World Cup finals have seen its fair share of controversial calls. The FIFA Women’s World Cup final between Spain and England threw up yet another controversy when English midfielder Keira Walsh was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box. To add more drama to the final, Spain’s No. 10 Jenni Hermoso’s low shot was saved by English goalkeeper Mary Earps.
The goal could’ve doubled Spain’s lead and helped them win the World Cup in a comfortable manner. Instead, Spain won the World Cup by a solitary first-half goal by captain Olga Carmona.
The on-field decision originally went against the Spanish team. VAR had a long and hard look at the possible infringement before referee Tori Penso was asked to look at the TV screen to determine if the decision needed to be reversed.
Penso took her time in front of the monitor before returning to the field and reversing her decision.
The call, however left a number of England supporters unhappy.
Some Spain supporters on the other hand questioned the legality of Earps’ save as the goalkeeper was seen coming off her line before the kick was taken.
According to rules by FA, during a penalty kick ‘The defending goalkeeper must remain on the goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts until the ball is kicked. When the ball is kicked, the defending goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot touching, in line with, or behind, the goal line.’
If in case the goalkeeper makes an offence, the law stipulates that ‘if the ball is prevented from entering the goal by the goalkeeper, the kick is retaken. If the goalkeeper’s offence results in the kick being retaken, the goalkeeper is warned for the first offence in the game and cautioned for any subsequent offence(s) in the game‘
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