Football (Soccer)

[nurunuru]

Gutted for Sweden…  Especially after the absolute stonewall penalty which wasn't given early on in the match.  I guess all four of the VAR team were off taking a smoke break at that particular moment.  Seriously...  What is the point of the whole VAR deal again?  If you can foul a player that blatantly within the box and get away with it, I just don't understand what anyone is doing in that room.  When they implemented goal-line technology, it had an obvious impact on the game.  However, I've watched several of these World Cup games apparently featuring 'VAR' and have yet to be aware of it making the slightest bit of difference.  It's just four guys doing nothing in a room and getting payed for it.  Kindof like my job, actually.  (Although I do occasionally have to leave to go and fight fires and whatnot  :D)

[Giles]

I agree, the two blatant penalties on Kane in our match against Tunisia were missed by the VAR boys (who actually wear full ref kit in their darkened room to make them feel like they are actually refs - but seems to be the only similarity)

[neph93]

Isn’t it the case that VAR can only be used if the ref on the pitch asks for it? So if the ref doesn’t see a foul in the box or sees it but doesn’t think it’s a pen, the VAR boys can’t intervene unless explicitly invited to do so by the ref.

[Giles]

My reading of the below, means that the VARs can and should intervene….

VAR only intervenes in the course of a match when the officials have made a 'clear and obvious error' in one of four key areas.

Goals
A close offside decision is the most common reason for VAR being consulted after a goal has been scored, but shirt-pulling and other infringements can cause goals to be chalked off.

Penalties
The most subjective and arguably problematic area. Penalties can be awarded or rescinded using VAR if there has been a 'clear and obvious error' in the original decision.

Straight red cards
Violent conduct and dangerous tackles can be penalised using VAR. Second-yellow cards cannot.

Mistaken identity
If the referee sends off the wrong player

[neph93]

^ well in that case, you’re both correct, it is failing.

[Giles]

[Finkster]

[FurattoHeddo]

How ridiculously weak is this Panama team 

[Dion]

Actually they performed and defended pretty well against Belgium in the first half of their opening match. I didn't watch the second half where they conceded three goals, though.

[Giles]

[Dion]

The same number of games it takes to reach the final… or third place play-off :-X.

[nurunuru]

That was fun.

Now, rettsu go- go- Nippon!

[theshigster]

@nurunuru:

That was fun.

Now, rettsu go- go- Nippon!

6:1… not bad at all !

Yes... ganbatte kudasai... but it's gonna be a tough one...

[louisbosco]

#we're going to win the world cup #this is our year #'arry kane

[manufc10]

@louisbosco:

#we're going to win the world cup #this is our year #'arry kane

If we're being honest England hasnt played a good team yet.  Let's see how they do in their last group game

[manufc10]

We can say the same about Belgium too, but Belgium is stacked with talent.

[Giles]

@manufc10:

If we're being honest England hasnt played a good team yet.

You're right, but who else has scored 6?

[manufc10]

True….but goal number 6 though....  

[manufc10]

Not hating on England at all though and Harry Kane is probably the best out and out pure striker in the game right now….it's a toss up between him and Lewandowski in my book.

[Giles]

Who else has scored 5  ?