2022 FIFA World Cup: VAR Decision for Disallowed Ecuador 'Offside' vs Qatar Explained

• The 2022 FIFA World Cup began controversially last night between hosts Qatar and Ecuador
• The South Americans were denied by a VAR decision of what appeared to be a legitimate goal
• However, it turns out that the decision was technically correct despite the furore from fans

There was controversy at the very start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The hosts took on Ecuador in a Group A encounter that kicked off the tournament, with the South Americans eventually running out comfortable 2-0 winners.

In a match that Sports Brief observed, Qatari goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb blundered by coming out to punch the ball but missed it entirely, giving the Ecuadoreans an unexpected chance.

Captain, Enner Valencia headed the ball into an empty net before their celebrations were cut short, as VAR ruled otherwise about the legitimacy of the goal to referee Daniele Orsato.

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During SuperSport's coverage of the match, analyst Stanton Fredericks explained that the ball never came off the goalkeeper - but rather off an Ecuador player.

"Hence his teammate was in an offside position. That was a little obscured and happened a little too quickly. This artificial intelligence is certainly assisting massively."

Goal went in-depth in breaking down the VAR decision, and stated:

"The goal was ruled out because of an offside before the assist to Valencia was made by Felix Torres.

Goal explained that replays appeared to show Ecuador's Michael Estrada marginally offside when the ball went into the penalty area at first. Estrada's foot was also showed to be beyond the last defending player.

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The current FIFA World Cup in Qatar has proven to be a controversial one from the beginning, Sports Brief has reported.

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It has been blighted by several distractions that have proven to be embarrassing to world football's governing body, as well as for the Middle Eastern country.

Comedian John Oliver, who never misses the opportunity to criticise FIFA, went on the offensive again on his popular show Last Week Tonight, tearing into the football body and the host nation.