Referee Ben Williams will make history in Brazil on Monday morning by becoming the first Australian to take charge of a second round match at the FIFA World Cup.
Hyundai A-League referee Ben Williams will make history in Brazil on Monday morning (6am AEST) by becoming the first Australian to take charge of a second round match at the FIFA World Cup.
Williams has seen his strong performances recognised by being appointed to officiate the Round of 16 clash between Costa Rica and Greece, which will take place at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife.
The 37-year-old has already overseen two matches at the tournament, having taken charge of Ecuador’s 2-1 win over Honduras and Belgium’s 1-0 win over the Korea Republic.
The Canberra referee will be joined by his team of assistant officials, Hakan Anaz from Victoria and Matthew Cream of South Australia and are the only Australian representatives remaining in Brazil.
Having become just the fifth Australian to officiate at a FIFA World Cup Williams is one of just two referees that will also represent the Asian Football Confederation in the Round of 16.
Williams has previously officiated at the 2012 Olympic Games and was in charge of the 2012 AFC Asian Champions League final between Ulsan Hyundai and Al Ahli.
