Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman was left frustrated after his team’s goal was disallowed in their 0-0 draw against France at the European Championship. The incident occurred when Xavi Simons scored in the 69th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out due to Denzel Dumfries being offside and obstructing the goalkeeper during the shot.
Koeman expressed his disappointment in the post-game press conference, stating that while Dumfries was offside, he did not believe the goalkeeper was being obstructed. He questioned the lengthy VAR check that took place to determine the decision, emphasizing his belief that it should have been a legal goal.
On the other hand, France coach Didier Deschamps agreed that the VAR check took too long but maintained that Dumfries was indeed obstructing the goalkeeper. Despite the differing opinions, both coaches acknowledged the frustration surrounding the decision.
Xavi Simons, the player who thought he had scored the goal, expressed his disappointment at the disallowed goal, highlighting the emotional impact it had on him and the team.
The draw between the two teams marked the first goalless game at Euro 2024, adding to the drama and intensity of the tournament. The coaches’ contrasting views on the VAR decision added an extra layer of controversy to the match, sparking debates among fans and analysts alike.
Overall, the incident served as a reminder of the impact that VAR technology can have on the outcome of games, with each decision carrying significant weight in high-stakes tournaments like the European Championship. The debate between the coaches highlighted the subjective nature of such decisions and the challenges that come with implementing technology in the world of football.