Herzog on Referee Controversy: "That really annoys me a lot"

The 2026 World Cup is entering the home stretch.

In the eleventh episode of the podcast "HERZERL mit JANKO", Andreas Herzog and Marc Janko discuss the quarter-final clashes, analyze the remaining title contenders, and also deliberate on the refereeing performances at this year's World Cup finals.

Controversial Referee Decisions

Especially the quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland causes incomprehension for Herzog. For the former record international, controversial decisions in favor of the reigning world champions are accumulating.

"That's really, really getting on my nerves now, because Argentina have been one of the unfairest teams since the first game and always get the decisive moments gifted in their favor. It's becoming a bit obvious now that there's probably a reason why only the same nations always play for the World Cup title. Now we have VAR, and even then, the smaller nations are disadvantaged. That's not in the spirit of football and, frankly, it really annoys me a lot."

Janko also echoes this sentiment: "Especially in this game, it really leaves a bitter taste and one really has to ask: Where is football heading?"

Herzog Raves About Bellingham

Despite reaching the semi-finals, Herzog does not believe Argentina will win the World Cup title.

"That wasn't the kind of performance where you'd say: That could work out against Spain or especially against France. I can't imagine that."

However, England awaits in the semi-finals. Herzog is particularly impressed by Jude Bellingham.

"Harry Kane aside. For me, Jude Bellingham is currently perhaps even the best player at the World Cup in terms of his aesthetics, dribbling, and goal threat."

What Norway Has Ahead of ÖFB

Herzog and Janko also pay their respects to the Norwegians who were eliminated in the quarter-finals.

"If you compare that to us now, types like a Nusa or a Bobb, such fast one-on-one individualists who can set up and score goals themselves, I don't see them in Austria in the near future. These are player types that would greatly benefit us Austrians in the near future," says Herzog.

The two ex-national players describe the second semi-final between Spain and France as an "early final", believing it features the two best teams of the tournament so far.

Who will make it to the final, who Herzog and Janko tip as World Champions, and why so many penalties have been missed at this World Cup so far, are also topics in the eleventh episode of "HERZERL mit JANKO".