VAR – or video assistant referee – is picking up right where it left off.
The controversial video review system debuted on the World Cup stage in 2018, overturning 17 of 20 incorrect calls in Russia. It was generally well received at the time, but four years and a lot of club matches later, the tide seems to have turned.
Despite some fans complaining about the interference and change of pace, FIFA is certainly leaning into the technology. In the tournament opener, officials took all of three minutes to put their call to the test.
Here’s a look at all goals reviewed by VAR at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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Dec. 4: Poland gets consolation goal vs. France after VAR review
With France well on its way to the World Cup quarterfinals, Poland was able to avoid a shutout thanks to a late VAR review.
A Polish cross went off Dayot Upamecano’s hand and over the back line. Poland was initially given a corner kick, but a VAR review gave Upamecano a handball and Poland a penalty kick, which Robert Lewandowski proceeded to make after two attempts.
Dec. 2: Uruguay gets stop after VAR grants Ghana penalty kick
Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet collided with Ghana’s in the 15th minute of their Group H tilt. Ghana’s case for getting a penalty kick out of the collision was negated since the offside flag went up on Ghana’s Andre Ayew.
VAR came to Ghana’s aid, though. The review found that Ayew was played onside by a Uruguayan defender, and therefore the rest of the play could go on as is. The referee gave Ghana the PK for Rochet’s infraction, but Rochet made up for it by stopping the PK and keeping the score level at 0-0.
Dec. 1: Ao Tanaka's goal confirmed in bounds
Japan's Ao Tanaka knocked the ball in to give Japan a 2-1 lead against Spain in the 51st minute during Thursday's Group E finale.
This goal followed a tough first half for Japan, which was dominated by Spain after a goal by Alvaro Morata. But minutes into the second half, Japan scored two goals in a three-minute span to take the lead and eventually clinch a win.
Nov. 30: Antoine Griezmann’s stoppage-time equalizer called offside
Down 1-0 to Tunisia in its Group D finale, France finally got on the board thanks to Antoine Griezmann’s rebound finish inside the penalty box seven minutes into stoppage time. However, VAR ruled Griezmann offside as he was behind Tunisia’s defensive line when the initial ball was played into the box.
Tunisia took home the three points, but it didn’t matter as Australia beat Denmark 1-0 in the other finale. France kept its first-place spot on goal differential.
Nov. 30: Nader Ghandri called offside on set piece
In a must-win matchup for Tunisia, forward Nader Ghandri got on the board in the eighth minute, capitalizing on Wahbi Khazri’s free kick. Khazri’s pass came from the left side and put Ghandri in perfect position to flick the ball past France’s backup goalkeeper, Steve Mandana.
Unfortunately for Tunisia, Ghandri was revealed to have leaned past his defender and was called offsides.
Verdict: No goal (offsides)
Nov. 29: Steven Berghuis' goal called back from the midfield
A pair of Dutch substitutes almost got the stat sheet against Qatar, but were ultimately called back for a handball against breakout star Cody Gakpo.
The play started in the midfield with Frenkie de Jong, whose short pass awkwardly bounced for Gakpo. The 23-year-old played on to slot a deep pass to Vincent Janssen, who had just subbed on. While Janssen pushed the ball forward -- bringing out goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham -- fellow substitute Steve Berghuis slotted behind to finihs out the shot.
Unfortunately for the Netherlands, Gakpo's initial touch on the ball bounced up to his hand.
Verdict: No goal (handball)
Nov. 28: Portgual given PK after Uruguay handball
Portugal was able to add a late insurance goal against Uruguay thanks to a VAR check for a handball. In the 88th minute, Bruno Fernandes nutmegged a sliding José María Giménez right inside the box. As Giménez went to the ground, his hand landed on the ball.
A handball was not initially called by the ref, but following a VAR review, a penalty kick was given to Portugal. Fernandes then converted from the spot for his second goal of the match, sealing Portugal's 2-0 victory.
Verdict: Handball, converted to a goal
Nov. 28: Vinicius Jr.’s goal called off after Richarlison’s offside position
Brazil had to face a tough Switzerland side without Neymar, but it managed to get the job done. Vinicius Jr. thought he opened the scoring in the 64th minute when Brazil broke through on a quick counter, but his finish past Yann Sommer was called off due to Richarlison being in an offside position in the build up.
Verdict: No goal (offside)
Nov. 27: Antonio Rüdiger’s opening header for Germany called offside
Germany’s center back Antonio Rüdiger opened the account against Spain with a header off a free kick in the 41st minute, but it was called back by VAR since he was narrowly offside.
Verdict: No goal (offside)
Nov. 27: VAR wipes Morocco’s goal against Belgium before halftime
Morocco put Belgium on upset alert in its second Group F match, and it nearly took a lead into halftime. Hakim Ziyech got a left-footed free kick past Belgian goalie Thibaut Courtois, but the play was ultimately called back because Moroccan captain Romain Saïss was barely offside.
Verdict: No goal (offside)
Nov. 20: Enner Valencia’s opening goal taken away by VAR
Ecuador dominated possession from the opening whistle and managed to play the ball in dangerous territory by the third minute of play against host nation Qatar. With players scrambling around the box, Ecuadorian defender Felix Torres landed a bicycle kick across the net and towards the head of teammate Enner Valencia.
VAR was quickly put to use and Torres was ultimately called offside.
Verdict: No goal (offside)
