📸 Too many cards? Zwayer gets cramp in card-record match

It was Felix Zwayer’s first World Cup match as the referee on the pitch. And the only German official at the World Cup had plenty to do in the clash between hosts USA and Australia. 

The physical approach of both teams and the many changes of pace demanded everything from the FIFA referee. Over the course of the match, Zwayer handed out a total of seven yellow cards — a record so far at this World Cup. 

Given how intensely the match was played, it was no coincidence that even the 45-year-old was struggling with cramps by the end. First, Australian player Alessandro Circati helped him stretch, then assistant referee Christian Dietz took over. To loud applause from the stands, even the fourth official, Katia Garcia, handed him some electrolytes. Then it was a matter of gritting his teeth for three more minutes, and his World Cup debut was a success. 

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.