In his second World Cup appearance Pado officiated during six matches including taking the helm for the Group A encounter between United Arab Emirates and Spain and Russia’s quarter-final against Iran.
Pado says having the first experience at this level at the 2011 World Cup in Ravenna, Italy made a difference.
“As expected it was tough and given that we lack competition matches locally there was a big jump for me to be at the same level that other referees were in,” the Honiara-based high school teacher says.
“At least the experience that I had at the first World Cup I attended helped me to anticipate some of the difficulties. Mentally, I was quite prepared. But the World Cup is a big event and I was nervous when everything started.”
While Oceania had two teams – Solomon Islands and Tahiti – competing at the event, the first FIFA tournament to be held in a Pacific Island nation, Pado was the only official representing the region.
“I feel honoured and privileged to be there for the Solomon Islands and also for Oceania. But at the same time I felt a lot of responsibility,” Pado says.
“I had to prove to the World that Oceania is producing good beach soccer referees and I am confident that I left a strong impression for our region.”
Prior to the event’s kick-off Pado said he wanted to officiate during the final, an objective he achieved when he was appointed second referee for the final clash between Spain and Russia.
“Walking on to the pitch for the grand final match I was very proud for the Solomon Islands and for Oceania. It was a personal achievement for me but I view it as an overall achievement for Oceania and it sums up a wonderful year for us in beach soccer – Tahiti hosted, Solomon Islands and Tahiti both performed impressively and our match official was in the grand final match.
“All the hard work during training, studying and listening to our instructors’ advice paid off for me.”
While officiating kept him pretty busy, Pado did find time to see a couple of matches and says the Bilikiki were an impressive side to see in action.
“I was really impressed with the Bilikiki. Compared to their past teams this group really came a long way in terms of tactics and Samson Takayama was the most outstanding,” Pado says.
“Many of my referee colleagues spoke highly of him. It was devastating for the team when injury forced him to miss their last match. I am confident to say after this World Cup that we are comfortably on par with the rest of the World. We are no longer minnows in this discipline and if we work hard we can go further.
“Tahiti was also very good and they certainly had the advantage of a strong preparation. Technically, their players were really good and have set a new standard for the rest of Oceania. I believe if the Bilikiki had the same preparation – both teams would have made it to the finals.”
As for the tournament overall, Pado says he was suitably impressed by the whole organisation.
“The action on the pitch was faster and a lot of teams have developed newer tactics so it was very exciting to observe this.
“Overall, this event was spectacular and it was one of my best experiences,’ he says. “The setting was perfect for beach soccer and the hospitality was great. It was not only a sporting experience but a cultural one as well and I think everyone was impressed with Tahiti and Oceania.”
Having reached the pinnacle of any referee’s career – a FIFA World Cup final – the 34-year-old could easily throw in the towel now. But he has no intentions of doing that.
“I hope that I can continue to officiate in FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups for as long as I am fit and healthy. I want to remain an active referee and I believe I still have a good number of years in me to continue with this passion.
“Retirement is not on my mind at this stage.”
While he will continue to build on his personal achievements, Pado is also keen to inspire others to take up the role.
“I want to encourage everyone who wants to be a referee in a FIFA World Cup to go for their goal.
There is nothing to be afraid of,” he says.
“I can reach this level, so anyone can and I want young referees to bear this in mind. But you must be
prepared to work hard, learn from your instructors and be disciplined. There is no easy way to the top, my experience has taught me that, but it is rewarding and enjoyable.”
EXTRA INFORMATION:
World Cup appearances:
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Tahiti 2013
18/09 – Russia vs. Japan – Second referee
20/09 – Ukraine vs. Brazil – Third referee
21/09 – United Arab Emirates vs. Spain – Referee
25/09 – Russia vs. Iran (quarter-final) – Referee
27/09 – Spain vs. Brazil (semi-final) – Second referee
28/09 – Spain vs. Russia (final) – Second referee
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Ravenna/Italy 2011
01/09 – Switzerland vs. Senegal – Third referee
03/09 – Senegal vs. Italy – Third referee
04/09 – Venezuela vs. Nigeria – Second referee
06/09 – Brazil vs. Japan – Second referee
08/09 Portugal vs. Senegal (quarter-final) – Second Referee
11/09 – El Salvador vs. Portugal (match for third place) – Second referee