Azizjon Ganiev’s sublime goal against Portugal was disallowed to deny Uzbekistan a famous moment on the World Cup stage.
Portugal had led after a frantic start in Houston, with Cristiano Ronaldo breaking his duck in the tournament, before the Al-Nassr forward stepped aside at a free-kick for Nuno Mendes to sweep home.
But Ganiev then struck a stunning effort into the top left corner, with Diogo Costa helpless.
But Uzbekistan’s joy was short-lived thanks to an infringement spotted by VAR in the build-up.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev tackled Joao Cancelo and caught the man before dispossessing the Portuguese defender.
The decision sparked comparisons to Lionel Messi’s opener in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria, with claimed foul from Alexis Mac Allister on Xaver Schlager.
But former World Cup and Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg told Fox Sports that there was a clear distinction between the two moments, with Mac Allister on Schlager taking place much further up the field before the goal was scored.
“The one with Messi, there were a lot of things that could happen,” he said. “This strike, it’s on the edge of the area, and it was a great strike, but it’s a foul, it’s a clear foul, it’s just before the goal and Portugal don’t have time to reset.”
While co-commentator Owen Hargreaves added: “It’s a foul, it should, he doesn’t play the ball, he plays the man, it’s an easy decision.”
