Veteran Dutch referee Bas Nijhuis publicly praised colleague Danny Makkelie following Makkelie’s performance in the United States versus Paraguay World Cup match, which the US won 4-1. Nijhuis, known for his outspokenness and television work, noted the rarity of such public commendation within the competitive world of refereeing. He specifically stated Makkelie has “earned” his second match assignment at the tournament. Nijhuis acknowledged the high stakes and potential for error in officiating, implying Makkelie successfully navigated a challenging situation. The praise comes as a surprise given the typically competitive and often critical nature of the refereeing community. Nijhuis’s comments highlight a moment of professional respect amidst intense competition. This positive acknowledgement could bolster Makkelie’s standing within the tournament.