What to know about new rules, technology behind World Cup’s most contentious calls - TSN
Recent rule changes and advanced technology have significantly influenced outcomes in the current World Cup, leading to contentious decisions in several matches. These interventions, particularly involving the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and connected ball technology, have drawn criticism from coaches and federations.
One notable incident occurred in the quarter-final match between Argentina and Switzerland. Switzerland‘s Breel Embolo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for simulation. Initially, the referee, Joao Pinheiro, had shown a yellow card to Argentina‘s Leandro Paredes. However, VAR intervened, leading to a review that determined Embolo had committed a “clear simulation.” This decision, made under what is referred to as the “mistaken identity” rule, occurred five minutes after Switzerland had equalized, and Argentina ultimately won the match 3-1 after extra time.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin expressed strong disapproval of the ruling, stating that the rule “destroyed our game today” and that it was “very painful” to be eliminated in such a manner. He contended that there was no justification for the booking and that the situation was harmless. The coach believed the referee’s mistake, influenced by an “unacceptable rule,” led to his team’s elimination.
Technology’s role in key decisions
The use of technology has also affected other teams in the tournament. Germany experienced a controversial elimination in the round of 32 when Jonathan Tah‘s potential game-winning goal against Paraguay was disallowed after a VAR review. The review cited a foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gill by Germany‘s Waldemar Anton, despite what some considered minimal contact. FIFA‘s referees chief, Pierluigi Collina, indicated that officials were instructed to penalize players who block opponents without attempting to play the ball, especially concerning goalkeepers.
Croatia also faced a setback due to connected ball technology. In their round of 32 match against Portugal, Josko Gvardiol‘s late equalizer was ruled offside. The in-ball sensors, which capture data 500 times per second, detected a slight touch from Igor Mantanovic in the buildup to the goal, a contact undetectable to the naked eye or standard video replays. Former Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić commented that such decisions diminish the enjoyment of football.
Egypt also had a goal disallowed against Argentina in the round of 16. Mostafa Zico‘s goal was overturned after a video review confirmed a foul on Argentina‘s Lisandro Martinez earlier in the play. This decision prompted strong reactions from Egypt‘s coach, Hossam Hassan, who felt his team suffered injustice, and the Egyptian soccer federation raised concerns about the consistency and fairness of the decisions.
Further controversies and official responses
The high-tech sensor in the ball was again central to a decision in the quarter-final between England and Norway. Norway‘s team believed the ball hit an overhead camera cable before Jude Bellingham‘s equalizing goal. However, FIFA maintained that the sensor showed no evidence of contact with the wire. Additionally, Norway had a goal disallowed for a foul by Erling Haaland on England‘s Elliot Anderson, an infringement that occurred before a corner kick was taken, highlighting new rules regarding fouls by attacking teams during corner routines.
Despite the controversies, FIFA‘s referees chief Pierluigi Collina defended the integrity of the match officials, stating that there was “no defined limit regarding either the distance from goal or the amount of time between the incident and the goal” for VAR interventions. He emphasized that the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials should not be questioned.
The impact of these decisions has been significant, with some observers suggesting that Argentina‘s path to the semi-finals has been more straightforward than anticipated. However, the team has faced tough challenges, including a strong performance from Switzerland‘s goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Argentina advanced to the semi-finals after a goal from Julián Alvarez in the 112th minute against Switzerland.
Source: tsn.ca
