Why Uzbekistan’s World Cup goal against Portugal was ruled out – and Lionel Messi’s against Austria wasn’t | OneFootball

Azizjon Ganiev’s sublime goal against Portugal was disallowed to deny Uzbekistan a famous moment on the World Cup stage.

Portugal had led after a frantic start in Houston, with Cristiano Ronaldo breaking his duck in the tournament, before the Al-Nassr forward stepped aside at a free-kick for Nuno Mendes to sweep home.

But Ganiev then struck a stunning effort into the top left corner, with Diogo Costa helpless.

But Uzbekistan’s joy was short-lived thanks to an infringement spotted by VAR in the build-up.

Abbosbek Fayzullaev tackled Joao Cancelo and caught the man before dispossessing the Portuguese defender.

The decision sparked comparisons to Lionel Messi’s opener in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria, with claimed foul from Alexis Mac Allister on Xaver Schlager.

But former World Cup and Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg told Fox Sports that there was a clear distinction between the two moments, with Mac Allister on Schlager taking place much further up the field before the goal was scored.

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Uzbekistan's Azizjon Ganiev talks to Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo after his goal was disallowed following a VAR review (Reuters)

"The one with Messi, there were a lot of things that could happen,” he said. “This strike, it's on the edge of the area, and it was a great strike, but it's a foul, it's a clear foul, it's just before the goal and Portugal don't have time to reset."

While co-commentator Owen Hargreaves added: “It's a foul, it should, he doesn't play the ball, he plays the man, it's an easy decision.”