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VAR, the new video review system MLS introduced this weekend, overturned only two calls in the first 11 games, but one was a game-changer. Instead of the LA Galaxy going ahead 2-1 at Portland,
Gyasi Zardes' goal was overturned for a handball, and the Timbers went on
to win 3-1.
After the review, referee Drew Fischer disallowed the Zardes goal in the 10th minute. The Timbers went back ahead on Diego Valeri's goal in the 33rd
minute. They appealed for a review of a possible penalty kick on a foul by Dave Romney on Fanendo Adi in the box in the 41st minute, but no review was done.
On the
importance of VAR correcting Fischer's call on the Galaxy go-ahead goal, Portland coach Caleb Porter said, “I don’t know because we didn’t get the benefit of it on the second
one. But I think it helped. In that moment, going down 2-1 versus staying at 1-1, that was a key moment in the match. But I thought also another key moment would have been if we went up 3-1. "
Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid said the Timbers were the better team in the first half, but admitted the goal reversal changed the game.
"The goal that gets disallowed -- I mean
it’s the correct reasoning," he said, "but it’s a goal that we should have just headed in.”
WINLESS 7 D.C.
United (6 losses, 1 tie) 7 LA Galaxy (6 losses, 1 tie)
VAR MILESTONE. The first goal to be overturned was Maxi
Urruti's goal for FC Dallas. After review, it was ruled FC Dallas forward Cristian Colman fouled Union goalkeeper John McCarthy on the play leading up to the goal. The Union won,
3-1, for its first victory over FC Dallas in its eight seasons in MLS.
VAR was also introduced, not without considerable controversy, in Germany and the Netherlands for the season-opening Super Cups.
TECHNICAL BREAKDOWN. The limitations of VAR became apparent in the German Super Group match between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund when Bayern's first-half equalizer was
allowed to stand despite concerns that Joshua Kimmich was offside when he passed the ball to goalscorer Robert Lewandowski.
The calibrated lines that VAR normally has to
review offside decisions were unavailable in the first half due to technical problems, the German federation and league confirmed. They added that a review of all televised images determined the
decision to confirm the goal was correct and unaffected by the technical snafu.
TWO-GOAL SWING. Feyenoord beat Vitesse in the
Dutch Super Cup in a shootout despite a bizarre turn of events, having a goal ruled out after it was determined it had committed a foul for a penalty kick at the other end. So instead of leading, 2-0,
the score was tied, 1-1, on Alex Buttner's penalty kick.
Well it looked right no goal. Well it would never help scoring will it? That is what the game needs less scoring. They could have ran three commercials during the time it happened to the results came in. Just a matter of time till commercials will come on for these long stoppages in play.
VAR introduction to football is not supposed to increase scoring, but to make sure critical plays are made fair for football players on the pitch and for football fans overall. High scoring or not, is determined by how offensive and accurate footballers are or how better defensive footballers can hold off the offense.
Var has explicit reasons when it will be implemented and unlike eggball, basketball, hockey, it will not be used to cause constant stops. As a football fan, if a goal is scored unfairly (use of hand, foul) or a player gets a direct card (which can affect the team playing with 10 players for the remaining of the game), then I want to make sure it is at least reviewed. There have been many high profile games (WC,Champions, GC, Eurocup etc) in which the football team who deserved to win actually lost because of a cheating incident or because of a play the referee did not see or chose not to call which created conspiracy theory. VAR will be a good for the game overall, so relax, unless that will affect your football club who can only win by doubtful football play to win.
How about this let's say a pk is called. The taker misses it, but there is a question if the keeper left his line on the first step to early. Can they use the VAR to give the taker a second chance to score?
One thing for sure; VAR will have the refs on pins & needles when a goal is scored on a corner or free kick. The thuggery that goes on in such situations is appalling.
Thats right things happen let them get that on the replays. I hate the consent of it. I hate stoppages the game should be free flowing. But the official does not have to call it. Is that right or will a riot break out if he does not call for it?
Well it looked right no goal. Well it would never help scoring will it? That is what the game needs less scoring. They could have ran three commercials during the time it happened to the results came in. Just a matter of time till commercials will come on for these long stoppages in play.
I honestly don't see VAR making things better. At this point it seems more anti-offense than anything else. Just what soccer needs, less goals.
3 Cheers for V A R ! ! !
VAR introduction to football is not supposed to increase scoring, but to make sure critical plays are made fair for football players on the pitch and for football fans overall. High scoring or not, is determined by how offensive and accurate footballers are or how better defensive footballers can hold off the offense.
Var has explicit reasons when it will be implemented and unlike eggball, basketball, hockey, it will not be used to cause constant stops. As a football fan, if a goal is scored unfairly (use of hand, foul) or a player gets a direct card (which can affect the team playing with 10 players for the remaining of the game), then I want to make sure it is at least reviewed. There have been many high profile games (WC,Champions, GC, Eurocup etc) in which the football team who deserved to win actually lost because of a cheating incident or because of a play the referee did not see or chose not to call which created conspiracy theory. VAR will be a good for the game overall, so relax, unless that will affect your football club who can only win by doubtful football play to win.
How about this let's say a pk is called. The taker misses it, but there is a question if the keeper left his line on the first step to early. Can they use the VAR to give the taker a second chance to score?
One thing for sure; VAR will have the refs on pins & needles when a goal is scored on a corner or free kick. The thuggery that goes on in such situations is appalling.
Thats right things happen let them get that on the replays. I hate the consent of it. I hate stoppages the game should be free flowing. But the official does not have to call it. Is that right or will a riot break out if he does not call for it?