Born on December 15, 1982 -therefore turning 40 during this World Cup- and son of Portuguese emigrants from Madeira in Johannesburg, Victor Miguel de Freitas Gomes will be in charge this Thursday during the decisive match for the round of 16 classification of the World Cup between Japan and Spain.

The South African referee, who already refereed the match between France and Australia in the group stage, will count on his compatriots Zakhele Siwela and Souru Phatsoane as assistant referees, with Salima Mukangansa from Lesotho acting as fourth official.

In the VOR room, the Senegalese Fernando Guerrero will intervene as VAR, the Mexican Armando Villarreal as his assistant, the American Kyle Atkins will be responsible for offsides and his compatriot Adil Zourak in support tasks.

Victor Gomes, who has been chosen several times as the best referee in his country's championship in addition to refereeing the last African Cup final played last year in Cameroon, will kick off the match between Japan and Spain this Thursday, December 1 from 20:00, Central European Time.