New rules and advanced technology have led to several contentious decisions during the current World Cup, drawing criticism from coaches and federations. These incidents have significantly impacted key matches, including the quarterfinal between Argentina and Switzerland, which Argentina won 3-1 after extra time.
One of the most debated moments occurred during the Argentina-Switzerland match when Switzerland‘s Breel Embolo received a second yellow card, leading to his sending off. This decision, made under the “mistaken identity” rule, came after a video assistant referee (VAR) review. Initially, Argentina‘s Leandro Paredes was shown a yellow card for a challenge. However, the VAR intervened, recommending that the on-field official, Joao Pinheiro, review the incident. Upon review, the referee determined that Embolo had committed a “clear simulation,” resulting in his dismissal.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin expressed strong disapproval of the decision, stating that the rule “destroyed our game today” and that being eliminated in such a manner was “very painful.” He argued that there was no reason for the booking and that the situation was innocent and harmless. This pivotal moment happened just five minutes after Switzerland had equalized the score at 1-1. Embolo was already on a yellow card at the time of the incident, making the simulation a critical error.
Controversial VAR Decisions Impact Matches
The use of VAR and other technologies has been a recurring theme throughout the tournament. In another quarterfinal match, Norway had a goal disallowed against England when the score was 1-1. VAR spotted a foul by Erling Haaland on England‘s Elliot Anderson before a corner kick was taken. New rules allow VAR to intervene for incidents occurring even before the ball is in play during corner routines, aiming to limit fouls by attacking teams.
Earlier in the tournament, Germany experienced a controversial elimination in the round of 32. Jonathan Tah‘s potential game-winning goal in extra time against Paraguay was disallowed after a VAR review for a foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Replays indicated that Germany‘s Waldemar Anton pushed Gill, though the contact was minimal. FIFA‘s referees chief, Pierluigi Collina, noted that officials were instructed to penalize players who attempt to block opponents without trying to play the ball, particularly concerning goalkeepers. Germany ultimately lost the match in a penalty shootout, with Tah missing a decisive spot kick.
The “connected ball technology,” featuring advanced sensors, also played a role in Croatia‘s elimination. In their round of 32 match against Portugal, Josko Gvardiol believed he had scored a late equalizer to make it 2-2. However, the goal was ruled offside after VAR review because in-ball sensors detected a slight touch from Croatia‘s Igor Mantanovic during the buildup. This contact was undetectable to the naked eye or standard video replays. FIFA stated that these sensors capture data 500 times per second, providing an “unprecedented level of data” for accurate decisions. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić, who has since stepped down, expressed his dissatisfaction, saying these decisions “take the joy out of football.”
Egypt’s Disallowed Goal and FIFA’s Response
In the round of 16, Egypt faced defending champion Argentina and had a goal disallowed by VAR. With Egypt leading 1-0 in the second half, Mostafa Zico scored, but celebrations were cut short when a foul on Argentina‘s Lisandro Martinez earlier in the play was confirmed by video review. Argentina went on to win the match 3-2 after a late comeback.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan criticized the decision, claiming his team suffered “injustice.” The Egyptian soccer federation also raised concerns about the consistency and fairness of decisions that influenced the game. Questions arose regarding the time elapsed between the foul on Martinez, which occurred deep in Egypt‘s half, and the subsequent goal. Collina responded to the criticism by stating there is “no defined limit regarding either the distance from goal or the amount of time between the incident and the goal,” and affirmed the integrity of the match officials.
The connected ball technology was also central to a dispute in the England–Norway quarterfinal. Norway‘s players and staff argued that the ball hit a cable suspending overhead cameras before Jude Bellingham‘s equalizing goal. If true, play should have been stopped. However, FIFA maintained that the sensor data showed no contact, as there was “no peak in the ‘heartbeat of the ball’ when in the air.”
Despite the controversies, Argentina advanced to the semi-finals, with Julián Alvarez scoring a crucial goal in the 112th minute against Switzerland, followed by a third goal from Lautaro Martínez, securing the 3-1 victory.
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Source: tsn.ca
As CasinoNews's Sports News Writer, Mason Leclair reports on the CFL, golf and combat sports for readers across the country. He moved from regional papers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Carleton University. Mason lives in Ottawa, where he follows the PGA Tour and mixed martial arts. “Get the facts down first, then add the context.”
