The first call for automatic expulsion for tackle from behind was finally made today. The unlucky soul was South Korea's Ha Seok Jun, who brought down Mexico's Ramirez, while getting a piece of the ball at the same time. IMHO, this tackle was no worse than many tackles from the sides. But the referee stuck to strict interpretation of the rule, hence, Ha became its first casualty.

The second red card was for Netherland's Kluivert, who elbowed Belgium's Staelens. The incident happened far away from the ball, and behind the referee's back. The referee just took the linesman's words and made that decision. It all started with Staelens' bringing down Kluivert in Belgium's own half. With the ball in Netherland's own half in no time, Staelens extended a hand of friendship to Kluivert, who was still sitting on the ground. But Kluivert refused to take it, and Staelens walked away. Kluivert then got up, walked towards Staelens, and gave him a grazing elbow at the chest. Staelens, seemingly very well versed in fine acting, dropped to the ground covering his face with his hands, as if he was just punched by Mohammad Ali at his prime.

No doubt Kluivert wasn't a saint, but Staelens' behaviour was equally disgusting. He wasn't acting to get a penalty or free kick, but with the sole purpose to get Kluivert sent off. IMHO, he deserved a yellow card himself as well.