Azizjon Ganiev's sublime goal against Portugal was disallowed, denying Uzbekistan a famous moment on the World Cup stage in Houston. Portugal had led after a frantic start, with Cristiano Ronaldo breaking his duck in the tournament before the Al-Nassr forward stepped aside at a free-kick for Nuno Mendes to sweep home.
Ganiev then struck a stunning effort into the top left corner, with Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa helpless. Uzbekistan's joy was short-lived after an infringement spotted by VAR in the build-up.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev tackled Joao Cancelo and caught the man before dispossessing the Portuguese defender. That decision wiped out Ganiev's finish.
The ruling sparked comparisons to Lionel Messi's opener in Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria, where a claimed foul from Alexis Mac Allister on Xaver Schlager was not given. Former World Cup and Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg told Fox Sports there was a clear distinction between the two moments, noting that Mac Allister's contact with Schlager took place much further up the field before the goal was scored.
The one with Messi, there were a lot of things that could happen. This strike, it's on the edge of the area, and it was a great strike, but it's a foul, it's a clear foul, it's just before the goal and Portugal don't have time to reset.
Co-commentator Owen Hargreaves backed the VAR call on the Uzbekistan sequence.
It's a foul, it should, he doesn't play the ball, he plays the man, it's an easy decision.
Featured names
- Why Uzbekistan
- Lionel Messi
- Azizjon Ganiev
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- But Uzbekistan
- Abbosbek Fayzullaev
- Joao Cancelo
- Xaver Schlager
- Premier League
- Mark Clattenburg
- Mac Allister
- Owen Hargreaves
