‘It can all end with one bad game’: the highs and lows of a World Cup referee

Even the finest miss out on a place at the finals and for those who do get there, decisions can make or break a dreamIsmail Elfath was taking his children to the park near his home in Texas when a message arrived. “Congratulations,” it read. Elfath hugged his wife. Fifa had selected him for his second World Cup. Relief and pride swept over him. “Going to a World Cup is the dream of every referee, but going to a second one means you have stayed consistent for eight years plus,”…