France won the UEFA Nations League title this past weekend after Kylian Mbappe gave them the lead in the 80th minute. But his goal was scored in a controversial fashion as he started his run from an offside position. The PSG striker was played in by Karim Benzema, and confusion followed as Mbappe scored.
Despite the entirety of the Spanish backline and the crowd appealing for offside, the goal was allowed to stand. Commentators during the game were surprised just like the spectators all over the world, as the goal stood despite VAR intervention.
Spanish defender Eric Garcia contested the ball and instead of clearing it, knocked it into the path of Mbappe. The 22-year-old eventually went on to beat Unai Simon and score the goal.Â
Since Garcia had a touch on the ball, the goal was allowed to stand. But, there has been a widespread outcry against the rule that justifies the goal.
“The referee said I intended to play the ball,” Eric Garcia explained. “He said that I should have moved out of the way and let Mbappe control the ball, because that’s the rule.
“I think that’s what makes it hurt more. Hopefully they can change it.”
After the goal, Spain went on to lose the game 2-1, and the rule might be scrapped in the future. But for now, it stands and has decided a crucial fixture in the history of the Nations League.
