History as ref announces VAR penalty at Women's World Cup - ESPN

We're analysing all the major VAR decisions throughout all 64 games at the Women's World Cup. History was made between New Zealand and Norway on Thursday as a referee announced their VAR decision to the crowd at a major tournament for the first time.

After each big call, we examine it and explain the process both in terms of VAR protocol and the Laws of the Game.

What happened: It was the 87th minute when New Zealand's Malia Steinmetz attempted to cross into the area from the right flank, and the ball hit Norway defender Tuva Hansen just inside the area. Japanese referee Yoshimi Yamashita signalled for play to continue, but as soon as it stopped the VAR, Tatiana Guzmán of Nicaragua, began a check for handball.

— How referees will announce VAR calls at Women's World Cup

VAR decision: Penalty, missed by Ria Percival

VAR review: The Women's World Cup is the first major test of FIFA's new VAR process, where the referee announces their decision to the crowd over their microphone. It's already featured in the Club World Cup and the Under-20 World Cup, but it's this tournament which will bring it to the masses.

FIFA will be delighted it was seen in action in the high-profile opening game, and that it seemed to run smoothly. At the same time, world football's governing body could not have wished for an easier decision to showcase its trial.

Everyone in the stadium knew the ball had hit Hansen, and it was obvious there was a claim for a handball penalty. Replays showed that Hansen had her arm away from her body, so it was a simple call for the VAR to send the referee to the monitor.

After Yamashita had reviewed the footage, a hush descended upon Eden Park as the home crowd waited for their team to be awarded the spot kick.

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