Angel Di Maria Penalty World Cup: What Happened and Why It Matters
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar delivered unforgettable moments, and one of the most talked‑about incidents involved Argentine winger Ángel Di María and a disputed penalty against France. The controversy sparked heated debates about the role of VAR, the fairness of the draw, and the overall impact on Argentina’s path to the final.
Background of the Incident
During the knockout stage match between Argentina and France, a potential handball in the Argentine penalty area was reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). After a brief pause, the referee awarded a penalty to France. The decision was immediately contested by Argentine players and fans, who argued that the ball had struck the French defender’s arm in a non‑penalizable position.
Ángel Di María, known for his precise set‑piece execution, was the designated taker for Argentina in that game. However, the penalty awarded to France meant that Di María never got the chance to take a crucial spot‑kick, altering the tactical dynamics of the match.
Why the Decision Was Controversial
Several factors contributed to the perception that the VAR call was questionable:
- Handball Interpretation: The ball made contact with the French defender’s arm, but the arm was moving away from the ball, a scenario that typically falls under the “no handball” rule.
- Speed of the Review: The VAR check lasted only a few seconds, leading many to suspect a rushed decision rather than a thorough analysis.
- Impact on Play: The awarded penalty shifted momentum toward France, influencing the final scoreline and the overall narrative of the match.
Evidence Suggesting an “Easier” Route for Argentina
Beyond the penalty controversy, some analysts point to additional elements that may have eased Argentina’s journey through the tournament:
- Group Stage Draw: Argentina was placed in a relatively balanced group, avoiding a direct clash with other top‑seeded teams until the knockout phase.
- Opponents’ Form: Several opposing teams entered the tournament with key injuries or recent managerial changes, reducing their competitive edge.
- Refereeing Trends: A series of favorable VAR decisions, including the France‑Argentina penalty, appeared to benefit Argentina more than other contenders.
Ángel Di María’s Penalty Record at the World Cup
While the disputed incident prevented Di María from taking a penalty in the France match, his overall penalty performance at the 2022 World Cup can be reviewed through available footage. In the earlier stages, Di María missed a crucial penalty against the Netherlands in the round‑of‑16 shootout, a miss that was later highlighted in a video compilation of his World Cup penalties.
Despite the miss, Di María’s track record remains impressive:
- Scored 2 goals from open play in the tournament.
- Provided a key assist for Lionel Messi’s decisive goal in the final.
- Demonstrated composure in set‑piece situations, even after the penalty controversy.
