594 A Game of Ups and Downs

"GOAAAAL!" Fabio Crudeli, the commentator, yelled at the top of his voice in concert with the thunderous cheers around the stadium. "It's Juventus two and Lazio zero. A well-worked-out counter that saw the ball move from the keeper to Zachary and finally to Fernando Llorente allowed them to extend their lead during the 17th minute. They are now firmly in the driving seat in this Coppa Italia semi-final."

"Why do I have the feeling that the referee somehow helped Juventus," David Ferrini, the other commentator, said. "He delayed Zachary's return until Lazio failed to convert their attack. Then, he waved Zachary on before the Lazio players could reshape up in defense and gifted him the perfect opportunity to advance the counter."

Fabio Crudeli chuckled. "But Zachary's absence also allowed Lazio to dominate the previous few minutes of the game. So, you could also say that the referee directly helped Lazio by delaying Zachary's return."