On Sunday evening, England became European champions by beating Germany 2-1 after extra time. A final that does not pass in Germany where we complain about a penalty clearly forgotten in the first half.
Almost 56 years ago to the day, on July 30, 1966, England beat Germany and won the World Cup for the only time in their history. The game became famous for Geoff Hurst’s controversial 100th-minute goal that either did or didn’t cross the line. Sunday, their young English counterparts overcame more than half a century of scarcity for the subjects of his majesty by winning their Euro against the Germans 2-1 after extra time. If the case of Hurst did not happen again, goal-line technology obliges, the feeling of injustice was similar in the ranks of the German supporters after this final.
Stoppage of the English defender, neither sanctioned nor reviewed
The controversial phase may have gone unnoticed by viewers around the world. In the 25th minute, on a German corner, a big mess took place in the English area and the Lionesses got away as best they could. The phase was quickly checked by the VAR but few replays were offered afterwards. In the footage, it still looks like England captain Leah Williamson was arming the ball as it headed for goal. Immediately after the match, the German media Bild offered an unequivocal freeze frame.
Scandal scene despite VAR! – We were cheated out of a penalty https://t.co/fdYb14WG61 #BILDSports
— BILD Sport (@BILD_Sport) July 31, 2022
We can clearly see what seems to be a clear and punishable hand. Anger quickly spread through the German ranks, starting with coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg. “ Such a thing should not happen at this level in a European Championship final. It had to be taken care of. Above all, this should not be ignored. […] The question I ask myself is: why is something like this happening, why is it not being investigated? Why is there no clear communication? That’s what worries me “, she fumed after the meeting, targeting in particular the VAR embodied by the Italian Paolo Valeri on Sunday. Bitterness and incomprehension reign in Germany, like 56 years before in the same stadium, facing the same opponent. Decidedly, the history of football is an eternal restart.