WORLD CUP USA ‘94: SEMIFINALS : Spotlight : THEY’RE IN CHARGE

A Frenchman working his third World Cup and a World Cup rookie from Colombia involved in a controversial call in the previous round were picked Monday to referee the tournament’s two semifinals.

FIFA, soccer’s governing body, chose Joel Quiniou for the game between Bulgaria and Italy in Giants Stadium and Jose Torres for the game between Sweden and Brazil at the Rose Bowl. Both semifinals are Wednesday.

Torres was the referee in Sunday’s 2-1 victory by Bulgaria over defending champion Germany and disallowed a goal by the Germans on a close offside call.

With Germany leading, 1-0, Andreas Moeller’s shot hit the post in the 74th minute and Rudi Voeller put in the rebound but was called offside. Two minutes later, Hristo Stoitchkov tied the game on a free kick.

Germany refused to criticize Torres or blame the loss on him.