2026 World Cup: Spain – Austria, Cucurella’s disallowed goal sparks controversy
By OnzeActu · · 1 min read
Joe Hart analyzed the decision to cancel Marc Cucurella's goal against Austria at the 2026 World Cup, believing that the foul called on goalkeeper Alexander Schlager was light and sparked controversy.
The direct elimination of the 2026 World Cup in Los Angeles was marked by a controversial episode: during the face-to-face between Spain and Austria, a goal from Marc Cucurella was refused after intervention by the referee for a foul on Alexander Schlager, the Austrian goalkeeper.
On the action in question, Cucurella thought he had opened the score for La Roja, before the referee designated a foul to the detriment of the Austrian goalkeeper following a duel deemed contentious.
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Invited to analyze this fact of play on the BBC, former England international Joe Hart was doubtful: “It’s very harsh, for me it’s not enough to refuse the goal. » This refereeing decision immediately sparked numerous debates among supporters and analysts, many believing that the contact did not justify such a crucial cancellation at this stage of the competition.
This action will undoubtedly remain one of the notable moments of the confrontation between Spain and Austria, and rekindles the debate on the interpretation of fouls on goalkeepers during major international meetings.