Women’s World Cup finals next goal
- says Dianne Ferreira-James
By Steve Ninvalle
Stabroek News
September 4, 2002
Football referee Dianne Ferreira-James returned from the Under 19 female World Cup final on Monday and already has her sights set on next year’s Women’s World Cup in China.
Dianne gave Guyanese women and especially Guyana’s indigenous people something to cheer about when she carried the whistle in the final of the FIFA Under-19 Women’s World Cup held last Sunday in Canada.
It is the first time that a Guyanese or any woman from the Caribbean Football Union has officiated in a World Cup final and praises have started streaming in.
“My resolution at the start of this year was to make it to all the major tournaments for women. I started in Jamaica and have made it all the way. I used to pray a lot to make it to these championships. When I got there and saw the competition among the other referees-there were referees from 21 countries- I knew that I had a chance,” James told Stabroek Sport.
The 31-year-old who has represented Guyana at football, cricket, athletics and volleyball, officiated in five games while in Canada. She refereed in matches between Japan and Nigeria, Denmark and Japan and the final between Canada and the USA.
She also worked as the fourth official in the Canada/Japan game and the quarter final between Canada and England.
“It was difficult but I think that I did enough starting with my first game between Japan and Nigeria. I think that I was basically selected on my first match. I did really well there. When I looked at the other referees I felt that I stood a very good chance of making it to the final. But it all depended on the teams qualifying for the final. I was very happy at being picked but at the same time there was a big weight on my shoulder because everybody was looking forward to my performance. Although I was praised before, I was very cautious going in to Sunday’s game. However, I managed to give my best,” she said.
Dianne said that one major difference between officiating at the World Cup and refereeing back home was the crowd at games.
“I had never officiated in front of such huge crowds. (In the final) the fans were fantastic. They were cheering me on when I made some decisions since there was a very big screen on which there were television replays. Some booed decisions but I was never intimidated nor over confident. I wasn’t thinking negative since if you think negative you tend to act negative. I was well prepared for this both mentally and physically. When I was appointed I assured Mr (Jack) Warner and the other people from CONCACAF that they had made the right choice and that I would give of my best and I did,” the referee said.
Dianne and the assistant referees were issued gold medals at the end of the final.
“At the presentation FIFA President Sepp Blatter reminded me that when he was here last year I told him that my ambition was to make it to a World Cup and even do the final.
She declared that the entire episode means a lot to her. “ Over the years I have been participating in various sport disciplines and there came a time when I had to make a decision on what I wanted in life. In the refereeing department I think I have a lot of ability that can take me forward.”
She disclosed that being at the tournament also had its down side and related that the weather in Canada posed a problem in the interim. “The place was very cold although it was Summer. I had difficulty breathing. I was bleeding through my nose and had chest pains during the Cooper (fitness) Test and had to see a doctor. It was very difficult for me to deal with the weather change.”
Nevertheless her tenacity paid off and she plans sharing her knowledge with other referees here.
“I have learnt a lot by just having a chance to work with referees from Europe, Africa and North America. I also learnt a lot about the organisation of the tournament.”
Asked how she feels being the first Guyanese and woman from the Caribbean Football Union to officiate in a women’s World Cup final Dianne, a police woman said that the entire outing has made her a better person.
“Having gone there I gained so much experience and exposure. I think that professionally I would be able to do my job better. I had a lot of support from Mr. Colin Klass, Mr. Jack Warner and Mr. Sepp Blatter.”
She has been a FIFA International referee for four years also extended gratitude to the Guyana Football Federation, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Gail Texeira, The Guyana Police Force, her family, Gerald Laurie and the late Evaroy Babb for assisting in getting her this far.
“These persons have all supported me,” she said. “I also want to thank the general public. There are people out there who believe in me. Every time I leave to officiate I will give of my best.
Her next official duties will see her returning next month to North America for the Gold Cup.
“That is to qualify for the women’s World Cup final in China in 2003. I think that being at the Under-19 World Cup has boosted my chances of making it to China next year.
My ultimate goal is the World Cup final next year. That is the highest point a referee can meet in football.”