The great VAR debate

This was the first World Cup to utilise VAR - so it was perhaps inevitable it would play a major part in the final, reports BBC. The moment came just before half-time when France's players appealed instantly for a penalty when a corner struck Perisic's hand at the near post. Referee Pitana took what seemed an age to consult VAR - even having one last look to make sure after moving to turn away - before, to Croatia's horror and France's delight,pointing to the spot.

Croatia will argue it was not a ‘clear and obvious’ mistake and the handball was not a deliberate act on Perisic's part, and their pain increased as Griezmann slipped home the penalty that was to play a crucial role in the outcome.

 

The great VAR debate

This was the first World Cup to utilise VAR - so it was perhaps inevitable it would play a major part in the final, reports BBC. The moment came just before half-time when Frances players appealed instantly for a penalty when a corner struck Perisics hand at the near post. Referee Pitana took what seemed an age to consult VAR - even having one last look to make sure after moving to turn away - before, to Croatias horror and Frances delight,pointing to the spot. Croatia will argue it was not a clear and obvious mistake and the handball was not a deliberate act on Perisics part, and their pain increased as Griezmann slipped home the penalty that was to play a crucial role in the outcome.