Sweden made it 3-1 – but the VAR room ruled offside.
Jonas Eriksson now states that it was wrong.
And it can have fatal consequences.
– It is an inconceivable mistake. That would have been a goal for Sweden, says Eriksson to Expressen.
After Sweden played a draw against the Netherlands in the premiere, it was clear that it would probably be a goal difference deal between the countries about which team will take first place in the EC group. It was therefore important for Sweden to not only win against Switzerland, but also do so with some goals.
Robbed on target
Sweden took the lead with 2-1 late in the match via incoming Hanna Bennison, and shortly afterwards everyone thought that Sweden also went up in a 3-1 lead. Rebecka Blomqvist, also a jumper in the match, had a ball in the net – but after a long video review, the VAR room chose to judge offside, and the match ended 2-1.
But Sweden was robbed. The line for the offside was drawn wrong – and Sweden’s goal should have been approved.
– That line is completely wrong. You should draw the line at the penultimate player’s most defensive point, but if the ball is in front of that player, then it is the ball’s most offensive point that counts. But in this case, the video referee has drawn the line from the ball’s most defensive point, alternatively from the penultimate player’s forehead. But in any case, both are wrong, says Jonas Eriksson to Expressen.
“An inconceivable mistake”
Jonas Eriksson says that he has a hard time seeing how the VAR room succeeded with the feat.
– I have a very hard time understanding how they could make this mistake. It is a sun map 3-1 goal. It is an inconceivable mistake. That would have been a goal for Sweden, says Eriksson.
It can also be fatal for Sweden in the tournament. Hours later, the Netherlands won against Portugal 3-2 – which means that they lead the group on more goals scored than Sweden. Had Blomqvist’s goal been approved, as it should have been done, Sweden would instead have had the lead in the group. The last match in the group is played on Sunday.
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