(fdp)

Football referee Juarez is fighting his ex-wife Manuela in court for custody of their son Vini, but the judge in the case makes it plain that his ruling will depend on the result of an upcoming match.

Short of money, Juarez goes to live with his mother Rosali and her boyfriend Guzman, an avid football fan. Juarez's boss, Caponero, asks him to referee in the prestigious Libertadores Cup.

Juarez is horrified when Vini asks him for gymnast slippers for his birthday. Manuela succumbs to the amorous attentions of her divorce lawyer, Rui. Juarez makes a discovery about a colleague.

A worried Juarez must referee a match involving his favourite team, which is facing possible relegation. He asks for help from his friend and linesman Carvalhosa, who unleashes a comedy of errors.

Juarez and Carvalhosa complain about having to referee a match with a woman when they travel to Venezuela for an important Libertadores Cup game with attractive new lineswoman Vitoria da Matta.

Juarez fails the Football Referee Confederation's physical examination and only has one more chance to pass. He takes steroids to improve his chances, but they have some frustrating side effects.