World Cup 2018: 3 lessons we have learned so far

#2 Video technology is the way to go

Paul Pogba - Maestro

When FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced earlier this year that video technology would be used at the World Cup, it drew mixed reactions from various quarters.

Some saw it as a way to eliminate human errors made by referees. Others argued that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) would reduce the quality of football due to the constant stoppages.

However, the technology has proven to be an asset so far in match officiating. The VAR system has correctly overruled earlier decisions by the referee or given them a crystal clear look on incidents they might have missed.

For example, in France's hard-fought 2-1 win over Australia, the referee had waved play on before reviewing a 58th minute incident featuring Antoine Griezmann.

He was brought down in the box by Josh Risdon. A penalty was duly given to the French which resulted in the match's opening goal.