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

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

epa10757088 Referee Yoshimi Yamashita (right) talks with Norway goalkeeper Aurora Vatten Mikalsen (left) during the FIFA Women's World Cup Group A match between New Zealand and Norway, in...

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

July 20, 2023, 11:20 amJuly 20, 2023 at 1:57 pm

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)

All World Cup stadiums in New Zealand and Australia

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All World Cup stadiums in New Zealand and Australia

Source: imago images / imago

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