The match between Scotland and Brazil was the scene of a VAR controversy. (Image: Getty)
Lionel Messi and Scotland have been embroiled in a dispute between the Brazilian Football Confederation and FIFA. Carlo Ancelotti’s side effectively ended Scotland’s chances of reaching the last 32 with a thumping 3-0 victory over Steve Clarke’s side at the Miami Stadium on Wednesday.
Vinicius Junior capitalized on a mistake to put his team ahead and found the back of the net again in the 20th minute, but a VAR review ruled out a foul on Jack Hendry and the shot was ruled out. This particular decision prompted the CBF to lodge a formal complaint with FIFA.
In a communication obtained by Brazilian news outlet Estadao, the CBF called for a more uniform application of VAR intervention protocols. To make its point, CBF cited the series of plays that led to Messi’s opening goal in Argentina’s Group J match-day 2 match against Austria.
Excerpts from the letter published by Estadao read: “One of the aspects of this tournament that particularly caught our attention was the approach adopted by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Throughout the tournament there seemed to be a clear emphasis on respecting the interpretation of the referee on the field and limiting intervention in situations involving obvious mistakes. We believe that this philosophy will benefit football, preserve the authority of referees and contribute positively to the fluidity of the match.”
The letter continues: “Brazil’s canceled goal against Scotland in the 21st minute does not seem to be in line with the philosophy adopted throughout the competition. It is noteworthy that this decision was unexpected not only for the Brazilian team, but also for the Scottish players. Their immediate reaction suggested that they did not expect the goal to be reviewed or subsequently canceled.”
It added: “Our primary concern is not to review individual decisions, but to ensure that the standards governing VAR interventions are consistent, transparent and applied equally to all teams throughout the tournament.”
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The CBF also expressed concerns over the appointment of Cesar Arturo Ramos as referee, arguing that FIFA should have chosen a different referee for the match given the “negative history” of Mexican officials.
Lionel Messi was dragged into the line. (Image: Getty)
Its negative history dates back to 2018. That time he sparked the fury of the Brazilians in the group stage match against Switzerland, who lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over his performance.
Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Russia, and the CBF said in an official letter to the FIFA Arbitration Committee: “We consider it strange that Mexican referee Ramos did not use VAR to determine a foul on Joao Miranda during a corner kick.”
“Likewise, I would like to know why he was not penalized for the obvious foul on Gabriel Jesus.”
Although the goal was ruled out by VAR, Vinicius found the back of the net again before the interval and Matheus Cunha added a third on the hour mark against Scotland. As things stand, the 2002 champion will face Japan in the round of 32 on Monday.
After the match, Ancelotti said: “Right now we’re playing as a team. That’s the goal. We’re not perfect, there are things we need to improve on. If we can control it, we can be a little faster.”
“I am satisfied because the team has improved a lot. Now we are solid. Solidity is very important in the knockout stages. We have a solid team. Compared to the first game we have made fewer mistakes, we have more rhythm and we are more effective up front.”
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