Fans all say same thing as Ecuador have 5th-minute goal ruled out by VAR in World Cup 2022 curtain-raiser vs hosts Qatar
FOOTY fans erupted after Enner Valencia’s goal was ruled out in the World Cup opener.
The former West Ham man thought he’d lit the blue touch paper in the fifth minute of the tournament opener against hosts Qatar.
But VAR cut short his celebrations by deeming him to be offside when floundering keeper Saad Al Sheeb came rushing out to try and clear the ball.
Fans in the stadium and across the glove were left stunned by the decision to rule out Valencia’s header.
One tweeted: “Why was that goal ruled out?”
Another said: “So why was that perfectly good goal ruled out??”
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And another said: “Stumped here mind. Why has that been ruled out?
One remarked: “Ruled out and no one can see why it’s been ruled out? My god.”
Another chimed in: “I’m so baffled, why has that been ruled out?”
Despite fans’ protestations, the video assistant referee’s decision was indeed the correct one.
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Valencia was offside as there was only one defender behind Al Sheeb after he raced out to try and punch the ball clear.
The Ecuadorian, however, didn’t have to wait long to get his name back on the scoresheet.
Valencia was awarded a penalty in the 15th minute after being upended by Al Sheeb as he went through on goal.
The striker made no mistake from the spot, cooly slotting the ball past the despairing Al Sheeb.
And the 33-year-old doubled his and Ecuador’s tally just after the half-hour mark with a stopping header.
Qatar vs Ecuador LIVE – Updates, action and reaction from World Cup 2022 opener.