VAR used for the first time at a World Cup helps France grab win
In the first decision at this World Cup resulting from the use of VAR, France were awarded a controversial penalty kick in the second half against Australia.
After a scoreless first half, a struggling France were able to break the deadlock on Saturday thanks to a decision by referee Andres Cunha of Uruguay after he overturned his own decision and ultimately awarded a penalty to France.
The decision came after defender Josh Risdon of Australia tackled Antoine Griezmann in the box. Cunha did not originally whistle a penalty kick. After French players complained, Cunha went to consult the video replay.
It was the first time VAR, short for Video Assistant Referee, was used in an official World Cup. The video review system was used this past season the English FA and Carabao Cups as well as the German and Italian leagues.
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After several tense moments, Cunha overturned his decision and whistled for a penalty kick to be taken. Griezmann converted from the spot to give France a 1-0 lead in the 58th minute. Replays showed that Risdon made light contact with the Les Bleus striker. The call, however, could have gone either way in the days before refs were able to review plays.
We have the first VAR decision in FIFA #WorldCup history!
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 16, 2018
Antoine Griezmann buries the penalty after VAR ruled he was fouled in the box. pic.twitter.com/7WyQ4VqFcr
The lead was short lived. Four minutes later, Australia tied the score after Cunha whistled a PK for the Socceroos following a France handball in the box. The infraction was obvious and no VAR was needed. Mile Jedinak scored the penalty to level the score.
Penalties giveth, penalties taketh away.
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2018
Australia equalizes after Umtiti is called for a handball in the box. pic.twitter.com/fxzQQNiN21
The use of technology didn’t end there. France took the lead nine minutes from the end when Paul Pogba saw his shot hit the crossbar and drop over the line.
POGBAAAAAAAAA!
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 16, 2018
What a run by Paul Pogba to finish off a pretty team goal! pic.twitter.com/zFRRYgjXal
While the French players held off celebrating, Cunha indicated the ball had crossed the line after goal line technology signaled that Pogba had scored, lifting France to a 2-1 victory.
Both France goals highlighted how much technology has changed the game in recent years. GLT was used for the first time at the 2014 World Cup.