World Cup Diary – the VAR question by Dan Smith
A lot of readers are enjoying my World Cup diary. Some though feel that they only want to hear about Arsenal, even though the WC is a celebration of football. One thing that concerns all of us though is the issue of VAR.
Yesterday it made history by for the first time in the competiton assisting a goal. In one moment it highlighted many fears. Realising there had been a lack of consistency in when and how it should be implemented, FIFA stressed a week ago that they had simplified to refs how it would be used. We were told technology would only be needed if an obvious mistake had been made, leaving room open for us to debate.
France were awarded a penalty not given by the official. It was his assistant who felt the need to check the video. His interpretation was that Greizman had been fouled. Wherever you agree or not is not the point. The fact that many feel the defender got a toe to the ball means this situation was not clear cut. If people have various opinions that is not an obvious error. A black and white example would be Australia’s penalty. Handball, yes or no?
That’s when VAR would be deemed suitable.
By the time France got the winner, the men in charge panicked needing the technology to check for offside, forgetting what they been told by FIFA.
I hope this is not a sign of things to come…
Dan Smith
So glad I’m from Brazil and get to support a true football team unlike the dross you English support.
I’m looking forward to Brazil & Switzerland later… be interesting to see how Xhaka & our new signing get on!
34 yo new signing….surprising no one calls him ageing and lack of pace….
but a 32yo Kos is being called lack of pace and ageing
May be because he was bought as a back up and not a first team player, which Kos is meant to be.
But it’s not like John to make mountains out of mole hills……
That is why I’m interested to see how he does… because of his age!!! He’s the wrong side of 30, but a lot of people on here tell me he’s a leader & has bags of experience!! Just his age that puts me off…… he’s the captain of the Swiss team, so must be doing something right
Oh completely forgot they were playing the Swiss. Don’t want to be Brazilian anymore given the Arsenal interest in the Swiss team.
I think I’ll be German instead
? it’ll be a good game ??
BTW did you watch the Nigeria game yesterday? They had this Iwobi fella that completely ran the show.
I can see what all the fuss is about ??????
I watched it just to see Iwobi…. he didn’t disappoint, just as bad as he is for Arsenal! ?
At least he is consistent
???
It’s probably best you do up give being Brazilian for the next few weeks. You will only end up being disappointed again….
Come on England
Need to lift the world cup as I did in 66
VAR worked grand in my eyes all correct calls
Now if we had that over the years in Arsenal games we wouldve done a lot better i think.
Anyway i think its been good so far.
Sorry, but it is a well known fact that in the World Cup, the high profile teams always “get the rub of the green” regardless of VAR.