FIFA looked back on Saturday morning on the first round of the group stage of the World Cup. The technical experts of the world football association told about the most striking moments during the tournament in Qatar. The controversial penalty that Portugal received in the game against Ghana was the main subject and Sunday Oliseh, one of the members of the technical study group, said that he thought Ronaldo’s action, which enforced the penalty, was ‘genius’.
“Maybe the attackers are getting smarter?”, the former trainer of Fortuna Sittard wondered aloud. “People can say what they want about him, but the cleverness with which he waits for contact, hangs his leg and makes contact: that is really genius,” says Oliseh’s striking statement. The former Ajax player says he finds the criticism unfounded and calls for more appreciation for clever moments.
“Just compliment attackers for becoming more dexterous. The VAR is one of the reasons why more penalties are given. A referee can look at the situation three or four times, so it’s an extra chance.” In addition to Oliseh, Arsène Wenger, Alberto Zaccheroni and former goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón were also present as members of the FIFA technical study group. That foursome is responsible for the football development within the association.
The admiration for Ronaldo’s action will not be shared in Ghana. For example, national coach Otto Addo was seething after the 3-2 loss. “The referee gave a penalty that was not there. Everyone saw that. Why? Because it’s Ronaldo?” BeIN Sports off. “If someone scores a goal, congratulations. But this was really a gift. A special gift from the referee.” The VAR on duty also suffered. “I don’t know why the VAR didn’t do anything. There was no explanation,” Addo expressed his disbelief. After seeing the images, the national coach did not understand anything at all. “It was even a foul on us!”
Ronaldo uses the penalty kick he decorated himself to score for the fifth consecutive World Cup. Watch live: https://t.co/u5oKbZg43P#wk2022 #porgha pic.twitter.com/9oq66xAB29
— NOS Football (@NOSfootball) November 24, 2022