Look, nobody expected Uzbekistan to waltz into Houston Stadium and take down Portugal. But for one brief, glorious moment during their World Cup group-stage clash on June 23, Uzbekistan’s Azizjon G’aniev found the back of the net and gave his country something to celebrate in their first-ever World Cup appearance.
Then VAR happened.
The goal was chalked off after a video review determined that a foul had been committed on Portuguese defender João Cancelo in the buildup. Cancelo himself protested the initial goal, appealing to officials that he had been fouled before the ball crossed the line. The referee agreed, the screen was consulted, and Uzbekistan’s moment of magic evaporated into the Texas humidity.
The VAR debate rages on
The disallowed goal became the match’s most talked-about moment, which says something considering Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice. Portugal’s camp had pushed hard for the review, reportedly citing similar marginal calls that have gone against other top players in recent tournaments, including incidents involving Lionel Messi.
