For the first time at a FIFA competition, video replay technology was used during a match to help determine a call. During Wednesday's Club World Cup semifinal between Atletico Nacional of Colombia and the Kashima Antlers of Japan, a replay was summoned by the video assistant referee (yes, you read that correctly) to award a penalty kick.
A half an hour into the match, Daigo Nishi of the Kashima Antlers was fouled by Atletico Nacional's Orlando Berrio inside the penalty box.
Head referee Viktor Kassai missed the call but ran to the sideline to watch a video replay of what happening before awarding the penalty. Check it out.
FIFA announced on Dec. 7 that VARs would be used during the Club World Cup. The video below explains a bit of how this all works.
Match officials at the FIFA Club World Cup have been training with the #VAR system since last Friday. This short video explains a bit more. pic.twitter.com/van2BIYDSg
— Fatma Samoura (@fatma_samoura) December 7, 2016
Here's a statement from FIFA:
"This represents a big step forward in terms of testing the technology," said Marco van Basten, FIFA's Chief Officer Technical Development."We feel well prepared after setting everything up with the support of The IFAB, the host broadcaster Dentsu/NTV and Hawk-Eye - one of a number of providers that offer such technology. At the same time, it's important to remember that we are entering somewhat uncharted territory here, given that we are going live for the first time. Ultimately, these tests should prove invaluable in terms of determining whether the processes are sound or whether any further refinements are needed."
Quite the moment in soccer history. As always, there is a concern with delaying the game, but this decision was made quickly.
Whether you're for or against video replay, one thing is for certain -- video technology in soccer is here to stay. We already have goal-line technology in some leagues in Europe and we saw it on display for the first time during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. My guess is that we'll be seeing video replays being used in a World Cup in the near future.
Thankfully, the penalty awarded by video replay in this game didn't prove to be the only difference maker. The Kashima Antlers shocked Copa Libertadores champ Atletico Nacional to move on to the final, 3-0. The Japanese club will likely face last year's Champions League champs Real Madrid in the Club World Cup final.
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