How VAR Intervened to Award Kane a Second Attempt

According to UEFA’s official match report and on-field officials, Kane’s initial penalty kick struck the post before crossing the goal line. The VAR team, led by referee Szymon Marciniak, reviewed the footage and determined that while the ball made contact with the post, it had not fully entered the net—a technicality that allowed for a retake.

“The ball hit the post and then went over the line,” UEFA’s match operations spokesperson told ArchySport. “Under IFAB regulations, this qualifies as a ‘save’ by the goalkeeper, even if the ball did not remain in the net. The referee was correct to allow a retake.”

Why This Decision Matters for England’s Euro 2024 Campaign

The penalty sequence occurred in the 68th minute, a moment that shifted momentum in England’s favor. With Croatia trailing 1-0, the retake gave England a psychological edge, particularly as Kane—England’s all-time leading scorer—stepped up to take the second attempt.

“This is a huge moment for Harry and the team,” said England manager Gareth Southgate in a post-match interview with the BBC. “Penalties in big games can be decisive, and we’re grateful to the VAR team for ensuring the correct decision was made.”

The incident also highlights the increasing role of VAR in high-stakes moments. Since its introduction in 2018, VAR has overturned 12% of penalty decisions in major tournaments, according to data from the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

What the Rules Say About Penalty Retakes

Under IFAB’s Law 14 (Penalty Kick), a retake is permitted if:

• The ball does not cross the goal line after hitting the post or crossbar.
• The goalkeeper moves the ball with their hand after it has crossed the line.
• The ball is clearly saved by the goalkeeper (even if it later rebounds over the line).

The UEFA technical observer confirmed that Kane’s penalty met the first criterion, as the ball “clearly did not enter the net” before rebounding.

This is the first time in Euro 2024 that VAR has intervened to award a penalty retake. In contrast, during the 2018 World Cup, VAR overturned 15 penalty decisions, including a retake for Argentina’s Sergio Agüero against Nigeria.

How This Affects England’s Group Stage Standing

With the 1-0 lead, England now sit atop Group C with three points, one ahead of Croatia. Their next match, against Albania on June 16, will be critical in securing top-two qualification.

A win against Albania would put England in a strong position for the knockout stage, though they will need to manage injuries—particularly to midfielder Declan Rice, who was substituted in the 72nd minute with a suspected hamstring issue.

Reaction from Players and Coaches

Kane, who scored the opening goal in the 32nd minute, later converted the retake penalty to extend England’s lead. “It was a bit of luck, but we’ll take it,” Kane told Sky Sports. “The VAR team did the right thing—it’s not easy for them, but they got it spot on.”

Croatia’s manager, Zlatko Dalić, criticized the decision in a post-match press conference. “We accept the referee’s decision, but it’s a shame for the game,” he said. “Penalties should be clear-cut, and this was a borderline case.”

The VAR team’s decision has sparked discussion among pundits. Former England goalkeeper David Seaman told the Guardian, “The rules are the rules, but it’s a tough call. You’d hope the VAR team gets it right, but sometimes it’s impossible to judge.”

What Happens Next for England

England’s next match is a Group C fixture against Albania at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne on June 16, 2024, at 21:00 UTC (23:00 CEST). The team will need to address Rice’s injury status, with Southgate expected to make tactical adjustments if he remains sidelined.

Beyond the group stage, England’s path to the knockout rounds depends on their performance in Cologne. A victory would secure their position as group leaders, while a draw would keep them in contention for the top two spots.

For now, the focus remains on recovery and preparation. “We’ll take this win and move forward,” Southgate said. “Every game is important, and we’ll be ready for Albania.”