Working in his second consecutive FIFA World Cup, Mark Geiger’s first assignment in Russia was as the Video Assistant Referee for the Argentina-Iceland 1-1 draw in Group D from Moscow on Saturday.
VAR, which is being utilized for the first time at the World Cup, didn’t come into play in that match, but there were two pivotal decisions Geiger had to consider.
Argentina was awarded a penalty kick in the 63rd minute after Iceland’s Hordur Magnusson pushed over Argentina’s Sergio Aguero as both chased a floated ball just outside the six-yard box.
Referee Pawel Sokolnicki pointed directly to the spot and Lionel Messi’s penalty kick was saved by Hannes Halldorsson to maintain the 1-1 scoreline.
There were also penalty shouts for this challenge from Birkir Saevarsson on Cristian Pavon in the 78th minute, but none was awarded and VAR wasn’t called into play.
Serving as the Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 was Joe Fletcher, who along with Geiger are two of five officials from PRO (Professional Referee Organization) working at the World Cup. This is the Canadian’s second consecutive World Cup.
