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.
Another game, another VAR controversy!
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2019
France believe they have a 1-0 lead as Gauvin and Barbara collide. But after a lengthy review, VAR decides it was a foul. No goal! #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/3MLaF9RQdI
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.
I think France was just robbed of a goal but this is not an indictment on VAR. This is FIFA not testing VAR prior to the WWC like they did for the men.
— Jorge Ramos (@byjorgeramos) June 23, 2019
Others were incensed with the call.
FIFA VAR is really screwing up this World Cup. That was a goal by France. #WorldCup2019
— Dr. 32 (@godzillatrons) June 23, 2019
Another on Twitter, a goalkeeper, disagreed with the VAR ruling that the goalie had posession.
@FIFAcom just robbed France of a goal using VAR. I am a goalkeeper and have been my whole life and I always err in favor of the goalkeeper. But that Brazilian goalkeeper did not have possession. FIFA is doing their best to ruin the game I love.
— Rich Robinson (@406ismyhome) June 23, 2019
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.
Referee judged that Gauvin had headed the ball out of Barbara’s hands (with her being in control of the ball - i.e it was between her hands) so goal ruled out. Here’s the law - you decide... #FRA #BRA #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/8G9i2cMk99
— Jacqui Oatley (@JacquiOatley) June 23, 2019
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.
GOAL! France 1-1 Brazil
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 23, 2019
After a check on VAR the goal that was flagged originally offside turns out was in fact onside as Thaisa de Moraes Rosa Moreno finds the bottom corner.
Live ➡ https://t.co/aedIjFP2vh #FRA #BRA #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/GbWfToxnn0
Brazil rallied back shortly afterwards and answered the summons by scoring one of their own, with Thaisa leveling things up.
WE'RE ALL TIED UP!
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2019
Brazil get the equalizer through Thaisa after VAR intervenes AGAIN, overturning an offside decision. #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/MhSxvHGGjT
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.