By Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

JAMAICAN REFEREE Peter Prendergast has been given high marks by two local coaches for his performance in yesterday's World Cup second round game between Brazil and Belgium in Kobe, Japan.

Former national coaches Geoffrey Maxwell and Ali McNab said Prendergast's officiating was excellent and they 'were happy for him.'

Prendergast, the first Jamaican referee to officiate at the World Cup finals, made his first appearance in a first round game between Russia and Tunisia.

"I thought he displayed a very high level of professionalism. I think we should be very proud, quite frankly of Peter and I would hope and anticipate that having reached the World Cup finals he will get some sort of recognition at the highest level," Maxwell said.

Maxwell said the disallowed goal by Belgium was the right call by the referee as the Belgian captain Marc Wilmots had fouled Brazilian defender Roque Junior before heading past goalkeeper Marcus.

"If you look very carefully at what happened, first of all the player rested his hand on the back of the Brazilian defender. The second thing to look for is the jerk of the shoulder to the neck, where you will see very clearly that he was pushed," Maxwell noted.

McNab also believes Prendergast handled himself well in both games.

"The call he made sparked some debate but I am going to go with the decision of the referee. We are here and we are speculating because some people have a love affair for Brazil and some who don't like Brazil.

"I know Prendergast and I know that he is a fair referee and I don't believe the occasion would have overwhelmed him. He called what he saw," said McNab.

Prendergast had come under some fire from the Belgian captain Wilmots and wire reports which said Belgium were 'robbed of a goal by a controversial decision.'

Attempts to reach Prendergast yesterday were unsuccessful as he was travelling between match venues but in an interview on local television he said he was 'satisfied' with his performance.

Captain Horace Burrell, president of the Jamaica Football Federation who is a member of FIFA's disciplinary committee and who attended the match said Prendergast came in for a lot of praise at the end of the game from some of the world's top football executives.

Burrell said Belgium's manager Robert Waseige was also happy with the level of refereeing skill Prendergast displayed throughout the game