Additional Coverage:
- Denmark coach blasts VAR calls for deciding Germany game (newsbreak.com)
DORTMUND, Germany — Denmark’s head coach, Kasper Hjulmand, expressed strong criticism towards what he views as “ridiculous handball rules” following a match where his team was defeated 2-0 by Euro 2024 hosts Germany, in part due to two controversial VAR decisions made within two minutes of each other during the round-of-16 clash in Dortmund.
A goal by Denmark’s Joachim Andersen was disallowed 48 minutes into the game after video review, led by Premier League official Michael Oliver, identified a barely perceptible offside by Thomas Delaney. Shortly after, a penalty was awarded to Germany when VAR, prompted by officials Stuart Attwell and David Coote, brought Oliver’s attention to an alleged handball by Andersen. Kai Havertz capitalized on the penalty, scoring the first goal for Germany, before Jamal Musiala later widened the lead with a second goal.
Hjulmand openly questioned the fairness and application of VAR following the match, focusing on the offside and handball decisions that negatively impacted his team. He particularly pointed out the handball rule, arguing against its interpretation and stressing that the decisions were too marginal to justify overturning the on-field calls.
Despite expressing discontent, Hjulmand maintained his overall support for VAR, emphasizing that technology should enhance the clarity of decision-making in the sport, not complicate it with hair-splitting judgments. He also touched on the need for more explicit guidelines regarding what constitutes a natural position concerning handball infractions.
In response to the unfolding events, Germany’s coach Julian Nagelsmann acknowledged the validity of Hjulmand’s grievances, admitting he would likely share the same sentiments if the roles were reversed.
UEFA defended the decisions, citing advanced ball technology that confirmed Andersen’s handball. The “heartbeat” visual shown to referees and audiences aims to pinpoint contact with the ball to remarkable precision.
In a separate incident from the game, Hjulmand supported Oliver’s decision to pause the match due to an electrical storm, citing a personal experience to underline the seriousness of such safety concerns.
Read More About This Story:
- Denmark coach blasts VAR calls for deciding Germany game (newsbreak.com)