Why Uzbekistan’s World Cup goal against Portugal was ruled out – and Lionel Messi’s against Austria wasn’t
· Yahoo Sports
Azizjon Ganiev’s sublime goal against Portugal was disallowed to deny Uzbekistan a famous moment on the World Cup stage.
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Portugal had led after a frantic start in Houston, with Cristiano Ronaldo breaking his duck in the tournament, before the Al-Nassr forward stepped aside at a free-kick for Nuno Mendes to sweep home.
But Ganiev then struck a stunning effort into the top left corner, with Diogo Costa helpless.
But Uzbekistan’s joy was short-lived thanks to an infringement spotted by VAR in the build-up.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev tackled Joao Cancelo and caught the man before dispossessing the Portuguese defender.
The decision sparked comparisons to Lionel Messi’s opener in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria, with claimed foul from Alexis Mac Allister on Xaver Schlager.
But former World Cup and Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg told Fox Sports that there was a clear distinction between the two moments, with Mac Allister on Schlager taking place much further up the field before the goal was scored.
Uzbekistan's Azizjon Ganiev talks to Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo after his goal was disallowed following a VAR review (Reuters)"The one with Messi, there were a lot of things that could happen,” he said. “This strike, it's on the edge of the area, and it was a great strike, but it's a foul, it's a clear foul, it's just before the goal and Portugal don't have time to reset."
While co-commentator Owen Hargreaves added: “It's a foul, it should, he doesn't play the ball, he plays the man, it's an easy decision.”