Tim Ream Makes History as First Player to Benefit from New World Cup Rule
Reykjavik, Iceland — Tim Ream became the first player to benefit from the International Football Association Board's mistaken identity rule change at a World Cup during the United States' 4-1 win over Paraguay on Friday. At 38 years old, he also became the oldest US men's national team player to appear in a World Cup match.
"Ream was shown a yellow card after Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón went down under a challenge. Video assistant referee Carlos del Cerro Grande instructed referee Danny Makkelie to review the play."
The incident occurred early in the second half. Ream protested the decision, and after a video review, Makkelie overturned the yellow card to Ream and instead booked Almirón for simulation.
The rule change, introduced earlier this year, allows referees to use video review to correct cards issued to the wrong player.
Disciplinary Note
US midfielder Tyler Adams received a yellow card in the 59th minute and will carry that booking into the match against Australia on June 19. Yellow cards reset after the group stage and after the quarter-finals.