Women’s World Cup: France’s Valerie Gauvin goal taken away, scores another in win over Brazil

The first goal of the World Cup match between France and Brazil began with controversy, with Valerie Gauvin scoring, but ruled out by VAR. The home team still secured the quarterfinal win, 2-1.

It’s another Women’s World Cup match and the controversial spectre of VAR strikes again. After a goalless first half, sensational French player Valerie Gauvin got involved in what looked like a mashup with the goalie, Barbara, seemingly knocking in the ball for what was assumed the home country’s first goal of the game.

But cut to the tape: after a controversial review by VAR, the goal was removed from the scoreboard by midpoint of the match. Gavin’s celebration transitioned into despondence, as boos erupted in the partisan crowd watching at Le Havre stadium.

VAR has not been popular, and many blamed the goal revocation on a flawed system that was not tested prior to the start of the major competition.

Others were incensed with the call.

Another on Twitter, a goalkeeper, disagreed with the VAR ruling that the goalie had posession.

It wasn’t clear if Brazilian goalie Barbara had mastery of the ball, and the video assistant referee ruled that Gauvin took the ball out of Barbara’s hands when she had possession. It was ruled a foul and the unpopular decision to take away the first exciting goal of the game was determined by VAR. Not cool.

But how did Gauvin answer the contentious decision? By sliding in for a real goal the second go-around, in rapid fashion and making this one count.

https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/1142888568278409216

Her spontaneous dance afterwards said it all.

Of course the 1-0 lead goal was flagged as well, as an offside, but was ruled in France’s favor. No VAR necessary this time.

Brazil rallied back shortly afterwards and answered the summons by scoring one of their own, with Thaisa leveling things up.

That first goal by Gauvin would have tipped the balance of the match, giving France an early lead. Would the outcome of the event be determined by the VAR-disputed call?

But midfielder Amandine Henry answered that question by putting the home team back ahead with a speedy kick for goal number two in extra time.

https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1142906779988217856

The win over Brazil puts France into the Round of 8, and where they will either play the U.S, who avenged their loss to Sweden from the 2016 Olympic quarterfinals, or Spain. The U.S. faces Spain on Monday.

Stay tuned here for all your World Cup action.