England’s WMF World Cup campaign got underway with a draw against fellow Football superpower, France.
The Three Lions started the game brightly and got the first goal when England’s record goal scorer, Ross Cable swivelled on the edge of the box to score his first ever World Cup goal as he fired the ball low to the keepers left to give England the lead.
A controversial VAR decision gave France their equaliser after the Referee originally ruled the ball didn’t cross the line before changing his mind upon seeing replays, a decision that not many would argue against as the majority of the ball was clearly over the line but there was no conclusive angle to suggest the whole ball crossed the line.
Brilliant pressing and play by Kiye Martin saw him win the ball back and fire England back into the lead when his left footed shot hit the post and crossed the line to give his team a well deserved 2-1 lead, a lead that could have been extended when it looked certain striker, Callam Gardner, would slot into an empty goal only for the French keeper to make a miraculous save to keep his side in the match.
France we’re the better team in the second half and drew level after a good move and with the game looking destined for a stalemate, the Referee again was called to VAR to review his decision on a suggestion to award a handball that incensed the passionate England players and travelling support.
It was a contentious decision as no clear camera angle was shown to conclude whether it hit his hand or face and whether it was in the penalty area or not.
VAR is there to correct a clear and obvious error. The camera views shown on the stream did not show a clear and obvious error, which was disappointing. Luckily it didn’t not change the outcome of the game.
With a cut on his lip that was bleeding, England’s Cruz pleaded his innocence saying it hit him in the face but the penalty which was to be the last kick of the game was brilliantly saved from our captain and Goalkeeper, Hafed Al Droubi.
We move on to Slovakia on Sunday for a 6.15 kick off with our confidence high that we can gain a win that will vastly improve our chances of qualifying for the Knock out stages of the 2023 WMF World Cup.
Come on England.
