England women's football team frustrated by lack of VAR in Nations League defeat to Netherlands
Posted : 27 September 2023
England's women's national football team expressed frustration after losing to the Netherlands in the Women's Nations League, with controversial decisions and the absence of VAR in the match causing discontent.
The Netherlands secured a 2-1 victory with a 90th-minute goal from substitute Renate Jansen. England's Alessia Russo had earlier equalized Lieke Martens' first-half opener, a goal in which Danielle van de Donk appeared to be in an offside position during the build-up.
Millie Bright, the England captain, criticized the lack of VAR in use during the match, calling it "mind-blowing" given the high level and professionalism of the game. VAR is not mandatory during the group stage, and the host teams decide whether to use it. Bright stressed the need for consistency in the use of VAR in international football and urged players to demand better officiating.
England manager Sarina Wiegman also expressed disappointment with the first Dutch goal, which appeared offside, saying, "I think the whole stadium thought it was offside." She called for more consistency in VAR implementation and stressed that either VAR should be universally available or not used at all.
The result leaves England in third place in their Nations League group, with three points from two games. To secure Team GB's spot at the 2024 Olympic Games, they must win the group. Midfielder Georgia Stanway echoed the frustration, emphasizing the need for VAR to be present in every women's football game to ensure fairness and accurate decision-making.
Wiegman was disappointed with the defeat, describing it as unnecessary, and highlighted the team's struggles in the first half. She hoped for more goals after England's equalizer but expressed disappointment at giving away the match in the final moments. England's next match in the group is against group leaders Belgium on October 27.
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