by Matthew Adams

Created on: October 22, 2010

The 2010 World Cup, like any World Cup, had some refereeing controversy in a few games. This was largely down to controversial goals that have since been called into question. Here are a few of the controversial refereeing moments in the 2010 World Cup.

France V Rep of Ireland:

To begin with this game, which was actually a World Cup qualifier play-off game between France and the Rep of Ireland. Having lost the first game 1 – 0 the Irish had taken a 1 – 0 lead in this second leg game. However, as the game went into extra-time France equalised as Henry handled the ball to set up the French goal. With this, France went through to the World Cup finals. After the game, calls were made for the match to be re-played by the Rep of Ireland although it was not.

England V Germany:

Another England V Germany game in the World Cup had to have some controversy. With Germany 2 goals up England pulled one back in the first half. Then not long after Lampard struck from some distance, with the ball hitting the crossbar and rebounding over the line and then into the goal-keepers hands. However, the goal was disallowed and the half ended with Germany leading. However, two further goals put Germany's victory in context with the final result 4 – 1 overall. Had Fifa been watching? Most probably yes.

USA V Slovenia:

Slovenia had taken a two goal lead in this game. However, in the second half a spirited comeback from the USA had taken the score to 2 – 2. Then, towards the end of the game the USA seemed to have scored a third winning goal. The goal was disallowed, mush to the USA's surprise, and this mysterious US foul remains a mystery.

Argentina V Mexico:

In this second round game Argentina were playing Mexico. At 0 – 0 Tevez was played through in what was a seemingly off-side position before scoring Argentina's first goal. The goal stood, and Argentina went on to win the game 3 – 1 overall.

Brazil V Ivory Coast:

This was an important game in group B, with the group still relatively open the Ivory Coast hoped to get something from the match. However, fortune favoured Brazil and in the build-up to Brazil's second goal the ball was handled not once but twice before going on to score. Brazil went on to win 3 – 0 and Ivory Coast were almost out of the World Cup.

So, these were a few of the controversial moments in the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Five goals in five World Cup games that should not really have been allowed still stood. For Fifa, debate now lingers whether to provide more to assist referees.

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