VAR was intended to reduce the focus on referees and limit the impact that contentious decisions would have the outcome of a game, and it will be used at World Cup 2022 again.
After being adopted across Europe’s major leagues in the run up to the 2018 World Cup, it then made its debut at the world’s biggest football tournament in Russia. In operation throughout, from Russia’s opening game against Saudi Arabia to the final between France and Croatia, its presence was certainly felt.
Its use was limited to four key incidents – awarding goals, penalty decisions, potential red cards and cases of mistaken identity.
With footage now being reviewed by VAR, the number of penalties awarded more than doubled compared to the previous World Cup, rising from 13 in 2014 to a record 29 four years later. Sly shirt pulls and nudges in the area, particularly from set pieces, were being regularly spotted and punished by VAR.
In the tournament’s third day, an incredible five penalties were awarded across the course of just four games.
It was a theme that England deliberately looked to capitalise on with the way they lined up to attack corners and free kicks before drawing attention to any contact from the opposition.
Gareth Southgate’s side were awarded three penalties as a result – two against Panama and one against Colombia – all of which were confidently tucked away by Harry Kane, helping him win the Golden Boot.
Most controversially, France were awarded a penalty in the final after the ball struck an unsuspecting Ivan Perisic on the hand from Antoine Griezmann’s corner. Referee Nestor Pitana went over to review the footage before pointing to the spot in what many felt was a harsh decision.
Griezmann converted to restore France’s lead and they went on to claim a 4-2 victory, with Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic critical of the effect VAR’s intervention had on the result.
Despite complaints from some observers, including many pundits and supporters, VAR will once more be in operation in Qatar.
