5 famous calls that would have been changed by VAR

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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English referee Howard Webb (2nd R, up) tries to calm players after Netherlands’ midfielder Nigel de Jong (R) kicked Spain’s midfielder Xabi Alonso (down, laying on pitch) in the chest for which de Jong received a yellow card during the 2010 FIFA football World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain on July 11, 2010 at Soccer City stadium in Soweto, suburban Johannesburg. NO PUSH TO MOBILE / MOBILE USE SOLELY WITHIN EDITORIAL ARTICLE – AFP PHOTO / STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN (Photo credit should read STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/Getty Images) /

2. Nigel de Jong’s high boot showed a VAR need

The 2010 World Cup Final was supposed to be Spain and Holland’s chance to become the No. 1 soccer team in the world. Instead, this game was remembered for 47 fouls, 14 yellow cards, and one infamous tackle that should have resulted in a red card.

The match was a contrast in style. Spain was known as a passing team with reliant play-makers. The Netherlands could grind out results with strong, physical play.

With the game scoreless in the 28th minute, Netherlands midfielder Nigel de Jong used a high boot to tackle Xabi Alonso. England’s Howard Webb only gave a yellow for the dangerous tackle. de Jong’s booking was one of 14 yellow cards that Webb produced in a game frustrated with bookings and bad tackles.

Despite the bookings, neither team scored a goal, but at least kept 11 men on the pitch for 90 minutes Holland eventually substituted de Jong in extra time. Unfortunately, John Heitinga was ultimately sent off for his second booking. Spain took advantage of the extra man, which allowed Andres Iniesta to win the World Cup with his 116th-minute goal.

With VAR in use, de Jong’s final would have ended earlier than it did.