Arabic version: الدور التاريخي لتقنية VAR في فوز الولايات المتحدة في افتتاح كأس العالم

The United States opened their World Cup campaign with a fine win – but not before a sequence of events that left everyone inside SoFi Stadium scratching their heads as the video assistant referee (VAR) made history. The co-hosts were comfortably leading Paraguay 3-0 when confusion reigned in the Group D game.

Veteran defender Tim Ream, 38 years and 250 days old, conceded a free-kick and was shown a yellow card for his ‘challenge’ on Miguel Almiron. However, after the free-kick was taken, Dutch referee Danny Makkelie was sent to the screen by the VAR and overturned his decision – marking a historic moment as this was the first instance of a VAR intervention for mistaken identity at the World Cup. Instead of Ream, Makkelie booked former Newcastle United forward Almiron, who had clearly dived.

According to BBC News, this change in decision was made possible by a new rule introduced by FIFA, allowing referees to correct bookings if the foul was committed by the opposing player. This rule is aimed at addressing issues of mistaken identity and discouraging diving.

The match continued to be lively, with the United States eventually winning 4-1. Following an own goal by Damian Bobadilla, the US led 3-0 at half-time after Folarin Balogun scored twice, making him only the second US player to net more than once in a World Cup match. Paraguay pulled one back through Brazilian-born Mauricio before the scoring was capped off with a stunning goal from Giovanni Reyna, who curled in a shot from 20 yards as the final whistle approached, delighting the home crowd.

Commentators praised the decision to rescind Ream’s yellow card, with former players noting that any rule adaptation that punishes diving is a step in the right direction. The game not only marked a successful start for the US team but also showcased the evolving nature of officiating in football at the World Cup level.