Getty Image / Dan Mullan
Today’s match between England and France is the most highly anticipated matchup of the World Cup quarterfinals.
The match pits two of the favorites to win the tournament against each other with a spot in the semi-final on the line.
Unfortunately, there has been quite a bit of controversy in the match in the 1st half.
France opened the scoring in the 17th minute with an impressive strike from outside the box by Aurelien Tchouameni. However, they appeared to have foul Bukayo Saka in the buildup to the goal, but it went uncalled.
Tchouameni goal ⚽️ from outside the box that gave France 🇫🇷 the lead.
— Mimi Fawaz (@MimosaFawaz) December 10, 2022
Then the most controversial moment of the match came. In the 25th minute, Harry Kane made a run toward the box from the right wing and appeared to be fouled by Dayot Upamecano. Again, it went uncalled.
VAR then took a look at it and deemed it not to be a penalty.
No penalty is given for this challenge on Harry Kane pic.twitter.com/StcpuIXkLv
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 10, 2022
There also appeared to be another foul committed by France at the top of the box later in the half.
The frequency of the missed calls against France has England’s fans fuming at halftime.
England Fans Are Absolutely Furious With The Refs After The 1st Half Against France
Corrupt. Mbappe tax.
— Ben Smith (@bendrfcsmith97) December 10, 2022
Fans have even already changed the ref’s Wikipedia page after the first half.
People already changing the refs wiki 😭😭😭 #ENGFRA #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/HiirfBedWK
— . (@Ajlihmo) December 10, 2022
One fan has already given out the Man of the Match award for this match.
France Player of the Match currently pic.twitter.com/m4wrFomqeq
— Sidney Price (@ironmasksid) December 10, 2022
Another fan perfectly encapsulated the ref’s first half approach.
The referee every time England gets fouled #ENGFRA pic.twitter.com/jdkd8do1mb
— Sosa (@Nocapsosa25) December 10, 2022