NPR

Has Video Refereeing Ruined The World Cup?

This is the first time the World Cup has used video replay to make official calls. Some say it has made for a cleaner game, but soccer purists claim it's ruined the event.
In a June 22 World Cup Match in St. Petersburg, Russia, Costa Rica's Giancarlo Gonzalez fouls Brazil's Neymar (in blue at left), but the penalty was rescinded after Video Assistant Referee review. Brazil went on to win 2-0.

Tensions were high at a crowded bar in New York City, packed with sweating Belgian and French fans. A lot was at stake: Whoever won Tuesday's game would go on to play in the World Cup final. Anxious fans booed, chanted and yelled at the screen.

As raucous as soccer can get, it's also a game of charades. Players communicate with the referee, who often speaks a different language, by using sign language. A striker will hold

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