World Cup 2018: 5 controversial decisions that involved VAR

#4 Cedric Soares' handball v Iran

Karim Ansarifard

leveled

the scores from a penalty that was never meant to be

Such was the standard of refereeing and VAR on 25th June at the Mordovia Arena of Saransk that the Iran v Portugal match features again on this list. With a superb goal from Ricardo Quaresma, Portugal were heading towards the round of 16 when a cross came into the box and in the next moment the Iranians appealed for a penalty.

In an attempt to clear the ball, Cedric Soares' hand came in contact with the ball that was headed previously. Replays made it clear that it does not fall in the 'intentional' category in any possible way. Yet, referee Enrique Caceres had a good look at it and decided against it. Iran later got another opportunity, which if they had utilised would have sent Portugal home from the group stages. Also, Portugal came second in the group because of this decision and had to face a tough Uruguayan side.