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Olegario BenquerencaPortuguese football referee.
Date of Birth: 18.10.1969
Country:  Portugal |
Content:
- Olegário Benquerença: A Renowned Portuguese Referee
- Receiving FIFA Accreditation
- International Experience
- Experience at Major Tournaments
- Preparation for the World Cup
- Multilingual and Accomplished
- Sole Portuguese Referee at the 2010 FIFA World Cup
Olegário Benquerença: A Renowned Portuguese Referee
Early Life and Career BeginningsOlegário Manuel Bartolo Faustino Benquerença was born in Leiria, Portugal, on October 18, 1969. His football refereeing journey commenced in 1995, officiating matches in the Primeira Liga, Portugal's top-tier football division.
Receiving FIFA Accreditation
In 2001, Benquerença earned his FIFA accreditation, allowing him to officiate international matches. His debut was in a match between the national teams of Belarus and Scotland, which ended in a goalless draw.
International Experience
Benquerença has officiated numerous international matches, including UEFA Champions League games since 2005. He also refereed the 2008 UEFA Cup semi-final.
Experience at Major Tournaments
Before being selected as a full referee for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Benquerença gained experience at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2007 and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009.
Preparation for the World Cup
Despite being a reserve referee for UEFA Euro 2008, Benquerença's performances at the previous World Cups and his reputation as a skilled referee earned him a spot in the 2010 World Cup refereeing team.
Multilingual and Accomplished
Beyond football, Benquerença holds a degree in insurance and works as an insurance agent. He is also proficient in English, French, and Spanish. Additionally, he enjoys singing and photography as hobbies.
Sole Portuguese Referee at the 2010 FIFA World Cup
Benquerença was the only representative from Portugal among the 28 referees officiating matches at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
