Nagelsmann Rages Over Ref Call as Germany Loses to France in VAR Saga
Referee under scrutiny for VAR decisions: Nagelsmann voices criticism - Referee's Utilization of VAR Sparks Vocal Protest from Nagelsmann
In a fiery post-match interview, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann blasted Slovak referee Ivan Kruzliak for a controversial decision involving the Nations League match against France. Following a 0:2 defeat in the third-place match, an enraged Nagelsmann claims that VAR was misused.
The heart of the dispute revolves around a tussle between Niclas Füllkrug and Adrien Rabiot. Striker Deniz Undav capitalized on the scuffle for Germany's equalizer, only for it to be disallowed following a video review – a move that Nagelsmann believes was unnecessary. "That's not what VAR is for. He's two meters away, has a clear view. It's not a clear mistake," the young coach contends.
Nagelsmann Offers Sympathy for Ref in Controversy
Despite his fury, Nagelsmann expressed some understanding for the plight of the referee. "It's tough for the referee in this situation. [...] It wasn't a simple call and I feel for him," Nagelsmann admitted during halftime. Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise sealed France's victory, while Marc-André ter Stegen saved Germany from conceding further goals in the potent first half.
The controversy marred a historic event as Germany joined the final four tournament of the UEFA Nations League for the first time in its fourth edition. France, champions in 2020/21, were outshone by Spain in the semi-finals this time, losing 4:5.
- Julian Nagelsmann
- France
- Germany coach
- Nations League
- Germany
- Niclas Füllkrug
It remains unclear if Füllkrug's goal disallowed by the video review was the central point of Nagelsmann's protest. Although reports confirm the coach's criticism of Kruzliak, further details about any VAR intervention related to Füllkrug or a specific incident involving his goal are scarce.
- In contrast to his post-match fury, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann later showed some sympathy for referee Ivan Kruzliak, acknowledging the difficult situation the official found himself in.
- While the controversy surrounding the disallowed goal by Niclas Füllkrug dominated media discussions, it appears that the Commission has not yet adopted a decision on whether the application of the principle of subsidiarity was correctly applied in the VAR review of the goal.
- During the European Leagues, football enthusiasts and sports analysts alike eagerly followed the performances of teams like Germany and France, but the disputed match between the two countries in the Nations League left many questioning the role of technology in sports decisions.
