MIKE DEAN: Superb referee Szymon Marciniak made THE decision of the tournament

I went to Lusail Stadium to witness a great refereeing performance. Imagine the pressure Szymon Marciniak, this 41-year-old former footballer from Poland, was under.

A game watched by millions worldwide, with so much at stake in his decision-making, yet his stewardship of a World Cup classic was superb.

Referee Szymon Marciniak shows Marcus Thuram a yellow card after a slight fall

ARGENTINA’S PENALTY

When Angel Di Maria went down under pressure from Ousmane Dembele, I thought ‘penalty’. Marciniak did not hesitate to point to the point and, in particular, no French player rushed to him in protest.

There was clear contact, notably Di Maria’s left leg was caught by Dembele’s right leg. VAR Tomasz Kwiatkowski would never reverse his colleague’s decision on the field.

Argentina received an early penalty for Ousmane Dembele’s foul on Angel di Maria

FRANCE’S PENALTY

Randal Kolo Muani got behind Argentina’s defense and was fouled by Nicolas Otamendi. Again there was a clear contact. Again it was a clear foul in the penalty area. Again, Marciniak made no mistake as he spotted it and missed another penalty.

FRANCE’S NON-PENALTY

What. A decision. Arguably the best of them all. When Enzo Fernandez knocked out Marcus Thuram, the Frenchman went down.

But Marciniak, who had placed himself in an excellent position, saw Fernandez withdraw from the challenge. Marciniak booked the French rightly.

FRANCE’S SECOND PENALTY

Mbappe’s shot headed for goal until it was stopped by Gonzalo Montiel’s outstretched elbow. Another big decision, but it was Marciniak’s turn again, pointing to the penalty spot.

The Argentinian and French players gave us great entertainment, but also kudos to Marciniak.