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5 famous calls that would have been changed by VAR

By Dylan Schmittler

LE HAVRE, FRANCE - JUNE 23: Referee Marie-Soleil Beaudoin disallows the first goal following a VAR review during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Round Of 16 match between France and Brazil at Stade Oceane on June 23, 2019 in Le Havre, France. (Photo by Martin Rose/Getty Images)
LE HAVRE, FRANCE - JUNE 23: Referee Marie-Soleil Beaudoin disallows the first goal following a VAR review during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Round Of 16 match between France and Brazil at Stade Oceane on June 23, 2019 in Le Havre, France. (Photo by Martin Rose/Getty Images) /
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DAEJEON – JUNE 18: the referee Moreno gives the red card to Francesco Totti of Italy during the South Korea v Italy, World Cup Second Round match played at the Daejeon World Cup Stadium, Daejeon, South Korea on June 18, 2002.
DAEJEON – JUNE 18: the referee Moreno gives the red card to Francesco Totti of Italy during the South Korea v Italy, World Cup Second Round match played at the Daejeon World Cup Stadium, Daejeon, South Korea on June 18, 2002. /

3. Two incidents at the 2002 World Cup

The 2002 World Cup was Japan and South Korea’s chance to show Asia could host a major tournament. Instead, it was remembered for several controversial calls that cost multiple teams chances of advancing.

When South Korea and Italy met up in the round of 16, this game was decided with several infamous calls. Ecuador referee Byron Moreno ruled Christian Panucci pulled down Seol Ki-Hyeon in the box for a penalty, which was saved. After Italy took a 1-0 lead, South Korea equalized to force extra time.

In extra time, Italy striker Francesco Totti was sent off after diving from a Korean tackle, leaving Italy to finish the game with 10 men. Despite Totti’s absence, Damiano Tommasi looked like he won before an offside call trashed Italian hopes.

Later, Ahn Jung-hwan ended the madness with a golden goal that propelled the co-hosts to the quarterfinals. Italy was left fuming over Totti’s sending off and the disallowed goals that prematurely ended their World Cup.

When Germany and the U.S. faced off in the quarterfinals, controversy continued. With the Germans leading 1-0, German defender Torsten Frings used his hand to prevent an American goal in the 50th minute. The referee did not give a penalty or send Frings off for denying a potential goal.

With Frings dismissed, the Americans would have played the remainder of the game up a man. With VAR in place, Italy and the U.S. would have benefited against Germany and South Korea.