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Unlike That Of Social Media, France’s Response To Narrow VAR Decision Was The Best Response

Yes, the Women’s World Cup is using VAR. Yes, people are going to complain. And yes, the VAR got the call right in its first usage during the tournament opener between France and South Korea on Friday. 

France was the first victim of VAR at Women’s World Cup after a goal was disallowed for the narrowest of offside calls in the first half of the first match of the tournament. 

But the French side didn’t put its head down, mope or complain, as everyone on social media seemed to be doing. Instead, Wendie Renard scored two unstoppable headers to give the host nation a 3-0 lead at halftime.

After a so-so opening ceremony (aren’t they all?), France dominated from the first kick. Eugenie Le Sommer smashed in the opening goal off the crossbar following a good pass from Amandine Henry.

Then came the unavoidable VAR controversy. And by controversy, we mean people complaining about calls being made correctly. 

French center back Griedge Mbock Bathy thought she had scored a great volley off a header from fellow Lyon center back Wendie Renard. The ball hit the back of the net and the crowd went wild. 

But, before the match could be restarted, VAR buzzed in and had its say. Mbock Bathy was slightly offside and the goal was disallowed.

People did not like the use of VAR, even though offside is an indisputable yes or no call that the officials correctly identified. 

Fortunately, a few people showed some common sense on social media, though that’s a rare commodity. 

But rather than soak in the disappointment of losing a great goal, France pushed on for more.

In the 35th minute, Renard scored a goal no VAR could possibly have taken away with a powerful header. 

Just before halftime, Renard again steered home a corner kick to give France a 3-0 lead at halftime.

Who cares about VAR calling offside when you can just lob corner kicks to Renard all game?

The Lyon center back is the current leader in the race for the Golden Boot. Given how unstoppable she is on headers, don’t be surprised if Renard actually stays in that race. 

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