In the 1/8 finals of Euro 2024, Germany defeated Denmark with a score of 2-0 and successfully advanced to the quarterfinals. The focus after the game was not Germany's victory, but Denmark's head coach Ullmande's strong dissatisfaction with the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) system. Ullmande's remarks will undoubtedly be an important voice for future football rule reform.
The turning point of the game came in just four minutes between the 49th and 53rd minutes. Denmark thought they had broken the deadlock, but Anderson's goal was disallowed for a one-centimetre offside. To make matters worse, just two minutes later, a VAR foul on Anderson in the box gave Germany a penalty. Kai Havertz calmly converted the game to change the course of the game.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Urmand expressed his displeasure: "The result was ruled by VAR twice, 1 cm offside. I'm tired of these ridiculous offside rules and we can't let defenders run with their hands behind their backs. It's frustrating and football shouldn't be like that. His words are full of questions about the current rules and reflections on the nature of football.
In fact, VAR technology has been controversial since its introduction. Proponents argue that it can correct obvious wrongful decisions and improve the fairness of the game. Opponents argue that it undermines the fluidity and emotional experience of football. In this game, the 1cm offside decision undoubtedly gave the latter a strong argument.
Over the past few seasons, a similar situation has been seen in major leagues. Some experts have pointed out that the current offside rules are too rigid to reflect the true spirit of football. They called on FIFA and the International Football Association (IFAB) to consider changing the rules to introduce the concept of "tolerance" to avoid affecting the outcome of matches by the slightest difference.
More broadly, the controversy reflects a central question facing modern football: how to maintain fairness without compromising the spectacle and excitement of the game? As technology continues to advance, we seem to be getting closer and closer to the "perfect" decision, but is this really in line with the expectations of fans and players?
The defeat was undoubtedly a heavy blow for the Danish team. As the semi-finalists of Euro 2020, they were expecting to perform better at this tournament. However, fate seems to have played a cruel joke on them. Ullmande's anger was not only a dissatisfaction with the decision, but also a heartache at the team's shattered dreams.
The game and the controversy that ensued could be an important opportunity to reform the rules of football. FIFA and national football associations need to listen carefully and weigh the pros and cons of the use of technology to ensure that football, the world's number one sport, continues to retain its unique charm.
Let's go back to Ullmande's quote: "Football shouldn't be like this." This sentence may have expressed the sentiment of many fans. In our quest for fairness and precision, are we ignoring the essence of football? Can the results of those games that can be changed by the slightest difference really make us feel the charm of football?
This controversy is far from over, and it will continue to spark deep discussion and reflection in the football world. As fans, we look forward to seeing a fairer, more enjoyable and inherently appealing football game. It is through such controversies and discussions that football has been able to evolve and maintain its status as a "beautiful game".