VAR review: Why Germany were wrongly denied extra-...

World Cup VAR review: Why Germany were wrongly denied extra-time goal vs. Paraguay1hAndy DaviesDon't be fooled into thinking Haaland, Norway 'don't care' at this World Cup18hRob DawsonInside how a U.S.

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S., Spain: Why every round-of-32 team will, won't win FIFA World Cup1dBill ConnellyTransfer rumors, news: Liverpool seeking winger El Mala as Jones nears exit7hESPNOdds to win the World Cup: France and Argentina favored as Round of 32 kicks off8hDoug GreenbergGrades for every team eliminated from the World Cup: Iran get an A13hRyan O'HanlonCape Verde's World Cup success isn't just for them -- it's for every soccer fan to enjoy3dBill ConnellyplayParaguay erupts after eliminating Germany on penalties (0:21)Andy DaviesMultiple AuthorsJun 29, 2026, 08:00 PM ETEmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe video assistant referee causes controversy every week, whether it be the Premier League, Champions League or FA Cup, but now we have a 104-game FIFA men's World Cup to cover, so how are the decisions made this summer and are they correct?For the tournament, we are taking a look at the major incidents to examine and explain the process in terms of both VAR protocol and the laws of the game.

Andy Davies (@andydaviesref) is a former Select Group referee, with over 12 seasons on the elite list, working across the Premier League and Championship. With extensive experience at the elite level, he has operated within the VAR space in the Premier League and offers a unique insight into the processes, rationale and protocols that are delivered on a World Cup matchday. June 29Germany vs.

ParaguayReferee: Jalal Jayed VAR: Tatiana Guzman Time: 105 mins Incident: VAR overturn. Germany goal disallowed for a foul on Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gil.What happened: Germany thought they had scored when a corner by Nathaniel Brown was headed in by Jonathan Tah in the first period of extra time.

However, the goal was disallowed by the referee following an OFR (on-field review) recommended by VAR.VAR decision: VAR recommended an OFR (on-field review) for a possible block foul on Gil before the goal was scored.A closer look at the foul that negated Germany's goal in extra time pic.

twitter.com/JsUdxf36EQ— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 29, 2026 VAR review: VAR felt there was a clear foul block by Germany's Waldermar Anton on the keeper, impacting the keeper's ability to save the ball from entering the goal. He recommended the referee watched the replays and disallow the goal.

The referee agreed with the VAR's judgment of the incident and disallowed the German goal.Verdict: This was not a foul block by Germany's Anton, and this goal should have stood. It was both a poor intervention by VAR and an equally disappointing decision from the on-field referee to overturn his original decision and disallow the goal.

Germany defender Anton was entitled to hold his ground in this situation, and it was in fact the Paraguay keeper who turned into the German, going to ground once he felt contact as opposed to any foul action by Anton. This was a poor process and outcome delivered by the match officials.June 28South Africa vs.

CanadaReferee: João Pedro Silva Pinheiro VAR: Carlos del Cerro Grande Time: 45+1 minutes Incident: Possible penalty to Canada.What happened: Richie Laryea surged into the penalty area down the left flank in first-half injury time, only to be seemingly fouled by South Africa defender Khuliso Mudau.Verdict: This should have been a penalty kick to Canada, in my opinion, except the appeal was waved away by the penalty and any VAR discussion did not result in an OFR (on-field review).

Mudau made a challenge on Laryea from behind, initally connecting with the trailing left leg of the Canada full back, followed by a tangling of both players legs as they fell to the ground. This was a clumsy challenge by Madau, and the minutest touch on the ball was to me irrelevant given the nature of the challenge.June 27Colombia vs.

PortugalReferee: Alireza Faghani VAR: Jerome Brisard Time: 90 minutes Incident: Goal disallowed for offside.What happened: Colombia thought they had scored a late winning goal to top Group K, however Davinson Sanchez's headed goal was flagged offside by the assistant referee.VAR review: Regardless of the on-field decision of the assistant referee, all goals are checked in these circumstances.

This was a factual review from VAR where the semi-automated technology does the heavy lifting, and it recommended the decision of offside. The digital image showed the front of the right boot of Sancheź was over the line. Just.

Verdict: I absolutely understand why football fans get so frustrated with "toenail" offside calls, however until the offside law is amende