England fans were left baffled after Croatia's second goal was permitted to stand during their World Cup encounter, with many initially certain the goalscorer had been offside.
The Controversial Goal
Croatia equalised at 2-2 just before the interval in Dallas when Ivan Perisic delivered a perfectly weighted pass for Petar Musa to complete an impressive attacking move. Television replays seemed to suggest Perisic had strayed beyond the last defender in the build-up, sparking bewilderment amongst spectators.
The VAR Decision
However, closer examination revealed that England and Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa had an outstretched foot behind the Croatian forward. Konsa's orange boot, barely distinguishable in some broadcast angles, was sufficient to keep Perisic onside and ensure the goal was upheld following a VAR review, reports The Sun.
One supporter wrote: "Thought that 2nd Croatia goal was offside, but I think it's Konsa's leg or foot circled here played him onside. Imagine VAR checked and cleared quickly." Another asked: "How is this not an offside for Croatia?" A third fan incorrectly anticipated the decision would be reversed, posting: "Yeah that Croatia goal is coming off, they were offside."
Official Confirmation
Official VAR graphics subsequently confirmed that only Perisic's left arm was beyond Konsa's foot, with arms not taken into account when determining offside positions. The goal was therefore correctly allowed, rounding off an entertaining first half in the Group L fixture.
Match Outcome
Jude Bellingham put England back ahead shortly after the break before Marcus Rashford capped off a 4-2 win for the Three Lions.
