Argentina Vs Germany 1990: Who Was The Referee?

The 1990 World Cup final between Argentina and Germany is etched in football history for its tense atmosphere, controversial moments, and ultimately, Germany's victory. A significant talking point surrounding the match has always been the performance of the referee. Let's dive into the details and uncover who the referee was and the impact of his decisions.

The Man in the Middle: Edgardo Codesal

Edgardo Codesal, a Mexican referee, was the man entrusted with officiating the 1990 World Cup final. His selection was somewhat surprising, as he hadn't been widely considered a top-tier referee before the tournament. However, his performances throughout the earlier stages of the competition earned him the opportunity to take charge of the biggest game in world football. Codesal, born in Uruguay but representing Mexico, carried a tremendous responsibility on his shoulders. The pressure of officiating such a high-stakes match, with millions watching globally, is immense. His decisions would be scrutinized, analyzed, and debated for years to come. The weight of history rested, in part, on his shoulders, making his role arguably as crucial as any player on the pitch. The appointment of Codesal itself sparked debate, with some questioning his experience and suitability for such a monumental clash. Despite the skepticism, FIFA placed their trust in him, believing he possessed the necessary qualities to handle the intensity and pressure of the final. This trust, however, would be severely tested throughout the 90 minutes, as the game unfolded into a series of controversial incidents that would forever link Codesal's name with the 1990 World Cup final.

A Match Defined by Controversy

The 1990 final wasn't a classic in terms of flowing football. It was a gritty, tactical battle characterized by strong defending and a lack of clear-cut chances. However, it was the refereeing decisions that ultimately took center stage. The match was marred by several controversial calls, particularly those against Argentina. The most significant of these was the penalty awarded to Germany in the 85th minute, which Andreas Brehme converted to secure the victory. This penalty decision remains a source of intense debate among football fans even today. Many argue that the foul leading to the penalty was either non-existent or occurred outside the penalty area. Diego Maradona, Argentina's iconic captain, was particularly vocal in his criticism of Codesal's performance, claiming that the referee deliberately favored Germany. The game also saw two Argentine players, Pedro Monzón and Gustavo Dezotti, sent off, further fueling the perception of bias. Monzón's dismissal was the first-ever red card in a World Cup final, adding another layer of infamy to the match. Dezotti's sending-off came late in the game, compounding Argentina's frustration and effectively ending their hopes of a comeback. These dismissals, coupled with the contentious penalty decision, painted a picture of a match heavily influenced by the referee's interventions.

The Penalty That Sparked a Thousand Debates

The pivotal moment, of course, was the penalty. Rudi Völler went down in the box after a challenge from Roberto Sensini. Codesal, without hesitation, pointed to the spot. Replays showed minimal contact, leading many to believe that Völler had exaggerated the foul. The slow-motion replays became instant fodder for debate, dissecting every angle and frame to determine the legitimacy of the call. Sensini himself vehemently protested the decision, arguing that he had barely touched Völler. Maradona, watching from the sidelines, was apoplectic with rage, his frustration mirroring the feelings of millions of Argentine fans. The penalty decision not only decided the outcome of the match but also cemented Codesal's place in World Cup history, albeit a controversial one. To this day, the penalty remains a topic of heated discussion, with opinions sharply divided on whether it was the correct decision. The controversy surrounding the penalty underscores the immense pressure referees face in high-stakes matches, where a single decision can have profound consequences.

Beyond the Penalty: Other Contentious Decisions

While the penalty was the most talked-about incident, other decisions by Codesal also drew criticism. Some observers felt that he was too lenient on German challenges, allowing them to disrupt Argentina's play with physical tactics. Others pointed to the two red cards as evidence of inconsistent officiating, arguing that similar fouls by German players went unpunished. The cumulative effect of these decisions, whether intentional or not, contributed to a growing sense of injustice among the Argentine players and their supporters. The perceived bias, coupled with the high stakes of the final, created a volatile atmosphere on the pitch and in the stands. Even seemingly minor decisions, such as offside calls and free-kick awards, were scrutinized and debated, adding to the overall sense of unease and tension. The match became a breeding ground for conspiracy theories, with some suggesting that FIFA had deliberately influenced the outcome to favor Germany.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The aftermath of the final was filled with recriminations and accusations. Maradona's scathing criticism of Codesal led to a significant backlash, and the referee himself received death threats. Codesal defended his decisions, maintaining that he acted impartially and to the best of his ability. He argued that the penalty was justified based on his interpretation of the Laws of the Game and that the red cards were warranted due to the players' dangerous conduct. However, his explanations did little to quell the controversy, and he remained a figure of intense debate for years to come. The 1990 World Cup final became a case study in the impact of refereeing decisions on the outcome of major sporting events. It highlighted the immense pressure referees face and the challenges of making split-second judgments under intense scrutiny. The match also served as a reminder of the importance of fair play and the need for consistent application of the rules, regardless of the teams involved.

Codesal's Career After 1990

Despite the controversy surrounding the 1990 final, Codesal continued to referee for several years afterward. However, he never again officiated at a World Cup tournament. The shadow of the 1990 final lingered, and he struggled to shake off the perception of bias that had been attached to his name. He eventually retired from refereeing and pursued a career in medicine, returning to his original profession as a surgeon. While he largely stayed out of the public eye, the 1990 final continued to haunt him. In interviews, he maintained his innocence, insisting that he had made the correct decisions based on what he saw on the field. However, he acknowledged the impact the match had on his life and career, admitting that it was a defining moment that he could never escape. Despite the controversy, Codesal remained a respected figure within refereeing circles, admired for his knowledge of the Laws of the Game and his commitment to fair play. His legacy, however, will forever be intertwined with the events of that fateful night in Rome.

The Broader Impact on Refereeing

The controversies surrounding the Argentina vs. Germany final prompted discussions about improving refereeing standards and transparency. Calls for the use of video technology to assist referees in making crucial decisions grew louder in the years that followed. The introduction of goal-line technology and, later, VAR (Video Assistant Referee) can be seen, in part, as a response to the kinds of controversies that plagued the 1990 final. These technologies aim to reduce the margin of error and ensure that decisions are based on objective evidence rather than subjective interpretation. While VAR has its own critics, it represents a significant step towards greater accuracy and fairness in officiating. The 1990 final also highlighted the need for better training and support for referees, particularly in dealing with the psychological pressures of officiating high-stakes matches. FIFA has since invested heavily in referee development programs, aimed at improving the quality and consistency of officiating at all levels of the game.

Conclusion: A Final Forever Remembered

The 1990 World Cup final between Argentina and Germany will forever be remembered for its drama, tension, and controversy. Edgardo Codesal, the referee in charge, became an integral part of that narrative. While his decisions remain a subject of debate, there's no denying the impact he had on the outcome of the match. The game serves as a reminder of the crucial role referees play and the challenges they face in making split-second decisions under immense pressure. Whether you agree with his calls or not, Edgardo Codesal's name will forever be linked to one of the most controversial World Cup finals in history. The match continues to be analyzed and dissected, offering valuable lessons about the Laws of the Game, the psychology of officiating, and the importance of fair play. The legacy of the 1990 final extends far beyond the final whistle, shaping the way we think about refereeing and its impact on the beautiful game.