Holland controversy has helped clear up offside mystery, claims referee
The offside law has baffled fans for decades but Swedish referee Peter Frojdfeldt said on Wednesday that everybody around the world now understands it -- well, part of it -- thanks to him.
The Scandinavian official made a name for himself when he awarded Hollands' controversial first goal in their 3-0 victory over world champions Italy at Euro 2008 in Group C on June 9.
Rudd van Nistelrooy, played onside by a prostate Panucci, scored Holland's first goal
"Everybody around the world knows the rule now after our decision," Frojdfeldt told Reuters in an interview after being put through his paces at his training base near Zurich.
The incident in Berne has been one of the biggest talking points of the tournament with Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy's goal standing although he was placed apparently well offside before netting.
UEFA later ruled, however, that Frojdfeldt had correctly interpreted Law 11 with Christian Panucci playing him onside although the Italian defender was off the pitch at the time.
"For us the offside rule is clear but hopefully now because of our decision, it will also now be clear to the coaches, players and fans. This decision has made our life easier because there is no excuse now, everyone knows it," said Frojdfeldt.
Many in the game, however, felt that UEFA's interpretation was wrong and are looking for further clarification at a later date from the International Football Association Board which is the guardian of the game's laws.
Frojdfeldt also found himself the centre of attention in his second match of the tournament when he sent off Turkey goalkeeper Volkan Demirel in stoppage time after he pushed Czech striker Jan Koller off-the-ball during Turkey's 3-2 Group A win.
Volkan was banned for two games by UEFA, who appointed Frojdfeldt as referee for the opening quarter-final between Germany and Portugal on Thursday in Basel.
"It is a major vote of confidence for me and my assistant referees," he said.
"We had some goals coming here. The first was to have two good matches in the group stage, which we achieved, and the last was to have another match in the latter stages which has now come true."
