I caught most of the Netherlands-Argentina game during a happy hour event. I enjoyed the skill and athleticism of the players, but was that game representative of the officiating at the WC? I wasn’t rooting for either team, and I do have a decent understanding of the rules from coaching my kids, but it seemed like the refs were definitely favoring Argentina. They purposely spread yellow cards to avoid sending anyone off (kind of like make-up calls in the NBA). And if intentional hand balls and firing a ball into the opposing bench are okay, why isn’t everyone doing it? It would make the game more exciting. And the foul that gave Argentina the penalty kick was pretty ticky tack. Just my somewhat informed opinion.
I was amused to see that flopping players still inexplicably always grab a shin, the only padded part of their body.