SWEDEN FORWARD KOSOVARE Asllani described the use of fewer cameras for VAR calls at women’s Euro 2022 as a “catastrophe” on Monday after being on the wrong side of a series of tight calls so far in the tournament.
Asllani’s side, who face hosts England in the semi-finals on Tuesday, have had four goals ruled out by VAR reviews for offside with serious doubt over at least two of those decisions.
Sweden reportedly reached out to Uefa after Rebecca Blomqvist’s goal in a 2-1 win over Switzerland in the group stages was wrongly disallowed.
Blomqvist appeared to be behind the ball when played through, but the VAR official drew the offside line from the last Swiss defender.
Stina Blackstenius’ strike against Belgium in the quarter-finals was also ruled out despite replays suggesting the Arsenal striker was onside.
Asllani took aim at Uefa for not implementing the same level of technology as they did for the men’s European Championship a year ago.
“It is a catastrophe to use 50% less cameras than for the men’s game,” said the AC Milan player.
“The decisions can’t be made with the same precision. There are situations where you should have more cameras. It can be decisive.”
Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson said it was “unacceptable” for a women’s Euros not to have the highest standards of technology.
“I think it’s strange,” said Gerhardsson.
“I like VAR.
“I think it’s fair when they have it, but we have one game where they make mistakes because they draw the line on the wrong side.
“Now what we heard they have not the same cameras and for me it is not acceptable in the Euro.”
Despite those setbacks, the number two ranked side in the world have still been strong enough to reach the last four.
But defender Magdalena Eriksson believes they face a step up in class when they take on the Lionesses in front of a sold out Bramall Lane in Sheffield.
“This will be our toughest game so far, it’s the best team we are going to face but we are so ready for this,” said the Chelsea centre-back.
“This game is what we’ve been dreaming for. We will do everything we possibly can to reach that next stage.”
England have reached the semi-finals for a fourth consecutive major tournament, but have lost all three of those previous last four ties.
Sarina Wiegman was not in charge then as she is unbeaten in 18 games since taking charge of England in September.
And the Dutch coach, who led her homeland to victory at Euro 2017, sees no reason to reflect on past semi-final pain for the Lionesses.
“There is no use to talk about the other semi-finals, we are in the now,” said Wiegman.
“The England team is ready to play the best game against Sweden tomorrow and, hopefully, we make the nation proud.”
Sweden will be boosted by the return of Hanna Glas and Emma Kullberg after they missed the quarter-final over Belgium with coronavirus.
Jonna Andersson is still ruled out by Covid-19, while captain Carolina Seger faces a late fitness test.
I wouldn’t bet on him playing for Real next season just yet .
@Limón Madrugada: I agree, defiantly not in the league games unless he really seems to prosper. Vinicius I feel was played too often and too fast this season too. He needs to work on his finishing
If I was going to start playing for Real Madrid I’d probably be vomiting too. Despicable club with the most ungrateful supporters.
@Vinny O’Shaughnessy: this statement is completely false. Every club has a small number of toxic supporters but that’s just football. Compared to other teams we aren’t too bad. Look at serie-A fans calling black players monkeys and so on. Yes some fans fail to show respect to club legends but that’s a common trait in Spain. Barcelona fans, Atletico fans etc are the same
@Claire Con: all well and good to point the finger but Real Madrid fans have also racially abused black opposition player, Dembele got it in El Clásico in February. But we both know that the commenter was referring to the amount of abuse and booing Real fans give their own players at the earliest sign of any problem.
@Dave O Keeffe: just not true.
@Claire Con: in fairness he said ungrateful fans
@Vinny O’Shaughnessy: cheap shot. Jealousy no doubt. What’s your club won this decade so far???
@Dave O Keeffe: and like I said, unfortunately fans like that exist everywhere. In fairness it isn’t as regular of an occurrence like in Italy (thank God) but unfortunately Spanish fans tend to be aggressive.
@Kieran Fogarty: in fairness he called the club despicable. Not the most accurate comment when you compare the club to others.
@Claire Con: Mbappe
@Limón Madrugada: several sources, including Dembele himself.
@Claire Con: except you specifically singled out serie A fans for racism as a defense of Madrid fans. In no way am I saying it’s just Madrid. It’s pretty prevalent in Spain.
@Dave O Keeffe: I wasn’t necessarily singling our anyone. I simply mean that this isn’t an irregular occurrence in serie A games. Literally something happens every game.