England lost the Euro 2024 final after UEFA’s technology validated a narrow offside ruling on Mikel Oyarzabal’s late goal for Spain in a 2-1 win in Berlin.
The Three Lions had dragged themselves back into the game with Cole Palmer’s fine strike in response to Nico Williams’ opener.
However, Luis De la Fuente’s team reclaimed the lead in the 86th minute through the Real Sociedad forward.
Initial visual replays suggested Oyarzabal was offside, however the UEFA’s VAR graphic revealed John Stones’ knee just ahead of the end of Oyarzabal’s toe, confirming the Spaniard was onside.
As Marc Guehi chased back towards his own goal, Oyarzabal found space in front to meet Marc Cucurella’s cross.
Despite UEFA’s VAR image shown on television, fans took to social media to question the call.
UEFA’s high-tech cameras proved the officials made the right decision despite a delay thanks to the use of “connected ball technology”.
A motion sensor inserted inside the match ball gave the officials live feedback on major decisions throughout the tournament in Germany.
Uefa also uses 10 specialised cameras inside the stadium to monitor 29 different body points per player.
“The run, you’re praying for it to be offside, he’s just hoping for a good ball in,” Ian Wright said on.
“A brilliant cross when you’re running back towards your own goal, one touch, brilliant,” added Roy Keane.
