Logo de l'OEP

Sélectionnez votre langue

Logo de l'OEP

When Players Curse Out a World Cup Ref, What Language Do They Speak?

Trove.com, 22.06.2014

On Monday night in Brazil, Swede Jonas Eriksson will serve as the referee for the United States’ World Cup opener against Ghana. Given the language barrier, how will the players and the ref talk to each other? In 2006, Daniel Engber investigated the secret world of World Cup communication. The original column is reprinted below.

Frustrated Polish players complained on Wednesday that a blown call might cost them a chance to advance in the World Cup. On the same day, a Swiss referee made a questionable call that went against the team from Ukraine. What language do soccer players use when they bicker with the refs?  >>>>>>>>>>>>