Moscow: Argentina’s loss in the round of 16 in Russia has brightened the chances of an Argentine to emulate his compatriot at the World Cup. Referee Nestor Pitana who officiated in the 2018 World Cup opener between Russia and Saudi Arabia at the Luzhniki Stadium is also on course to hold the whistle in the final at the same venue on Sunday.
Horacio Elizondo, also from Argentina, was the last to achieve the rare honour at the 2006 World Cup. It was Elizondo who sent off Zinedine Zidane for the famous/infamous head butt on Marco Materazzi.
Although his country has failed to fulfil its potential yet again, Pitana has been doing exceptionally well here. In addition to a couple of group matches, he was also in charge of the France-Uruguay quarter-final.
