Explaining the new rules and technology behind the World Cup's most contentious calls

Key Points:

• Switzerland’s Breel Embolo was sent off in the World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina after a VAR review applying the “mistaken identity” rule, which allowed the referee to upgrade a yellow card initially given to Argentina’s Leandro Paredes to a second yellow for Embolo due to simulation.
• Germany’s elimination in the round of 32 was influenced by a disallowed goal after VAR ruled a foul on the goalkeeper, sparking criticism over the strict enforcement of new rules aimed at protecting goalkeepers and limiting fouls.
• Croatia’s late equalizer against Portugal was overturned due to the high-tech “connected ball” sensors detecting a slight offside touch undetectable by the naked eye or video, leading to frustration and criticism from the Croatian coach.
• Egypt’s potential upset win over Argentina was derailed after a VAR review disallowed a goal due to a foul earlier in the play, prompting accusations of unfairness from Egypt’s coach and federation, though FIFA defended the officials’ decisions.
• In England’s quarterfinal win over Norway, VAR and ball sensor technology played key roles in confirming no ball contact with overhead wires and disallowing a Norwegian goal for a foul, highlighting the growing impact of technology and new rules on match outcomes.