The first VAR decision of the World Cup 2018 was made in Portugal’s Group B opener with Spain on Friday night.
The video referee was yet to be used in Russia this summer but referee Gianluca Rocchi decided to go to the extra officials following Diego Costa’s challenge on Pepe which led to the former Chelsea man’s equaliser.
Cristiano Ronaldo had earlier given Portugal the lead from the penalty spot – something that wasn’t reviewed despite Spanish protests – but Rocchi did go to the men in the studio for this one.
Costa appeared to elbow Pepe in the face, with the latter going down onto the floor as a result, before finishing superbly under Rui Patricio.
It looked like a foul in real time however a quick, and admittedly seamless, referral confirmed that it was a goal. It was the first ever referral in the history of the World Cup.
Minutes later, another bit of technology was called into action as Isco’s thundering volley hit the underside of the crossbar before bouncing on the line. Again Spain ran to the referee to protest but this time, with the technology on his watch, it was conclusive and the game carried on without interruption.
An early victory for technology and Fifa at this World Cup.
