The quarterfinals of the 2019 are set and while the play has been mostly spectacular, the overuse of VAR looms like a dark cloud over the tournament.
In implementing the use of VAR (video assistant referee), the game of soccer was to benefit and aid on-field referees in making correct calls.
This system has had its moments in the 2019 Women's World Cup, but it's also been a hindrance, sometimes to infuriating levels.
Rarely have I seen so many games with stoppage time of seven, eight, nine, and even ten minutes. Games in this World Cup have been delayed due to VAR too many times, ruining the flow of the game and, in some cases, a team's chances of advancing.
France and Nigeria both ended up advanced, but a late use of replay resulted in a goal for France and the Nigerians having to sweat out play of other teams before advancing.
Scotland vs Argentina and Cameroon vs England also had their fair share of VAR moments, with calls in these games affecting the final result.
Goals have been both rewarded and taken away, penalties have been assessed and cards have been issued. It doesn't help that the officiating crew was instructed to hesitate in making calls -- notably when an offside call is at stake -- rather than blowing the whistle or raising the flag when they see something happen.
Instances of a player scoring and taking part in the ensuing celebration have turned on a dime thanks to the use of the VAR. This happened on occasion in the past, but usually the offside flag was noticed before the celebration made it too far, keeping a cap on that celebration, all because the flag wasn't raised and the referee had to take time to check with the system replay. I'm surprised all celebrations haven't been muted, waiting idly, frozen in place, until the signal for a goal is given.
I understand the use of the replay. As it is with football, basketball, and baseball, there are instances in which replay is needed. Even in these sports, though, the extent it is sometimes used pushes it to the brink of being ridiculous.
In soccer, the need for it is clear when a goal may or may not have crossed the line for a goal. Use the replay in these cases. Being offside happens enough in the game that the linesperson should be the one making the call, not afraid to raise the flag and send it upstairs (or to the Fox replay bunker, in which I believe all of the replay assistants, and Mike Pereira, live).
More so, fouls during the pace of play should not be reviewed, unless it's a possible difference between getting a yellow card or a red card.
Ultimately, many of the calls affected by the use of replay ended with making the right call. On some occasions, however, it was a matter of inches (in a game that's affectionately and historical a game of inches) that human element should be accounted for.
The human element -- and corresponding errors -- is part of the thrill. My teams have been hurt and helped by said errors over the course of my sports fandom. In the end, the overuse of replay frustrates players, coaches, and fans alike. After all, they are human, too and will also make errors. If we are going to let replay overtake our sporting events, then we might as well just suit up robots and watch them.
It's time to let the players, play. Again.
Quarterfinal matches set
The round of 16 had plenty of excitement, with the world's top-four ranked teams all advancing and a couple of the game's stars bowing out.
Christine Sinclair remained at 182 career goals as Canada fell to Sweden, 1-0. And Marta of Brazil did not add to her World Cup goal total as Brazil fell to France in extra time, 2-1.
Two of the world's best teams will collide when France takes on the United States on Friday. Many fans from both sides have had this game circled on the calendar, especially with France playing on par with the United States in the last seven years. Since meeting in the 2012 Olympics, USA owns a record of 4-3-2 against the French side.
Most recently in their rivalry, France defeating USA 3-1 back in January.
Quarterfinal matches will take place on Thursday, Friday, and two games on Saturday and are listed below. (My picks in bold.)
Thursday 6/27: Norway vs England (3 pm EST)
Friday 6/28: France vs USA (3 pm EST)
Saturday 6/29: Italy vs Netherlands (9 am EST), Germany vs Sweden (12:30 pm EST)
photo credit: pxhere.com
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