany clash, will ensure they progress. They will go out if they are beaten by Spain, or if the match ends in a draw and Costa Rica triumph against Germany. Goal difference will be required to decide their fate if they draw and Germany are victorious.
- Costa Rica can reach the last 16 by defeating Germany. A draw for Luis Fernando Suarez’s side would also guarantee a spot in the next phase if Spain overcome Japan, but if the current group leaders are beaten then goal difference comes into play. A draw in both games or a defeat for Costa Rica puts them out.
- Germany must pick up three points to stay in contention. Victory over Costa Rica coupled with a win for Spain against Japan will see them qualify. A draw between Luis Enrique’s side and the Samurai Blue, or a win for Japan, would take the equation to goal difference. All other results would see Hansi Flick’s men out of the competition.
By Matlhomola Morake
