This is downright strange. Cameroon are taking on England in the first knockout stage of the Women's World Cup this afternoon, a game they entered as massive underdogs.
While one would assume that an indirect free-kick goal would be the most notable event of the game, it did not turn out to be the case.
England went in front early on through that strike, and they would double their lead just before half time. Ellen White was the scorer, exploiting the massive gap in the opposition defence to slot home the ball.
Cúl eile ag Sasana agus iad 2-0 chun cinn anois ar Camarún #ENGvCMR
Ellen White with her fourth goal of the world cup finals giving England a 2-0 lead. #FIFAWWC#20x20 pic.twitter.com/VQ9puqeSsi— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) June 23, 2019
It looked as though the striker may have been offside, meaning we would go to VAR for the final decision. After reviewing the footage, it appeared clear to everyone that White was indeed onside.
Just about, but certainly onside.
Ellen White's goal was legit
VAR was Spot on! #ENGCMR #Lionesses #ENG #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/ZRLFTGExzW— MR GERMAN𓃵 (@oluwafemigerman) June 23, 2019
It was an obvious call. Well, for everyone apart from the Cameroon players that is.
After seeing the replay on the big screen, they were incensed that the goal was allowed to stand. They would refuse to restart the game, going on strike mid-game.
Conspóid anseo i Valenciennes - D'imigh Camarún ar stailc cúpla nóiméad mar gur ceadaíodh dara cúl Sasana #FIFAWWC
Madness just before the half time whistle as Cameroon decide to go on strike after conceding a second goal pic.twitter.com/AiCoJL0G1R— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) June 23, 2019
When the whistle sounded for halftime, they then initially refused to leave the pitch.
Cameroon would go on to score right at the start of the second half, seemingly halving the deficit. However, as fate would have it, VAR would strike again.
Their goal would be ruled out for the most marginal of offside calls, and we mean marginal.
Cúl curtha ar ceal ar Camarún ! Níl VAR an-chabhrach dóibh #FIFAWWC
VAR comes to the rescue for England #ENGvCMR#20x20 pic.twitter.com/6uxWr9XLod— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) June 23, 2019
✅ Goal given against them by VAR
✅ Their goal ruled out by VAR
Cameroon players crying on the pitch and going crazy at the officials here. pic.twitter.com/Yaqz7fX52W— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 23, 2019
Queue more protests, emotional scenes on the pitch, and general outrage from the African side.
Bizarre scenes.
Cameroon are refusing to play after their goal has been called offside by VAR!#ENGCMR #FIFAWWC #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/mzkmHcVI9V— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) June 23, 2019
For what it's worth, England would go on to grab their third a few minutes later. Mad stuff.
