Penalty!” – FIFA is testing VAR innovations in the Women’s World Cup

Referee Yoshimi Yamashita was in control of everything at the start of the World Cup. Image: Cornerstone

FIFA is testing an innovation in video guides at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. If the referees go out and watch a scene again, they explain their decision over the microphone to the fans in the stadium and in front of their televisions at home.

This innovation was first noticed in the opening match of the World Cup. In the 90th minute, referee Yoshimi Yamashita, after referring to the video image, awarded a handball to a Norwegian and thus a penalty kick to New Zealand.

The announcement read: “After reviewing the video images, the decision is: Punishment!” Yamashita’s explanation that the ball flew into the Norwegian defender’s outstretched hand was lost amid the cheers at Auckland’s Eden Park, which was packed with more than 42,000 fans.

But the penalty kick had no effect on the outcome of the match. Rhea Percival, former Basel defender, hit the crossbar. New Zealand surprisingly won their World Cup opener 1-0. (Abu)

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Salvation came for the Swiss in the 49th minute – in the pouring rain. Xherdan Shaqiri was disturbed on the edge of the penalty area, and the ball reached Granit Xhaka, who passed it to Cedric Itten. The striker, standing with his back to the goal, protects the ball well, turns around and catches the goalkeeper between his legs.