Twitter erupts after controversial VAR decision in World Cup opener
It didn't take long for controversy to strike the 2022 World Cup.
Less than five minutes into the opening match, Ecuador appeared to open the scoring against host Qatar, but VAR overturned the goal due to an offside infraction before Enner Valencia scored.
The offside call released by VAR. pic.twitter.com/ibdL5opzhw
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 20, 2022
While the animation would suggest the decision was correct, it didn't stop Twitter users from making their feelings known on social media.
Offside??????? pic.twitter.com/wRGxFHmgOT
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) November 20, 2022
Vartar
— James Horncastle (@JamesHorncastle) November 20, 2022
whaaaaat???? VAR disallows the goal for what appears to be the narrowest of offside decisions. hmm
— tariq panja (@tariqpanja) November 20, 2022
I reckon Ecuador will score four or five goals in this game and it will end 1-1
— Frankie Boyle Updates (@frankieboyle) November 20, 2022
Genuinely stunning there has been a VAR overrule in favour of Qatar inside 10 minutes.
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) November 20, 2022
We got one replay on stadium press screen, no lines. Seemed very dubious live.#WorldCup
Ecuador goal ruled out via VAR for no discernible reason. It had been a calamity for Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb who flapped twice at a dropping ball before both Valencia and Estupiñán before him reacted quickest as Qatar froze.
— Get World Cup Football News (@_GIFN) November 20, 2022
Before Valencia scored a pair of first-half goals to give Ecuador a deserved 2-0 lead, many suggested the decision three minutes in was evidence of something fishy being afoot in Qatar.
That’ll silence the critics who said this World Cup was corrupt…
— Jay Motty (@JayMotty) November 20, 2022
That’s certainly a call. I’m not sure it’s wrong buuuuuut pic.twitter.com/AiqHCZIQqg
— Mike L. Goodman (@TheM_L_G) November 20, 2022
CORRUPTION THAT ISN’T OFFSIDE HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
— Real Talk Manchester City (@RealTalkMCFC) November 20, 2022
"i DOnt kNOW WhY thaT'S beEn disALLOwed" pic.twitter.com/fzbaKNRd0x
— Inside The SPFL (@AgentScotland) November 20, 2022
“We go live to the VAR room” pic.twitter.com/8P93NM5Zjh
— - (@AnfieldRd96) November 20, 2022
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