VAR Drama in Euro 2024:
The Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman and numerous football experts were left fuming after VAR rejected Xavi Simons’ goal in a tense 0-0 draw with France during Euro 2024. The incident took place in the 69th minute of the match at Red Bull Arena, Leipzig.
The Disallowed Goal:
Memphis Depay initiated the controversial play, receiving the ball in the penalty area and taking a shot that was blocked by France’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan. The ball rebounded to Xavi Simons, who volleyed it into the bottom right corner, igniting celebrations among the Netherlands players and fans. However, English referee Anthony Taylor, after consulting with his assistant and reviewing the play for over three minutes via VAR, disallowed the goal for offside.
Controversial Decision:
Denzel Dumfries was deemed to be in an offside position, obstructing Maignan’s view. Slow-motion replays showed Dumfries standing behind the French defenders when Simons took the shot. Koeman reacted angrily to the decision, arguing that Dumfries did not impede the goalkeeper’s vision. “VAR needed five minutes to check because the play was too difficult? I don’t understand,” Koeman stated at the post-match press conference.
Expert Opinions:
On BBC Sport, Wayne Rooney and Gary Lineker supported the Netherlands’ stance, agreeing that the goal should have stood. Alan Shearer criticized the lengthy VAR review process, while Cesc Fabregas suggested that referee Taylor should have personally reviewed the replay. Lineker noted Koeman’s justified frustration, and Rooney emphasized that the final decision rested with Taylor, who he believed made the wrong call.
Deschamps’ Perspective:
France coach Didier Deschamps defended the decision, agreeing that an offside player obstructed Maignan. He was, however, surprised by the extended review time. “When I watched it again, it was clear that there was an offside error,” Deschamps said.
Impact on Simons:
Xavi Simons expressed disappointment over the disallowed goal, which would have been his first in an official match for the Netherlands. The 21-year-old, who plays for RB Leipzig on loan from PSG, has been a rising star since his national team debut in October 2022.
Group D Standings:
The 0-0 draw left both France and the Netherlands with four points and a goal difference of +1, but the Dutch team topped Group D due to their superior goal tally. Poland became the first team eliminated from the group after a 1-3 loss to Austria. The final matches on June 25 will see France face Poland and the Netherlands take on Austria.