Uzbek ref sets new World Cup record

Uzbek referee Ravshan Irmatov reacts during a Group E football match between Switzerland and Ecuador at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium in Brasilia during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. AFP
Uzbek referee Ravshan Irmatov reacts during a Group E football match between Switzerland and Ecuador at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium in Brasilia during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. AFP

Uzbekistan referee Ravshan Irmatov made football history on Saturday when he took charge of a record ninth World Cup game, the quarter-final between Netherlands and Costa Rica.

Before Saturday he held the record on eight with France's Joel Quiniou, Jorge Larrionda of Uruguay and Mexico's Benito Archundia (Mexico).

This was his fourth run out in Brazil.

The 36-year-old's first World Cup game was the 2010 opening fixture between hosts South Africa and Mexico.