It took less than ten minutes for England’s World Cup campaign to be caught up in VAR drama, with captain Harry Kane at the eye of the storm.
The Three Lions were facing Croatia in their first group-stage outing, and the action was immediate.
Luka Modric tripped Noni Madueke in the ensuing melee, and referee Clement Turpin immediately pointed to the spot.
The ever-reliable Kane stepped up to take the penalty, but saw his effort saved impressively by Dominik Livakovic.
But Croatia’s celebrations were cut short as Kane was awarded an immediate retake, and he did not make the same mistake twice, firing home to put England 1-0 up.
Why was Kane allowed to retake his penalty?
Kane was allowed to retake his penalty after Croatia goalkeeper Livakovic was convicted of encroaching.
Goalkeepers must remain on the goalline until the penalty taker has struck the ball, but, in this case, Livakovic stepped forward too early.
VAR investigated the incident and convicted him, and, thus, Kane was allowed a second crack at his spot-kick.
Kane employed a stutter-step in his run-up to taking the penalty, and appeared to goad Livakovic into an early movement.
Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol was also spotted to have encroached on the 18-yard line.
“Harry Kane's first penalty wasn't the best,” said Wayne Rooney on BBC Sport. “But at first glance I thought the keeper was off his line. It didn't show a replay which confirmed it.
“But Kane's second penalty was much better and it's great for England to be 1-0 up after 12 minutes.”
