Hugh Dallas red cards Yugoslavia's Kezman

Dallas was involved in the highly-charged first round match between Italy and Turkey, when he gave the Italians a penalty for a foul on Filippo Inzaghi.

He also came in for criticism from the Norwegian manager Nils Johan Semb following their defeat by Yugoslavia, with Semb accusing him of allowing the Yugoslavs to referee the game.

Dallas said: "Obviously the coach has his opinion and Iżm sure he wouldnżt be too pleased if I commented on his teamżs performance so likewise."

He added: "We started off with 13 referees and four fourth officials so to make it down to the last five is a great honour.

Certainly the standard of refereeing at this tournament has been very very high and Iżm delighted for Anders Frisk.

"Heżs got good man-management, good body language with the players and has everything a top referee needs."

Main ability

Frisk says his main quality is the ability to change style according to the type of game he is officiating.

"All games are different and they require different personalities for different games. If I manage to help create a good and happy game, then that's a result," he said.

He began officiating at an early age, refereeing street games in his neighbourhood in Gothenburg.

All games are different and they require different personalities for different games. If I manage to help create a good and happy game, then that's a result.

Anders Frisk

While his friends idolised footballers, Frisk's hero as a youngster was English referee George Courtney.

"He kept the game flowing, was always in good contact with the players and created a good atmosphere on the pitch," he said.

English official Philip Sharp will be one of the two assistant referees for the semi-final between Holland and Italy in Amsterdam.