Uruguayan to referee semifinal

URUGUAYAN Andres Cunha will referee the World Cup semifinal between France and Belgium at the St Petersburg Stadium today, FIFA said yesterday.

Cunha has already officiated at two group stage matches at the tournament — France’s victory over Australia and Spain’s defeat of Iran.

The 41-year-old gave France a penalty in the 2-1 win over Australia, the first time a spot kick had been awarded at a World Cup after reference to the Video Assistant Referee. Cunha will be assisted on the touchline by compatriots Nicolas Taran and Mauricio Espinoza.

Meanwhile, American referee Mark Geiger is among 10 match officials still in contention to handle the World Cup final.

Geiger previously handled one of the most volatile games in Russia — England beating Colombia in a testy last-16 game.