Netherlands disallowed goal: Should Xavi Simons’ effort have counted?

Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman insisted Xavi Simons’ disallowed goal should have stood as his side played out the first goalless draw of Euro 2024 against France in Leipzig.

Goalscorer Simons, the Netherlands team-mates celebrating with him and a delirious Dutch crowd behind the goal were all convinced the 21-year-old had given Koeman’s side the lead when he found the bottom corner in the second half.

But the on-field officials, led by English referee Anthony Taylor, disallowed the goal because Dutch full-back Denzel Dumfries was in an offside position and deemed to be impeding France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

There was a lengthy check by the video assistant referee as fans inside the stadium, without the luxury of being able to see the replay, whistled in frustration until it was announced the on-field decision would stand.

“I think the position of Dumfries is offside, that is true,” said Koeman. “But he is not disturbing the goalkeeper and when that is not happening, it is a legal goal, in my opinion.”

It was arguably the first major talking point surrounding the use of VAR at the tournament, especially regarding the time taken to reach a decision.

“You need five minutes to check it, because it is so difficult?” added Koeman. “I don’t understand this. He is not disturbing the goalkeeper.”

France coach Didier Deschamps was, perhaps unsurprisingly, of the opinion the correct decision was reached.

“I was a little taken aback by how long it took,” he said. “Because, for me, when I saw the image on the screen for me it was a no brainer.”