Controversial decisions that marked the crossings
The expulsion of Swiss Breel Embolo in the quarterfinals against Argentina renewed the debate on video refereeing. Referee João Pinheiro initially cautioned Leandro Paredes, but after checking the monitor, he considered that Embolo simulated a foul. He showed him a second yellow and sent him off when the game was 1-1. Argentina won 3-1 in extra time.
“The referee made the wrong decision. This rule destroyed our match,” said coach Murat Yakin.
Germany also suffered with technology. A goal by Jonathan Tah against Paraguay was disallowed by VAR for a foul on the goalkeeper. The minimal contact drew criticism. Pierluigi Collina defended the decision: referees must punish blocks without attempting to play the ball. Germany lost on penalties.
Croatia was out against Portugal due to an offside detected by sensors inside the ball. An almost imperceptible touch from Igor Matanovic was captured by the sensors, which record data 500 times per second. Coach Zlatko Dalic resigned and said:
“All these decisions take the joy out of football.”
Egypt denounced “injustice” after the disallowance of a goal against Argentina due to a previous foul on Lisandro Martínez. The play started in their own field. Collina clarified that there is no time or distance limit to review. Argentina came back and won 3-2.
Norway also questioned the technology. A goal by Jude Bellingham against Norway was not disallowed despite the Norwegians claiming the ball hit a wire. FIFA said the sensor did not register contact. In addition, the VAR annulled a Norwegian goal due to a foul by Haaland in a corner, applying new rules that allow incidents to be reviewed before the kick-off.
Technology continues to be a determining factor, and not all equipment is compliant.
