We’re analysing every VAR decision made throughout all 64 games at the 2022 World Cup. England vs. France was littered with VAR incidents, but were the decision correct?
After each game, we take a look at the major incidents to examine and explain the process both in terms of VAR protocol and the Laws of the Game.
– World Cup VAR review in full: Every decision analysed
Contents
Possible foul: on Saka in the buildup to Tchouameni goal
What happened: Dayot Upamecano won the ball off Bukayo Saka just outside his own area and set up a break that resulted in Aurelien Tchouameni giving France a 17th-minute lead, but there was a VAR check for the tackle.
VAR decision: Goal stands.
VAR review: The VAR, Nicolas Gallo of Colombia, has two things to consider: is the challenge within the attacking phase, and was it a clear and obvious error by the referee, Wilton Sampaio of Brazil, not to award a free kick.
The challenge came 27 seconds before Tchouameni’s shot hit the back of the net, and while time is not the ultimate factor in determining the start of the attacking phase it can influence the decision. It’s more about the team that lost possession being in a position to win the ball back, and also if the attacking team stopped its forward momentum. It’s arguable neither of these were present, but to go so far back in a game to disallow a goal would be something we haven’t see at this World Cup.
The second question is over the challenge itself. We can see from the replays that Upamecano caught Saka’s left foot, causing him to fall over and lose possession. But was it a clear and obvious error for the referee not to see that? It’s a tough one to call, and while it should be a free kick there probably isn’t enough to cross the threshold for a VAR intervention.
Possible penalty: Foul by Upamecano on Kane
What happened: In the 25th minute, Harry Kane went down on the edge of the area after robbing Upamecano of the ball. Referee Sampaio waved play on, but there was a lengthy VAR review for a…
