Controversial referee from opening game demoted for next match
RIO DE JANEIRO -- Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura has got his next World Cup duty after a controversial opening match, as fourth official for Honduras vs. Ecuador on Friday.
Nishimura has been picked to support Australian referee Benjamin Williams who will handle the match in Curitiba, according to FIFA's website.
The apparent demotion follows FIFA giving Nishimura the prestigious opening day assignment last Thursday.
He angered the Croatia players and coach by awarding a contentious penalty to Brazil which was the turning point of its 3-1 win in Sao Paulo.
FIFA has picked Bjorn Kuipers of the Netherland to referee Switzerland vs. France in Salvador on Friday. Kuipers previously handled Italy's 2-1 win over England.
Italy's next match, against Costa Rica in Recife on Friday, will be refereed by Enrique Osses of Chile.
