5 things we learned from the 2019 Women’s World Cup

VAR still needs to be improved

The use of the Video Assistant Referee was rolled out at the men’s World Cup last year to plenty of fanfare. A year later, not so much after a series of decisions left players and coaches upset with its use.

While VAR was supposed to leave out any debate and fallout from a referee’s decision, its use in France created controversy and unease. The drama around VAR was particularly farcical when it was used to enforce rules that were never enforced in years past.

For example, when Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was shown to have narrowly come off her line when Renard’s late penalty kick slammed against the post. After consulting VAR, the referee Melissa Borjas of Hondruas booked Nnadozie and awarded France a retake, which Renard slotted home. While it seemed at the time that the PK would eliminate Nigeria, the Africans eventually made the Round of 16 among the best third-place teams.

The decision forced FIFA, after consulting with the International Football Association Board, to a temporary rule change so goalkeepers would not be yellow carded if the slightest movement off the line forced a retake during a shootout.

If anything, VAR proved far from perfect. This tournament is proof that while VAR has been mostly positive, controversy surrounding match officials and the possibility of blown calls remains a reality that soccer just can’t shake.