The match-winning penalty in the 1990 World Cup Final would not have been awarded had the referee got access to VAR. And it matters in other games as it would've helped ensure that the best teams reached the final. I guess we'll never agree on it, Hampy, but I think VAR was used correctly in both Argentina and Germany's recent matches, assisting the referee and adding to the entertainment of the game. I wasn't a big fan when it was used in the FA Cup, I think because the referees had not been using it regularly and we are not training enough. However, it has lifted the quality and entertainment of this World Cup and has generally has helped referees get more decisions right which they otherwise would not have done (South Korea's opening goals against Germany earlier to knock them out).
Not sure what German decision you mean.. but the ref wasn't giving a penalty to Nigeria with or without VAR.
The referee originally ruled out South Korea's opening goal for offside. It was later rescinded, and the goal awarded after the ref watched the VAR replay, noticing the pass was deflected from a German player and therefore the goal was legitimate.
Agreed. The problem with penalties, in my opinion, is that fouls in the box are subjective and dependant on the referee officiating the game. That's not a fault of VAR, in my opinion, but the lack of consistency in referee's decisions. Handball for a penalty needs to have clearer guidelines on what constitutes a handball and what doesn't, because one referee will have a different interpretation to another referee. VAR has just highlighted that discrepancy.
Gutted for Senegal, but it looks like no African team has made it out of their group... Or Germany for that matter.
Think he's made too many changes. There's a lot to be said for momentum at international level and the more the players play together the better. Would've dropped Kane though as he's one we definitely don't want injured, all the others are much of a muchness
Thoroughly enjoying France v Argentina,apart from the banal witterings of Danny( b@st@rd son of big,fat Ron) Murphy.
It came down to bookings in the end. Had Salah been fit then Egypt might have had a chance too. This is the most unpredictable world cup in my lifetime.
It's a bit like saying you prefer a poke in the eye with a sharp stick to a kick in the balls, all best avoided!
Another tremendous game,loved the way Japan played but Belgium had the strength in depth and extra bit of quality.
It's been the best World Cup I've ever seen. So many entertaining games. Hopefully it continues for us with an England win tommorow night!
