VAR causes confusion after Cristiano Ronaldo goal at Club World Cup

Football fans the world over struggle to get into the Club World Cup on an annual basis.

This time it feels no different, with Real Madrid likely to win the competition as soon as they lifted the Champions League.

Perhaps to try and spice things up, or as a general test, FIFA have added to the intrigue of the 2016 Club World Cup by adding the use of video for referees.

VAR takes time…
Yesterday, we discussed whether this really is FIFA’s first-ever live trial with Video Assistant Referees (VARs).

And, it became apparent that it could well take plenty of time to make a decision with the use of video evidence.
Ronaldo scores… cue confusion

On Thursday, Real Madrid booked their place in the Club World Cup final with a 2-0 win over Club America.
It looked like Karim Benzema’s goal just before half-time would be the difference between the two sides.

But, in the 93rd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo made it 2-0 for his 100th club international goal.
Confusion

Partly there was confusion about the goal because Ronaldo had scored after the allotted injury time.

But, the real misunderstanding was that the goal was sent to be reviewed due to the fact that it might have been offside.

For over a minute no one on the pitch knew whether the goal was to be ruled legal.

It was and then the game was complete, which perhaps added to the confusion. See how the internet reacted below…

Modric: “We had a meeting with the refs the other day on VAR. I did not listen too much as I don’t expect it to continue.”