VIDEO: Penalty controversy in England vs. Croatia match, VAR decision explained

A controversial penalty decision in the opening minutes of the World Cup match between England and Croatia has sparked debate. Just eight minutes into the game, England was awarded a penalty when Luka Modric was judged to have fouled Noni Madueke inside the area following a corner kick.

Harry Kane stepped up to take the penalty, aiming for the left post. Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic appeared to guess correctly and made the save. However, the play was halted because VAR officials alerted the referee, Clement Turpin, that Livakovic had moved off his goal line before Kane made contact with the ball. This infraction, according to the rules, necessitates a retake.

Despite protests from both teams, Turpin upheld the VAR's recommendation and ordered the penalty to be re-taken. Kane again chose to shoot towards the same left post. This time, Livakovic moved in the opposite direction, and Kane successfully converted the penalty, scoring his 80th goal in 115 appearances for England and giving his team a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute.

Later analysis of the television broadcast, particularly from a camera angle behind the goal, showed that Livakovic's right foot had indeed advanced a few centimeters off the line prior to the kick. The regulations stipulate that goalkeepers must have at least one foot on the line when the penalty is taken. This was not the case, leading to the decision to repeat the attempt.